Editorial Piece: Derek Jeter: An Icon of Greatness

Derek Jeter’s absence at the annual MLB All-Star game on Tuesday garnered media attention, primarily due to comments made by commissioner Bud Selig that implied he was disappointed that Jeter failed to make an appearance. The ultimate feeling though at his absence was just that, disappointment. Not towards Jeter though, but towards the simple fact that fans, players, coaches, and the media wouldn’t get to witness one of the best players in baseball history.

Throughout his entire career of Jeter, which includes 12 All-Star games, five World Series titles, five Gold Gloves, he has been overlooked while the hitters of the Steroid Era and now the pitchers of today seemingly had a bigger impact at their point in time. Looking back on Jeter’s career though, his 3000th hit, which came on a home run, was a coronation of who has been the best player in baseball in recent memory.

Better than Barry Bonds, the home run king (*).

Better than Ken Griffey Jr., the artist of the perfect swing.

New York defines America in many aspects of society. Baseball, like it or not, is no exception. The Yankees are baseball’s greatest franchise of all-time, and there is no argument about it. And behind Babe Ruth, the greatest player in history, Jeter is the top Yankee of all-time. He is the organization’s hits leader, and hitting is the most difficult thing to do in all of sports.

Jay-Z, the greatest rapper of all-time, a man who hails from New York, was reportedly late to a listening session intended to promote his new album, “Watch the Throne,” a collaboration with Kanye West. The reason? He was at Yankee Stadium to witness Jeter’s 3000th hit.

Jeter is the king of New York, and fans around the country will forever feel the purity of his impact on the world of baseball.

 

-Sean