Growing up, every little boy had a dream to play in the Major Leagues. They would watch TV with their Dads and aspire to be the greatest there ever was. However, it is a dream only few are able to achieve. Enthusiasts become attached to teams and players that become a part of their everyday lives. Fans witness them fail, witness them succeed, and watch them grow together through long enduring seasons. Baseball creates competitiveness amongst people throughout the nation that builds comradery and energy for the sport. It is not very often that players of great talent are appreciated across the entire league, but men with exceptional leadership can change the minds of many. In this image, Derek Jeter, shrouded by darkness, appears in the light with the word “Respect” intertwined with the jersey number. Most sports fans can recognize the player and the team he represents. Hidden in the background are supporters of the athlete while he stands alone. By looking at the shading of the photo, body position of the athlete, and how the text is intertwined with the image, the visualizer can interpret how much of an impact a fans can have on a baseball player. This is significant because no matter one’s attitude toward him, opposing fans still recognize his importance to the game.

 The light portrayed in the center of the image is due to shading placed along the border of the ad. The illustrator did a good job drawing an eye to the focus of the picture. The ball player becomes the center of attention and the observer can notice the contrast of light. Light and the dark represents the good and the bad. The darkened areas in the image show the battles that took place through the player’s career such as; the playoff losses, the losing seasons, and the errors that he has made. The darkness also helps place emotion on the image. The shading can represent an inner conflict that Jeter is facing. At the moment the player is struggling the realization of retirement so he may be looking back upon all of his experiences that led up to this moment.  It makes the viewer feel sympathetic for the athlete. The light focuses on the triumphs that the player had, the world series victories, the spectacular plays he made, and lifelong teammates he made along the way. The light can also symbolize the truth. The player has made an incredible impact on the game and changed the way it is played.  Players will always look up to him in hopes to reach his level of success and the fans will watch in awe. The light can also represent a spotlight. After many years of playing in the major leagues, all the attention is on Derek. It is his final moment as a player and the fans are focused solely on him. Amongst the shading are blotches of white and grey which the viewer can assume to be the fans in a stadium that are applauding him for everything he has dedicated to the game.  It can be very difficult for opposing teams to accept the success of another team. It goes against the very principal that started the game. But the impact one player can have on an entire league is remarkable. No matter the losses that the came at the hand of the player, they accepted their defeat.

Based on the body position and language of Jeter, it is distinguishable that the player is upset. His arms are angled inwards to draw attention to himself, however, not in a selfish way. We know this because Jeter was never a player to show off or boast about his playing ability. He tended to let his actions do the talking. Additionally, he is taking a moment to realize that his career is coming to a halt and the past is the past but right now this is his last moment. This is important because it shows the viewer that the player is now in acceptance of his mistakes. The player has struggled overcoming his challenges in the past. However, with perseverance and a strong mental focus, the athlete has the ability to move forward. With the athlete’s head draped as if to look upon the ground, the illustrator allows us to decide the emotion of the athlete. The ballplayer knows that his final moments are upon him because he has been in the league for so long and he can no longer perform to the same level that he used to be able to. However, Derek Jeter is still overwhelmed with gratitude from the fans. The round of applause that he is receiving from the crowd in the background of the image is humbling to him. Jeter understands the impact that he has had on his fans and appreciates the thanks they’re giving him. The viewer is not able to see the front of the athlete either. This is symbolic because during the player’s career, he has put the game on “his back” to help his team win and overcome tough opponents. Another reason it is symbolic is because there is nothing else to look forward to. The viewers or fans are forced to look back at all of the great moments of his career. They were there to witness it all and encouraged him along the way.

 Additionally, on the athlete’s uniform are pinstripes. To a baseball fan it is quite clear what team he plays for and the state he represents. Derek Jeter played for the New York Yankees and was the head of the franchise since 1997. For some, he was just a player, but for some Jeter symbolized hope. Many people in the surrounding area of the Bronx, where the Yankees play, are not very fortunate at making a living. This is important because people use baseball as their getaway to cope with struggling misfortunes. Fans found it difficult to get through their everyday lives, but with hope and willpower, they can overcome their adversities. The fans play just an important role in the game as the players do. The reason that the fans are so important are because they are the reminders to the player of what they have done. The supporters let the athlete know that he is recognized for the accomplishments made along his journey.  

In the advertisement, the text is being incorporated within the image, making it significant. This is because the athlete is clearly represented by the text. The word being portrayed in the image is “respect” which means to treat others the way you want to be treated. However, the advertisement is not focusing on treating him fairly. It is about recognizing him and his accomplishments that he has made throughout his career. Without the records, he is of no more importance than any other player in the league. That is why the illustrator chose to use his number, 2, because the number symbolizes the end of a generation, one that was strong for so long. The player, in a sense, can be deemed heroic, for the contributions he has made to the game and the ones that will never be forgotten. The letters in the word “respect” are all colored white in contrast to the number which is black. This is important because it brings back emphasis on the player and what he has meant for fans around the nation. The athlete has created dreams and goals for them, pushes them to become better, and to wants them to step up to the plate and fill his shoes. The period at the end of the text is just that, a period. There is no questioning his status. At the very least, fans have to respect him and what he means for the game. No matter what team someone supports there will always be a mutual feeling for this player at the end the day.

In the heat of the summer, when sweat is dripping down the sides of faces, there is nothing that peanuts, ice cold water, and fresh cut grass cannot cheer up. Fans will endure even the most severe weather conditions to witness their team play the game that they all love. Although rivalries run rabid, the joy for the game is shared evenly. In this advertisement, viewers pay tribute to one of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. Through the use of shading, body position of the athlete, and how the text is incorporated within the image, fans can interpret how much of an impact this sports icon can have on the world. Fans now await a new phenome but the athlete in the ad will be one tough act to follow.
