 Bryce, talk a little bit about Derek Jeter. He's been in the game for 20 years. That's almost your entire life. So, I mean, what's that like just knowing that? You know, at the beginning of the season, I did an interview and said, you know, he's not just the captain of the Yankees. He's the captain of baseball. And, you know, being able to grow up watching him play in a Yankee uniform was something I enjoyed a lot. And, you know, he's the, you know, a true professional. And he's done things his whole career that have made him, you know, one of the best short stops. It's not the best shortstop to ever play the game. He's such a great person. It's such an inspiration to a lot of players on the field. And, you know, you just try to go out there and, you know, try to play hard and try to do things the right way and, you know, do those kind of things like he does every single night. What was it about Derek Jeter that really attracted you to him? I think the way he carries himself, you know, my dad was always to, you know, whenever games are on ESPN, you know, the Yankees are always on TV, you know. So whenever they're on ESPN, my dad was always, you know, watch Derek Jeter, watch the way he plays the game, watch how he leads, you know, and whenever, you know, my dad talks about leading, you know, it always goes back to Derek Jeter. Whenever someone talks about being a leader, it always goes back to thinking about Derek Jeter and how he leads. And now, even though you're playing third base, you came up as a shortstop and obviously that's the position that Jeter's played the last 20 years. So what was that like kind of trying to maybe emulate your game after his? You know, a little bit. I mean, obviously he had his own style. I mean, I think everyone wanted to do the jump throw he did, you know, in the hole. I think that's something everyone tried to do. I think I still try to do it. Obviously my style is different than his, but that's the play that everyone tried to do. I always love facing the best. There's always something about when you go up against the best that you want to get those guys out and that's why I always enjoy facing him. Will that be a face that you miss pitching against? In a way, yeah. It'd be nice for him to be at home and Tampa retired while he watches the Yankees. Yeah, you know, I think, you know, just the, you think of just what a class act he is, you know, not only off the field, but you know, the way he carries himself on the field, you know, I have a lot of respect for guys to play the game the right way. And when you think about guys like that, you know, he's right at the top of the list for me. So, you know, I'm glad I got to play against him a few times, not too much, but I'm glad I got to do it. And say I pitched against him and you know, looking forward to, you know, his last year. And what was your most memorable part about the experience of pitching to him when you did? Well, you know, I think, you know, just playing the Yankees for the first time, obviously, you know, us and them are probably the two most like storied franchises as far as history and things like that go. So, you know, to get to play against them in LA and, you know, have the hype and the hoopla that come with playing the Yankees is, you know, it's pretty fun. What do you think is going to be Derek Jeter's legacy that he's gonna leave on the game of baseball? Well, I just think everybody, you know, whether you like him or not, just the respect you have to have for the way he played the game. You know, I think that's, you know, he's a winner. You know, he won every, you know, every part of his career. He's won a ton of World Series and his postseason performance speaks for itself. So, you know, when you think about a great player, a Hall of Fame player, you think about obviously his skill set, but, you know, more than anything, the wins and losses and, you know, he won a lot and that's, you know, ultimately, that's what he's gonna be remembered for. How would you define him? That's hard, you know? I think he'll present baseball, you know? I mean, any player that you're gonna ask is fun as Jeter, you know, even if you play against him, you know, everything he does is special, you know? I mean, I can't, I will speak to is when I saw the commercial, the gallery commercial was something special. So, I mean, everything he does is special. When I first came up as a young guy in 2011, he was maybe one of the first guys that said something to me about congratulations or, hey, you got good stuff and stuff like that. And I mean, that just sticks with you when you're a young player and I got it. You're a Long Island guy, so how much did you enjoy watching him play when you're growing up? A ton, you know what I mean? That was who everyone was dreaming to be, was to be Derek Jeter, you know what I mean? He came up here at a young age and he stuck right away. You know, the postseason memories that he's created, I think, you know, as a kid growing up, watching him play in the postseason and then being able to see him play in the postseason, actually being able to beat him in the postseason, you know, every time he comes to the plate, whether it is the postseason or the regular season, you feel like something good is gonna happen and, you know, his career has been incredible. Being from Venezuela, how much of an inspiration was Derek Jeter to you when you were a younger kid? Oh, you know, a lot, because I used to play shortstop too. For me, he's one of the best players in the game. He's been playing for a long time, so, you know, he had a nice career, you know, and I wanted to have a career at least 80% of the success that he has. Yeah, you know, I faced him a couple of years ago when they came to Cleveland and, you know, it's kind of one of those things where, because it is Derek Jeter, you know, it's kind of one of those events or a couple of events where you probably remember it a little bit more so than others just because of who he is. Is there anything from his game that you try to take and apply to yours, whether on or off the field? The way he carries himself to, you know, how good of a person he is and then respects everybody in the game, he's always just so humble and so easy to talk to. He has all the power in the world. He's a superstar, but at the same time, you know, he takes the time out just to talk to you, shake your hand and make sure you're doing all right. It's awesome. The first time I faced him was in spring training and that was crazy for me. Just, you know, I couldn't believe he was in the box and I'm glad that I faced him in spring training and got that out of the way because I didn't want to be in awe, you know, on the mound in the actual game. There's a lot of people who knows that Derek is one of my idol right next to Omar V. Scala and, you know, to be able to play, you know, against him, you know, that really made me feel really good and, you know, blessed to, you know, actually happen and actually, you know, have a relationship with him, talking to him and, you know, since the first time you met him, you can see how humble and how great person he is. Yeah, I'm sure like a lot of people in the game around the game, you know, Derek Jeter's always been my favorite player growing up and to have the honor and privilege to play against him on the same field was pretty special. What part of his game are you trying to apply to yours, whether it's on or off the field? The selflessness, you know, the will to win and, you know, wanting to be a team player and do whatever your team needs that night to affect the ball game and, you know, on and off the field, a great teammate, great person and someone who really, you know, went about life in a winning way and a winning attitude. When I was growing up, Katchy made the stands and the play against Oakland where he saved the game and, you know, walk off home in the World Series. Just moments like that that really make you remember a guy like him and him playing as long as he has and being a Yankee, it's a special thing. He is my idol and I watch him play a lot on TV because I'm from Cursa, you know. I didn't have a chance to watch it in the stadium when I was a kid, but I was watching the TV. What are some of your most memorable moments of Derek Jeter? Oh, man. I was a Yankee fan growing up and to, you know, I think everybody's biggest memory is, you know, Derek Jeter making the play and, you know, against the Oakland A's. You know, those are the plays that, you know, as a shortstop, you want to make that play for everybody to be like, wow. And he, you know, fittingly enough, you know, the captain's the guy who made amazing play like that. And, you know, it changed the face of a series and, you know, really changed the face of the Yankees being able to win those games. He does everything right on and off the field. He's one of those figures in this game that he's going to be one of those guys that people look up to for generations, you know. His contributions to the game, his contributions off the field have been outstanding. He's a role model for all of us and he's certainly one of those guys that I look up to and that I look to just to see how he conducts himself and get advice from him every time I get a chance. I've got the chance to talk to him a couple of times and it's been great. He's very open with everybody, even since I was a rookie, very accepting of everybody. So he's one of those people that can't really see anything that he does wrong, but, you know, you can't help it, but to love a guy like that. So, you know, I have a great cheater story that I'd love to share. I made my first all-star game in 2012 and I was sitting at a table with my family and he made it a point to come over and congratulate me and I felt like, you know, all the rumors and legends about how classy of a guy he was were kind of all came true in a moment. And I've been a dear cheater fan, of course, forever and we're about the same age, but he's always the challenging at bat. He's got a great stroke and it's got countless hits to right center field, which is kind of guys that hit well off may do that because I'm a knuckleballer, but it's been fun to compete against such a classy guy. And that being said, throwing a knuckleball, obviously he's got to remember you for a long, long time because those are very unique. So what's that like kind of presenting a different challenge for your player like that? Well, you know, I'd like to think that I have somewhat of an advantage because he doesn't see him day in and day out. At least that's what I tell myself, but you know, I would always go back and look at his at bats against Tim Wakefield and that would kind of give me an idea on what he may try to do against me. But you know, the great thing about Derek and the great thing about a knuckleball is he knows what he's getting. I throw a knuckleball every pitch and his swing rarely changes. It's that patented swing that shoots the ball to right center. So it's really a matter of who is able to execute on that given day. And that's always a fun competition. Derek Cheeter, what are you also named? What is he done for the game of baseball? I can't think enough of Derek. I mean, he's meant so much to so many people. He's been a great role model. You never hear anything bad about him. It's always positive. He's such a pro. I think that's, you know, the main thing, the one thing that stands out. You don't see him complaining and arguing. You know, he goes about it, does the job. He's a smart hitter. Can't pitch him the same way. He's going to make adjustments. So, you know, that's all part of it. And that's why he's been doing what he's doing for so long. It was amazing. You know, you have so much respect for his class act and just to compete against him, I'm grateful for. Now you went home with a nice little souvenir. Oh yeah, I got a signed ball. I always had to. I could have got a jersey, but baseball works fine. Now, what was that like for you kind of going up to another player and asking for his autograph and that being Doug Jeter, a legend? You know, you still don't want to bug, but you know what? I'm a fan. I grew up watching him play. And he showed me the right way to do it. Did you throw it in the case just yet? Is it at home? No, it's still in my locker. You know, maybe it's bringing some good luck, but. Yeah, you can do a little superstitious thing. You're having a good year so far, so why not leave it there? Right? Yeah, we're in first place. We're winning, so that's what he's about. He's a great role model for all the younger guys coming up and even current players. He just goes about his business the right way and never has any excuses. He's just a good guy. You know, I got him a sign of Jersey for me, which I don't do for hardly ever. I don't like asking guys for autographs, but you know, having a guy like that who plays the game the right way and that I've watched growing up play, you know, I think, you know, something that you got to take advantage of when a reason round, you know. But, you know, obviously, you know, I played against him. He was a real nice guy. I never really played with him before, but you know, it's a cool experience and I wish him all the best in the future. Was there anything different about him when he walked up to the plate compared to the other players in the league? You know, he was just real friendly. He was like, hey, man, he told me, he goes, hey, just take it easy on me today. Well, yeah, and I think that's funny when you can crack on yourself about that and be a humble guy. So he seems like he's pretty down to earth and pretty humble about things, which I admire. I think that's a tough thing to find nowadays. I mean, you get to watch him. I mean, he's just, you think greatness and just what he's brought to the game for so long is just one of those things where, as a kid, you just, you never really thought that you would get this opportunity and to be able to have the opportunity is awesome. As a player, you want to be in that position if you got a chance to get the game-winning hit or make a game-saving play. I mean, that's what we're all, you know, five, six, seven years old in our backyard, playing willful ball that we want to do and he got to do that and hopefully, you know, we'll be lucky enough to do that one day. He's a hero. I think that what he played the game and what he's able to do on and off the field, I think everybody got to appreciate that. It was so unbelievable, you know. You always dream about it and when that dream came true, you know, you just go, wow, you know, it's really nice to meet you and you tell, you try to explain everything what you did when you was down in Dominican. You know, watching him play, you know, it's unbelievable, you get, you know, pumped all over you, your body. Now, what do you think will be his legacy on the game of baseball? Oh, it's not gonna be unforgivable. I grew up as a kid watching him and he's probably everybody's favorite player. That's probably my age. So, you know, it's just a special experience. It's cool to see him, you know, cool to see him keep playing. And what's the best part about actually being on the same field as him and playing against him? I mean, I think, you know, just the opportunity, it's the, you know, biggest stage, biggest lights. And, you know, you just, like I said, you have a day like this and you have an opportunity to go play the Yankees. I mean, how much better can it get than that? The guys are pro in every aspect of the world, you know, not just on the field, you know, growing up and watching him play, I have a lot of respect for not just his ability to play this game for such a long time consistently, but just the way he plays the game, he goes about it, you know, I don't really know baseball without, you know, Derrick Jeter. The number one reason is because he's biracial. I'm biracial. So it kind of gives whenever somebody's the same ethnicity as you or has some of the same ingredients as you, as far as your race goes, it's always nice. It gives you that hope. Like, all right, Derrick Jeter, we're the same as far as that goes. And he made it. He's successful. He stays out of trouble. He keeps his nose clean and he's a Hall of Fame caliber player. What's stopping me from reaching my potential as well? So it's just nice to play on the same field as somebody that I always looked up to. And I mean, it's really speech, I'm speechless when it comes to that just because I have looked up to him for so long. Derrick Jeter got a chance to play against him quite a few times during your career. What was that experience like for you? It's, you know, you see guys on TV and you always wonder what it's gonna be like to meet them. And, you know, when you're young, you dream of playing in the big leagues, you never know you're actually gonna make it or not. But, you know, be there and then to be standing on first. And I think that's probably the best part of playing first base is getting to meet guys and getting to know guys. And he's one of those guys that, obviously he wants to win the game. That's the biggest thing you notice. But, you know, he's a nice guy. He's a guy that have a conversation with you. And, you know, it's just one of those guys that you'll tell your kids that you got to play against. And when he's in the Hall of Fame, you know, I competed with that guy, battled that guy. And that's pretty cool to know. You know, I was called up at 20 years old so I was really young. And, you know, it was at the old Yankee Stadium. So I have an opportunity to play, you know, at a place with so much history. For one, it was great. And then having an opportunity to just take the same field, you know, as Derrick Jeter looking back at it, you know, it was definitely something that I would be able to tell my kids and something that I can cherish for a long time. And, you know, I'll never forget, I got the second base and he came up to me and congratulated me on my first hit and first bag. And I remember him saying to me, you know, it's pretty cool, right? And I go, yeah, it is pretty cool. He goes, same game, just about 40,000 more people. You know, and I'm like, yeah, you're right, you're right. So that's something that I always tell people, you know, I'll never forget him saying to me, just, you know, being a veteran already at that age and still being so open to just embracing, you know, another young player, man, it meant a lot. And, you know, I've got a tremendous amount of respect for Derrick Jeter and the things that he's accomplished. But I think even more so as a human being, you know, he really, really seems to be a great guy, you know, an ambassador of our game. And, you know, it's really been a privilege to be able to watch him play and also share the field with him. It's been awesome. He's just one of those guys that since that first time we got to second base, he's always made a point to come say hi, to talk to me, and he keeps things personable. And, you know, we know all his stats, first ballot hall famer, but he's just as good of a guy. And that's all you care about when you're playing on the field. He treats everyone the same way. I mean, he's always been an idol of mine. I mean, mostly any baseball player is a real respectful guy. I mean, you never hear about his all off the field stuff. And that's the thing I respect the most is he played this game this long and been admired by that many people to have that much respect for. It's pretty impressive and something to look up to. Is there anything from his game, whether on or off the field, like you said, that you try to apply to yours? No, just the way he plays every day. He plays hard every day. And the only thing he cares about is winning. And that's the thing about this game is to win. And I think that should be the main focus. And I think that's been his main focus ever since he's been with the Yankees. From the time that you were a kid to up until now, what's the one thing that you noticed about Derek Cheeter, whether it's been on or off the field that he just always seems to do, whether it's hustle, something consistency was? Yeah, it's, you know, he's always hustle. He always, when he's out there, he gives it 100% all the time. That's, you know, it goes a long way. You can tell that it rubs off on all the players that he's been with over the years. And, you know, when I was younger, I didn't really recognize it. But obviously, since I've been playing, you recognize it even more and you realize the impact he has on everybody on the field. What was it like for you watching Derek Cheeter as a young kid and then obviously playing with him and against him at the All-Star game? Honestly, I grew up in Atlanta. I'm a Braves fan and I wasn't a huge Derek Cheeter fan. You know, the Yankees kind of seemed to get the best of my Braves growing up and he was kind of the face of the Yankees. So obviously I respected Derek Cheeter. He would still do and his ability and the career he's had. You know, as a kid growing up, you always watched Derek Cheeter. You knew exactly who he was. And, you know, I'm pretty sure every kid who dreamed of playing baseball, you know, emulate him somehow. I've caught a lot of balls out in the right field from him and, you know, one always sticks out in mind. I'm Yankees hit later. You know, I was fortunate enough to come to me. I thought about picking up and putting my pocket, but, you know, it well deserved and, you know, he's a great player. He does unbelievable things on the field and, you know, he's one of a kind. Cheeter and he's with Jordan. So, you know, Jordan's my other guy. Like, I love Jordan's stuff and for him to be, you know, a part of that, you know, it's definitely, you know, high up there on my list. I grew up close to the ballpark and me and my brother grew up and we were huge Derek Cheeter fans and he was pretty much, you know, honestly my favorite player growing up. So many memories of him, you know, playing for the Yankees and doing and winning all those fourth series. And I mean, not only that, just how great of a guy he is, you know, it's, you know, around the league. Everybody knows he's a great guy. He's one of the great ambassadors of this game. You know, I know, you know, watching him as I grew up, not only as a kid, but, you know, coming through the system and being a baseball player. Just, you know, he's a guy that you always look to to, I guess, even though you use on the other side or on TV, just kind of a guy you look to to do the right things. And, you know, he's always done that. He's always been a good leader. Always done everything the right way. You know, and I think I respect that more than the numbers and everything he puts up on the field. Just the way he carries himself, the way he goes about being a player here in New York. I mean, we all know how difficult that can be. And he's always handled it with grace. And he's one of those guys that growing up, you look to be.