Derek Jeter Reaches No. 3,000 with a Bang: Homers Off Price

Derek Jeter wasted no time after his rehab assignment in Trenton to end his quest for 3,000 hits. Jeter slapped a single in the first inning and then came to the plate in third inning to face David Price for the second time. Price, the Tampa Bay Rays ace pitcher, had a rough outing and in the third inning, Jeter made his day a little longer.

Jeter stepped up to the plate in the third inning and it was obvious he was destined to hit No. 3,000 in he second at bat of the game. Jeter launched the David Price pitch deep into the left field stands for a home run and became only the second batter ever to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit. Wade Boggs pulled off the feat as well.

Only 28 Major League Baseball players have ever accomplished the feat of 3,000 hits in a career and the next hitter to accomplish the feat may take a decade or more. Jeter is also the only New York Yankees player to ever hit 3,000 hits in his career.

Jeter was not finished after hitting 2,999 and No. 3,000. Jeter went 5-5 with a double and the home run and finished the day with 3,003 hits. Jeter also scored the game winning hit in the New York Yankees 5-4 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The milestone reached by Jeter was universally honored by fans outside of the New York Yankees organization because Jeter is special. He is not flashy and flamboyant like Alex Rodriguez and not cocky like a Roger Clemens. Derek Jeter plays the game the way the game should be played. He is a special player we will not soon see again. The Captain deserves honors from all of baseball today, not just in New York.

Sources:

YES Network