Ranking Derek Jeter’s Most Iconic Moments

While the New York Yankees game that was played on Sunday ultimately resulted in a bad way ( A 2-0 loss to the Royals), this day was more than just an ordinary game played in the Bronx. Sunday was also Derek Jeter Day, a set date planned by the Yankees to honor the man who the team has called their leader since being named captain in 2003.

As a Yankee fan, I think I can speak for most, if not all, when I say it is going to be hard to watch the Yankees take the field next April without the Captain taking his double jump out of the dugout, and onto the field while the rest of the squad follows. This is what everyone involved with the Yankees have grown accustomed to, and next year, the feeling is going to be a lot different, without the 5-Time World Champion leading the Bronx Bombers.

However, despite all of the sad and upset feelings that will be coming from the baseball hearts nationwide when Jeter takes his last step off the field, Yankees fans must remember to be strong, and look back at all of the memories of a lifetime Jeter provided. To help remember this and avoid the tears for at least a bit longer, here are Jeter’s top 5 illustrious moments in Pinstripes.

# 5. The Dive into The Stands

Photo courtesy of The Sports Post

On July 1, 2003, the Yankees and Red Sox were set to square off in the Bronx. As Yankees fans know, these games meant just as much as September games, since bragging rights gained in a Yankees-Red Sox series were very valuable to fans of both clubs. This game, though, was not just any renewing of the rivalry.

The game had gone into extra innings, the top of twelfth inning to be exact, and with runners on first and third, two outs, Trot Nixon blooped a ball into shallow left field. At first glance, this hit looked as though it would give the Red Sox the lead, as it was placed perfectly into no-man’s land. Jeter had different thoughts, though. Sprinting towards the stands, the Captain made the catch and, with nothing there to stop his momentum, zoomed into the seats in foul territory. Fans all around him roared in relief, in awe of what had just been witnessed.

Jeter, cut up in the face, was able to walk off the field on his own, but was obviously shaken up by the trauma towards his face. Jeter didn’t care, though, he was just glad he could save the game. He later said, “I always play hard. I just try to lead by example.”

The game that Jeter had heroically saved with his catch was later automatically named as one of the best regular season games in Yankees history, when backup catcher, John Flaherty hit a walk-of double to win the game for the Bombers. Win or lose, though, this play showed the ultimate fight and willingness that Jeter plays with everyday.

# 4. Jeter’s Goodbye to The House That Ruth Built

2008 was not a good year. The team had snapped their 13 consecutive postseason appearances streak and were about to say goodbye to the stadium they called home since 1923. Derek Jeter did not make it feel all that bad, though, as his speech in the final game at Yankee Stadium was just as much illustrious as his career.

“There’s a lot of tradition, a lot of history, and a lot memories. The great thing about memories is you’re able to pass them along from generation to generation,” Jeter said in his 2008 Speech. “Although things are going to change next year and we’re going to move across the street, there are a few things with the New York Yankees that never change. That’s pride, tradition, and most of all, we have the greatest fans in the world.”

This speech by Jeter truly brought out the leadership in him. There was no one better to deliver a stadium farewell speech than the Captain, Derek Jeter.

Photo courtesy of NY Daily News

 

# 3. Jeter’s Flip Play

In 2001, the Yankees were down two games to none in the Division Series against the Oakland Athletics. With a slim 1-0 lead in the seventh inning of game 3, A’s hitter Terrence Long doubled into the right field corner with Jeremy Giambi on first. Shane Spencer’s relay throw was airmailed over both of the cutoff men, and it looked like the A’s were undoubtedly going to tie the game. Suddenly, a figure sprinted towards the bouncing ball, picked it up, and shuffled it to the Yankees catcher, Jorge Posada. Realizing and watching the play unfold, Jeter noticed that the ball was too high for anyone to catch, so, running as fast as he could, went to the ball to be the third cutoff man, and got the runner out at the plate. The most bizarre play that could be imagined had just happened, and because of the baseball wittiness of their shortstop, the Yankees were heading to the eighth inning with the lead. The Yankees went on to win this series in 2001, and there is no telling how it would have unfolded had Jeter not made this heroic play.

Photo courtesy of ESPN

# 2. Mr. November

As the clock struck midnight in the Bronx, Derek Jeter stepped to the plate. This game 4 of the 2001 World Series was the first one being played in November, as the scoreboard said 12:00 am, November 1, 2001. With two outs in the tenth, Jeter drilled the pitch from Diamondbacks pitcher, Byung-Hyun Kim, into the right field seats, marking the first win in the month of November, in baseball history. This clutch Home run gave Jeter the nickname of ‘Mr. November’, and will undoubtedly go down as one of his most memorable moments.

# 1. Getting to 3000

“See ya! 3000! History, with an exclamation point! Oh, what a way, to join the 3000 hit club. Derek Jeter has done it, in grand style!” – YES Network Announcer, Michael Kay, July 9, 2011

This is the exact call by Michael Kay when Jeter hit his 3000th hit for a home run. There is no way to describe the thing that Jeter had done on that summer afternoon, better than how Kay had said it. The fact that a man could be so clutch, could be so at ease, and could be able to hit a home run for their 3000th hit still amazes me every time I think about it. It had only happened once before, by Wade Boggs, who also launched his 3000th hit into the seats. Without a doubt, this remarkable hit by the captain will go down in history as one of the most famous hits ever by a Yankee.

Photo courtesy of NY Daily News