Derek Jeter Catches Hank Aaron’s Hit Record
August 11, 2012 · Jordan Ball · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Derek Jeter has been writing his name in the history books for a while now, and after a RBI ground-rule double today against the Blue Jays, he found himself there once again.
The two-bagger was The Captain’s second hit of the game, and it put him at exactly 150 on the year. This was the 17th straight season in which Jeter has reached the 150-hit plateau, tying him with Hall of Famer Hank Aaron for the most all time.
Jeter’s streak started in 1996, in which he brought home Rookie of the Year honors and the first of his many World Series titles. He is currently signed through the 2013 season with a player option for ’14, which gives him the chance to break the tie between him and Aaron.
Aaron’s streak started in his second professional year, 1955, and ended in 1971—five years before he retired.
The 38-year-old was thought to have been slowing down after a “down” year in the previous season. As of right now, he needs only 13 more hits to surpass his season total from 2011. With the way Jeter has been hitting this year, he could get there within the week.
He is on pace to exceed 200 hits this year, a feat he hasn’t accomplished since 2009. It would be the eighth time Jeter has reached the mark.
After today’s 2-for-5 performance, Jeter’s all-time hit number sits at 3,238. That is good enough for 14th in the history of Major League Baseball and puts him five base knocks away from No. 13. If Jeter does make it to 200 by season’s end, he will find himself moving past Willie Mays in the 11 spot.
And not to get too far ahead of ourselves, but if Jeter does in fact break the record next season between him and Hammerin’ Hank, he will be sitting pretty at No. 6 all time and only 700 hits or less away from being the top dog.
*Stats are from ESPN.com and Baseball-Reference.com.
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