An honest appraisal of Derek Jeter
I did not grow up in New York. I have lived in the NYC metropolitan area for the past 15 years.
I first got a glimpse at Derek Jeter from a neighbor of mine when I lived in another state. He was a Yankees fan and he didn't have a television set. He wanted to see the 1996 World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the Yankees. I liked watching championship sports matches no matter who was playing. So I let him watch with me. He was a gracious guest bringing popcorn and some beer.
The Yankees had a good team in 1996. The Yankees had Tino Martinez, Joe Girardi, Charlie Hayes, Wade Boggs, Bernie Williams, Paul O'Neill, Daryl Strawberry (remember him?) pitchers David Cone, Kenny Rogers, Andy Petitte. It was before Roger Clemens joined the Yankees from the Blue Jays (and before Red Sox).
Jeter batted only .250 in that series. but he hit that key controversial home run which that kid caught in the stands. Jeter batted .361 in the playoffs including the WS in 1996. He was voted Rookie of the Year in 1996. So Jeter caught my attention. I was not a Yankees fan, as my neighbor yelled it up as the Yankees won each game. I just thought the NY Yankees were an interesting team.
Over the 20 years that Jeter played, the NY Yankees won 5 World Series championships. His contribution was greater and his supporting team members were far more talented when he started (championships 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000) than in his last championship in 2009.
He was an average fielder at shortstop. He was nowhere near the great Ozzie Smith of the St. Louis Cardinals as far as range and throwing ability. Jeter's hitting ranked up with Roberto Clemente, the great one with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although Clemente was a far more talented fielder than Jeter. Jeter was more of the Pete Rose model. Jeter hustled where he lacked the natural ability. That famous flip to Posada to get Jeremy Giambi out at home. Talented enough to make the big leagues, but not exceptionally talented. There are 2 quotes of Jeter's represent his career. One, Brian Cashman had met Jeter at a diner to discuss his fielding range. Cashman told Jeter that his range was in question. Jeter reaction was "Why didn't you tell me that I was lacking in this area so I could work on it?" And the second quote was recent during an interview where he said "I may not have been among the most talented to play, there are others more talented, but no one works as hard as I do."
So in Jeter's self-assessment, he was a workhorse. He was tenacious and he got the job done. Today was the 3rd game of Jeter's career where his team was not in contention for the playoffs or had made the playoffs. Tomorrow's game will be the 4th game. Say what you want to about the Yankees during Jeter's era, but the guy was a contender throughout his career.
