Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter went 5-for-5 on Saturday at Yankee Stadium in an afternoon that won’t soon be forgotten by fans of baseball. He reached then quickly surpassed the 3,000-hit milestone, doing it in storybook fashion as the Yankees captured a 5-4 victory over the Rays.
Let’s swing it around the web for reaction to Jeter’s feat from those who know him best:
- Current teammate Alex Rodriguez, via the New York Post: “Days like today remind you of the icon that this guy is. I’ve said it all along, 3,000 hits in a Yankee uniform for me, is like getting straight A’s at Harvard. He’s been a great student.”
- Former teammate Bernie Williams, in a statement to MLB.com: “Congratulations, Jeet, on No. 3,000. ... Just exhale, enjoy it, and know what an honor it was to be your teammate for so many years. Tonight, my last song is dedicated to you my friend.”
- Part owner of the Yankees, Hal Steinbrenner, via USA Today: “Today we celebrate a remarkable individual achievement by one of the game’s greatest ambassadors. On behalf of the entire New York Yankees family, we congratulate Derek on his historic accomplishment.”
- Yankees legend Yogi Berra, from ESPN New York: “I want to give him a big hug. It’s an absolute wonderful accomplishment.”
- Former manager Joe Torre, via the New York Post: “We’ve been around him and watched him so long that nothing he does should surprise anybody. He’s always been a guy who was able to rise to the occasion. And . . . you know this is not an easy city to play in.”
- Rap mogul and friend Jay-Z, from Forbes.com: “That’s Derek Jeter for you. He’s just a winner. ... He’s a great Yankee, definitely the top tier.”
- Red Sox skipper Terry Francona, from SI.com: “I’ve seen him since the Fall League when I think he was 19 years old. He’s still the same kid. A little different haircut, but always plays the game right. He always treats people right and he tries to beat your brains out. That’s a good way to go about things.’'
Finally, I’d implore you to read Joe Posnanski’s take on Saturday afternoon’s events over at Sports Illustrated. As with most things Posnanski writes, it’s a masterpiece. “On Saturday, he played young again.”