Derek Jeter Shines Beyond the Stats

(Jeff Curry, USA Today Sports)

Five World Series Rings. 14-Time All-Star. Five Gold Gloves. The Captain.

Although Derek Jeter might not sit atop the statistical categories that are used to determine “all-time greats” he cannot be judged statistically. Fans will not remember his sub par WAR or his lack of range defensively. They will remember his charisma, his love of the game and his ability to play 20 seasons for a team in the heart of the media spotlight and never have a scandal associated with his name.

People can criticize his farewell tour as being overblown and unnecessary. Keith Olbermann can destroy Jeter’s statistical standing in the history books and place him on the outside of the top-10 greatest Yankees of all-time. We can sit and complain about the #2 patch on the Yankees’ hats and jerseys. But the fact is that Jeter does not thrive off the attention. If he could, I’m sure he would prefer just to step away from the game quietly when the final out is made in Fenway Park, September 28th.

It is the public who is requiring Jeter to go through this myriad of celebratory days, patches and parting gifts. We as fans, deserve this tour. We deserve the opportunity to look towards home plate and cheer for Jeter as he enters the box. We deserve the chance to say thank you to The Captain.

For 20 seasons Jeter showed up the ballpark and played the game the right way. He embodies what we all hope future baseball generations will bring. Work hard every day, be the best teammate, play the game with respect. When Jeter plays his final game he will be remembered for those things.

Kids will reenact the iconic “Jeter Jump” throw from deep in the hole at short. Fans will remember "The Flip" to the plate in the 7th inning in Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series. We will remember "The Dive" into the stands against Boston in 2004. We will remember his 3,000th hit as it left Yankee Stadium (and the fan giving the ball back to Jeter).

Jeter was not a statistical marvel who should be looked up to for his insane batting average or on-base percentage. He was an icon of the game. He was Mr. Clutch. He was The Captain. And he will always be Number 2 Derek Jeter, Number 2.