Derek Jeter

It has been said of Derek Jeter, "All he does is beat you!" That's true as far as it goes, but it tends to mask the accomplishments of the future Hall of Fame shortstop. Yes, Jeter does have an almost uncanny ability to get the big hit or make the crucial play, but he also produces day in and day out. New York Yankees manager Joe Torre has frequently remarked that Jeter seems to start every Yankees rally or cap it. The Yankees began a remarkable new edition of their dynasty just as Jeter arrived in 1996. The Yankees won their first World Series championship in nearly two decades and Derek Jeter easily won the American League Rookie of the Year award. The 1996 World Championship kicked off an amazing run of 4 World Series victories in 5 years. During this run, Jeter became the heart and soul of the pinstripers. They became known as "Jeter's Yankees" much like the squads of the 1940's and 1950's were called 'DiMaggio's Yankees". Although he is not a great home run hitter like former Yankees Royalty, Jeter has now assumed an equal place in the hearts of Bronx Bomber fans alongside Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle. Derek Jeter is a winner - That's what makes him Yankee Royalty.