Derek Jeter: Greatest Yankee Ever?

Derek Jeter broke Lou Gehrig’s record for most hits by a Yankee tonight. Lou Gehrig had 2,721 hits as a Yankee. Jeter now sits at 2,722.

So, it seemed like a good time to analyze where Jeter sits in Yankee history, even though he’s not done writing his story. First, let’s look at the top 5 Yankee hitters of all time:

1. Derek Jeter
2. Lou Gehrig
3. Babe Ruth
4. Mickey Mantle
5. Bernie Williams

Wow. That’s one heck of a list. Is Derek Jeter really a better player than the guys on this list? Well, he played with Bernie Williams. Gehrig, Ruth and Mantle all won more World Series’ rings.

Jeter has the second most all-star selections (10). Not sure which number is more incredible. 16 all-star selections for Mickey Mantle, or only 2 for Babe Ruth.

Jeter’s in his 15th season, at the age of 35. Mantle was 37 when he retired, Babe Ruth was 40, Gehrig was 36.

We know Jeter still has some years left in those legs. He might not be the best Yankee ever today. I never had the pleasure of watching Gehrig, Mantle, or Ruth. As a Yankee fan, I feel pretty lucky to have seen Jeter’s entire career thus far. I hope to be having the argument for a number of years while he continues to rack up stats as a Yankee.

And, just maybe, a couple more rings.