Jeter being a class act

by BriGuy27 on Oct 27, 2009 11:35 AM EDT Comment 9 comments

Read this in the NY News today:

Little Jeter Villacis, the 16-month-old heart transplant patient named after the Yankees captain, will finally leave Montefiore Medical Center after two months in intensive care.

After reading about little Jeter in the Daily News, the shortstop sent him a Yankee care package with a heartfelt note of encouragement.

"Life is a daily challenge, some more challenging than others, but you are a true star for giving it your all and I strongly admire your strength and courage," Jeter wrote.

Along with the letter was a Yankees backpack stuffed full of goodies like a Yanks doll, team clothes, hats and a book.

The slugger also thanked little Jeter and his parents for supporting the team.

"It means a lot to me to have a strong supporting cast," he wrote. "You should know that I support and encourage you and your positive efforts as well."

Little Jeter's parents, Robert Villacis, 35, and Vanessa Franco, 23, handed the gifts to their little boy, which put a smile on the brave kid's face.

"We are very thankful that Jeter took time to write a letter and send us gifts," said Robert Villacis. "I did not expect this. I wish Jeter more luck in baseball so that he can continue helping children."

Little Jeter underwent a nine-hour surgery two weeks ago to replace his failing heart. His parents had feared the worst when doctors diagnosed the boy with a dangerously enlarged heart during a routine checkup in August.

He was admitted to Montefiore right away and has been there since. His surgeon, Dr. Samuel Weinstein, said yesterday the boy should make a complete recovery.

The dad lost his construction job during the two-month ordeal and moved his wife and 2-year-old son to a family shelter in the Bronx while he looks for work.

"It's a little nerve-racking, but I know we will be back on track," he said.

"Right now, what matters is that Jeter is getting better and that the other Jeter cares.

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That brought tears to my eyes while I was reading it.

I’m home sick today, maybe Melky will send me a get well soon card.

That really tells you something about Derek Jeter as a person. He didn’t have to to that, but he did.To hear about him doing that, that makes me want to be a better person. If this REALLY busy ball player can do something as heartfelt as that, than I can. I liked Derek Jeter, but after that I love him. I wish him well for the rest of his life/career. God Bless Derek Jeter.

Some people are like Slinkies. They're good for nothing, but they bring a smile to your face every time you push them down the stairs.

by TheMelkman on Oct 27, 2009 11:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Silly Derek

Doesn’t he know 16 month old babies can’t read? How’s the kid going to read his letter? And a book, no less?

OK, I am kidding. But the first thing I thought when I read this post was, maybe DJ should have sent the family some of his mega-millions to get by on while they’re living in a shelter, instead of a Yankees doll… Just saying…

by waw on Oct 27, 2009 12:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It's better than nothing.

He didn’t have to send them anything.

Some people are like Slinkies. They're good for nothing, but they bring a smile to your face every time you push them down the stairs.

by TheMelkman on Oct 27, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know you were kidding, but I LOL'd when I read ur comment.

Jeter=C.L.A.S.S

Champion
Likable or Lovable
American
Sports
Superstar

Tada!!!!! Corny,but it fits him….whaddaya want from me? LOL

------It's October,winning is what the Yankees do........let's just do it already

by ReggieARodJeter on Oct 27, 2009 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

jeter is the classy person, not just baseball player, in america

that was really a nice thing of jeter to do and im sure most althetes wouldnt do this. and it really annoys me that people say jeter isnt classy and the yankees arent, jeter is a class act in everything he does.

"Yes we lost and yes we are upset. But like all Champs we will bounce back."
Osi umenyiora

by donnybaseball23 on Oct 27, 2009 3:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+10

Some people are like Slinkies. They're good for nothing, but they bring a smile to your face every time you push them down the stairs.

by TheMelkman on Oct 27, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

To Waw's comment ......

I think Jeter is a class act. To me he is a throwback to most of what has made the game of baseball great (and, unfortunately, what we’ve seen to little of the past few decades ….. even before the steroid era). Further …… what he did was a nice gesture …….. thoughtful and it should be applauded.

The comment made by Waw, though, is likewise relevant. I’m not going to knock Jeter for not sending a check for even $500 or $1,000 dollars. Charity is an individual thing.

The larger point, though, is the huge discrepancy in what a small number of individuals make and the still growing disparity between the haves and the have nots in this country. I don’t individually knock what Jeter or A-Rod makes. They have played the game. It is the game (and I don’t mean MLB) that needs to be knocked down several notches. We are rapidly losing a middle class in this country and definitely seeing a rising percentage of people in poverty, homelessness, etc. It is the priorities in this country that need to be re-examined.

This has nothing to do with “redistributing” wealth. It has everything to do with getting the playing field back to some sense of fairness. So …… cheers to Jeter ……. nice gesture and yes …… you are a baseball and Yankee legend already. It has been great to watch your career unfold.

The larger story, though, is that this country is facing huge problems on the economic front. If we don’t address these in a fair way …….. the idea of getting excited about a world series, following our favorite players, etc. …….. could be a quaint memory for our children and grandchildren.

Apologies for getting way too political but …….. I thought Waw’s comments sort of created an opening there ……..

by Jeff I on Oct 27, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is why

I love Derek Jeter. When he retires I may go into mourning. When you look at sports stars like TO and A-rod (till this year) and compare them to El capitan you realize what a great guy he is. He is the new Iron horse (no disrespect to Lou), a guy who goes out and does his job without any ridiculousness. He may be a tad short on Defense but anyone who criticizes him should be ready to feel the full wrath of all of Yankees country.

"Son, Nobody is half as good as Mickey Mantle"

by ntrokel on Oct 27, 2009 11:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs