NFL
By Billy Lewis
Derek Jeter called the Bronx home from 1995-2014. In 2020 he’ll make his home in Cooperstown. Tuesday evening it was announced that both Jeter and Larry Walker were elected to the Major League Baseball Hall Of Fame.
He was the 1996 American League Rookie of the Year. in 1996 Jeter also helped lead the Yankees to the first World Series title since 1978. For both Jeter, and the Yankees 96 was the start of an amazing run.
Jeter was the Yankees starting shortstop from 1996-2014. His tenure ended with over 3000 hits, 14 all-star appearances, five gold gloves, and most importantly five World Series rings. Though the Captain never won an MVP, he was both All-Star game and World Series MVP in 2000. Of course, that 2000 World Championship came at the expense of their crosstown rival New York Mets, and capped off a three-peat.
Jeter’s Hall of Fame Vote
Last year, Jeter’s long-time teammate, Mariano Rivera became the first unanimous Hall of Famer in Major League Baseball history. Jeter was a Hall of Famer the moment he retired after the 2014 season, the only question was: would he become the second unanimous selection?
Tuesday evening we got our answer. Jeter was voted in on 396 out of 397 ballots, falling just one vote shy. Though not unanimous, Jeter’s 99.7% of ballots is the second greatest of all time. It is almost fitting for a man that donned #2 for many summers in the Bronx, to have the second-best percentage of those in the Hall.
Many fans are angry with whichever voter left Jeter off their ballot. It’s important to not let that overshadow the accomplishments of Jeter’s career. It’s time to celebrate the Hall of Fame career of #2 not lament over one individual not placing him on their ballot. What is important is that on July 26, 2020 Derek Jeter will take his rightful place in Cooperstown.
