From One Captain to Another...

NEW YORK — Baseball immortality. And we were here to witness it — again!

Derek Jeter kept the crowd in suspense for at least one at-bat. With the all-time Yankee hit mark on the line, the captain whiffed in his first AB. But as Jeter always does, he made up for it shortly later with a single to right field in the third.

In the process, Jeter broke the Yankees' hit record held by Lou Gehrig for more than seven decades Friday night. That gave Jeter 2,722 hits, one more than Gehrig, whose Hall of Fame career was cut short by illness in 1939. He later singled to right in the fourth inning, pushing his even further.

Of course, the game against Baltimore must get through five innings and become official for Jeter's hit to count. The start was delayed 87 minutes by a heavy rain that had tapered off by the third inning.

Jeter's record-breaking hit was remarkably similar to the one that tied Gehrig on Wednesday night, a sharp grounder inside the first-base line. After this one, Yankees players poured out of the dugout and engulfed Jeter at first base with hugs and pats on the back.

Here in the press box, Yankees PR released a statement from principal owner George M. Steinbrenner. One that pretty much sums it up. "For those who say today's game can't produce legendary players, I have two words: Derek Jeter. Game in and game out he just produces. As historic and significant as becoming the Yankees' all-time hit leader is, the accomplishment is all the more impressive because Derek is one of the finest young men playing in the game today. That combination of character and athletic ability is something he shares with the previous record holder Lou Gehrig.

"It adds to the pride that the Yankees and our fans feel today. Every Yankees' era has its giants. It's thrilling to watch Derek as he becomes one of the greats of his generation, if not all the time."

This evening is extra special for me. Through some friends, I was able to get my brother and his family some tickets for the game. They are sitting in the stands right now. My 11-year-old nephew is out there. That's about as cool as it gets.

I grew up across the street at the old ballpark, and now the tradition continues within the family with my nephew looking on in the new digs. He's a big Jeter fan, as is my big brother. It's cool to share the moment with them.

My folks are watching from home in Florida, too. They wouldn't miss a Yankee moment like that for the world.

We're happy at BronxNet that we got the chance to capture it. Congratulations Derek. Thank you for all 2,723 hits...and counting.