Derek Jeter Gets Career Hit Number 3000

Derek Jeter came into the New York Yankees — Tampa Bay Rays game on July 9th needing two hits to become the 28th player in major league history to have 3000 career hits.  He got there, and then some.  In front of the home crowd at Yankee Stadium, Jeter singled in his first at bat in the first inning for number 2999, then hit a home run in his next at bat in the third inning for number 3000. He didn’t stop there. Jeter had three more hits, ending the day 5 for 5 with two RBIs, including the eventual game winner in the Yankees’ 5-4 win over the Rays.

Jeter is the first Yankee to reach 3000 hits.  Think about that for a moment.  Babe Ruth (2873 including 2518 with the Yankees), Lou Gehrig (2721), Mickey Mantle (2415), Joe DiMaggio (2214) — none of them or any other Yankee great from the past had 3000 hits.  There were some players that played for the Yankees during parts of their careers and reached 3000 hits, but none were with New York when they achieved it.

Jeter has had a tough year up to this point, although his five hits raised his season batting average to .270.  There have been plenty of people questioning if, at age 37, he should be moved out of the leadoff spot in the batting order, and play another position besides shortstop. But for now, it’s time for congratulations on a milestone for a sure Hall of Famer.