Derek Jeter and Yankees Honor 9/11 Families in Emotional Ceremony

A Special Reunion at Yankee Stadium

Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Joe Torre returned to Yankee Stadium on Friday. The members of the 2001 New York Yankees squad gathered for a pregame ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11. The event took place before the Yankees hosted the New York Mets to start a three game series.

The ceremony ended with ceremonial first pitches from Brielle Saracini and Sean Maguire. The married couple both lost their fathers in the tragedy on September 11, 2001, when they were just 10 years old. Victor Saracini was the captain of United Flight 175, and Patrick Maguire worked on the 84th floor of the South Tower.

A Lifelong Friendship

Three days after the tragedy, Brielle Saracini wrote a letter to Jeter, who was her favorite player. Jeter responded by inviting her family to a game. That gesture started a friendship that has lasted 25 years.

Saracini spoke about how Jeter has helped her through difficult times, including a cancer diagnosis. Jeter sent her a personal voicemail during her treatment to encourage her. Saracini said that the Yankees have continuously shown kindness, making her feel like she was in the right place on the anniversary.

Jeter admitted that he initially questioned the importance of baseball after the attacks. However, meeting families like Saracini's changed his perspective. Jeter said their job was to try to give people something to cheer for during a difficult time.

What it means for the next game

New York Mets at New York Yankees (MLB, Sat, 12 Sep): New York Yankees win 62%, New York Mets win 38%; projected score New York Yankees 5, New York Mets 4. Our safest pick: Yankees to win.

New York Mets at New York Yankees (MLB, Sun, 13 Sep): New York Yankees win 59%, New York Mets win 41%; projected score New York Yankees 5, New York Mets 4. Our safest pick: Yankees +1.5.