Derek Jeter Gatorade Commercial Goes Viral [Watch]

By Paul John Rivera First Posted: Sep 19, 2014 10:02 AM EDT

Gatorade paid tribute to New York Yankees superstar Derek Jeter through a 90-second video released on Thursday, which immediately went viral online.

The farewell ad, which will be shown on TV for the first time on Saturday, showed Jeter thanking and interacting with Yankees fans on his way to the stadium, while the song "My Way" is being played.

According to Gatorade senior director of consumer engagement Molly Carter, Jeter personally picked the Frank Sinatra hit, saying that the shortstop told them that it is the best song to sum up his career.

"I like the song," Jeter said via Newsday. "I've always liked the song. It's fitting. I thought it fit for what I'm going through. I'm happy we were able to use it."

Carter also revealed that the video was filmed before one of the Yankees' home games in July, when they roped off a certain area in the Bronx, while also adding that fans were surprised upon seeing Jeter walking on his way to the Yankee Stadium.

According to Jeter, who is playing in his final season, the ad was also made to thank his fans who supported him for his entire 20-year career in the major league.

"It was an opportunity, I felt deservedly, to thank people, which I've been consistent with every time I spoke, how much the fans have meant to me in my career," Jeter said. "So it's sort of a way to thank them for what they've meant to me. So it was a fun experience."

Gatorade also released a print ad that was also posted on Adweek, where Jeter said: "New York, You've been with me for the past 20 years. Your grit fueled my will. Your history strengthened my resolve. Your scrutiny exposed my flaws. Your expectation was my inspiration. From my first at bat until my final out, you helped me make who I am. For that I am forever thankful."

Jeter then gave Yankees fans another treat on Thursday night as he hit his first homer at the Yankees Stadium this season during their 3-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays. Scoring his first at-home home run in front of New York fans was a fitting way to start his final home stand for the Yankees.