New York Yankees star Derek Jeter earned yet another accolade Saturday as he moved into sixth place on MLB‘s all-time hits list with 3,431.
According to the Yanks’ official Twitter account, the captain broke a tie with legendary Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop and Hall of Famer Honus Wagner:
As seen in this video courtesy of MLB.com, the landmark hit came on an infield single off Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber in the sixth inning:
The 40-year-old Jeter will retire at the end of the season, but there is still time left for him to amass more hits. With that said, his progress toward the top of the all-time list is probably over.
Per MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, Jeter is 83 hits behind Hall of Famer Tris Speaker for the No. 5 spot:
Many have been impressed by Jeter’s assault on the record books, including Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who commented on Jeter tying Wagner Friday night, per MLB.com’s Jamal Collier.
“Big names. I mean really big names,” Girardi said. “It’s been fun to watch him go through it this season.”
Regardless of how many hits Jeter ends up with, he has already proved to be one of the greatest shortstops and players in MLB history. He is a 14-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion, which undoubtedly puts him in elite company.
Kevin Kernan of the New York Post weighed in on Jeter and his storied career:
Jeter is not going to be the guest speaker at the next meeting of analytical experts. The iPad game is not his game. He knows what it takes to win. At the age of 40, he produces.
Over his last 49 games, Jeter is hitting .300.
Jeter has been celebrated across Major League Baseball throughout his farewell season, and he has been showered with gifts and praise by the Yankees’ opponents. Much like Mariano Rivera last year, baseball fans are flocking to stadiums to catch one last glimpse of No. 2.
While passing Wagner is an incredible accomplishment, Jeter likely has his eyes on a playoff appearance and perhaps even a sixth World Series title.
The Yankees are very much in the thick of the American League wild-card race, and one more foray into the postseason would be an ideal conclusion to Jeter’s career.
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