Few things in baseball are more routine than the casual conversations between infielders and base runners, small talk that is akin to the banter of colleagues on an elevator. But for opposing players, conversations with Derek Jeter -- either when he is playing shortstop or on the bases -- have become cherished moments, and never more so than in the last few months as the end of his 20-year career approached.
In recent weeks, several unusual scenes at second base have played out in major league ballparks, reflecting the respect Jeter commands from his peers.
One such moment took place on a sweltering August night in Kansas City.
As Jeter stood on second during a Royals pitching change, the shortstop came over to chat with him, followed closely by the second baseman -- then by the first baseman, Billy Butler. It almost never happens that a first baseman goes all the way to second to join the conversation, but Butler made the trip, even though he had just paid his respects to Jeter at first. He wanted more.
"He just talked about how hot it was," Butler said. "That it was really hot. He said he'd see us next week when we're playing him. I told him at first base it was an honor to be next to him. And how much of a mentor he's been to everybody and stuff like that. But at second base, it was just kind of small talk."
Some veteran players have relationships with Jeter dating to the 1990s, and their interaction with him may go beyond the friendly banter. Pine Bluff-native Torii Hunter has played in the American League against Jeter since 1997, including many playoff games. One time they discussed the fact that Hunter's cousin Kendra was two years behind Jeter at Kalamazoo Central High School, and like Jeter, was a varsity basketball player.
But often their conversations were of a different nature.
"I can't tell you what we talk about because you can't print it," Hunter said.
Numbers game
The question was about Tiger Woods. The answer turned into an anecdote on Phil Mickelson.
Woods was asked last week what he will not miss about the Ryder Cup, and he mentioned the jokes and pranks that Matt Kuchar plays on his teammates. Kuchar was asked for an example, and turned it around on Mickelson.
"The greatest thing I witnessed is when Phil Mickelson throws down the ultimate gauntlet when he doesn't have a comeback to whatever you've said. He just says, 'Well, I've won so many majors, [chew] on that,'" Kuchar said. "He can only say that if Tiger is not around. He kind of has to look over both shoulders and make sure, because then Tiger gives him his number."
Mickelson has won five majors. Woods has won 14.
No discount
Detroit Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch injured his knee while mocking Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers' "discount double-check" celebration following a sack against the Packers.
The Lions said Tulloch suffered an ACL injury, thus ending his season.
Wrote Reggie Hayes of The News-Sentinel of Fort Wayne, Ind. : "During rehab, trainers will limit his commercial watching to Peyton Manning's Papa John's spots."
Sports quiz
Where was the 2012 Ryder Cup played?
Sports answer
Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Ill.
Sports on 09/25/2014