New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter had numerous milestones during his illustrious career. But for some, none was more memorable than him tallying his 3,000th career hit.
That he did it in stunning fashion on July 9, 2011—via a 400-foot home run—at Yankee Stadium against the Tampa Bay Rays made Jeter's feat even more legendary.
Ten years since that fateful day, Jeter's former teammates and even competitors couldn't forget it. Most especially Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher David Price, who at that time was throwing for the Rays. He served Jeter a curveball in the third inning, setting the stage for career hit no. 3,000 (via New York Post).
“It was the only time in my life that I have ever done that. I can still see it. I can still my reaction. I can see (Rays catcher John) Jaso behind home plate. I can still see it very vividly.”
Despite being a footnote in Jeter's feat, Price said he has no qualms about it.
“He was one of my favorite players growing up. At the time, if any player in baseball was going to hit their 3,000th hit and do it off of me, I would’ve wanted it to be Derek Jeter.”
Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, the only active former teammate of Jeter, still lights up when talking about it.
“What a special moment. I’ve had a lot of those that I’ve gotten to witness and be a part of over the last 13, 14 years and that definitely is right up there near the top.”
Then there's Alex Rodriguez, who had a rocky relationship with Jeter. But the two Yankees stars eventually patched up and Rodriguez only had good things to say about Jeter's milestone a decade ago.
“When I saw that home run, it’s so classic: The home run at home. The big fan (of Jeter) catches it. It was so symbolic for so many reasons.”
Forever a legend.
Follow Us
Subscribe