Derek Jeter Breaks Lou Gehrig’s All-Time Yankee Hit Record
September 13, 2009 · Jake D'Agostino · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
Sept. 11, 2009 will be a day to go down in the history books for the Yankees and the entire MLB.
This is because it is the day that Derek Jeter broke the Yankees’ all-time hitting record. Jeter surpassed Yankee legend Lou Gehrig to become the Bombers’ career hit king.
He tied the Iron Horse on Wednesday, Sept. 9, against the Tampa Bay Rays. After an off-day on Thursday, the Yanks began their series against the Baltimore Orioles.
It happened in the bottom of the third inning, when Jeter singled to right off of O’s pitcher Chris Tillman for hit number 2,272 of his career, putting him atop the Yankees’ career hit list.
The Captain would single again later in the day, bringing in a run at the same time.
Jeter’s 2,273 hits is unlikely to be topped any time soon as he is still a fantastic player who will continue to add to this staggering amount.
Although the Yankees lost 10-4, the real story of the game was Derek Jeter’s incredible accomplishment.
Jeter is already one of the most storied players in Yankees’ history, already having captured an assortment of personal and team awards and distinctions.
He is a 10-time All-Star, one-time All-Star Game MVP, which he won in 2000, a four-time World Series champion, winning in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000, the year he World Series MVP.
He is also a three time Gold Glove Award and winner, as well as a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner. Jeter was named the Rookie of the Year in 1996. In 2000, he took home the Babe Ruth Award, and was the recipient of the American League Hank Aaron award in 2006.
The Bombers’ shortstop has tons of other awards and prizes at all levels, and there are just too many to name.
With all this being said, Sept. 11, 2009, will be a night that Derek never forgets.
As of Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, Jeter has racked up 2,274 base hits, 437 of which are doubles which is a team best, 58 triples, 223 home runs, 1,065 RBIs, 1,565 runs, and 301 stolen bases, all on a .307 career batting average and a .387 on-base percentage.
Many of these statistics are the best in team history, while others put him close to Yankee or league records.
He has countless other achievements that put him among the top of all-time MLB players, including being one of six players to have at least 2,700 hits, 1,500 runs, 220 home runs, 300 steals, and 1,000 RBIs.
The Captain has also been a clutch performer and a leader in every sense of the word for New York, most notably by sacrificing his body to dive into the stands to make a crucial catch in an extra inning game that helped the Yanks beat their hated rival Boston Red Sox.
A life-long Yankee, Jeter is now 35, and may only have a few years left in the Majors.
But his impact on baseball has been profound, and his newest milestone only adds to his legacy.
Many expect that Jeter’s No. 2 will be retired by the team and that he will be a first-ballot, sure-thing Hall of Famer.
The Yankees may have more legendary figures than other franchise and sports history, and it appears that Derek has officially cemented his place in this exclusive group of Yankee greats.
Very few players can match his heart and commitment, natural athletic and baseball ability, and his year-in year-out productivity.
This record is a culmination of all his hard work and effort throughout the years. In 1995, Jeter was brought up for the 13 games before returning to the Minors. now, in 2009, he has become an a fan favorite, perennial All-Star, and one of the league’s finest all-around talents.
So with that being said, congratualtions to Derek Jeter for an amazing and prestigious accomplishment, although I hope it will not be your last.
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