Yankees' Derek Jeter: Really one of the Greatest...

He is one of the "most clutch" players in all of baseball!!! And now that Derek Jeter is on the verge of tying or passing Lou Gehrig's all-time Yankee hit record (2,721 career hits), it got me thinking of all Jeter's contributions. His numbers speak for themselves, so I won't bother because to me, the numbers are just part of the story. We can all remember the times Jeter has come through with a hit to win the game or a great defensive play to get the last crucial out. I want to know your memories... Here are several from Caroline (author of below blog) and editor Dave...both avid Yanks fans! We will go from there....

Oct. 9, 1996
1996 ALCS between Orioles and Yankees. Jeter hits controversial home run to tie Game 1 (Jeffrey Maier-kid who caught the ball over the wall). The Yankees later won the game. Jeter received Rookie of the Year honors and the Yanks take the 1996 World Series against Atlanta.

July 1, 2004
Head first dive into the stands at Yankee Stadium against the Red Sox, where Jeter bloodied his face to catch the ball. It was a Trot Nixon hit, top 12th, Red Sox with 2 outs, Boston with runners on second and third.

2001
Flip play to get runner out at home plate against the Oakland A's in the ALDS. Jason Giambi was a dead duck as Jorge Posada tags him out.

"...With the Yankees and the stadium looking on in sheer astonishment, Jeter scoops up the ball on a bounce with two hands along the baseline. With his momentum carrying him off the field and toward the Yankees' dugout, Jeter, still in motion, flips the ball backhanded, 20 feet to his right, lateraling the ball sideways in the same manner in which a quarterback pitches a football on an option play..." (ESPN.com)

2001 World Series
Fell into stands during World Series with Diamondbacks to make great catch
Walk-off home run in Game 4 to tie up the series