Jeff Bennett's Blog

I think people who display admirable qualities and achieve great things should be heralded.  I dont subscribe to the notion that if someone is an athlete, artist or politician that they are put on a pedestal.

Derek Jeter is one such person who appears to me to be the real deal.  I am a lifelone Red Sox fan.  I have come to respect the Yankees over time and Derek Jeter is one of the main reasons. When my son started to get interested in sports it was Derek Jeter that he was drawn to.  It was 2003 and the Yankees beat the Red Sox in seven games.  My son said:  “Dad…Jeter acts and plays like a Champion.”  I could not argue that one.

Jeter is a dedicated professional who shows up everyday and works hard.  He has emerged as a leader of the Yankess team.  He is a great player.  He carries himself with dignity.  He has been the leader of the Yankees for years now as it’s Captain.  His on field performance will put him amongst the great Yankees of the past like Gehrig, Mantle, DiMagio and so on.  He is destined for the Hall of Fame due to all of this.

Last night Derek Jeter earned his 2,722 hit of his fifteen year career.  This hit catapults him as the all time hit leader in Yankee history.  Before last night the hit record was held by Lou Gehrig, another former Yankee Captain, for over 70 years.

Due to longevity of career and Jeter’s skills there is no doubt that he had the potential to do something like this.  I think what is interesting though is that he did not target this as a goal.  Jeter is the leader of the Yankees and wants to help them win…not propel himself.  If this record could be achieved as part of leading the Yankees then so be it.   What a great story.

Lets just hope that his bat cools off if the Yankees meet the Red Sox in the play offs this year.