The crowd of young faces went wild when Santa Claus walked into the Lost Battalion Hall in Rego Park Wednesday night.
Jolly Old Saint Nick is one of the few men in New York who can upstage Derek Jeter. The former Yankees captain is just fine with being Santa’s sidekick.
"Just the kids’ faces, I mean, some of them probably don’t even know who I am, but they light up when they see Santa at least. So, we just want to see them smile," said Jeter.
Jeter surprised some 200 children for his Turn 2 Foundation's Annual Holiday Express with backpacks filled with goodies.
The baseball legend received some good news this week. The Yankees will retire his number 2 jersey in a special ceremony in May. He said it is an incredible honor.
"I honestly think they just gave it to me because it was the smallest jersey they had. So my dad wore number 13 when he was in college, so I always wanted to wear 13. So when they gave me number 2, and I’m happy that I stuck with it,” said Jeter.
While the retired number will honor Jeter's legacy on the field, he says the foundation is his family's legacy off the field.
The Turn 2 Foundation celebrates its 20th year December. Since 1996, it has created and supported programs for children, including the Jeter’s Leaders high school program.
The four-year-program motivates students to live healthy lifestyles and encourages them to achieve their dreams.
"I’m giving back to my community, like, in a way I would have never imagined," said Shaun Salick, a Jeter Leader, who says he was very shy before the program.
The Jeter Leaders also mentor other students who benefit from the foundation.
"I was a big trouble maker, so I got involved with the Jeter leaders and they became close mentors to me. And they used to help me out. Help me with my homework. Teach me things, and I’m a better person. I’m on the honor roll," said Ifeoma Ezike, 14.
The students say meeting Jeter himself has made their holidays as bright as the lights of the big leagues.