Number 2, Derek Jeter

 

 

 

When you think of Derek Jeter, what's first thought? Number 2? The Flip Play? Mr. November? Derek Jeter has a lot of positive attributes when it comes to his professional baseball career. He's top 10 in almost every Yankees offensive category, even top 6 on the all-time hits list. Derek Jeter was the face of baseball for his 20 year career, some may even say he still is the face of baseball. He may be the last captain the Yankees have for quite some time. If you think about it, he's the last captain George Steinbrenner appointed before he passed away.

  Can you imagine if you #2 was with a team like the Reds or Astros, things would be so much different. In Cincinnati, he would have replaced a legend in Barry Larkin. In Houston, who knows who he would have replaced. Gene Michaels knew what he was doing and so did Tony Fernandez. You may be thinking, "Well that's just rude as well." Think of it this way, Tony Fernandez, already an All-Star shortstop, goes down with an injury. He was set to become a free agent after the season anyways. He gets injured, he gets paid anyways and Jeter comes up. He knew he wasn't with the Yankees past the 96 season anyways. Jeter was pushing his way through the minors. Jeter shows he is made for the Bronx.
  His first big moment as a Yankee came in the ALCS against Baltimore in 1996. Most people know it as the "Jeffery Maier Home Run", to be honest with you it was not guaranteed that Tony Tarassco was catching that ball in the first place. He hits the home run, the Yankees win the game and eventually the pennant. 1996 was just a magical season in itself. Derek Jeter came up at the right time and never looked back. He not only captivated his team, but the whole city of New York(my dad even said he's the last great Yankee and he watched Mantle play).

  We all know that throughout his 20 year career, he had so many moments I could write a whole book on them. The real reason I am writing this post is to say Thank You to Derek Jeter. His number is being retired this Sunday night. He deserves this and to be the first unanimous Hall of Famer. Derek always showed his poise on and off the field. His teammates raved about his leadership. He never even had off the field drama(at least from what we know about). He recently said in an interview that we should not be afraid of failure. He is right and that's why he succeeded. Thank you for playing he sport of baseball. Thank you for being a Yankee. Thank you for showing up in everyone's lives!!