MOOSIC -- It was a glorious week for baseball fans in Lackawanna County as New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter played four games with his team’s Triple A franchise, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.
Unfortunately as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
At PNC Field Thursday night, New York Yankees pride was on full display.
Fans coming here to watch the team’s Triple-A franchise, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, were hoping to catch the sight of Yankees captain Derek Jeter.
Unfortunately, they were just a day too late.
“I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t get to see him but it’s a nice night tonight, first time at the new stadium, so I’ll enjoy the ballpark,” said Tony Caudullo from Browndale.
“I was hoping to see him so I’m a little disappointed but,” said Trisha Scirone from Carbondale.
Jeter had played four games with the RailRiders since Saturday before record breaking sold out crowds.
He was here to rehabilitate his injured left ankle and was the first time he’s played all season.
After playing Wednesday, the Yankees called their future Hall of Famer back home to play.
“I found my jersey last night and got it all ready and then I found out that he left and played at the one o’clock game in New York, so,” said Katie Caudullo from Browndale.
“When I heard Derek Jeter was going to be here, I got the tickets online last night and came up and then, listened to him play today on the radio, so it was good, at least the Yankees won,” said Anthony Malastesta from Lancaster.
But fans are just happy knowing that Jeter came to our area.
An electronic billboard along Interstate 81 in Luzerne County gave a grateful send-off to the Yankee great.
For the RailRiders, they say Jeter’s visit brought in people from all over and gave great exposure to the brand new stadium.
“That Derek Jeter rehab appearance gave people the opportunity to go, that make them go, and now that they’ve seen it, I’m confident they’ll be able to come back,” said Rob Crain, president of the RailRiders.
“Having a major league player like that, exposing the field will bring people back again and again for sure,” said Scirone.
The RailRiders have another home game Friday night then a double header in Buffalo on Saturday.