The New York Yankee Stadium is about to feel like a time machine! Old-Timers Day is back, and this year, like always, it’s more than just a ceremony. On Saturday, August 9, the Yankees will host their 77th Old Timers Day, presented by FreshDirect. It will mark the long-awaited return of the on-field alumni baseball game for the first time since 2019.

The event will also double as a tribute to one of the most dominant eras in Yankees history. They will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 2000 World Series victory over the New York Mets. A Subway Series win is a pride for the Bronx fans and the players. Over 40 former Yankees will be on the field for a few nostalgic innings before the current team faces the Astros. But even with all that history in place, one name will be missing from the roster—Derek Jeter.

Why Won’t Derek Jeter Attend Yankees Old-Timers’ Day 2025?

For all the fans who still see Derek Jeter as the face of that 2000 championship, the absence is hard-hitting. The Hall of Famer and 2000 World Series MVP has been a regular face at the Old Timers event. However, this time, he apparently has a personal commitment to make, and he put that ahead of his Bronx reunion. Wondering why that’s so important?

According to the Yankees color commentator Suzyn Waldman, Derek Jeter will be busy attending his daughter Bella Raine’s birthday party. Bella just turns eight on August 17, and the Jeters as a family are planning a grander celebration. “It’s his daughter’s birthday, and maybe he doesn’t want to go home and have his daughter crying. I don’t know. I don’t think it has anything to do with the fact that he didn’t want to play a game. I don’t think that at all.”

However, not everyone has been so understanding of why the Yankee legend and Captain can’t make it on a day so crucial. In fact, Boomer Esiason called Jeter’s move insulting to the fans. For him, the fans have been there for the Captain, and hence he should be there for them too.

However, Jeter did send a video message for his fans saying, “I am sorry I am not there in person this year. But I do want to reach out and say what’s up to my teammates, the 2000 World Series championship team. It is hard to believe it’s been 25 years, 26th time in franchise history, the last team that we won three in a row. Quite frankly, it might be the last time you see a team win three in a row, and we beat the Mets on top.” But that being said, is his absence surprising? Not really.

See, Jeter has been clear in the past—he wouldn’t take the field. Now, for 2024, the game was not part of the main event. He was there then, but he told reporters, “They’re not going to see me hit again. No, I would be afraid I would hurt myself.” So, whether it’s because he doesn’t want to take the field, or it’s just because of the birthday—only fans can decide.

Full List of Yankees Legends Attending in 2025

Now, sure, Jeter might be out of the picture, and fans will miss his presence. However, the lineup of stars, legends, and winners is still there. Mariano Rivera and Joe Torre, for example, will be there. They will be there along with others like Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte, Paul O’Neill, Bernie Williams, David Cone, Tino Martinez, and Orlando Hernández. Several names will make their debut at the event, like Roger Clemens, Alfonso Soriano, and David Justice. Also, Clay Bellinger will be there with his son, MLB star Cody Bellinger. And it’s not just the 2000 squad that’s going to be there.

The Yankees’ icons like Ron Guidry, Graig Nettles, Mickey Rivers, and Johnny Damon, who are from different eras, will be there. Also, tributes will be paid to legends gone like Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Billy Martin through their widows being present.

How to Watch Yankees Old-Timers’ Day 2025?

If you can’t make it to Yankee Stadium, then YES Network thankfully has your back. The coverage starts at 11:30 am with Michael Kay leading the player introductions. The Old Timers game will commence after that, and it will give fans a chance to see some of their most beloved stars in action before the team faces the Houston Astros later.