New York Yankees Starting Lineup: 1998 World Series Game 4

2. Derek Jeter, SS

Derek Jeter would have a one of his typical New York Yankees games in Game 4 in which he was in the middle of everything. His line for the day reads 2-for-4 plus a base on balls and two of the Yankees’ three runs scored.

Perhaps the above photo of Jeter captures his essence best – as a winner! And you might recall this moment as the result of his last career at bat when he hit a flare over the second baseman’s head for hit number 3,465 that drove in the winning run. And even more telling is the expression on his face. Because winning never got old for Derek Jeter.

Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan as the son of racially split parents, he was taken by the Yankees as their first round pick in 1992. He would eventually be crowned by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner as captain of the team and the nickname “The Captain” would stick throughout his career.

He would manage to avoid even the scent of controversy or scandal while basking in the limelight of New York City and enjoying his status as the city’s most eligible bachelor. It became a running joke among the media that Jeter was the best non-interview in town. He earned this title because of his ability to give bland answers to questions that somehow sounded like he was really answering a question from the bottom of his heart.

Jeter developed the respect of everyone who came into contact with him. But he also returned that respect. To this day, for instance, he still refers to his manager Joe Torre as “Mr. Torre” and it’s not phony when you hear him say it.

The accolades will continue to come for Derek Jeter because he’s earned them. The Yankees will retire his Number 2 and construct a monument for him to join the select few in Monument Park. And there’s a spot already reserved for him in Cooperstown.

By all accounts, Jeter has turned his attention now to being married and raising a family. Prior to his retirement, he had always talked about owning a team and that could happen whenever he pushes the start button. But for now, he simply looks to regain a “normal” life away from all things baseball.