Congratulations Derek Jeter

He did it! And in typical Derek Jeter fashion too. #3000 was his second hit of five in yesterday's win against Tampa Bay. He only had to try for it once and it was a home run, not some slow roller but a solo home run which tied the game. It was fabulous watching the fans cheering him, including a standing ovation and a couple of curtain calls. The best part was the entire team greeting him at home plate. It was only fitting that the first two to greet him, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera, are part of the Core Four, all of whom came up together in 1995.

A neat fact of trivia is that Jeter who wears the number 2, collected his 3000th hit at exactly 2pm eastern.

Jeter's family was in attedance watching as he became only the 28th player to make history. He was only the second to hit his 3000th via a home run. Of the previous 27 players, all except three are Hall of Famers. One is banded from the HoF (Pete Rose), one is guilty of steroid use (Rafael Palmeiro), and the last one (Craig Biggio) is not eligible yet.

Congratulations to Jeter poured in from all over the country. Bernie Williams, former Yankee center fielder, put the day in perspective perfectly when he stated, "In true Jeter fashion, you did not limp into the 3000 hit club, but absolutely blew the doors off of it.While the home run for number 3000 is what everyone will remember from this day…knowing you…you probably are more satisfied with that eighth inning single up the middle that won the game."

It was a great day for baseball period. Anyone is who a baseball or sports fan should appreciate this achievement. This is not a accolade in which favoritism should be involved. Every news station was covering Jeter's feat of history.

I feel privileged to have had to opportunity to watch history live as well as many of his other landmark hits over the years. Jeter is one of the most talented, classy sports player of all time.

Congratulations on history. Here's to #4000 and beyond...

Jeter's 3,000 hit...
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=16783041&topic_id=&c_id=nyy&tcid=vpp_copy_16783041&v=3

A look back at Jeter's career...
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=16794071&topic_id=&c_id=nyy&tcid=vpp_copy_16794071&v=3

And the wait continues...

Sadly, Derek Jeter did not get a single hit tonight, and neither did any of his teammates. No, it was not because the opposing pitcher pitched a shut-out or perfect game. RAIN! Yes, tonight's games was rained out and so I must wait another day for Jeter to hit #3,000.

However, Jeter, along with Alex Rodriguez, have withdrawn from playing in the All-Star Game. Mariano Rivera declined early this week. All three are staying home to rest and recover from nagging injuries. I'm sad as they are some of my favorite Yankee players, but if they win the World Series, it will all be worth it.

Slowly Reaching History

Only one hit today for Derek Jeter. This makes me sad as I am very eager for him to hit 3,000. And to top the night off, the Yankees lost. His parents and sister were in the stands watching. Hopefully tomorrow is the day...

One Step Closer...

America's pastime is such a great stress reliever whether following from your home or sitting in a stadium listening to cheering crowds. It eases the frustration of getting a B in a college class or the pressure of a 1500 word paper due in a day and a half on a topic that I do not understand. Many people think it is a boring, uninteresting game--they're missing out. True, for the most part, it is not a fast paced, action game like football or basketball, but it is the small intricacies that make it so fascinating and intriguing, such as following a player's quest for history.

Derek Jeter's double last night was his 2,997th hit. Only three more now. Maybe tonight. I sure hope so, for many reasons. First, the game is being televised which means I can watch him hit it live, not just read about it or watch a short video clip. Secondly, the Yankees are playing a four-game home stand and he deserves to hit #3000 in front of the home fans. Also, it can't help but be a distraction to the rest of the team, so the sooner he reaches the milestone, the quicker the Yankees can get back to winning the division.

The team had just better win the game in which Jeter makes history. He has always been a team player and always will and, consequently, he looks at the bigger picture. So, if the team wins, the mile maker will be so much bigger and more meaningful for Jeter.

Hopefully tonight...7:05 EST.

Marching on...

Derek Jeter continued his quest to 3,000 hits tonight with two hits in the Yankees win of 9-2 over Cleveland. While CC Sabathia won his 12th game to lead the Major Leagues in wins.

Hopefully Jeter does not get more then three hits in tomorrow nights game so he can reach his milestone in New York over the weekend.

The Captain's Return

After about three weeks on the disabled list, Derek Jeter, made his return to the Yankees yesterday. Sadly, he did not get any hits in his quest to become the first Yankee and 28th ballplayer to have 3,000 career hits, but it is only a matter of time.

All-Star Game

It was revealed over the weekend that the Yankees will be sending six players to the All-Star game in Phoenix. Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, and Derek Jeter will be part of the starting squad, while Russell Martin and Mariano Rivera will be reserve players.

Cano has accepted an invitation to participate in the Home-Run Derby. Often, players who participate have a decline in their offensive production for the second half of the season. Hopefully, this will not happen with him.

Looking Back

Yesterday, July 4th, marked the 72 anniversary of the farewell address of one of the greatest ballplayers to his fellow players and the world at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees honored Lou Gehrig by retiring his #4, becoming the first team to show this honor to a player. The "Iron Horse" is still remembered today for his many amazing accomplishments and a career that was cut short in his prime.

"Today I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of this earth." - Lou Gehrig