Derek Jeter became the New York Yankees franchise leader in hits last night at a packed New Yankee Stadium (although it was raining). The game was stopped as the players congratulated Derek at first base, and he saluted the fans. Jeter was genuinely touched, as the franchise record means a lot to him.
Oh yeah, the Baltimore Orioles won 10-4. Andy Pettitte battled through the rain and the distractions and gave up 3 runs in 5 innings, while Damaso Marte finally imploded since his return, and Albaladejo and Edwar Ramirez showed why they belong in AAA.
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My thoughts on Derek Jeter’s record and the hype surrounding it: is Derek Jeter overrated?
The short answer is that NO, Derek Jeter is not overrated because any team would kill for his consistent level of production from shortstop since 1996.
With superstars falling due to steroid allegations, lying, or sex scandals, Jeter has become the face of major league baseball. Plus he’s still good- he’s not a has-been.
Regarding the hype of the Yankees’ hit record: YES, that was New York MEDIA generated hype, and it went national.
Here’s why the record was all hype:
- Derek Jeter is 52nd all time in hits, and he’s two years away from joining the 3,000 hit club.
- Most people didn’t even know who the old record holder was- it was a trivia question answer.
- There was no celebration when Gehrig set the franchise record, which had been previously been held by Wee Willie Keeler, Hal Chase, and Babe Ruth.
- It was a franchise team record not a MLB record.
- Comparing Jeter’s stats to Lou Gehrig’s stats (or their careers) is absurb.
- If Jeter was drafted by the Houston Astros like he was supposed to, none of this would have happened.
- It’s a remote possibility that if Brian Cashman did not screw Bernie Williams and he was able to play until today, he would have broken the record. Somehow I doubt Bernie would receive this national attention.
BUT ALL OF THAT BEING SAID:
- It made everyone feel good.
- It created a greater appreciation for Jeter’s achievements.
- Yankees fans all around the world joined as one.
- It showed how much the Yankees mean to New York.
- Jeter deserves the spotlight.
- The Yankees Mythology is good for baseball and good for the fans. It adds to the importance of baseball and adds personality to the game. Can you name me one other team in recent years that recognizes franchise records in such a manner and stops games to celebrate? (Rickey Henderson’s stolen base record was the MLB SB record, Cal Ripken broke the MLB record for consecutive games played, and all those HR records broken by McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds were celebrated when they broke the MLB records).
- Let’s take a look at the METS’ Franchise Hit Leaders:
1. Ed Kranepool – 1,418
2. Cleon Jones – 1,188
3. Edgardo Alfonzo – 1,136
4. Mookie Wilson – 1,061
5. Bud Harrelson – 1,029
Somehow I don’t think there will be a celebration in the future for David Wright. Maybe polite applause. Certainly not a grand EVENT that Derek Jeter deserved. The Yankees franchise records are loaded with big names, and it is quite an accomplishment for Derek Jeter.
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I need some sleep.. I need a break..
me jas and lou a
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God Bless Derek Jeter for his excellance and humility! He tipped
his hat and acknowledged the Yankee faithful last night!! In the pouring rain they all stood, as one, and the date 9-11-09 now
has a good memory…
I cried at home during the celebrations for 9-11-…. and it was fitting that Jeter put a smile on everyone's face last night!
Susan Waldman said she got a text message from a friend who was at
fenway park last night and that person said when they showed Derek's face on the screen the crowd cheered his accomplishment!!!
At fenway? I am amazed!!