Jeter tied Lou Gherig's franchise record for career hits last night with 2,721. It's amazing to me that no one ever had 3,000 in a Yankee uniform when you think of all the great players they've had. Of course, Gherig's career was cut short by disease,and Mickey Mantle's career was cut short by too much partying. Jeter shoud reach 3,000 in 2011.
Mickey's bum knees didn't help him either.
Jeter has a good chance to get 3,500 hits. If he stays healthy and plays another 7-8 years, 4,000 is possible, but not very likely.
He's already 35 years old. He keeps himself in great shape but his range is gonna diminish over the next couple of years and they may have to move him to another position like 3rd or 1st. Probably not quite enough pop in his bat to make him a DH but he's as steady at short as anybody I've ever seen and it's hard to believe he's been playing for 14 years!
I've been watching the Yankees when the infield was Moose Skowron, Bobby Richardson Tony Kubek,and Clete Boyer and Elston Howard behind the plate. Hands down, Jeter is the best infielder to play for the Yankees. And a class act.
My earliest memories are the Dodgers from the 1960s, and like you, can name the starting lineup in my sleep. Used to listen to the Dodgers as a kid with my little transitor radio. And I still remember Walter Alston (Manager) going out to the mound to tell Don Drysdale to intentionally walk the next batter. Don tells the manager, "why waste 4 pitches when I can just hit him with one pitch and get the same results. Bob Gibson was another pitcher with the same mean streak.
Derek is in a class by himself. And the women he attracts ain't too bad either.
In the past two decades the only New York Yankee of any interest for me has been Derek Jeter. I admire evry part of him, from his character to his exceptional talent. He also happens to be HOT!
For me Derek Jeter is The Best the Yankees have.
