It’s a testament to Derek Jeter‘s ability that he has risen to fourth-place on the Yankees’ all-time hits list. It’s a testament to his attitude that he didn’t even know he had, so intent on doing what he does best: Winning.
Jeter’s two hits last night tied and then passed Bernie Williams for fourth on the Yankees list at 2,337. But the team captain was far more concerned with his hits helping lift the Bombers to an 8-5 win over Baltimore – and to within 3½ games of first-place Boston in the AL East.
“Bernie’s probably not too happy, but [Jeter’s] a special kid,” Joe Torre said. “As I say, I feel fortunate that I’ve been here the 12 years he’s been here. Every year it just sort of solidifies what you saw in the first couple of years. He just gets better at what he does.”
Few have done it better in pinstripes, and the ones who have are select Cooperstown-enshrined company: Lou Gehrig (2,721 hits), Babe Ruth (2,518) and Mickey Mantle (2,415).
“I knew I was close, but no one had mentioned it to me,” Jeter said. “Anytime you’re talking about those names, it’s pretty special. But honestly, right now we’re trying to win some games. I haven’t reflected on that.”
Jeter tied Williams with a first-inning single to center off Orioles starter Daniel Cabrera, then moved into sole possession of fourth place when he led off the bottom of the eighth by lacing a Kurt Birkins pitch to right field for a double. The Stadium scoreboard showed his milestone, and he scored moments later on Bobby Abreu’s single to right-center for an 8-3 cushion.
As is his custom, the Yankees captain downplayed the achievement.
“Bernie probably doesn’t even know how many hits he has,” Jeter quipped when told of Torre’s comments about his having usurped Williams.
“It wasn’t something I set out to do,” Jeter said. “You just try to stay healthy and play every day. I don’t think about it that much, especially now: We’re trying to win games.
“We’re in the playoffs now, so you can’t have a let down. Everyone in this locker room understands how big these games are.”
The Yankees have won 10 of their last 12 games, and with a dozen pivotal games to play their deficit is as small as it has been since before play on April 22, when they got swept at Fenway Park. They also pushed their wild-card lead over the Tigers to 3½ games.