The stage was set for Derek Jeter and he was able to pull of one of the most memorable milestones in New York Yankees history in style.
This entire week has been a whirlwind of emotions, between seeing Derek Jeter’s Budweiser ad to realizing that this is the last time we’ll see No. 2 on the field for the New York Yankees.
Beyond all that, though, we have more highlights to look at in regards to Jeter. And this one ultimately made history.
Do you remember where you were on July 9, 2011? I know where I was: perched in front of the television with anticipation of potentially seeing history. And what I got was far greater than that.
Jeter got his 2,999th hit earlier in the game and approached his next at-bat with a milestone looming close. We all watched with bated breath as Jeter made contact with a David Price pitch.
As the ball sailed through the air, fans realized that he actually did it. He made history and did so in his own style. He was the fourth youngest player to join the 3,000 hit club and he did it on a home run off of one of the better lefties in the game.
The stadium exploded. The crowd’s screeches of excitement shook every inch of the foundation. That is how you make history.
Some may think that this was just another check off the list for Jeter but it was so much more. Joining the 3,000 hit club was something to be cherished but doing it for one team was even more special.
Jeter joined an elusive club but he didn’t need that to earn the respect of baseball fans all over the world. Just being Jeter was enough.
Jeter didn’t seem to be too crazy about all the media attention but he certainly had a flair for the dramatic. Timely hits, clutch at-bats and savvy defensive plays were what we came to expect from this popular player.
Mr. 3,000 has a nice ring to it. Then again, we know that Derek Jeter is very familiar with rings.
Join us tomorrow as we highlight the end of Jeter’s career before Derek Jeter day on Sunday evening.