With an RBI infield single to third, it ended - an illustrious career spanning 20 years closed in what is normally considered enemy territory.
In spite of his pinstripes, Red Sox fans hold Derek Jeter in the highest regard. The longtime Yankees shortstop - the only everyday Yankees shortstop many baseball fans have known - tipped his cap as cheers, instead of boos, were directed at him at Fenway Park Sunday.
It was as clear then as ever that rivalry breeds "RE2PECT."
He already concluded his career at Yankee Stadium in epic fashion. New York gave up a three-run lead to the Baltimore Orioles when closer David Robertson blew his fifth save of the year. In the bottom of the inning, Jeter hit a ground ball single to right, knocking in Antoan Richardson for the walkoff.
The feat would have been more surprising if it were a different player. Jeter's milestone 3,000th hit was a bomb in the Bronx, courtesy of David Price, then the ace of the rival Tampa Bay Rays.
In his career, Jeter earned five World Series rings with the Yankees. He is the final member of the "Core Four" - including Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera - to retire.
Fans at Fenway and the Red Sox organization similarly gave Rivera respect at his final game in Boston before his retirement last season. The Red Sox presented Jeter with a custom pair of boots, specially produced by Maine-based L.L. Bean.
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Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia gave Jeter a second base bag adorned in pinstripes, reading "2."
Former Red Sox Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek were on hand to wish their longtime rival well, as were former Sox outfielder Jim Rice, former Celtic Paul Pierce, Patriots Hall of Famer Troy Brown and Bruins legend Bobby Orr. Jeter's former teammate, Bernie Williams, was invited to play guitar and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."
The hit off Clay Buchholz Sunday was Jeter's 3,465th. Only five players in MLB history have more. It raised his career batting average to .310 and produced his 1,311th RBI.
The captain finishes his outstanding baseball life with 260 home runs and 358 stolen bases. He crossed home plate 1,923 times, more than all but nine players in MLB history. Jeter also ranks 10th in plate appearances.
Having been named American League Rookie of the Year in 1996, Jeter was selected for 14 All Star teams.
While some advanced statistics have suggested him to be an overrated defensive shortstop, he won five Gold Glove awards in his career. But not all sabermetric stats have been unkind to Jeter - his offensive Wins Above Replacement as projected by Baseball Reference ranks 20th all time.
The Red Sox lost 9-5 in the season finale, finishing 71-91. The Yankees ended their season 84-78 with the win. Both teams missed the postseason.
