Derek Jeter

Derek Sanderson Jeter (born June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey) is the current starting shortstop for the New York Yankees baseball team and a six-time All-Star.

Pro baseball accomplishments

Jeter made his major league debut on May 29, 1995, just a month before turning 21. He showed enough talent to replace incumbent Yankee shortstop Tony Fernandez and earn a starting spot on the team in 1996. It didn't take long for the Yankee faithful to take to Jeter, as he earned Rookie of the Year honors by having a solid all-around year in which he hit .314. He saved his best for the postseason, where he batted .361 in 15 playoff games en route to the Yankees' first world title in 18 years. One of Jeter's biggest hits that postseason, a home run he hit in the 8th inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series, proved both memorable and controversial. Jeter lined an outside pitch from Baltimore Oriole pitcher Armando Benitez into right-field for a game-tying homerun. However, replays clearly showed that 12-year-old Yankee fan Jeffrey Maier reached over the right-field wall into the field of play and caught the ball, possibly depriving Oriole outfielder Tony Tarasco from making a crucial play. Despite protests from the Orioles, the home run call was upheld, which allowed the Yankees to tie and eventually win the game in extra innings.

Related Topics:
May 29 - 1995 - Tony Fernandez - 1996 - Rookie of the Year - American League - Baltimore Oriole - Armando Benitez - Jeffrey Maier

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During his rookie season the young shortstop gained instant fame and soon became a regular subject in the local newspapers' gossip columns. A highly eligible bachelor in New York with matinee idol looks, his love life became a hot topic among the press, most notably his relationship in 1998 with pop star Mariah Carey. Despite being fiercely protective of his privacy, Jeter's dating status has continued to receive intense coverage. Jeter has been linked romantically to former Miss Universe Lara Dutta, actresses Jordana Brewster, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Alba, and, most recently, MTV personality, Vanessa Minnillo.

Related Topics:
Mariah Carey - Miss Universe - Lara Dutta - Jordana Brewster - Scarlett Johansson - Jessica Alba - MTV - Vanessa Minnillo

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Despite all the media attention, Jeter has continued to produce on the field. During the Yankees' 1998 campaign in which they won 114 games, he batted .324, led the American League with 127 runs, earned his first All-Star appearance, and placed 3rd in the AL MVP voting.

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1999 showed more progress, as Jeter reached career highs in batting average, home runs, RBIs and walks, and led the AL in hits with 219. During the 2000 season, he was voted the MVP of the All-Star Game, and then World Series MVP, as the Yankees defeated the New York Mets in the Subway Series.

Related Topics:
1999 - 2000 - World Series - New York Mets

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In 2004, Jeter won his first American League Gold Glove Award, an award given annually to the best defensive player at each position.

Related Topics:
2004 - Gold Glove Award

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In January of 2005, Derek Jeter was voted the best baserunner in baseball by ESPN.com.

Related Topics:
2005 - ESPN

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