"Gives me chills just thinking about it" - Bobby Witt Jr. honors Derek Jeter ahead of playoff series at Yankee Stadium 

On Friday, Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. talked about the upcoming playoff series against the New York Yankees and how he has been watching Derek Jeter's clips to prepare for the occasion. After beating the Baltimore Orioles in a best-of-three series in the previous round, the Royals take on the Yankees in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

Jeter spent his whole career in the major leagues representing the Yankees and his No. 2 jersey was retired in 2017.

Ahead of the series' opening game on Saturday, Witt talked about how special of a feeling it is to take to the field where Jeter played for so many years.

"It's pretty special. I was watching his highlights—postseason highlights—recently, actually," Witt said. "And just being able to take the field that he did is kind of special. It gives me chills just thinking about it.

"Last night, on the train ride [I was watching Jeter's highlights]. How the stadium is, how the fans are, just wanted to take it all in perspective."

Further, Witt discussed why Jeter was "his guy" growing up.

"Just the way he played the game. [How he was] Both on and off the field. ... I got his jersey hanging up on my wall still, back in my room at my parents' house. Just how he played the game hard, and how he always rose up to the occasion," Witt said.

Bobby Witt Jr. came up clutch as Royals eliminated Orioles

The Kansas City Royals beat the Baltimore Orioles for the second game in a row at Camden Yards on Wednesday to advance to the American League Division Series. The pitchers and defenses dominated on both occasions, as only four runs were scored across the two games.

Bobby Witt Jr. continued his strong season, registering two vital RBIs that turned out to be the difference between the two sides in both games. Witt leads the major leagues for batting average (.332).

Michael Wacha and Gerrit Cole take to the mound for the Royals and Yankees, respectively, on Friday, as the opening game of the ALDS has all the makings of yet another fascinating pitchers' duel.

Royals fans will hope Witt can keep up his inspired form with the bat and lead the team to an important victory at Yankee Stadium.