On this day in New York Yankees history, Derek Jeter recorded his 2500th hit.
Derek Jeter was one of my favorite players growing up. He was one of the few players I respected that played on the big money clubs like the New York Yankees. It was just how he went about his business.
So let’s take a look back, 12 years ago today to be exact. The Yankees played the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards under the lights.
Radhames Liz was on the mound for the Orioles and Derek Jeter was hitting second in the lineup behind Johnny Damon.
The top of the 1st began with a Damon leadoff double. Jeter came up to the plate with a runner in scoring position. And what else would you expect from “The Captain?”
On an 0-0 pitch, he hits a bloop single between short center-field and right-field for his 2,500th hit.
With that hit, Jeter became the third player in a Yankee Uniform to reach the 2,500th milestone. He joined some good company: Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
According to an article written by Mark Feinsand of the NY Daily News in 2008:
"Jeter is the 88th player in history to reach the mark, joining Ken Griffey Jr., Omar Vizquel, Gary Sheffield, Ivan Rodriguez and Luis Gonzalez as the only active players on the list. None of the others is younger than 36 – Jeter is 34."
The Hall of Fame shortstop is now sixth on the all time hit list with 3,465 hits. Jeter finished behind Rose, Cobb, Aaron, Musial, and Speaker.
I think Derek Jeter goes down as the best shortstop in baseball history and will never be surpassed. He was just different.