Jul
10
2011

The Captain, Derek Jeter

An article by Former Writers

For those who missed it -for whatever reason – do yourself a favor and find a tape of the Yankee/Tampa game played at the Stadium yesterday in the afternoon. Then play it and watch carefully – you will learn more about baseball than you think.

It is an example of how to play the game right as you’ve been playing it for 17 years. That’s Derek Jeter. The one who made history yesterday afternoon and filled the Stadium to the limit as he passed the 3000 hits mark. He really is a role model for all kinds of people both on and off the field. There are rules for baseball and he plays by them. Win, lose or draw – he plays by the rules.

Jeter finished 5-for-5 with a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning, a double and a pair of runs scored to lead New York to a 5-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium.

Off the field he’s the same guy – he still represents the Yankees and he never forgets that. In fact, he spends a lot of time doing things for his team that have nothing to do with playing baseball. It’s living and working in New York, for a team that has been in existence for over a century – and making sure that the Yankees are good neighbors and good citizens.

However, yesterday he was at work on the field at Yankee Stadium. At 2:00 PM he notched his 3000th hit – a home run into the left field bleachers. A young man, Christian Lopez recovered the ball and asked if he could present it to Jeter. He didn’t ask for a ‘reward’ he just wanted Jeter to have the ball for sure. These are the kind of fans Jeter has.

For me, a life long baseball fan – (thanks, Dad) – it was the afternoon that I just couldn’t leave my chair in the living room. From 1PM to 6:30PM I watched and listened and learned. I’ve seen or heard every game that Derek Jeter has played for the Yankees, and he’s grown up with them. Not sure who is having what effect on the team/game or vice versa, but this game stays as a model of baseball played the right way.

Before long, after the game was over, messages started arriving at the Stadium from those who really love the game – the players who have already been inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. It’s interesting to note that at age 17 Derek Jeter was in the hands of an agent who just couldn’t believe his luck. All the other guys were saying that Jeter was going to the University of Michigan, so don’t be surprised if he doesn’t sign. However, Dick Grouch just smiled and said, he’s not going to Michigan, this kid’s going to Cooperstown.

And so it will be.

About the Author: Former Writers

8 Comments + Add Comment

Original Met Fan July 10, 2011 at 10:27 am

Nothing but a ton of respect for Jeter who has been pro’s pro from day one on the job. As clutch as they came especially in Septemeber and October when it matters most. On the flip saide, the Mets hits leader is Ed Kranepool who barely eclipsed 1,400 hits in his 18 seasons with the Mets. Maybe someday Jose Reyes can do for the Mets what Jeter did for the Yankees, or quite possibly Reyes could become the second shortstop to get his 3,000th his in a Yankees uniform.
XtreemIcon July 10, 2011 at 10:28 am

Good post, Annie. If you like baseball, you’re a fan of players like Jeter, despite whatever uniform he’s wearing.
- martin July 10, 2011 at 1:54 pm
  
  i like baseball and i am not a fan of jeter. i like defensive shortstops that are not horrendous. and in terms of personality, i like players that have one.
  
  and isnt this a mets site?
  - Even Flow July 10, 2011 at 2:18 pm
    
    Leave it to martin to be the buzzkill.
86mets July 10, 2011 at 10:36 am

I am a diehard Mets fan and really kind of despise the Yankees. However, I agree with everything written in this piece about Derek Jeter. Like the Yanks or not, Jeter is a player all baseball fans can appreciate and enjoy. He plays the game right. He respects the game, it’s traditions, and it’s fans. He has always handled himself with dignity and not allowed himself to get tangled up with the myriad off the field temptations that have ruined some great talents (Dwight Gooden, anyone?). I made sure to stay tuned to the game on MLB network and enjoyed seeing him get his 3,000th hit. I thought it was great he was able to do it at home, in front of the NY crowd rather than somewhere like Cleveland or Toronto or LA. Funny isn’t it, that of all the great hitters in Yankee history (Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra, Winfield) that Jeter is the 1st to get 3,000 hits? Like I say, I don’t like the Yankees, but I respect Jeter and congratulate him for this accomplishment. To think the Yankees brass ALMOST allowed him to walk last winter. Can you imagine him getting this milestone playing for the Red Sox? LOL
Lisa P. July 10, 2011 at 11:00 am

Thanks for this much deserved post recognizing one of the game’s all time great players. I’m not even a Yankees fan, in fact I cant recall the last time I ever tuned in to watch them unless they were playing the Mets, but I watched yesterday and even got goosebumps. Thanks for keeping it classy MMO.
lazycrochet July 10, 2011 at 11:36 am

It was a baseball game that will go down in history and I’m glad I got to watch it. Love the Yankees but the Mets also share a spot in my heart since I live in NY. Thanks for the great post Annie.
Annie Savoy July 10, 2011 at 12:10 pm

Thanks to all of you for the very nice comments – that adds to the day itself, and I will long remember all of this. I know I’m a rather traditional writer, but my style fit this game and those who played in it. Yes Lisa, it was my goal to keep it classy.

NL East Standings

Team	W	L	Pct.	GB
Braves	25	18	.581	-
Nationals	23	21	.523	2.5
Phillies	21	23	.477	4.5
Mets	17	24	.415	7.0
Marlins	12	32	.273	13.5

Last updated: 05/19/2013

MMO Mets Chat

Need Tickets To The Mets Game?

Check Out These Great MLB Links!

For wholesale prices on New York Mets gifts and equipment, check these stores out!
Mets Autograph Signings
Mets Fan Apparel
Mets Autographed Baseballs
Baseball Card Supplies
Baseball Equipment

For the best seats and lowest MLB ticket prices, go to PurchaseSeats.com. Get your Mets Tickets now and follow them on the road with Yankees Tickets, Phillies Tickets, Nationals Tickets and Braves Tickets!