MLB

Boggs, Jeter two to reach 3,000 with homer

Wade Boggs knows what Derek Jeter felt like yesterday more than anyone in the world.

Boggs and Jeter are the only players in major league history to collect their 3,000th hit on home runs, and Boggs couldn’t be happier Jeter joined him in that company.

“It is an exclusive honor, achieved by only a select group, that not many people can call their own,” Boggs said in a statement. “It is a monumental achievement, and Derek has climbed the mountain. He’s reached that honor, where he can stake his flag in the mountain and call it his own.”

MR. 3,000

BOX SCORE

PHOTOS: JETER HITS 3,000

JETER BY THE NUMBERS

Boggs and Jeter played together in The Bronx during Jeter’s rookie season in 1996, and it was then that Boggs knew greatness was on its way.

“I had no doubts that Derek would reach this milestone,” Boggs said. “He is a very consistent player and he never deviated from his game.”

Boggs played 18 seasons and amassed 3,010 hits while playing for the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays. He got No. 3,000 on Aug. 7, 1999, as a member of the Rays, when he homered against Chris Haney of the Indians.

Jeter did it on a 3-2 curveball from David Price yesterday at the Stadium, taking it over the left field fence to become the 28th player in history to reach 3,000 hits.