Derek Jeter's Surprising Reason for Skipping Old-Timers' Day Revealed

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Derek Jeter's Surprising Reason for Skipping Old-Timers' Day Revealed originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
When the Old-Timers' Day festivities kick off at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 9, you won't find legendary shortstop Derek Jeter donning his familiar pinstripes.
The Yankees turned heads this week when they announced that Jeter, a five-time World Series champion and the club's all-time hits leader, opted not to attend Old-Timers' Day. Speculation immediately began that Jeter decided to skip the event because he previously said he would not participate in a baseball or softball game, which the organization reintroduced this year.
Instead, as Yankees radio commentator Suzyn Waldman revealed on Wednesday, Jeter won't be at Yankee Stadium because he has other plans that day: his daughter's birthday party.
'Maybe he doesn't want to go home and have his daughter crying,' Waldman told WFAN. Jeter's oldest daughter, Bella, turns 8 on Aug. 17.
Waldman also dismissed the idea that Jeter decided to skip Old-Timers' Day because the team will hold an exhibition game.
'I don't think that at all,' she said.
Mariano Rivera, Joe Torre, Ron Guidry, and Andy Pettitte are among the notable ex-Yankees players and coaches participating in the Aug. 9 ceremonies. This year's Old-Timers' Day will honor the 2000 World Series team; Jeter earned World Series MVP in the Yankees' five-game victory over the crosstown Mets that October.
Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are the more notable names not participating in Old-Timers' Day. Former ace pitcher CC Sabathia, who will enter the Hall of Fame this weekend, is also not expected to attend.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.