Monday, November 30, 2009, 09:59 AM EST [General]
Derek Jeter came up short of being named American League Most Valuable Player (that went to Minnesota's Joe Mauer, which was richly deserved). But next to becoming a World Champion for the fifth time, the Yankees captain was bestowed sports' ultimate honor that exemplifies his accomplishments on and off the field, a recipe that defines Jeter's true essence.
Jeter has been named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. He was chosen as the magazine's 56th honoree, becomes the first Yankee to be named SI's Sportsman and will grace the cover of the Dec. 7 issue that hits newsstands on Wednesday.
Perhaps more so than any season during his outstanding career, Jeter cemented his legacy as a Yankees icon and surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2009. He batted a team-high .334 and passed Lou Gehrig's franchise mark for base hits, which now stands at 2,747. He also lived up to - and even enhanced - his reputation as a clutch player, batting .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, three home runs and six RBIs. He saved his best work for the World Series, batting .407 to lead the Yankees to a six-game victory over the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies.
I've always believed that as a captain, Jeter does his best work behind closed doors without drawing attention to himself. His play day in and day out, and how the team follows his example, is what defines a leader and valuable player. The nation saw it during the postseason and will get to relive it over the holidays.
Jeter has been named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year. He was chosen as the magazine's 56th honoree, becomes the first Yankee to be named SI's Sportsman and will grace the cover of the Dec. 7 issue that hits newsstands on Wednesday.
Perhaps more so than any season during his outstanding career, Jeter cemented his legacy as a Yankees icon and surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2009. He batted a team-high .334 and passed Lou Gehrig's franchise mark for base hits, which now stands at 2,747. He also lived up to - and even enhanced - his reputation as a clutch player, batting .344 with a .432 on-base percentage, three home runs and six RBIs. He saved his best work for the World Series, batting .407 to lead the Yankees to a six-game victory over the defending world champion Philadelphia Phillies.
I've always believed that as a captain, Jeter does his best work behind closed doors without drawing attention to himself. His play day in and day out, and how the team follows his example, is what defines a leader and valuable player. The nation saw it during the postseason and will get to relive it over the holidays.
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