Mariano Rivera Thinks Derek Jeter Should Be a '1000%' Unanimous Hall of Famer
By Sean Facey
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Derek Jeter is set to be eligible for the Hall of Fame next year, and there's serious questions being asked about whether or not the famed New York Yankees shortstop will be unanimously selected to be enshrined in Cooperstown.
Well, the game's only unanimous Hall of Famer, Mariano Rivera, doesn't have a single doubt about Jeter being worthy of unanimous selection.
"If it was me, it would be 1,000 percent. Forget about 100 percent."
Mariano Rivera enters the @baseballhall as the first-ever unanimous selection tomorrow on MLB Network!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 20, 2019
Will Derek Jeter become the second player to do so in 2020? pic.twitter.com/sgQCvupyTM
The famed closer had nothing but good things to say about Jeter and his candidacy. "I played with Derek for so many years, and seeing him day in and day out, and seeing the way he played the game and respected the game, I don’t see why not."
He's not the only person who thinks Jeter is deserving of the honor. His former manager Joe Torre expects it as well.
Joe Torre told the @dpshow that he expects Derek Jeter to be a unanimous Hall of Famer, just like Mariano Rivera. pic.twitter.com/aFtJVr52ez
— AUDIENCE Sports (@AudienceSports) July 24, 2019
There's no doubt that Jeter will make it in, the only question is over unanimity, and he has a strong case as far as his resume goes. A 14-time All-Star during his 20-year career, Jeter took home five championships, five Silver Sluggers and five Gold Gloves, and that's not even mentioning the fact that he was the face of the franchise for practically that entire time.
10/13/01: New York Yankees at Oakland Athletics - Derek Jeter makes an unbelievable flip play to Jorge Posada, to catch Jeremy Giambi at home plate during Game 3 of the ALDS. pic.twitter.com/1iQMGWSSOg
— Jake Montgomery (@JakeM0NTGOMERY) August 21, 2019
Some of his career numbers are less than what would be expected of a player deserving of the entire vote. Rivera had the whole "all-time leader in saves" thing going for him for his selection.
But regardless of the stats, it's a given that Jeter will get selected. It's just up to the voters to determine if he'll earn the distinction of being unanimous.