It's safe to say that former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will go down as one of New York's greatest athletes of all time. If it wasn't the case (it better be) for some of you before, this quote from him will solidify that statement.
While talking about his upcoming induction in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Jeter had this to say about his legacy:
“The most important thing during my career… what I wanted to be remembered as, I want to be remembered as a Yankee. That was it, that was the only team I wanted to play for since as far back as I could remember. That's what I wanted my legacy to be.”
The now-Miami Marlins CEO need not worry about that, because as far as most baseball fans are concerned, Jeter is the face of the Yankees. Jeter built his storied 25-year in New York, earning many accolades and cementing himself as one of the greatest players in MLB history. He's sixth in the all-time list of hits, and he collected 14 All-Star appearances.
Perhaps more importantly, Jeter brought five championships to the Yankees as the captain and leader of the team. He was the primary force behind one of the most dominant teams in the history of the game. Those five chips, as well as his loyalty to the Yankees, the organization that drafted him, place him as one of the greatest in New York sports history.
His long-overdue induction ceremony will be held on September 8 at 1:30 in the afternoon (PST) along with Larry Walker and Ted Simmons. Yankee fans will have to bring a bunch of tissues, because it's going to be an emotional moment for them and Derek Jeter, their idol.