As Derek Jeter's baseball career comes to a close, many people have been reflecting on the impact he had on the sport. He has been praised by writers, analysts and fans alike as one of the greatest skilled players to ever dawn a MLB uniform. Even with all of the "Jeter-Mania" that has been taking place this past season, there is one question in the back of all baseball fan's minds: "Was Derek Jeter ever that good of a baseball player?" The answer to this very controversial question was simple to find. Sorry to break the news to his fans, but judging by the statistics, Derek Jeter is NOT the greatest ball player of all time.
Out of all 19 seasons Derek Jeter stepped into the batters box wearing a Yankees uniform, only once did he exceed 100 RBI's in a season (102 in 1999). I understand that as a leadoff hitter his job is to get on base and not bring runs in, this is noted by his 1,922 career runs scored, but batting leadoff with the Yankees is very different. From 1995 to present, some notable 7-9 guys in the Yankees' batting order have included Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Jorge Posada, Darryl Strawberry, Jose Vizcaino and Alfonso Soriano. Four of the men listed were multiple time Silver Slugger Award winners.
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| Derek Jeter stands in the batters box awaiting the pitch during a 2014 regular season game. (Getty Images) |
"What about on defense Trevor? He's the greatest shortstop to ever play the game." Derek Jeter is a no-doubt a great defender, but he is certainly not one of the greatest. Of all 19 seasons in which he played shortstop, Jeter won 5 Gold Glove awards. Although his career fielding percentage as of today is an astounding .976, you must also take into account his 253 career errors. People seem to judge Derek Jeter's defensive skills based on one "flip-play" during the 2001 ALDS.
Putting aside all the statistics and all the arguments made against him, I personally believe Derek Jeter is one of the greatest baseball players of all time. Derek Jeter is more then all the hits, RBIs, runs scored and stolen bases, Derek Jeter is one of the greatest ambassadors of the game. Jeter has never used performance enhancing drugs, and he gives back as much of his salary to charities and organizations every year. Jeter is a great idol to kids all over the world.
No matter your opinion of Derek Jeter, on or off the field, there is no arguing the impact he has had on the sport of baseball, or more importantly, the impact he has had on our culture.
For More Information See:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/j/jeterde01.shtml?redir
http://www.stubhub.com/new-york-yankees-tickets/yankees-vs-orioles-9-25-2014-4378929/
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