Unless you're living under a rock or currently in Russia, you now know that Derek Sanderson Jeter will be retiring from Major League Baseball after the 2014 season. This will surely leave a void in the hearts of many baseball fans across the world. Regardless of being a Yankee fan or not, one cannot deny the fact that Jeter has set an extraordinary example of how to play this game we still call "America's Pastime". Jeter has carried himself with dignity and displayed the utmost respect for his craft. The Yankee captain never seemed to take his talents for granted. This was clearly evident in the shortstop's consistent effort to improve his game despite past accolades and personal accomplishments. In Jeter's mind, a season would not be successful unless the Yankees were World Champions. This was not just lip service, Jeter expected to win and held himself and everyone around him to a higher standard. That's what a leader does. Instead of feeling dejected, let's reflect on a historic career of one of the games best ambassadors.
How many great thoughts come to mind when you look back on Derek Jeter's career? How many of those thrills have reminded you of certain milestones in your own life? Just like stitches keep a baseball intact, those euphoric feelings of "where you were" and "what happened"entwine themselves in the baseball memories that run through our heart. One can share the exciting Derek Jeter moments with future generations, creating increased passion for the game of baseball. This is one of the reasons why we should celebrate a player like Jeter.
For those of you that aren't as emotional, but numbers driven, we can look at Jeter's career from a more statistical perspective. Jeter ranks #1 all-time in seven offensive categories for this storied franchise: Games Played (2,602), AB's (10,614), Plate Appearances (11,968), Hits (3,316), Singles (2,470), SB's (348), Times on Base (4,527). Additionally, he is ranked in the top five for: Doubles (525)/(2nd), Runs Scored (1,876)/(3rd), Total Bases (4,739)/(3rd), and top 10 for: RBI's (1,261)/(6th), AVG (.312)/(7th), HR's (256)/(9th). That's pretty impressive for a lanky, 6'3", 180 pound inside-out hitter. When you consider past great Yankee players that have donned the pinstripes, these statistical achievements become legendary.
For our skeptics that have questioned Jeter's place as one of the greatest players to ever play the game, we will take a peek at the sabermetrics. According to MLB Network Analyst, Brian Kenny who hosts "Clubhouse Confidential", Jeter's OWAR (Offensive Wins Above Replacement) numbers place him 2nd (94) on the All-Time list for shortstops. He trails only Honus Wagner (106.1) and ranks ahead of Cal Ripken (77.2), Arky Vaughn (70.9) and Luke Appling (70.3). His overall WAR (71.5) takes a hit when you factor in defense, but his RAA (Runs Above Average), ( 369.5) places him 3rd among "All-Time Shortstops", only trailing Wagner (704.7) and Vaughn (472).
Jeter's 3,316 hits puts him at the top of the class among shortstops and his .381 OBP/.446 SLG%/.828 OPS place him in the "elite" company of Wagner (.391 OBP/.467 SLG%/.858 OPS). If that wasn't enough, "Captain Clutch" has been beyond reproach on the grand stage of playoff baseball. Jeter's 200 hits, 111 runs, 61 RBI's, .308 AVG, .374 OBP, .465 SLG%, and .838 OPS over the course of 158 postseason games has only added to the mystique of our "Mr. November".
So, let's all reminisce and bask in the reflected glory of a wonderful baseball career and revel in Derek Jeter's final farewell season. Who knows, maybe some of those "Yankee Ghosts" will appear in October and give him that one last farewell present, a World Series trophy.
Hey Vinny, who do you think will get more hall of fame votes....Jeet or Mo ? Many people say that Mo will be the first player to get a unanimous vote into the hall. But I feel that there will be some voters that will look at Mo just as they see the DH. People consider the DH one sided and I feel they will look at Mo as just a one inning guy, albiet the most important inning. But with Jeter I can't see how he would not be the first unanimous player. I mean what will people say to try to justify that he shouldn't be in the hall? What are your thoughts?
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but unfortunately, some voters will be less inclined because of Jeter's below average defensive skills. His defensive WAR numbers are minus nine. What this means is that defensively, Jeter would cost a team on average nine runs per season. He will be a first ballot, but not unanimous. Also, some voters will refuse to vote for any player on the first ballot.
Hey vinny, how's it going. Its been a while since we chatted. Enjoy your upcoming trip to jupiter. Wish I could be there. Who are the guys who vote on HOF eligible players and how do they get that privledge?
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