Robin Ventura on Derek Jeter sendoffs: 'He's not dying, he's just retiring'

White Sox veteran Paul Konerko presented Derek Jeter with his farewell gifts Sunday. (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura finally said what even Derek Jeter was thinking — the gifts teams are giving Jeter on his "farewell tour" are a little awkward.

"He's not dying, he's just retiring," Ventura said Sunday, according to Comcast SportsNet Chicago. "It's weird. I'm sure it's uncomfortable for him going through all of it, but he's a great player."

Jeter is retiring after this season, his 19th in the majors. He played his final game at U.S. Cellular Field, the home of the White Sox, on Sunday. He turned in a performance resembling his prime on Sunday, going 4-for-5 with a triple and two RBI.

Before the game, the White Sox gave Jeter a Yankees-themed bench made of baseball bats and balls, infield dirt from the Comiskey Park/U.S. Cellular Field infield, and a $5,000 donation to his charity, according to CSN Chicago. 

Jeter said he appreciates the well wishes. But he seemed to agree with the feelings of Ventura, a former Yankees teammate.

"It’s kind of an awkward feeling because everyone’s wishing you well, and I’m not going to fall off the face of the Earth," Jeter said. "I’d like to think I’ll be around for a while after this, but everything people have said and done, it’s very much appreciated."

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