SPORTS NEWS
September 14, 2009
Jeter Is the Leader!
Derek Jeter becomes the New York Yankees' all-time hits leader.
On Friday, September 11, in Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter set a new record for most hits as a New York Yankee. Baseball Hall-of-Famer Lou Gehrig held the record for more than 70 years.
 |  COURTESY JAKUBEK FAMILY Last Wednesday, TFK Kid Reporter Tyler Jakubek witnessed Derek Jeter tie the Yankees' record for all-time career hits. |
"It's a special moment for me," Jeter said. "It's a special moment for the organization."
Jeter hit a single to right field in the third inning of a game against the Baltimore Orioles. It was the 2,722nd hit of his career. Gehrig set the record with 2,721 hits on September 6, 1937, smashing that of legendary Yankee Babe Ruth.
Time to CelebrateThe rain-soaked crowd gave Jeter a 2 minute standing ovation. Jeter waved his helmet at the crowd of 46,771 fans. His parents waved from their seats, and jumped up and down. His teammates rushed onto the field to congratulate him.
"I don't think he's ever played any better than he's playing right now," said teammate Alex Rodriguez.
Witnessing Baseball HistoryThe standing ovation was Jeter's second in a week. I was fortunate to be one in the crowd of 45,848 that stood and cheered for Jeter last Wednesday night, when he tied Gehrig's record in the sixth inning, in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. It was amazing to see so many jubilant people who were excited for the Yankee captain.
 MIKE EHRMANN—GETTY IMAGES New York Yankees' Derek Jeter celebrates after his record-breaking hit last Friday. | |
Gehrig, who had his career cut short by illness in 1939, was called "the Iron Horse" for his durability and work ethic. Jeter's hard work and professionalism earn him high praise too. Both have their place among baseball's greats.
"For those who say today's game can't produce legendary players," Yankees owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement, "I have two words: Derek Jeter. Game in and game out, he produces."
