New York Yankees’ captain and superstar Derek Jeter has accomplished so much during his 20 years wearing pinstripes. Besides the five World Series championships Jeter won in his career and the 14 All-Star games, there were many things that separated him from the rest of the league. There are several distinct plays that Jeter made that showed his absolute hustle for the team. It’s been 16 years since one of the most famous plays in his career was made, and Yankee fans haven’t forgotten it one bit.
In the 12th inning against the Red Sox, Trot Nixon hit a popup down the left-field line. With two outs and two runners on, the ball would have landed in fair territory and those runs would have scored. Jeter had other plans:
Catching the ball in fair territory and unable to stop his momentum, Jeter flies into the seats and comes up bleeding and bruised up. According to the Associated Press that reported on this game saying, “The All-Star shortstop made one of the greatest plays of his championship career.”
The AP went on to say about Jeter’s injuries from making this play:
Jeter left the ballpark with the face of beat-up boxer, a bloodied chin and a red, swollen cheek. He also had a bruised shoulder. X-Rays were negative.
“When he went into the stands, you knew he’s going to get hurt,” Cairo said. “You just hope it’s not bad.”
Jorge Posada was among several teammates that walked off with Jeter.
“He says he’s playing tomorrow. That’s the way Derek is, he has that intensity,” Posada said.
This play by no means lead to a World Series title or secured a playoff spot for the Yankees. However, it legendary because it shows how much of a gamer Derek Jeter was. His intensity and dedication to the game are just one of the many reasons why Jeter is an All-Time great.