For almost two decades, Derek Jeter has torched the Mets. Much to the delight of Yankee fans, they’ve watched Jeter get hit after hit after hit against the crosstown rivals, ever since interleague play began back in 1997. For Mets fans, they couldn’t be happier to see him go.
Jeter owns a career slash line of .368/.421/.548 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI in 84 games against the Mets. The .368 average and .421 OBP are his highest totals against any opponent (minimum 100 at-bats). To put this in historical perspective, only 2 other players in history have had better averages against the Mets with a minimum of 100 at-bats. Rico Carty (.380) and Don Slaught (.376).
In other words, Jeter owns the orange and blue.
Those numbers, of course, don’t take into account the damage Jeter did in the 2000 World Series when he was named MVP. He hit .409/.480/.864 with two homers and two RBI as the Yankees went on to win their third straight title. Jeter’s leadoff home run in Game 4 sucked the energy out of Shea Stadium, and set the tone for what was eventually a 3-2 Yankee win.
Not only did Jeter kill the Mets in the batters box that series, he killed them on defense. In Game One, the Mets were threatening to land the first blow in a scoreless game in the top of the 6th inning. Timo Perez singled to leadoff the frame, followed by two pop outs. Todd Zeile came up to the plate, and hit a ball off the top of the left field wall, which came back into play. David Justice fired in to Jeter, but the throw was wide. Jeter adjusted, caught the ball and threw home in one motion, nailing Perez to end the inning and the threat. The Yankees would go on to win the game 4-3.
The Yankees will look to avenge the four game Subway Series sweep from last year – four games that Jeter was absent for since he was injured. The Yankees and their fans hope that Jeter can make history repeat itself for the next few days. Mets fans can’t wait until they’ve seen the last of the Captain.
