Derek Sanderson Jeter

 Born June 26, 1974) is an American professional baseball player. He is a Major League Baseball (MLB) shortstop who has played his entire career for the New York Yankees. He has served as the Yankees' team captain since 2003.[1] Jeter's presence in the Yankees' lineup, highlighted by his hitting prowess, played an instrumental role in the team's late 1990s dynasty.[2]


A man in a white baseball uniform with navy blue pinstripes standing at first base lifts his navy blue helmet over his head to acknowledge a cheering crowd



Jeter debuted in the Major Leagues in 1995, and the following year, he won the Rookie of the Year Award and helped the Yankees win the 1996 World Series. Jeter was also a member of championship-winning teams in 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009. In 2000, Jeter became the only player to win both the All-Star Game MVP Award and the World Series MVP Award in the same year. He has been selected as an All-Star ten times, and he has won the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards on four occasions. He is regarded as a consummate professional, by teammates and opponents alike,[3][4] and has a reputation as a reliable contributor in the postseason.[5]


Jeter is considered to be one of the best players of his generation.[6] He is the all-time hits leader among shortstops and his .317 career batting average through the 2009 season ranks as the fifth-highest among active players. He has been among the American League (AL) leaders in hits and runs scored for the past ten years. He is the all-time Yankees hit leader, passing Hall of Fame member Lou Gehrig in 2009.[7]

 


A man in a navy blue jacket and hat plays catch with an unseen person.

Jeter warming up before a game



Career Highlights


 

Milestones

Jeter saluting the crowd after becoming the all-time Yankees hits leader


  • Jeter recorded his 2,000th career hit with an infield single on May 26, 2006 off Kansas City Royals pitcher Scott Elarton, becoming the eighth Yankee to reach the milestone.[51]
  • Jeter holds the record for most singles all-time by a Yankee.[52]
  • Jeter is one of six players to have 2,700 hits, 1,500 runs, 220 homers, 300 steals and 1,000 RBIs (the others are Craig Biggio, Barry Bonds, Rickey Henderson, Willie Mays, and Paul Molitor).[53]
  • On June 18, 2005, against the Chicago Cubs, Jeter hit his first and only grand slam, after 10 years in the major leagues. At one point, Jeter had the most at bats of any active player to not have hit a grand slam.[54]
  • On June 4, 2008, Jeter passed Mickey Mantle for 3rd place on the Yankees all time hit list.[55]
  • On June 27, 2008, Jeter hit his 400th double.[56]
  • On July 12, 2008, Jeter hit his 200th home run.[57]
  • On September 9, 2008, Jeter passed Babe Ruth for 2nd place on the Yankees all time hit list.[58]
  • On September 14, 2008, Jeter tied Lou Gehrig for most hits at Yankee Stadium[59]
  • On September 16, 2008, Jeter moved past Lou Gehrig for most hits at Yankee Stadium with his 1,270th in the 1st inning, and 1,271st in the 5th inning.
  • On July 24, 2009, Jeter passed Ted Williams for 68th place in all-time hits with his 2,655th.[60]
  • On August 2, 2009, Jeter played in his 2,084th game, tying Babe Ruth for 4th in Yankees history.[61]
  • On August 16, 2009, Jeter recorded his 2,673th and 2,674th hits, tying and passing Luis Aparicio for most hits by a shortstop in Major League history.[62]
  • On September 11, 2009, Jeter became the Yankees' all-time hits leader, surpassing Lou Gehrig with his 2,722nd hit, a single to right field off of Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman in the 3rd inning.