With Derek Jeter securing 99.7% of the votes to gain entrance into the Baseball Hall of Fame, he will join some of the brightest players in history, accompanied by many former New York Yankees players.
Jeter, who had a stellar 20-year career in Pinstripes, amassed 3,465 career hits (6th-most in MLB history), is the only Yankee to ever record 3,000 hits, went 17 straight seasons with 150 hits (tied for MLB record), enjoyed 13 seasons with 100 runs (tied for 2nd most in MLB history), and played 20 seasons with the Yankees (most in team history).
What did the Yankees brass have to say about his induction?
YANKEES MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER HAL STEINBRENNER:
“Every accolade that has been bestowed on Derek throughout his career has been earned and deserved. He was a captain and champion in every sense of the word, a man who embodied our traditions and expectations with an unmistakable grace and dignified resolve. Derek’s legacy as one of the most beloved and charitable players in the last quarter century cements his place in baseball history. As he is immortalized in Cooperstown this summer, we proudly reflect on the honor he brought the Yankees franchise, the New York community, and the great game of baseball.â€
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER BRIAN CASHMAN:
“When we drafted Derek Jeter with the sixth pick in the 1992 draft, he had obvious physical talent, however what truly set him apart and put him on the path to Cooperstown was his burning desire to win and a personal drive to be the very best player he could be. From the outset, he played the game the right way, and his confidence was contagious. So often it felt that he would not be denied, and that belief rubbed off on his teammates, leading to so many victories over so many years. He provided countless memories for our fans, and it’s clear how much he will always mean to them. Thanks to Derek, we reached the pinnacle of the baseball world five times, and he will forever be a defining player of his generation. Congratulations on an honor well -earned.â€
STATEMENT FROM YANKEES MANAGER AARON BOONE:
“I had the opportunity to play with Derek Jeter in 2003, and coming over from the National League, I soon realized that he is the greatest competitor that I ever had the chance to play with. If anyone out there epitomizes what a Hall of Famer is it’s Derek Jeter. Congratulations, Derek—the Hall is a little better today.â€
STATEMENT FROM HALL OF FAMER JOE TORRE, CURRENT MLB CHIEF BASEBALL OFFICER, FORMER YANKEES MANAGER FROM 1996-2007:
â€A Derek Jeter comes along once in a generation. By August of 1996 his teammates started looking for him to set the tone and make things happen. Derek was comfortable in his own skin. On the biggest stage in sports, he was never afraid to fail and always kept the game fun. Derek respected the game, the fans, his teammates and his opponents. His character, determination and confidence are a wonderful reflection of how he was raised by his parents. It was a true privilege to watch Derek and to be his manager for 12 years. To this day, he still calls me ‘Mr. Torre.’ Today, it is a pleasure to say, ‘Welcome to the Hall, Mr. Jeter!’ You did it with class and grace.â€
STATEMENT FROM HALL OF FAMER MARIANO RIVERA:
“It’s going to be a very special day standing next to Derek in Cooperstown this summer. He had such a deep desire to win, and that singular commitment to his team is what made him so special. Derek prided himself on being a consistent presence. No moment was too big. He was fearless, and he was the type of leader we knew we could count on year after year. I feel so fortunate that he was a teammate and friend for my entire career, and I congratulate him on this great honor.â€
STATEMENT FROM HALL OF FAMER DAVE WINFIELD:
“Derek had an exceptional career, one that was accomplished by hard work and discipline. He achieved everything a player might imagine, and for the team he idolized as a youngster. We welcome Derek to the Hall of Fame.â€