Jeter Takes Another Swing at History
Jeter enters needs just four hits to surpass Lou Gehrig's 2,721 for the most all-time as a Yankee
Updated 5:26 PM PDT, Tue, Sep 8, 2009
Derek Jeter, who entered the Yankees' Labor Day doubleheader three hits shy of tying Lou Gehrig's franchise record went a combined 0-for-8; tonight he took another swing at history.
In any one game Jeter could surpass Gehrig. Tonight's matchup with the Tampa Bay Rays kept eyes focused on Jeter's near-record.
Jeter is four hits away from moving past the Iron Horse's 2,721 hits for the most all-time as a Yankee, already owning the franchise records in singles (2,001), hit-by-pitches (142) and at-bats (8,573).
"I'm sure there will be a lot of anticipation," Joe Girardi said. "People are really excited about it for him, for what he's meant to this franchise. Our guys are excited about it. You start counting down in your head, looking at the days, I'm sure the park will be full every day. It's really something special," the Daily News reported.
Jeter continues to eclipse club records on his way to 3,000 hits and an evenual place in Cooperstown -- and the second half of his brilliant career has seen him rewrite the Yankees record books, MLB reports. it is apparent that his place in franchise lore is already secure.
In the very near future, Jeter will supplant more great names from past the center-field wall. He needs 114 runs scored to equal Mickey Mantle (1,677, third in club history), eight doubles for Don Mattingly (442, third) and two appearances to match Yogi Berra in games played (2,116, third).
"I think he's right there probably with everybody," said Hall of Fame closer Rich "Goose" Gossage. "He's had the longevity as a Yankee to allow him to do that. He's been their captain. I think longevity is the key to records, especially for a guy like Lou Gehrig, MLB reports.
First Published: Sep 7, 2009 7:04 AM PDT
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