MLB has done it before as players have been given their respect for their last big league season. Among recent players, Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken come to mind as they both got the credit they deserve during the 2001 season. Chipper Jones announced before the 2012 season that it would be his last. That was followed by Mariano Rivera in 2013. See the pattern. If Jeter had not done this after the prior two players got lavish gifts and ballpark tributes throughout the league, I would have no point saying anything about it. We might as well call 2012 Chipper Jones, 2013 Mariano Rivera and 2014 Derek Jeter. While fans take their time to say goodbye to the future Hall of Famers, it is taking away from the action on the field.
Current Hall of Fame inductees Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine did not have a season tour. Mike Schmidt announced his retirement after a game in 1989 after he felt he could no longer play to his demands. Imagine the tourist attractions if guys like Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle and others announced before the season that they would retire. Ted Williams announced his retirement before the 1961 season. Few others got the send off Williams, Gwynn and Ripken and most recently Jones and Rivera got. I hope this does not become a trend that every season becomes dedicated to a player. The focus should be on the current and future of the game and its subsequent pennant races. I do think MLB has something to do with this. They are making enough money. Congratulations to Derek Jeter for a fantastic career. But similar to Jones and Rivera, I don't need to be reminded about it every day of the season.