By Rich Mancuso/Sports Editor
The Yankees retired his Number 2. Derek Jeter was the longtime face of the franchise and part of that “Core Four” and four straight World Series championships under manager Joe Torre.
Though the persona and character of a player, which should have no impact on the vote for enshrinement into the Hall of Fame, Jeter, could be an exception. Among his peers there was respect.
And with the media that respect was also a part of his game.
“The Captain” of the Yankees was always available after a loss. There was always time to answer the questions and the last one reporter to ask always got the proper response which also defined his leadership in the Yankees clubhouse.
Off the field, Derek Jeter went his business. You never heard about controversy, or being in the wrong place at the wrong time.He represented the Yankees pinstripes and all in good standing.
A managers type of player. And for the media, their type of player. Recall after the Yankees bitter 2001 World Series loss to the Diamondbacks, after Luis Gonzalez got that hit through the infield off Mariano Rivera in Phoenix.
In the visitor’s clubhouse, at his locker stall, there was Derek Jeter. In that quiet and hush Yankees’ room, after contemplating the loss with his head bowed with a bat under his arms, Derek Jeter was ready to talk,
Like all baseball players who talk after a bitter loss, he said “This is baseball.” But, Derek Jeter offered more than that standard quote. He was the person offering a perspective with minimal talk about analyzing what went wrong.
It was a simple conversation. This was a part of the moment and showing that baseball is a game. Recall, as we all do, that was a year of baseball coming off the tragic terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
That was Derek Jeter. The person and baseball player that you could never criticize. No ego to him and a team player.
His day is here. Unanimous or not, Derek Jeter goes in the Hall of Fame. Well deserved and one of a kind who continues to make an impact as co-owner of the Miami Marlins.
A brief capsule of his career:
A five-time World Series champion. He is the Yankees’ all-time career leader in hits (3,465), doubles (544), games played (2,747), stolen bases (358), times on base (4,716), plate appearances (12,602) and at bats (11,195).
His accolades include 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, and Roberto Clemente Award. Jeter was the 28th player to reach 3,000 hits and finished his career ranked sixth in MLB history in career hits and first among shortstops.
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