Hobie, Angels give Derek Jeter a board

New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will have an added incentive to hit the water once he leaves the baseball diamond, thanks to Hobie Surf Shop and the Angels.

Angels President John Carpino, a Laguna Beach resident, decided to honor Jeter, who will retire after this season, with a custom stand-up paddleboard and called on Hobie, which has stores in Laguna Beach, Corona del Mar, Dana Point and San Clemente.

Workers designed and built a 12-foot board made of Technora, a blend of carbon fibers similar to fiberglass, at the company’s Capistrano Beach manufacturing facility, Hobie Designs Inc. President Jeff Alter said.

Hobie incorporated the Yankees logo and pinstripes and Jeter’s number: 2.

The board took two weeks to build, and the Angels presented the gift to Jeter, who is on a retirement tour, before their game against the Yankees in Anaheim on May 7.

“We’re 100% sure it was a complete surprise [for Jeter],” Alter said. “I’ve been told he does paddle.”

After the pregame ceremony, spectators beyond center field formed a 300-yard line to get a picture taken next to the board, Alter said.

— Bryce Alderton

Twitter: @AldertonBryce