Yankees History: Derek Jeter Gets 3000th Career Hit
One of the most consistent hitters in the majors during his career, Derek Jeter’s march to 3000 hits captivated the baseball world. On this day in 2011, the Yankees legend reached that milestone with quite the impressive performance.
During his time with the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter proved to be a consistent hitter. A steady presence at the top of the batting order, Jeter had seven seasons with over 200 hits, and never had a full season with fewer than 156 base knocks. As he continued through his legendary career, it quickly became apparent that he would take aim at the 3000 hit plateau.
Heading into the 2011 season, Jeter was just 74 hits away. However, he was coming off his worst season in the majors, posting a .270/.340/.370 batting line, worth an OPS+ of 90. That was his first full season with an OPS+ below 100, and at 36 years old, speculation began as to how much longer Jeter would remain productive.
He answered that question during the season. He looked like his old self once more, spraying the ball around the park. Jeter steadily marched towards the milestone, and entered this day with 2998 hits. Facing the Tampa Bay Rays and David Price, Jeter was looking to get even closer to that historic mark.
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In the Yankees 5-4 victory, Jeter did far more than to become the 28th player in MLB history reach the 3000 hit plateau. He did so in style, becoming the third player to hit a homer for his 3000th hit. Jeter also ended up going 5-5 that day, hitting a double and driving in two runs while scoring twice.
As it would turn out, that performance was far from a swansong for Jeter. While his overall 2011 campaign was solid, he turned back the clock by a decade the following year. At 38 years old, he led the American League with 216 hits, winning the Silver Slugger award. Had he not missed the majority of 2013 with ankle and leg injuries, Jeter likely would have ended his career in the top five all time in hits.
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A legendary member of the Yankees, Derek Jeter added his name to the record books once again on this day in 2011, as he became the 28th player to reach the 3000 hit plateau.