On This Date: Derek Jeter Sends 3,000th Hit Out of Yankee Stadium
Eight years ago today (July 9) Derek Jeter joined the 3,000 hit club with a home run that will live forever.
Jeter entered the Yankees game against Tampa Bay needing two hits to secure 3,000 for his career. In the first inning, Jeter sent a chopper between the shortstop and third baseman to get on base for the first time. Then, in perfect Jeter fashion, the third inning featured some fireworks.
Jeter wasn't done yet that afternoon. He went on to go a perfect 5-5 and his final hit gave the Yankees the 5-4 win. He retired after the 2014 season and is sixth all-time in career hits. Jeter sits behind Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, and Tris Speaker.
Sidenote: The call from Michael Kay on the YES Network for Jeter's 3,000th hit remains as one of my favorite calls of all-time. As a huge Jeter fan, I remember watching the game live on MLB TV with my uncles from New York and going crazy as the hit went over the fence.