Derek Jeter has been an iconic figure in New York City for many years. He is a shortstop for the New York Yankees, and he is the captain of the historic franchise. He has helped the Yankees capture five World Series championships in his illustrious career.
He has been the heart and soul of the Yankees since his first full regular season stint in 1996. He is known for being apart of the core four with former teammates Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada.
Jeter has compiled impressive stats during his playing days. Individual accolades such as winning multiple golden glove awards, being involved in many all-star games, and having the most hits ever by a baseball player who wore the pinstripes.
It is safe to say with his resume Derek Jeter is Mr. Yankee. The way he caries himself on and off the field gives him the mutual respect amongst his peers like no other player in baseball today.
[new page= 10. The flip play]
10. The flip play
During the 2001 American League division series against the Oakland Athletics, Jeter ran after the baseball to save a run from crossing home plate. A shortstop normally does not usually run where the ball was thrown, however Jeter saved the game with a flip to Jorge Posada.
[new page= 9. 1996 ALCS home run]
9. 1996 ALCS home run
This home run Jeter hit was a huge play in the 1996 American League Championship Series. It is known for being a controversial play because a fan reached over and grabbed the ball. No interference was called and the play stayed a home run.
[new page= 8. Mr. November]
8. Mr. November
During the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, it was a tough time for Americans because of the 9/11 attacks a couple of months earlier. New York rallied behind the Yankees as they rooted during games 3, 4, and 5 at Yankee Stadium. When Jeter hit a walk-off home-run in extra innings, he was given the nick name Mr. November.
[new page= 7. Speech at old Yankee Stadium 2008]
7. Speech at old Yankee Stadium 2008
It was the last game being played at the old Yankee Stadium. After the game was over, the captain gave a heartfelt speech to the sellout crowd. You could hear the fans go crazy during his speech.
[new page= 6. 2001 ALDS game 5 catch]
6. 2001 ALDS game 5 catch
In a playoff game against the Oakland Athletics, Jeter hustled hard for a pop up near the stands. Getting injured did not matter to Jeter as he fell right into the stands to make the fantastic catch. The crowd roared in approval for the hustle play Jeter made.
[new page= 5. Flying into the stands against the Red Sox]
5. Flying into the stands against the Red Sox
The Red Sox have had a rivalry with the Yankees ever since Babe Ruth was traded from Boston to New York. It is a rivalry that is one of the most celebrated in team sports. Every game is like a Playoff or World Series game when they square off. That is why Jeter went so hard for the ball to catch it.
[new page= 4. Breaking Lou Gehrig’s hit record]
4. Breaking Lou Gehrig’s hit record
In 2009, Jeter passed legendary Yankee Lou Gehrig as the player with the most hits in franchise history. Ever since that point in time, Jeter stands a lone at the top of the list with every single hit he delivers in a game.
[new page= 3. Mr. 3,000]
3. Mr. 3,000
Jeter hit his 3,000 hit in dramatic fashion. He did so by hitting a home run at Yankee Stadium in 2011. Like he has done so many times in his career, he gave something special for the fans to cheer about.
[new page= 2. Embracing Mariano Rivera in his last game as a Yankee]
2. Embracing Mariano Rivera in his last game as a Yankee
Andy Pettitte and Jeter walked to the mound to take Mariano Rivera out of his final game at Yankee Stadium in 2013. The way Jeter embraced Rivera while he was crying symbolized what he is all about. Jeter is about being a great teammate and giving words of encouragement whenever someone needs it.
[new page= 1. The famous jump throw]
1. The famous jump throw
In his career, he made unbelievable defensive plays at shortstop. For example he would dive for ground balls and make the right cut-off plays. What he is known for the most on defense is making an off balanced jump throw that many players in today’s MLB immolate. Here is one of the many famous Jeter jump throws.