#2

On Sunday, the Yankees are officially retiring Derek Jeter’s #2. It’s well deserved.

I grew up with Jeter. I was in 6^th grade during his rookie year, so Jeter as the Yankees shortstop was all I really knew from the time I was 12 until I was past 30. He was a constant.

He finished his career with 3,465 regular season hits, good for 6^th place all time. Say what you want about him or his abilities or if you think he was overrated, but that is a lot of hits. You can't luck into 3400 hits. On top of that, he had exactly 200 post-season hits because of course he did. His career batting average ended at .310. His post-season batting average? .308 in 156 games. He basically had another full season of post-season games, and performed exactly to his career norm. That’s interesting.

I attended many games in-person where Jeter played shortstop. Probably over 50 or 60. I wasn’t really there for a signature moment. No dive into the stands or walk-off hit. However, I’m sure he performed to his consistent, usual self, time and time again. It would have been normal to see him go 2 for 4 without doing something spectacular. And I’m sure I took it for granted, time and time again.

I look forward to the ceremony and seeing Jeter back at Yankee Stadium. Who knows, next time he’s there, he might be wearing a Marlins hat.