Shortstop , abbreviated SS , is the baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base , which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions. Historically, the position was assigned to defensive specialists who were typically poor at batting and were often placed at the bottom of the batting order . Today, shortstops are often able to hit well and many are placed at the top of the lineup. In the numbering system used by scorers to record defensive plays, the shortstop is assigned the number 6.
97-584: Derek Sanderson Jeter ( / ˈ dʒ iː t ər / JEE -tər ; born June 26, 1974) (Nicknamed "The Captain" ) is an American former professional baseball shortstop , businessman, and baseball executive. As a player, Jeter spent his entire 20-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees . He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 2020 ; he received 396 of 397 possible votes (99.75%),
194-478: A 4-6-3 double play . Also, like a third baseman , the shortstop fields balls hit to the left side of the infield , where a strong arm is needed to throw out a batter-runner before they reach the safety of first base. Doc Adams of the Knickerbockers created the concept of the shortstop position, according to baseball historian John Thorn and Baseball Hall of Fame researcher Freddy Berowski. In
291-552: A foul ball may have aggravated an earlier hamstring injury. Jeter batted .148 in the World Series, as the Yankees lost in seven games. Jeter batted .297, with 18 home runs, 75 RBIs, 124 runs scored, 191 hits, and a career-best 32 stolen bases during the 2002 regular season . He led the majors in stolen base percentage (91.4%), getting caught only three times. He made his fifth All-Star appearance. In
388-477: A shortstop , and holds a PhD. When Jeter was a child, his parents made him sign a contract every year that defined acceptable and unacceptable forms of behavior. Dorothy instilled a positive attitude in her son, insisting that he not use the word "can't". It was a baseball family, and Jeter's younger sister Sharlee (born c. 1979) was a softball star in high school. The Jeters lived in New Jersey until Derek
485-430: A "good, not great" shortstop, had declined to become "below average" defensively, to the extent that he would likely need to change positions; Cashman later acknowledged that Jeter might need to shift to the outfield. Though Jeter stated that he wanted to remain with the Yankees, negotiations became tense. Jeter's agent, Casey Close , stated that he was "baffled" by the Yankees' approach to the negotiations, and Cashman, now
582-623: A "new crop" of MLB shortstops on the rise, along with Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra , as the careers of older shortstops such as Cal Ripken Jr. , Barry Larkin , Ozzie Smith , and Alan Trammell were concluding. Rodriguez, the first overall selection in the 1993 MLB draft , first contacted Jeter about his experiences as a high first-round pick. The two became friends to the extent that The New York Times journalist Jack Curry commented "[r]arely have two higher-profile opponents been as close." Rodriguez described Jeter as being "like my brother," even though they were on-field adversaries. Before
679-523: A .250 average without a home run in 15 games in the major leagues. The Yankees advanced to the postseason in 1995. Jeter traveled with the team during the 1995 American League Division Series (ALDS), though he was not on the active roster. The Yankees lost to the Seattle Mariners . After Fernández batted a disappointing .245 and appeared in only 108 games due to injuries in 1995, newly hired Yankees manager Joe Torre turned to Jeter for
776-566: A .340 OBP and .370 SLG, all career lows, as he hit more ground balls than usual. Despite this, Jeter was elected to start at shortstop in the All-Star Game. He rebounded to bat .342 in his last 79 at-bats after making adjustments to his swing with the help of Kevin Long , the Yankees hitting coach, who had successfully helped Nick Swisher and Curtis Granderson make adjustments that improved their production. With Long, Jeter changed
873-626: A .637 on-base percentage (OBP), a .831 slugging percentage (SLG), 12 stolen bases (in 12 attempts), and only one strikeout . Jeter received several honors after his senior season, including the Kalamazoo Area B'nai B'rith Award for Scholar Athlete, the 1992 High School Player of the Year Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association , the 1992 Gatorade High School Player of
970-423: A career in baseball. Jeter attended Kalamazoo Central High School , where he ran cross country in the fall, played basketball in the winter and baseball in the spring. Jeter posted high batting averages for the school's baseball team; he batted .557 in his sophomore year and .508 as a junior . In his senior year , he batted .508 and compiled 23 runs batted in (RBIs), 21 walks , four home runs ,
1067-465: A career-low eight errors, and his .986 fielding percentage was his career best. The addition of Gold Glove-winning first baseman Mark Teixeira allowed second baseman Robinson Canó to shift his focus to his right, helping Jeter. During the season, the Sporting News named Jeter eighth on their list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball. Jeter achieved two career hit milestones in
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#17327795564971164-400: A fly ball to right field that was ruled a home run by the umpires after 12-year-old fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the wall to catch the ball. Though the ball would have remained in play if not for Maier, and could have been caught by Tony Tarasco , the home run stood as called, tying the game. It marked the first home run of Jeter's postseason career. The Yankees won the game and defeated
1261-581: A home run off Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Price on September 14, 2008. On September 16, he broke the record against Chicago White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd . The Yankees were eliminated from postseason contention, the only full season in Jeter's career where he did not compete in the playoffs. Following the final game in Yankee Stadium history, Jeter made a speech at the request of the Yankees, thanking
1358-455: A liability defensively, he won his second consecutive Gold Glove in 2005. Orlando Cabrera of the Angels had a higher fielding percentage and committed fewer errors, but voters noted that Jeter had more assists. Though Jeter batted .333 during the 2005 ALDS , the Yankees lost to the Angels. For the 2006 season, the Yankees signed Johnny Damon to play center field and lead off, moving Jeter to
1455-889: A perfect 5-for-5 performance in Game 1, making him the sixth player to record five hits in one postseason game. The Yankees lost to the Detroit Tigers , three games to one. Many expected Jeter would win the AL MVP Award for 2006. In a close vote, Jeter finished second in the voting to Justin Morneau of the Twins. Though he lost the MVP Award, he won the Hank Aaron Award , given for superior offensive performance. He also won his third consecutive Gold Glove Award. Though
1552-508: A reason for the award. Though Jeter was fourth among shortstops in fielding percentage and errors, two traditional fielding statistics, critics pointed to his lower ratings in the more advanced sabermetric statistics, such as range factor and ultimate zone rating (UZR). Jeter was second in the AL in runs scored (122) in the 2005 season, and was third in the league in both at bats (654) and hits (202). Though his critics continued to see Jeter as
1649-483: A scrawny appearance that did not match his reputation as the Yankees' future leader. Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte , who played for the Hornets that season, at first questioned the hype surrounding Jeter, but recognized his talent and poise. Jeter focused the next offseason on his fielding. Baseball America rated Jeter among the top 100 prospects in baseball before the 1993 season , ranking him 44th. Returning to
1746-405: A tendency to pull the ball slightly. Like a second baseman , a shortstop must be agile, for example when performing a 4-6-3 double play . Also, like a third baseman , the shortstop fields balls hit to the left side of the infield , where a strong arm is needed to throw out a batter-runner before they reach the safety of first base. Doc Adams of the Knickerbockers created the concept of
1843-563: Is the Yankees' all-time career leader in hits (3,465), doubles (544), games played (2,747), stolen bases (358), times on base (4,716), plate appearances (12,602) and at bats (11,195). His accolades include 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards , five Silver Slugger Awards , two Hank Aaron Awards , and a 2009 Roberto Clemente Award . Jeter was the 28th player to reach 3,000 hits and finished his career ranked sixth in MLB history in career hits and first among shortstops. In 2017,
1940-473: Is usually the job of the third baseman. The emphasis on defense makes the position unusually difficult to fill. Historically, a strong shortstop did not have to be a good hitter. Some of the weakest hitters in Major League Baseball have played the position, including Mario Mendoza , for whom George Brett popularized the eponymous Mendoza Line to describe a batting average below .200. Since
2037-400: Is usually the job of the third baseman. The emphasis on defense makes the position unusually difficult to fill. Historically, a strong shortstop did not have to be a good hitter. Some of the weakest hitters in Major League Baseball have played the position, including Mario Mendoza , for whom George Brett popularized the eponymous Mendoza Line to describe a batting average below .200. Since
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#17327795564972134-473: Is you're able to pass them along from generation to generation. Although things are going to change next year and we're going to move across the street, there are a few things with the New York Yankees that never change. That's pride, tradition and most of all, we have the greatest fans in the world. We're relying on you to take the memories from this stadium and add them to the new memories we make at
2231-516: The 1995 season , Jeter was projected as the starting shortstop for the Yankees. However, he suffered mild inflammation in his right shoulder in the Arizona Fall League after the conclusion of the 1994 regular season. As a precaution, the Yankees signed Tony Fernández to a two-year contract. With Fernández the starting shortstop, the Yankees assigned Jeter to Class AAA. During the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike , Gene Michael ,
2328-409: The 1996 season , hoping for a .250 batting average and dependable defense. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner , often skeptical of younger players, was unconvinced. After Clyde King , a close Steinbrenner advisor, observed Jeter for two days in spring training in 1996, he came away with the impression that Jeter was not yet ready to contribute at the major league level. To provide depth to the team at
2425-466: The 1997 season , Jeter and the Yankees agreed on a $ 540,000 contract with performance bonuses. Becoming the Yankees' leadoff batter, Jeter batted .291, with 10 home runs, 70 RBIs, 116 runs, and 190 hits . Though he hit two home runs during the 1997 American League Division Series , the Yankees lost to the Cleveland Indians , three games to two. Jeter earned $ 750,000 for
2522-408: The 1998 season . That year, Jeter was selected for his first All-Star Game . In the regular season, he batted .324 with a league-leading 127 runs, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs, for a team that won 114 games during the regular season and is widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time. In the playoffs, Jeter hit only .176 in the 1998 ALDS and ALCS , but batted .353 in
2619-681: The 2000 MLB All-Star Game , he recorded three hits, including a two-run single that gave his team the lead and victory. The performance earned him the All-Star Game MVP Award , the first time a Yankee won the award. During the postseason, he batted only .211 in the Division Series but rebounded to hit .318 in the Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners , and .409 in the World Series against
2716-537: The 2001 MLB All-Star Game , hitting a home run off of Jon Leiber in his only at bat. Jeter made a defensive assist in Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series against the Oakland Athletics . With Jeremy Giambi on first base , Oakland right fielder Terrence Long hit a double off Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina into the right-field corner. As Giambi rounded third base and headed for home plate , Yankees right fielder Shane Spencer retrieved
2813-622: The 2003 World Series against the Florida Marlins – the only three hits Josh Beckett allowed during the game. Jeter committed a crucial error in a Game 6 loss, and the Marlins won the series in six games. The Yankees acquired Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers during the 2003–04 offseason. Rodriguez had won two Gold Glove Awards at shortstop and was considered the best shortstop in baseball. Jeter—who had no Gold Gloves at
2910-540: The 2007 ALDS , batting 3-for-17 (.176) with one RBI, as the Indians defeated the Yankees. Jeter hit his 400th career double on June 27, 2008, and his 200th home run on July 12. Jeter's slugging percentage (SLG) dropped to .410 in the 2008 season , his lowest mark since 1997. Jeter was elected to his ninth All-Star game as the starting shortstop. He finished the season with a .300 batting average. Jeter tied Lou Gehrig 's record for hits at Yankee Stadium (1,269) with
3007-617: The All-Star break in July. Jeter made the All-Star team and finished the season with a .292 average; 23 home runs, the second-most of his career; 78 RBIs; 111 runs scored; and a career-best 44 doubles, which broke the Yankee single-season record for doubles by a shortstop, besting Tony Kubek 's 38 in 1961. He batted .316 with a team-leading four RBIs as the Yankees defeated
Derek Jeter - Misplaced Pages Continue
3104-551: The American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award in 1998, recorded multiple career-high numbers in 1999, and won both the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards in 2000. He consistently placed among the AL leaders in hits and runs scored for most of his career, and served as the Yankees' team captain from 2003 until his retirement in 2014. Throughout his career, Jeter contributed reliably to
3201-537: The Brooklyn Atlantics , is credited as the first to have played the shortstop position as it is played now. Adams had a long playing career with the Knickerbockers: he remained a player with the team until 1860. Unlike the pitcher and catcher , who must start every play in a designated area (the pitcher must be on the pitcher's mound , with one foot in contact with the pitcher's rubber , and
3298-624: The Class AAA International League during the 1994 season , combining to hit .344 with five home runs, 68 RBIs, and steal 50 bases across the three levels. He was honored with Minor League Player of the Year Awards by Baseball America , The Sporting News , and Topps /NAPBL. He was also named the most valuable player of the FSL. Considered the fourth-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into
3395-407: The Detroit Tigers negotiated on a reported eight-year, $ 143 million contract extension. When that agreement fell through, so did Jeter's tentative deal. To avoid arbitration, Jeter and the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal worth $ 10 million. Jeter batted a team-best .339 in the 2000 regular season and added 15 home runs, 73 RBIs, 119 runs scored, and 22 stolen bases. In
3492-777: The Midwest , watched Jeter participate in an all-star camp held at Western Michigan University . Though Yankees officials were concerned that Jeter would attend college instead of signing a professional contract, Groch convinced them to select him, saying, "the only place Derek Jeter's going is to Cooperstown ." The second through fifth picks were Paul Shuey , B. J. Wallace , Jeffrey Hammonds , and Chad Mottola ; those five would combine for two All-Star Game appearances (Nevin and Hammonds). The Yankees drafted Jeter, who chose to turn pro, signing for $ 800,000. Jeter played four seasons in Minor League Baseball , formally known as
3589-657: The Minnesota Twins in the 2004 ALDS . Jeter struggled in the 2004 ALCS , batting .200 with one extra base hit , as the Yankees lost the series to the Red Sox in seven games, despite winning the first three games. In the 12th inning of a tied game on July 1, 2004, against their rivals , the Boston Red Sox , Trot Nixon hit a pop fly down the left field line. Jeter ran from his position at shortstop and made an over-the-shoulder catch. He launched himself over
3686-540: The New York Mets . Jeter added two home runs, a triple, and two doubles in the World Series, including a leadoff home run on the first pitch of Game 4 and a triple later in the third inning. His home run in Game 5 tied the game and extended his World Series hitting streak to 14 games. The Yankees defeated the Mets in five games for their third consecutive title and fourth in Jeter's first five full seasons. Jeter won
3783-516: The Texas Rangers earlier in the offseason, setting the market for Jeter's negotiations. Jeter became the second-highest-paid athlete across all team sports and auto racing , trailing only Rodriguez. The $ 18.9 million average annual value of Jeter's contract was the third-highest in baseball, behind only Rodriguez ($ 25.2 million) and Manny Ramirez ($ 20 million). In 2001, Jeter batted .311 with 21 home runs, 74 RBIs, 110 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases. He played in
3880-821: The World Series , as the Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres in four games. At season's end, Jeter finished third in voting for the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award . Eligible for salary arbitration for the first time before the 1999 season , Jeter was awarded a $ 5 million salary. Jeter led the AL in hits that season with 219, while finishing second in the league in batting average (.349) and runs scored (134), appearing in his second All-Star game that year. His season totals in batting average, runs, hits, runs batted in, doubles (37), triples (9), home runs (24), SLG (.552), and OBP (.438) are all personal bests. Jeter also drove in 102 runs. In
3977-543: The World Series MVP Award , becoming the first (and so far only) player to win the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards in the same season. With one year remaining until he would become eligible for free agency , Jeter signed a ten-year, $ 189 million contract before the 2001 season to remain with the Yankees. Alex Rodriguez had signed a ten-year, $ 252 million contract with
Derek Jeter - Misplaced Pages Continue
4074-444: The infield as well, so they end up calling off other players many times, although on deep pop-ups they generally fall back when called off by an outfielder . They often become the cutoff man on balls to any part of the outfield that are being directed towards third base and all balls to left and center field that are destined for second base. Depending on the system the shortstop may cut balls from left field heading home; however, this
4171-444: The infield as well, so they end up calling off other players many times, although on deep pop-ups they generally fall back when called off by an outfielder . They often become the cutoff man on balls to any part of the outfield that are being directed towards third base and all balls to left and center field that are destined for second base. Depending on the system the shortstop may cut balls from left field heading home; however, this
4268-438: The pitcher's mound , with one foot in contact with the pitcher's rubber , and the catcher must be behind home plate in the catcher's box ) the shortstop and the other fielders can vary their positioning in response to what they anticipate will be the actions of the batter and runner(s) once the play begins. The shortstop ordinarily is positioned near second base on the third-base side. Because right-handed hitters tend to hit
4365-681: The 1960s, however, such mediocre hitting has become rarer as teams increasingly demand players with ability to both field and hit. In practice, a marginal fielder as a shortstop who hits well can be moved to almost any other position, especially second base or third base, whether early in their careers (examples: George Brett and Mike Schmidt were both tried early in their careers as shortstops) or later due to diminished fielding range , slower reflexes, weaker throwing arms, increased risk of injury, or co-existence with another dominant shortstop, as with Ernie Banks , Cal Ripken Jr. , Alex Rodríguez , Michael Young , or Miguel Tejada . The year in which
4462-681: The 1960s, however, such mediocre hitting has become rarer as teams increasingly demand players with ability to both field and hit. In practice, a marginal fielder as a shortstop who hits well can be moved to almost any other position, especially second base or third base, whether early in their careers (examples: George Brett and Mike Schmidt were both tried early in their careers as shortstops) or later due to diminished fielding range , slower reflexes, weaker throwing arms, increased risk of injury, or co-existence with another dominant shortstop, as with Ernie Banks , Cal Ripken Jr. , Alex Rodríguez , Michael Young , or Miguel Tejada . The year in which
4559-453: The 1996 season, Jeter started on Opening Day , the first Yankee rookie to start as shortstop for the team since Tom Tresh in 1962. He hit his first MLB home run that day. With his speed and ability to execute the hit and run , Jeter served as a complement to leadoff hitter Tim Raines while batting in the ninth spot in the batting order . By year's end, Jeter batted .314 with 10 home runs, 104 runs scored , and 78 RBIs. He
4656-512: The 2002 postseason, the Anaheim Angels defeated the Yankees in the ALDS on their way to winning the World Series . On Opening Day of the 2003 season , Jeter dislocated his left shoulder when he collided with Toronto Blue Jays catcher Ken Huckaby at third base. He was placed on the disabled list for six weeks and missed 36 games; he had never played fewer than 148 games in
4753-598: The Astros as a scout , evaluated Jeter extensively and lobbied team management to select him. Fearing Jeter would insist on a salary bonus of at least $ 1 million to forgo college for a professional contract, they chose Cal State Fullerton outfielder Phil Nevin , who signed for $ 700,000. Newhouser felt so strongly about Jeter's potential that he quit his job with the Astros in protest after they ignored his drafting advice. The Yankees, who selected sixth, also rated Jeter highly. Yankees scout Dick Groch, assigned to scout in
4850-470: The Hornets in 1993, his first full season of professional baseball, Jeter hit .295 with five home runs, 71 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases; SAL managers voted him the "Most Outstanding Major League Prospect" in the league. He finished second in the SAL in triples (11), third in hits (152), and 11th in batting average, and was named to the postseason All-Star team. Jeter committed 56 errors, a SAL record. Despite this, he
4947-686: The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL). Jeter began the 1992 season with the Gulf Coast Yankees of the Rookie -level Gulf Coast League , based in Tampa, Florida . In his first professional game, Jeter failed to get a hit in seven at-bats, going 0-for-7 , while striking out five times. Jeter continued to struggle during the rest of the season, batting .202 in 47 games. Manager Gary Denbo benched Jeter in
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#17327795564975044-582: The Orioles in five games. Overall, Jeter batted .361 in the 1996 postseason, helping to lead the Yankees offensively with Bernie Williams , as Wade Boggs , Paul O'Neill , and Tino Martinez struggled. The Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series to win their first championship since the 1978 World Series . Following his Rookie of the Year season, Jeter was considered to be among
5141-440: The Yankees retired his uniform number 2. The Yankees drafted Jeter out of high school in 1992 , and he debuted in the major leagues at age 20 in 1995. The following year, he became the Yankees' starting shortstop, won the Rookie of the Year Award , and helped the team win the 1996 World Series over the Atlanta Braves . Jeter continued to excel during the team's championship seasons of 1998–2000; he finished third in voting for
5238-436: The Yankees continued to struggle with postseason failures, Jeter remained a consistent contributor. During the 2007 season , Jeter was third in the AL with 203 hits, his third consecutive season and sixth overall, with at least 200 hits. He also finished ninth in batting average (.322). He was selected for his eighth All-Star appearance. In the field, he was involved in turning a career-high 104 double plays . He struggled during
5335-562: The Yankees fans for their support—a moment later voted by fans as the Moment of the Year in MLB.com's This Year in Baseball Awards: From all of us up here, it's a huge honor to put this uniform on every day and come out here and play. Every member of this organization, past and present, has been calling this place home for 85 years. There's a lot of tradition, a lot of history and a lot of memories. The great thing about memories
5432-416: The Yankees' general manager , offered Jeter the opportunity to work out for the MLB team with replacement players in spring training before the 1995 season. Jeter denied receiving the offer, and he did not cross the picket line . Early in the 1995 season , Fernández and infielder Pat Kelly were injured. Consequently, Jeter made his MLB debut on May 29, 1995. He was assigned uniform number 2, which
5529-502: The Yankees' franchise successes. He holds many postseason records, and has a .321 batting average in the World Series. Jeter has earned the nicknames "Captain Clutch" and "Mr. November" due to his outstanding play in the postseason. Jeter is one of the most heavily marketed athletes of his generation and is involved in numerous product endorsements. As a celebrity, his personal life and relationships with other celebrities have drawn
5626-692: The attention of the media. Derek Sanderson Jeter was born on June 26, 1974, in Pequannock Township, New Jersey , the son of accountant Dorothy (née Connors) and substance abuse counselor Sanderson Charles Jeter. His mother is of English , German , and Irish ancestry, while his father is African-American . They met while serving in the United States Army in Germany. His father played baseball at Fisk University in Tennessee as
5723-415: The ball and made a wild throw that missed cut-off man Tino Martinez and dribbled down the first-base line. Jeter ran from shortstop to grab the ball and flipped it backhanded to catcher Jorge Posada , rather than throwing it overhand. Posada tagged Giambi out on the leg just before he crossed home plate, preserving the Yankees' one-run lead. Facing elimination, the Yankees eventually won the game, as well as
5820-489: The ball more toward third base, a shortstop will generally move closer to third base if the batter is batting right-handed, and more toward first base if the batter is batting left-handed. A shortstop typically has a strong throwing arm, because he has a relatively long throw to first base, and often has less time in which to make a throw, given that the ground balls he fields have often traveled relatively far. A shortstop must also be extremely agile, because balls hit to or near
5917-400: The batter is batting right-handed, and more toward first base if the batter is batting left-handed. A shortstop typically has a strong throwing arm, because he has a relatively long throw to first base, and often has less time in which to make a throw, given that the ground balls he fields have often traveled relatively far. A shortstop must also be extremely agile, because balls hit to or near
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#17327795564976014-404: The bottom of the batting order . Today, shortstops are often able to hit well and many are placed at the top of the lineup. In the numbering system used by scorers to record defensive plays, the shortstop is assigned the number 6. More hit balls go to the shortstop than to any other position, as there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have
6111-446: The catcher must be behind home plate in the catcher's box ) the shortstop and the other fielders can vary their positioning in response to what they anticipate will be the actions of the batter and runner(s) once the play begins. The shortstop ordinarily is positioned near second base on the third-base side. Because right-handed hitters tend to hit the ball more toward third base, a shortstop will generally move closer to third base if
6208-500: The first five years the Knickerbockers played, the team fielded anywhere from eight to eleven players. The only infielders were the players covering each of the bases; if there were more than eight players, extra outfielders were sometimes used. The outfielders had difficulty throwing baseballs into the infield because of the balls' light weight. Adams's shortstop position, which he started playing at some time from 1849 to 1850,
6305-458: The first month of the 2011 season. As he struggled, it appeared that the 2011 season was the continuation of Jeter's decline. Jeter broke Rickey Henderson 's franchise record for stolen bases when he stole his 327th base against the Mariners on May 28, 2011. He suffered a calf injury on June 13 that required his fifth stint on the 15-day disabled list , and his first since 2003. At that point, he
6402-428: The first time that any non-exhibition MLB game had been played in the month of November. In extra innings, Jeter hit a game-winning home run off of Byung-hyun Kim . The words "Mr. November" flashed on the scoreboard, alluding to former Yankee Reggie Jackson 's nickname, "Mr. October". Despite the home run, Jeter slumped at the plate; he denied injuries were a factor, though a fall into a photographer's box trying to catch
6499-440: The infield because of the balls' light weight. Adams's shortstop position, which he started playing at some time from 1849 to 1850, was used to field throws from the outfielders and throw to the three infielders. The position, more of a fourth outfielder than an infielder, was also then called "short fielder" (a term still used in soft-pitch softball for the 10th player). With the advent of higher-quality baseballs, Adams moved to
6596-430: The infield, since the distance the balls could travel increased. However, Dickey Pearce , primarily of the Brooklyn Atlantics , is credited as the first to have played the shortstop position as it is played now. Adams had a long playing career with the Knickerbockers: he remained a player with the team until 1860. Unlike the pitcher and catcher , who must start every play in a designated area (the pitcher must be on
6693-585: The new Yankee Stadium and continue to pass them on from generation to generation. We just want to take this moment to salute you, the greatest fans in the world. For the 2009 season , Yankees manager Joe Girardi switched Jeter and Damon in the batting order, with Damon moving to second and Jeter to the leadoff role. Jeter batted .334, third-best in the AL, with a .406 OBP, an .871 OPS, 18 home runs, 66 RBIs, 30 stolen bases in 35 attempts, 107 runs scored, 72 walks, and 212 hits (second in MLB). Defensively, Jeter committed
6790-459: The player was inducted is given in brackets after his name. Source: (does not list teams) Source: baseballreference.com Shortstop Shortstop , abbreviated SS , is the baseball or softball fielding position between second and third base , which is considered to be among the most demanding defensive positions. Historically, the position was assigned to defensive specialists who were typically poor at batting and were often placed at
6887-550: The postseason, Jeter batted .455 in the ALDS , .350 in the ALCS , and .353 in the World Series , as the Yankees defeated the Braves to win another championship, Jeter's third. During the 1999–2000 offseason, the Yankees negotiated with Jeter, tentatively agreeing to a seven-year, $ 118.5 million contract. However, because Steinbrenner did not want to set a record for the largest contract, Steinbrenner waited while Juan González and
6984-451: The prior seven full seasons. Jeter returned to bat .324, finishing third in batting average to Bill Mueller , who batted .326. Ramirez finished second. Steinbrenner named Jeter the captain of the Yankees on June 3, 2003, following eight seasons without a captain after Don Mattingly retired in 1995. That postseason, Jeter batted .314 with two home runs, five RBIs, and 10 runs scored across 17 playoff games, including three hits in Game 3 of
7081-707: The season's final game to ensure his average would not drop below .200, known in baseball as the Mendoza Line . Homesick and frustrated by his lack of success, Jeter accrued $ 400-per-month phone bills from daily calls to his parents. The Yankees promoted Jeter to the Greensboro Hornets of the Class A South Atlantic League (SAL) to give him more at-bats. He batted .247 in his first 11 games with Greensboro, and struggled defensively, making nine errors in 48 chances . Weighing 156 pounds (71 kg), Jeter had
7178-414: The second half of the 2009 season. On August 16, 2009, against the Seattle Mariners , Jeter doubled down the right-field line for his 2,675th hit as a shortstop, breaking Luis Aparicio 's previous major league record. Then, Jeter became the all-time hits leader as a member of the Yankees (2,722), passing Lou Gehrig on September 11, 2009. The hit was a single off Baltimore Orioles pitcher Chris Tillman in
7275-457: The second position in the batting lineup. During the 2006 season , Jeter recorded his 2,000th career hit, becoming the eighth Yankee to reach the milestone. Jeter finished the season second in the AL in both batting average (.343) and runs scored (118), third in hits (214), and fourth in OBP (.417), earning his seventh All-Star selection. Jeter batted .500 with one home run in the 2006 ALDS , including
7372-475: The second-highest percentage in MLB history (behind only teammate Mariano Rivera ) and the highest by a position player. He was the chief executive officer (CEO) and part owner of the league's Miami Marlins from September 2017 to February 2022. A five-time World Series champion with the Yankees, Jeter is regarded as a central contributor to the franchise's dynasty during the late 1990s and early 2000s for his hitting, base-running, fielding, and leadership. He
7469-612: The series. The play, known as "The Flip", was later voted seventh in Baseball Weekly ' s 10 Most Amazing Plays of all time, and won the 2002 Best Play ESPY Award . As a result of the September 11 attacks , the start of the playoffs was delayed and the season's end was extended past the usual October timeframe. The Yankees advanced to the 2001 World Series to face the Arizona Diamondbacks . Game 4 marked
7566-408: The shortstop being the infielder who is closest to second base. Shortstops also must cover third at various times, including the rotation play; the latter occurs when there are runners on first and second and a sacrifice bunt is attempted toward third base, requiring the third baseman to move in away from third base in order to field it. Shortstops generally are given precedence on catching pop-ups in
7663-408: The shortstop being the infielder who is closest to second base. Shortstops also must cover third at various times, including the rotation play; the latter occurs when there are runners on first and second and a sacrifice bunt is attempted toward third base, requiring the third baseman to move in away from third base in order to field it. Shortstops generally are given precedence on catching pop-ups in
7760-405: The shortstop position after an injury to Fernández, Steinbrenner approved a trade that would have sent pitcher Mariano Rivera to the Mariners for shortstop Félix Fermín , but Michael, by then the vice president of scouting, and assistant general manager Brian Cashman convinced Steinbrenner to give Jeter an opportunity. Rated the sixth-best prospect in baseball by Baseball America heading into
7857-431: The shortstop position are usually hit harder than to other infield positions. Shortstops are required to cover second base in double play situations when the ball is hit to the second baseman or first baseman. They also cover second when a runner is attempting a stolen base , but only when a left-handed hitter is batting because the infield will respond to a left-handed batter by shifting toward first base, resulting in
7954-431: The shortstop position are usually hit harder than to other infield positions. Shortstops are required to cover second base in double play situations when the ball is hit to the second baseman or first baseman. They also cover second when a runner is attempting a stolen base , but only when a left-handed hitter is batting because the infield will respond to a left-handed batter by shifting toward first base, resulting in
8051-433: The shortstop position, according to baseball historian John Thorn and Baseball Hall of Fame researcher Freddy Berowski. In the first five years the Knickerbockers played, the team fielded anywhere from eight to eleven players. The only infielders were the players covering each of the bases; if there were more than eight players, extra outfielders were sometimes used. The outfielders had difficulty throwing baseballs into
8148-513: The team's general manager, responded publicly that Jeter should test the open market to ascertain his value, which angered Jeter. According to reports, Jeter initially sought a four-year contract worth between $ 23 million and $ 25 million per season. He reached an agreement with the Yankees on a three-year contract for $ 51 million with an option for a fourth year. He spent the offseason working with Long on adjustments to his swing. The adjustments left Jeter frustrated, as he batted .242 in
8245-594: The third inning. In the 2009 postseason, Jeter batted .355, including .407 in the 2009 World Series , as he won his fifth World Series championship. He was named Sportsman of the Year for 2009 by Sports Illustrated , and won the Roberto Clemente Award , Hank Aaron Award , his fourth Gold Glove Award and his fourth Silver Slugger Award. Jeter also finished third in the AL MVP voting, behind Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Yankee teammate Mark Teixeira . It
8342-577: The third-base side railing and two rows of seats, receiving a lacerated chin and bruised face. The Yankees went on to win the game in the bottom of the 13th inning. This was voted the Play of the Year in the This Year in Baseball Awards competition, as voted on by fans at MLB.com. Following the 2004 season, Jeter was presented with his first Gold Glove Award; his diving catch on July 1 was cited as
8439-437: The time—remained the team's starting shortstop while Rodriguez moved to third base. Rodriguez's fielding range allowed Jeter to cede ground to his right to Rodriguez and cheat to his left: fielding balls hit to his left is a weakness identified by scouts. The 2004 season began with Jeter mired in a slump, at one point getting only one hit in a span of 36 at-bats; through April, he batted .168. His batting average improved to .277 by
8536-419: The turnaround to his work with Denbo; Long acknowledged that his attempt to adjust Jeter's swing did not work. Shortstop More hit balls go to the shortstop than to any other position, as there are more right-handed hitters in baseball than left-handed hitters, and most hitters have a tendency to pull the ball slightly. Like a second baseman , a shortstop must be agile, for example when performing
8633-484: The way he strode with his left leg. Following the season, Jeter won his fifth Gold Glove award. Jeter committed six errors during the season, his lowest total in 15 full seasons. "He might go down, when it's all over, as the all-time Yankee." — Don Zimmer , September 13, 2009 After the 2010 season, Jeter became a free agent for the first time in his career. At age 36, Jeter appeared to be in decline; Joe Sheehan of Baseball Prospectus suggested that Jeter, once
8730-530: The year award , and USA Today ' s High School Player of the Year. He also received an All-State honorable mention in basketball. Jeter earned a baseball scholarship to attend the University of Michigan and play college baseball for the Michigan Wolverines . The Houston Astros held the first overall pick in the 1992 MLB draft . Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser , who worked for
8827-535: Was also the fifth championship for Pettitte, Posada, and Rivera, who along with Jeter were referred to as the " Core Four ". In 2010, Jeter, along with Posada and Rivera, became the first trio of teammates in any of the four major league sports in North America (MLB, NFL , NBA , or NHL ) to play in at least 16 consecutive seasons on the same team as teammates. The 2010 season was statistically Jeter's worst in many respects. The Yankee captain batted .270 with
8924-545: Was batting .260 for the 2011 season with a .649 OPS. Rehabilitating from his injury in Tampa, Jeter worked on his swing with Denbo, his former minor league manager. With Denbo, Jeter returned to the mechanics he used in his minor league days. Following his activation from the disabled list, he hit .326 with an .806 OPS in his last 64 games of the season. Jeter finished the year with a .297 batting average, six home runs, 61 runs batted in, 84 runs, and 16 stolen bases. He credited
9021-483: Was four, at which point they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan . At age five, Jeter began playing little league baseball. The children lived with their parents during the school year and spent their summers with their grandparents in West Milford, New Jersey . Attending New York Yankees games with his grandparents, Jeter became a passionate fan of the team. Watching star outfielder Dave Winfield inspired him to pursue
9118-408: Was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994. Batting ninth , he went hitless in five at bats , striking out once. The following day, he recorded his first two major league hits and scored his first two career runs. Jeter batted .234 and committed two errors in 13 games before being returned to Class AAA Columbus; Fernández replaced Jeter at shortstop. He finished the 1995 season with
9215-779: Was named the SAL's Best Defensive Shortstop, Most Exciting Player, and Best Infield Arm by Baseball America . Coming off his strong 1993 season, Baseball America rated Jeter as the 16th-best prospect in baseball. Jeter played for the Tampa Yankees of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League (FSL), the Albany-Colonie Yankees of the Class AA Eastern League , and the Columbus Clippers of
9312-491: Was named the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year , receiving all 28 first-place votes in only the fifth sweep in the honor's 50-year history. The Yankees reached the 1996 postseason, and Torre batted Jeter in the leadoff spot based on his strong year-long performance. During Game 1 of the 1996 American League Championship Series (ALCS) , the Yankees trailed the Baltimore Orioles 4–3 in the eighth inning when Jeter hit
9409-413: Was used to field throws from the outfielders and throw to the three infielders. The position, more of a fourth outfielder than an infielder, was also then called "short fielder" (a term still used in soft-pitch softball for the 10th player). With the advent of higher-quality baseballs, Adams moved to the infield, since the distance the balls could travel increased. However, Dickey Pearce , primarily of
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