New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter joined Major League Baseball's elite 3,000-hit club Saturday on a home run, marking a perfect day at the plate at Yankee Stadium.
The dramatic, milestone-reaching blast was part of a performance that included hitting safely in all five at-bats and driving in the winning run against Tampa Bay.
And, with his third hit of the day, Jeter moved past Roberto Clemente - whose career ended at 3,000 hits - and alone into 27th place on the all-time hits list. He has the most hits of any active player.
In achieving the milestone, Jeter, who has played with the Yankees his entire career, accomplished a feat that eluded Yankee greats like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Lou Gehrig.
Jeter hit a single for number 2,999 in his first at-bat of the game in the first inning. Then, in the third inning he launched the homer, his third of the year, into left field off Rays starter David Price.
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Casey Kotchman tipped his cap to Jeter as he rounded first on his way to a big welcome celebration at home plate from his teammates. Several of the Rays stepped out of the visitors' dugout to applaud. The game was halted as the crowd of nearly 50,000 stood and roared. Jeter took several curtain calls from the dugout.
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WHOOPEEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Still love Bernie Mac's "Mr. 3,000"
I am glad someone had the class to give him a nice pitch to let him get a HR on his 3000th hit. Nice ending to a great story
You must not have watched the at bat. No gift. He'd already fouled off a couple. David Price wasn't about to give him a meatball in a game where the Rays had a 1 run lead against a division rival whom they are trailing.
Clown! You didn't even watch it! That was no meatball pitch!
HATE HIM
Because he's selfish? A prima donna? A hot dog? Jeter plays the game the right way, hustles on every play, never complains, does not seek out the media attention.
Nope, he's probably a tampa bay fan!!!
... probably because the teams you root for suck... year in and year out.
No, Tampa fans respect Jeter. And since the Yanks' spring training is in Tampa, they have a lot of fans there. There is a reason the players and managers have nothing but good things to say about him.
Who cares. MORE CASEY ANTHONY!
Way to go Derek!!!! What a way to do it!!! I bet that ball went halfway to Yonkers!! You're headed for Cooperstown!!
Congrats Derek – you've worked hard & stayed committed to the Yankee Heritage
Congratulations Captain Jeter!
I hope Jeter gets syphillis
Or squaids
If he does, he'll get it from Ortiz, Beckett or your mother.
27-2. Nothing more needs to be said.
And you caught it from your mom?
You're right David. Jeter would totally bend over and take if from Ortiz.
At least fans of the guy (not me) can cheer knowing he didn't abuse roids like some of his teammates. No I don't know for sure that he never juiced, but if he did he should get his money back.
Congrats Jeter !!!
I grewup in NYC as a kid..(Hello to all my friends from St Gerard in Queens) and I was watching at home in Freehold, NJ (home of Brice Springsteen) and You did it in NY style, with a HOME Run !! Damn I love that City !!!!
The SOUTH ain't got NOTHING on the NorthEast !!!!
Brice? Seriously?
LOL I mean Bruce ...I was so excited with my friends here LOL ...I LOVE Summertime .....GO Boro , that 's Freehold High School for all you haters ...oh I also love Rider University !!!!
And where would he be without the steroids? 300 hits maybe, and in the minors?
Proof? Otherwise STFU!
Where would you be without Viagra?
Why would Bob need Viagra? He'll never know the touch of a woman anyway.
Steroids don't make you a good hitter.
Derek Jeter–one of the greatest Yankees and ball players ever. Congrats #2.
Even as a rival I give him props! He a great ball player with class.
Thank you. It may have killed me to see Schilling kill the Yankees, but you have to give credit where it's due. How can anyone boo Pedroia?
Exactly, they're 2 players who talk about team even when they are the star of that days game, they talk about their own adjustments when they lose, and both play to win. I understand the Yanks core is is a touchy subject with contracts but I don't agree with the Yanks PR disaster with Jeter this winter. Not many players have a career like his playing for only 1 team. He is one of the best no doubt about that.
Oh Captain! My Captain!
Good things happen to good people. He has been a "class" athlete his entire life. Even more importantly he has been a class person setting an example for all who follow. Congrats Derek and heres hoping for many more hits.