As Derek Jeter settled into the box Sunday afternoon to face Justin Verlander, many thought the Yanks offense would struggle. They were facing the reigning AL MVP and Cy Young award winner, and coming off two consecutive losses, there was no way Verlander would struggle for a third straight time (Verlander had not lost three straight starts since 2008).
It didn’t take long for New York to establish themselves.
Derek Jeter sent the first pitch he saw over the wall in right, and in doing so, moved up on the MLB all-time list in runs scored, and Yankees all-time leadoff home run list. The home run, a typical Jeter “inside-out” swing gave him his 27th career leadoff home run, a Yankee record. Rickey Henderson is second on the list with 24 – keep in mind Rickey was with the Yankees for only five seasons.
As Jeter crossed the plate, he tied legend Ted Williams for 17th place on the all-time runs scored list with 1,799. Next up is Carl Yastrzemski who has 1,816 runs scored. When it is all said in done, Jeter will definitely be in the top 10. Jeter is third on the all-time Yankee list behind some guys named Lou Gehrig (1,888) and Babe Ruth (1959).
As Jeter’s career continues, it will be very interesting to watch him approach all of the Yankee records. Currently, he’s number one in games played (2,478) at-bats (10,091) hits (3,163) and stolen bases (344). He’s in the top 10 in home runs, RBI’s, walks and batting average.
Some milestones to watch for this season: RBI. Jeter needs 42 more RBI to pass Bernie Williams (1,257) for sole possession of sixth on the Yankee all-time list. Home Runs. Jeter needs five more homers to pass Graig Nettles (250) for ninth on the Yanks list. Jeter needs just 33 doubles to become the Yankees all-time doubles leader. Lou Gehrig is first with 534.
For now, enjoy and appreciate watching Derek Jeter play, because almost every night it seems he’s passing a baseball legend either on some MLB stat list or the Yankees’. Many years down the road, you’ll have the chance to tell people you got to see Derek Jeter play.
