free agency
(sports) the state of a professional athlete who is free to negotiate a contract to play for any team
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
center fielder
the person who plays center field
NOTES:
“It’d be tough,� said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ new center fielder .
skip town
disappear without notifying anyone (idiom)
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
spring training
preseason training during the spring
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training .
Boston Harbor
the seaport at Boston
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor .
cusp
point formed by two intersecting arcs (as from the intrados of a Gothic arch)
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
relocate
become established in a new location
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
Gehrig
baseball player who died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (1903-1941)
sportsmanship
fairness in following the rules of the game
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play, sportsmanship , loyalty.
DiMaggio
United States professional baseball player noted for his batting ability (1914-1999)
Statue of Liberty
a large monumental statue symbolizing liberty on Liberty Island in New York Bay
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
fielder
a member of the baseball team that is in the field instead of at bat
NOTES:
“It’d be tough,� said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ new center fielder .
Mantle
United States baseball player (1931-1997)
Seattle
a major port of entry and the largest city in Washington; located in west central Washington on the protected waters of Puget Sound with the snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Ranier visible to the south and east; an aerospace and computer center; site of the University of Washington
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
envisioned
seen in the mind as a mental image
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
envision
imagine; conceive of; see in one's mind
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
fan
a device for creating a current of air by movement of a surface or surfaces
NOTES:
For 15 years, he has not let fans down.
workout
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
major league
the most important league in any sport (especially baseball)
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform.
oriole
American songbird; male is black and orange or yellow
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
Rivera
socialist Mexican painter of murals (1886-1957)
NOTES:
Jeter’s name fits beside them, with his teammates Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada.
hometown
the town (or city) where you grew up or where you have your principal residence
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
athletics
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics : fair play, sportsmanship, loyalty.
detour
a roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while a main route is blocked)
NOTES:
Andy Pettitte’s career took a three-year detour to Houston.
loathe
find repugnant
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
icon
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform.
teammate
a fellow member of a team
NOTES:
Jeter’s name fits beside them, with his teammates Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada.
ken
range of what one can know or understand
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
incongruous
lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
boo
show displeasure, as after a performance or speech
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
rarity
something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
expire
lose validity
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires .
hopefully
it is hoped
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
team
a cooperative unit (especially in sports)
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
stadium
a large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
signing
language expressed by visible hand gestures
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
unfair
not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception
NOTES:
“I think it’s unfair
fray
wear away by rubbing
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray .
mariner
a man who serves as a sailor
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner .
skip
jump lightly
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
Cincinnati
a city in southern Ohio on the Ohio river
NOTES:
Then he goes to Cincinnati and Chicago and back to Seattle.
shopping
searching for or buying goods or services
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
category
a general concept that marks divisions or coordinations in a conceptual scheme
NOTES:
Jeter’s definitely in that category .
thus far
used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
respectful
full of or exhibiting respect
NOTES:
He came from a stable family, secure in himself and respectful of others.
Curtis
English botanical writer and publisher (1746-1799)
NOTES:
“It’d be tough,� said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ new center fielder.
agency
the state of being in action or exerting power
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
ignore
refuse to acknowledge
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
athlete
a person trained to compete in sports
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete .
Houston
United States politician and military leader who fought to gain independence for Texas from Mexico and to make it a part of the United States (1793-1863)
NOTES:
Andy Pettitte’s career took a three-year detour to Houston .
every year
without missing a year
NOTES:
All fans know about Jeter’s money is that the Yankees pay him a lot every year .
Angel
the highest waterfall; has more than one leap; flow varies seasonally
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
dynasty
a sequence of powerful leaders in the same family
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty .
baseball
a ball game played with a bat and ball between two teams of nine players; teams take turns at bat trying to score runs
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
lot
anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random
NOTES:
There are lots of reasons for that.
Baltimore
the largest city in Maryland; a major seaport and industrial center
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
contract
a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
definitely
without question and beyond doubt
NOTES:
Jeter’s definitely in that category.
a lot
to a very great degree or extent
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
Yankee
an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)
NOTES:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up, and this is where I want to be.
Wednesday
the fourth day of the week; the third working day
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday , before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
perception
the process of perceiving
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
loyalty
the quality of being loyal
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play, sportsmanship, loyalty .
lots
a large number or amount
NOTES:
There are lots of reasons for that.
Williams
English clergyman and colonist who was expelled from Massachusetts for criticizing Puritanism; he founded Providence in 1636 and obtained a royal charter for Rhode Island in 1663 (1603-1683)
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
play
engage in recreational activities rather than work; occupy oneself in a diversion
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play , sportsmanship, loyalty.
harbor
a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor .
stable
resistant to change of position or condition
NOTES:
He came from a stable family, secure in himself and respectful of others.
statue
a sculpture representing a human or animal
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
tough
substantially made or constructed
NOTES:
“It’d be tough ,� said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ new center fielder.
grow up
become an adult
NOTES:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up , and this is where I want to be.
anywhere
at or in or to any place
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
uniform
clothing of distinctive design worn by members of a particular group as a means of identification
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform .
never
not ever; at no time in the past or future
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
professional
of or relating to or suitable as a profession
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
year
the period of time that it takes for a planet (as, e.g., Earth or Mars) to make a complete revolution around the sun
NOTES:
For 15 years , he has not let fans down.
want
the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable
NOTES:
We want to believe that Derek Jeter is different.
Mark
the shortest of the four Gospels in the New Testament
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
right
free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
float
be afloat either on or below a liquid surface and not sink to the bottom
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
training
activity leading to skilled behavior
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training .
represent
be a delegate or spokesperson for; represent somebody's interest or be a proxy or substitute for, as of politicians and office holders representing their constituents, or of a tenant representing other tenants in a housing dispute
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play, sportsmanship, loyalty.
talk about
to consider or examine in speech or writing
NOTES:
“This is the last time I’m going to talk about it,� he said.
Boston
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
secure
free from danger or risk
NOTES:
He came from a stable family, secure in himself and respectful of others.
give up
give up in the face of defeat of lacking hope; admit defeat
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
free
able to act at will; not hampered; not under compulsion or restraint
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
interested
having or showing interest; especially curiosity or fascination or concern
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
organization
an ordered manner; orderliness by virtue of being methodical and well organized
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
Red
a tributary of the Mississippi River that flows eastward from Texas along the southern boundary of Oklahoma and through Louisiana
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
accepted
generally approved or compelling recognition
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
putting
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
league
an association of states or organizations or individuals for common action
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform.
playing
the action of taking part in a game or sport or other recreation
NOTES:
I’ve never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don’t have to.�
career
the particular occupation for which you are trained
NOTES:
Andy Pettitte’s career took a three-year detour to Houston.
Chicago
largest city in Illinois; a bustling Great Lakes port that extends 26 miles along the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan
NOTES:
Then he goes to Cincinnati and Chicago and back to Seattle.
joined
connected by a link, as railway cars or trailer trucks
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
center
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
NOTES:
“It’d be tough,� said Curtis Granderson, the Yankees’ new center fielder.
afford
have the financial means to do something or buy something
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
major
greater in scope or effect
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform.
today
on this day as distinct from yesterday or tomorrow
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today ,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
spring
move forward by leaps and bounds
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
believe
accept as true; take to be true
NOTES:
We want to believe that Derek Jeter is different.
insist
be emphatic or resolute and refuse to budge
NOTES:
It has never been an issue, and Jeter insisted it would not become one now.
understood
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
NOTES:
He understood the team’s history long before he was part of it.
shop
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
money
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money , a rarity for a professional athlete.
avoid
stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
growing
relating to or suitable for growth
NOTES:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up, and this is where I want to be.
liberty
freedom of choice
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
nine
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
issue
some situation or event that is thought about
NOTES:
It has never been an issue , and Jeter insisted it would not become one now.
season
one of the natural periods into which the year is divided by the equinoxes and solstices or atmospheric conditions
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season , when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
fit
meeting adequate standards for a purpose
NOTES:
Jeter’s name fits beside them, with his teammates Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada.
go to
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
NOTES:
Then he goes to Cincinnati and Chicago and back to Seattle.
accept
receive willingly something given or offered
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
join
cause to become joined or linked
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time, on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
fair
free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play, sportsmanship, loyalty.
wanted
desired or wished for or sought
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
about
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
kind of
to some (great or small) extent
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
train
educate for a future role or function
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training .
sign
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
nearly
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
in that
(formal) in or into that thing or place
NOTES:
Jeter’s definitely in that category.
years
a prolonged period of time
NOTES:
For 15 years , he has not let fans down.
wear
put clothing on one's body
NOTES:
Most of the Yankees’ icons never wore another major league uniform.
know
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
million
the number that is represented as a one followed by 6 zeros
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
field
extensive tract of level open land
NOTES:
Putting Jeter at Wrigley Field or Angel Stadium would be as incongruous as relocating the Statue of Liberty to Boston Harbor.
ago
gone by; or in the past
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago , and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
different
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
NOTES:
We want to believe that Derek Jeter is different .
history
a record or narrative description of past events
NOTES:
He understood the team’s history long before he was part of it.
happen
come to pass
NOTES:
It could never happen , right?
offer
present for acceptance or rejection
NOTES:
Bernie Williams nearly accepted an offer from the Red Sox in 1998.
care
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
town
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
NOTES:
Seattle fans loathe Alex Rodriguez for skipping town in 2000, and Baltimore fans boo Mark Teixeira for ignoring his hometown Orioles in free agency.
said
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
above
in or to a place that is higher
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
before
at or in the front
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
pay
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
NOTES:
All fans know about Jeter’s money is that the Yankees pay him a lot every year.
true
consistent with fact or reality; not false
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
understand
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
NOTES:
He understood the team’s history long before he was part of it.
move
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
NOTES:
If Ken Griffey can move teams, you never know.�
family
primary social group; parents and children
NOTES:
He came from a stable family , secure in himself and respectful of others.
reason
a rational motive for a belief or action
NOTES:
There are lots of reasons for that.
full
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
grow
increase in size by natural process
NOTES:
“I was a Yankee fan growing up, and this is where I want to be.
kind
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
NOTES:
“But it’d kind of be like Ken Griffey Jr. Everybody in here who’s a baseball fan knows Ken Griffey Jr. as a Seattle Mariner.
lose
fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
thus
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
talk
use language
NOTES:
“This is the last time I’m going to talk about it,� he said.
best
(superlative of `good') having the most positive qualities
NOTES:
We want to believe that he represents the best in athletics: fair play, sportsmanship, loyalty.
interest
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
NOTES:
He gave up his right to free agency nine years ago, and does not seem interested in shopping himself.
say
utter aloud
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
going
the act of departing
NOTES:
“This is the last time I’m going to talk about it,� he said.
time
the continuum of experience in which events pass from the future through the present to the past
NOTES:
Jeter joined the right team at the right time , on the cusp of the Yankees’ reinvention as a dynasty.
always
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
NOTES:
By signing a 10-year contract with a team that could always afford him, Jeter has floated above the fray.
far
at or to or from a great distance in space
NOTES:
Jeter has thus far avoided the perception that he cares about money, a rarity for a professional athlete.
left
being or located on or directed toward the side of the body to the west when facing north
NOTES:
Jeter would have a lot to lose if he left the Yankees after this season, when his 10-year, $189 million contract expires.
ever
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
NOTES:
“This is the only organization I’ve ever wanted to play for, and that still is true today,� Jeter said Wednesday, before the Yankees’ first full workout of spring training.
become
come into existence
NOTES:
It has never been an issue, and Jeter insisted it would not become one now.