Profiles In Pinstripes, Week One: Derek Jeter

Allo again!

Before I get down to business here, I would like to mention something about ads. Hey! Stop looking at me like that, and listen for a second!

I put the poll up on the sidebar to see what readers thought. I've been considering google ads for the longterm, but for now I'm more interested in retaining readers (ie, making you lot enjoy coming here) than in making $.2 per ad, or whatever it is. So, for now, this blog shall remain ad-free.

Anyway.

On Saturdays, like today, throughout the winter I'm going to go post tidbits of those who will either be in a Yankee uniform in 2008 or those who work closely with the organization.

To inaugurate this segment, who better than the Captain, Derek Jeter?


You probably already know that Jeter, the Yankees' captain and shortstop, broke into the majors in 1995 and has played every year since with the Yankees.

You may remember him for such things as that back-up-spin-leap throw to first so well, and his constant status atop the league leaders for hits.

If you're over the age of ten, you'd better remember him for 'the flip' in Game Three of the 2001 ALDS. Don't remember? I'll refresh you:

Down two games to none in the 2001 ALDS (sound familiar?), the Yankees get on a plane and fly to Oakland. In game three, they nursed a 1-0 lead, when Jeremy Giambi attempted to score on an extra base hit by Terrance Long. He should have scored--Shane Spencer's throw from the right field line missed two cut off men--but Jeter somehow was right there, caught the ball, flipped to Posada...and the rest is history.

The play is not just notable for its absurdity--there is no reason at all for Jeter being where he was--but because it summed up Jeter in a nutshell: clutch. In the right place, at the right time, doing the right thing. This is what Jeter's built his career on, albeit trying to destroy it in the course of one LDS this year...

Anyway, some Jeterian trivia:

He's only ever hit one grand slam--against the Cubs, 18 June 2005

He's Bob Dylan's favorite baseball player.

He was once the subject of a 2005 "60 Minutes" segment.

He's got the same birthday as Abner Doubleday, considered by many to be the father of baseball.



Because we must: Always give Credit Where Credit is due

(citing Wikipedia and FunTrivia)


Ohio State is beating Kent State 42-0 in the third quarter. Ouch.


ALCS Game Two postgame notes after tonight's game. Till then, I shall make no comments as to which team has a better offense.