July 9, 2011

Tater Trot Tracker

Derek Jeter's 3,000th Career Hit

by Larry Granillo

Printer-friendly

I've been away from the computer for the last week, but sometimes things happen that just need to be commented on...

Home Run of the Day: Derek Jeter, New York Yankees - 19.47 seconds [video]
We've been waiting for it all year and, on Saturday afternoon, Derek Jeter finally made it happen. On a hanging curve ball from David Price, Jeter became the 28th player in Major League Baseball history to reach 3,000 career hits. Even more, he became only the second player in history to reach the coveted milestone with a home run.

Wade Boggs was the first to hit a home run on #3,000 back in 1999, and he enjoyed his trot immensely. With a hug at first base and - after waiting for a moment for a fan to get tackled - a kiss at home plate, Boggs gave us one of the best trots of all-time (of course, the only video of it I can find is edited in such a way to prevent tater trot tracking). Jeter's trot was much more restrained, as he raced around the bases at a good clip. From home to home, Jeter took 19.47 seconds. He must have slowed down between third and home because he was at second in the eight to nine second range.

Play stopped on the field as Jeter celebrated with his friends and teammates, giving hugs and kisses all around. This moment may have been dreaded by those of us who aren't big Yankee fans (the lovefest has been big enough all year, now we have to hear about a home run from Jeter?!), but that's okay. Moments like this are rare and fun and should be celebrated. Congratulations to Derek Jeter and the Yankees. It's been much deserved.

Now, please no one start the countdown to Pete Rose!