Derek Jeter preparing to surpass Lou Gehrig’s record for the number of hits by a Yankee.
All it took was a single to right field off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman in the third inning.
Yankee Stadium was filled with over 46,771 people, at a game that is sure to be remembered by everyone.
At this game on June 4, 2008, Derek Jeter surpassed Mickey Mantle for third place on the Yankees all time hit list.
In September of 2008, Jeter moved further up the list to pass Babe Ruth to take second place.
Most recently on September 11th, 2009, Derek Sanderson Jeter became the Yankees all time-hit leader, passing Lou Gehrig’s record with 2,722 hits.
A boy who was born in Pequannock Township, New Jersey to a multiracial mother and father turns out to be one of the greatest baseball players of our time.
In 1992, the Astros passed Jeter in the draft, allowing Jeter to be the Yankees sixth overall pick.
Hal Newhouser, who was working for the Astros, told everyone that Jeter would lead a winning team.
“Jeter makes me proud to be a Yankee fan because he has bought us many victories throughout the years,” said senior Paul O’Hara.
Lou Gehrig born June 19, 1903 is also a very well known name.
A man known for his hitting also called “ the Iron Horse,” went down in history with the most career grand slams, 1,995 RBI in seventeen seasons, a life batting average of .340, a life slugging percentage of .632, and an on base percentage of .447.
Lou Gehrig also won American League MVP in 1927 and 1936, Triple Crown winner in 1934, National baseball Hall of Famer in 1939, and Named to seven All-Star Teams from 1933-1939.
Unfortunately, Lou Gehrig’s career ended at age 36 when he was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Tateral Sclerosis (ATS) better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Now Derek Jeter joins Gehrig as on of the best Yankees player.
“I have been a Yankee fan since the womb because they are the greatest sports franchise in the world,” said technology teacher Mr. Rosario Miano.
The New York Yankees became a franchise on March 12, 1903 and have since become one of the greatest team of all times.
When talking about Jeter, there is one moment that both Security Guard Pappalardo and Athletic Director Mr. Dennis Barrett have nominated their all time favorite.
“My favorite Jeter moment was when he dove into the stands and caught the foul ball and got injured,” they said.
Derek Jeter has been a four time NY Yankee Player of the Year, from 1998-2000 and in 2006.
His other achievements include: American League Golden Glove Award from 2004-2006, 2000 All-Star Game MVP, 2000 Babe Ruth Award, 2006 Hank Aaron Award, and the 2000 World Series MVP.
“Given the long history of great Yankee players and traditions, it is special to see someone in our
generation break such a long standing record. You have to believe,” said Mr. Miano.
Fans of all ages relish Jeter’s record.
“He is the best shortstop because
Title IX of the Educational Amendments
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Mister October Surpasses Lou Gehrig at Bat
he is fast, agile and good at what he does,” said senior Brian Rivelli.
Yet when asked the question of Jeter becoming MVP this year, people all had the same answer, no.
“There are other players more deserving of the award, but it doesn’t mean he isn’t the MVP of his team because he is,” said Mr. Pappalardo.
Still, when talking about whether or not Jeter should be in the Hall of Fame, many believe that this is exactly where he will end up.
“[Derek Jeter in] the Hall of Fame? Absolutely because he epitomizes what it is to be a great player, but also because he is all about the team and not the drama,” said Parent Coordinator Mrs. Annette Lentini.
