Perhaps it’s not on the same level as the ‘Mean’ Joe Greene Coca-Cola commercial, but Nike’s July 2014 Derek Jeter ‘Re2pect’ ad is a modern classic.
The commercial featured the likes of Spike Lee, Carmelo Anthony, Billy Crystal, Tiger Woods, Phil Jackson, Jay-Z, Mariano Rivera and Michael Jordan all tipping their caps to Jeter prior to an at-bat during the final season of his Hall of Fame career.
Before getting to those A-list celebrities, another familiar face — at least now — made an appearance. At the 26-second mark in the clip below, Phillies interim manager Rob Thomson tips his cap. At the time, Thomson was the third base coach for the Yankees:
Prior to Tuesday evening’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, Thomson reflected on the small role he played in one of the most memorable commercials of the last decade.
“I remember going to the Staten Island ballpark at 7 a.m. and didn’t do my thing until 4 p.m.. All I did was go like that [tipping his cap] and went back to the city.”
The commercial was part of Nike’s Air Jordan brand, which initially signed Jeter to an endorsement deal in 2002 and continues to partner with the 14-time All-Star.
But no, Thomson didn’t get to meet His Airness, or any of the slew of celebrities mentioned above. The only people present in Staten Island when Thomson recorded his portion of the commercial in addition to Jeter were Jon Lester and A.J. Pierzynski, who made up the battery for the Boston Red Sox in the ad.
For Thomson, it was kind of a full circle moment with Jeter. He had coached Jeter in Greensboro in 1993 when he infamously committed 56 errors in 126 games at High-A. 16 years later, he was the third base coach when Jeter won his fifth and final World Series title, with the New York Yankees defeating the defending champion Phillies in six games. 21 years later, Thomson briefly returned to a minor league field with Jeter — who was wrapping up one of the more decorated careers that the sport has ever seen — to film the commercial.
It’s a great memory for Thomson, one he’ll carry with him for the remainder of his life. As far as royalties, Thomson does not continue to get direct deposits from Nike.
“Not a thing,” Thomson said with a smile.
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