Derek Jeter
Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:34 am
To all my fellow Yankee fans and baseball enthusiasts out there - what a night for the Captain! The way that Derek got all three hits last night to tie Lou Gehrig as the all-time Yankee hits leader really showed that he can do it all. A bunt base hit, a deep drive to center for a ground-rule double, and an opposite field single on an outside pitch (pure Derek). I admit that growing up and watching the Yanks during the 70s, I immediately was drawn to Thurman Munson as my hero. The day he died in that plane crash, I cried like a baby. I never thought I would root as hard again for a single player. Then came Don Mattingly - "Donnie Baseball." My new Yankee hero. A great Yankee on so many mediocre teams. Because of that and his recurring back ailments, he probably won't see the Hall, although in my opinion he deserves it.
And then came Jeter. You could tell right away there was something special about this kid. The way he played the game. The way he treated his teammates, and the history of the game. It's only fitting that he would eventually be among those greats named as Yankee Captain and the first since Mattingly. My dad grew up watching DiMaggio & Mantle, and would tell me stories of their countless feats. I only wondered if there would ever be a Yankee great like that in my time. There is - his name is Derek Jeter.
Even for you haters, there is no denying his love and respect for the game. He plays the game like we all did when we were kids. His hustle and his passion are evident on every play. I wish there were more Derek Jeters in baseball. I think there are some that can carry the torch. Guys like Albert Pujols. But for right now, there is the Captain, and then there's everyone else. I hope he passes the Iron Horse tonight against Baltimore. If he stays healthy, he easily will reach 3,000 hits. I personally don't think he can catch Pete Rose, but you never know.
And then came Jeter. You could tell right away there was something special about this kid. The way he played the game. The way he treated his teammates, and the history of the game. It's only fitting that he would eventually be among those greats named as Yankee Captain and the first since Mattingly. My dad grew up watching DiMaggio & Mantle, and would tell me stories of their countless feats. I only wondered if there would ever be a Yankee great like that in my time. There is - his name is Derek Jeter.
Even for you haters, there is no denying his love and respect for the game. He plays the game like we all did when we were kids. His hustle and his passion are evident on every play. I wish there were more Derek Jeters in baseball. I think there are some that can carry the torch. Guys like Albert Pujols. But for right now, there is the Captain, and then there's everyone else. I hope he passes the Iron Horse tonight against Baltimore. If he stays healthy, he easily will reach 3,000 hits. I personally don't think he can catch Pete Rose, but you never know.
