Jeter has boyhood memories of Wrigley Field

Derek Jeter's farewell tour made a stop at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

Jeter doesn't have much of a playing history at Wrigley, being a career-long member of the New York Yankees and the American League.

But that doesn't mean Jeter doesn't have some personal fondness for the ballpark. As a youngster in Kalamazoo, Michigan, he remembers riding over and spending time at the ballpark.

The Cubs honored Jeter before the opener of this two-game series by having shortstop Starlin Castro present Jeter with a "2" numeral from the Wrigley Field scoreboard. Jeter, the captain of the Yankees, wears uniform No.2.

Jeter seems flattered by what's been going on all season and what will continue no doubt later this week at U.S. Cellular Field, where the Yankees will play the White Sox.

"It's unexpected," he said during a pregame news conference in the Yankees dugout. "I never expected anyone to do anything. It's much appreciated. For the most part, the fans have always treated me good, even if they don't like me, or don't like the Yankees.

"I think they've always had some sort of respect. This year it feels good when people appreciate how you played the game."

Teams around major-league baseball are honoring Jeter, who is retiring after this season after amassing more than 3,330 hits.

"I think it's great," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi. "He's been a great ambassador for the game, and you hope that someone picks up the torch when he hands it off after this season. The way he's been treated at every ballpark has been really nice. You really appreciate it."

Jeter will come face to face with another captain in Paul Konerko this week when the Yankees play the White Sox.

"Paulie, he's a great guy," Jeter said. "He's the captain of the White Sox, a guy that's had a lot of success, treats people right. I enjoyed getting to know him throughout the years. He's had a lot of success against us. Paulie is someone I think White Sox fans will always remember."