VIDEO: MLB Releases Moving Derek Jeter Tribute With Barry Larkin, Ozzie Smith and Cal Ripken Jr. Cameos
By Scott Rogust
Baseball fans are impatiently waiting for the BBWAA's voting results that will determine who will be selected to the Hall of Fame. While there are plenty of uncertainties this year, the one given is that New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter will be honored with the nod to Cooperstown. Throughout his career, Jeter credited fellow shortstops Barry Larkin, Cal Ripken Jr., and Ozzie Smith as sources of inspiration. Ahead of the results on Tuesday evening, MLB released a moving tribute video for Jeter, including cameos from his heroes.
A tribute to Derek Jeter. From Larkin, Ripken, and Ozzie.
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 21, 2020
Live #HOF2020 coverage begins at 3pm ET on MLB Network pic.twitter.com/yiuEPdkWok
How great must that feel for Jeter ahead of the big day?
The legends spoke very highly of Jeter, detailing his skills on the field to coming up in the clutch during the Yankees' numerous trips to the playoffs and World Series.
Derek Jeter:
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 21, 2020
- 3,465 career hits (6th-most in MLB history)
- Only player with 3,000 hits as a Yankee
- 17 straight seasons with 150 hits (tied for MLB record)
- 13 seasons with 100 runs (T-2nd-most in MLB history)
- 20 seasons with Yankees (most in team history) pic.twitter.com/s1TbPDdbyF
Jeter's accolades speak volumes: five World Series titles, 14 All-Star nominations, five Silver Sluggers, five Gold Gloves, one AL Rookie of the Year, and one World Series MVP.
Jeter will no doubt be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this summer, but the question remains if he will be the second-ever unanimous election behind former teammate Mariano Rivera.