DEREK JETER: FIRST YANKEE TO AMASS 3,000 HITS
Derek Jeter, the Captain, became the first player in Yankee history to reach the 3,000 hit plateau today against the Rays. It is hard to believe that the Yankees, the most storied franchise in baseball history, did not have a member in one of baseball's most elite clubs but it is very fitting that Jeter was the one to do it. In typical Jeter fashion, he reached the mark in style, belting a home run off of David Price in the third inning, one of five hits on the day for Derek, including the game winning hit in the bottom of the 8th, igniting "DEREK JETER" chants from the Yankee crowd (note: Jeter became only the second player in MLB history to have a five hit day in his 3,000 hit game- Craig Biggio the other).
Jeter became the 28th player in baseball history to reach 3,000 hits and at 37 years and 13 days old, he is also the fourth youngest to reach the magical number (8 days younger than Pete Rose was when he reached that mark).
It is also interesting to note that Jeter is only the second player in baseball history to hit a home run to reach 3,000 hits (Wade Boggs is the other).
100% Jeterian... congratulations Derek.
The closest active player to 3,000 hits is Ivan Rodriguez with 2,842. Omar Vizquel (2,831), Alex Rodriguez (2,762), Johnny Damon (2,662) and Vladimir Guerrero (2,513) are all within striking distance but it could be a while before we see another player join this elite club.
For a complete list of career hits leaders, follow this link.
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