NEW YORK — Something told me tonight would be special. I'm seating here in the press box at Yankee Stadium, looking on as Derek Jeter inches closer to history. After being collared with an o-fer the last two nights, including a miserable doubleheader for Jeter on Monday where for the first time in his career he was held hitless in a twin bill, the Captain managed to breakout out of his slump with a crafty bunt in the first inning.
It was the kind of bunt that would make the late Phil Rizzuto proud. You know, the kind of moment the legendary Yankee shortstop turned broadcaster would characterize with his trademark "HOLY COW!"
Hall of Famer Ted Williams once said if the Red Sox had Rizzuto on his clubs in Boston, "we'd win the World Series every year."
That's the sentiment I feel when trying to put Jeter's career into perspective, especially for fans in other cities.
Jeter may not be the best player in the American League.
He may not be the best player in baseball.
Hell, he may not be the best player on his own team.
But I ask you: if you needed one hit with the game on the line, is there anyone you'd rather see in the batter's box than good, old No. 2.
Jeter is our generation's Phil Rizzuto. He's Mr. Intangible. He does everything well and always seems to be in the right place, at the right time.
No coincidences here.
This latest Yankees Dynasty won nothing before No. 2 took over at SS.
And now, he's one hit away from tying Lou Gehrig on the all-time Yankee hit list.
Simply put, I'm watching greatness right before my eyes.
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