The Quiet Man...

Shortstop Derek Jeter made the sports headlines once again this week when he tied Lou Gehrig, the "Iron Horse", for the most hits by a Yankee, 2,721. Jeter should receive an Academy Award not only for his ability to garner hits, but his ability to withstand 15 seasons in a Yankee uniform in a quiet and respectful manner.

To play in New York is one thing, but to play season after season for the Yankees, while pushing all the right buttons on and off the field is a remarkable feat for the likable shortstop, who more than likely will end his career as a Yankee. Why should he depart the building? Jeter will be one Yankee who doesn't have to leave and will never jump the ship. Fifteen seasons and a career batting average of .317, chances are Jeter will hit the 3,000 hit mark before he tips his hat and turns in his Yankees' pinstripes. Selected sixth overall in the first-round of the 1992 draft,Jeter has performed in MVP fashion for the Yankees all these years, and owns a fielding percentage of .976, despite the pressures that go along with playing in front of the Yankee fans day in and day out.

As for Lou Gehrig, what a fantastic ball player he must have been. Gehrig died in 1941, four years before I was born. He played in 2,164 games, all with the Yankees. He stepped to the plate in a Yankee uniform 8,001 times and he heard that familiar,loud cheer 2,721 times as he motored to first base,after hitting safely. Gehrig, a first baseman, had a career batting average of .340 and collected 493 home runs. He broke Babe Ruth's record for hits during the month of September in 1937. The record held up for 72 years.

Until, now. Jeter should be a proud man, and he shouldn't have to be quiet about it either. He deserves all the applause.