via Getty
NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees makes the throw to second for the out to end the third inning after fielding the hit by Alex Rios #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays during Opening Day at Yankee Stadium April 1, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK – APRIL 01: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees makes the throw to second for the out to end the third inning after fielding the hit by Alex Rios #15 of the Toronto Blue Jays during Opening Day at Yankee Stadium April 1, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
Derek Jeter is one of the most clutch baseball players of all time. He performed well during the regular season, but once the postseason started, he used to play on another level altogether. Hence, he is widely considered one of the greatest postseason performers of all time. Jeter did this through consistently good play, clutch hits, and dazzling defensive technique. Furthermore, he was always ready to put his body on the line to win games.
But Jeter has always been a player to cause debate, with many followers of the game commenting on his career. Most recently, a heated debate broke out on Twitter over one of his most iconic plays.
Was “The Dive” by Derek Jeter a legendary play or not?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On July 1s, 2004, the New York Yankees were in an extra innings game against the Boston Red Sox. The game was tied 3-3 in the 12th inning when the Red Sox got a hit that would have broken the deadlock. But Jeter ran after the ball and caught it. The legendary shortstop couldn’t stop his momentum and ended up in the stands. Twitter user Baseball in Pics shared an image on Twitter and asked fans whether the play was legendary or not.
Derek Jeter dives into the stands, July 1, 2004. Is this is a legendary play or overrated? pic.twitter.com/f3RtJ62efp
— Baseball In Pics (@baseballinpix) March 14, 2023
In the tweet, Baseball in Pics said, “Derek Jeter dives into the stands, July 1, 2004. Is this is a legendary play or overrated?”. This Tweet has started an intense debate among baseball fans.
Some fans said that the play is indeed legendary and lauded the effort that Jeter put into it.
Happened almost 20 years ago. People remember it. Millions of views on youtube……. We are all still talking about it. Clearly legendary!
— Frank Bertolasio (@FarmguyFrank) March 14, 2023
As a lifelong Red Sox fan who generally hates the “ dark side”, it was one of the most amazing efforts I’ve ever seen. Jeter was a NY Yankee but I would have him on my team any day.
— Don Benson (@DonBens7990) March 14, 2023
Not a yankee or Jeter fan but have to admit it was legendary…he went all in. Paid blood with it.
— Alejandro Gonzalez (@AlejandroNY75) March 14, 2023
Legendary given the timing and situation. A good play at any other time.
— WashPA_JDM (@WashPA_JDM) March 14, 2023
Other fans criticized the play and called it overrated.
Like all things about Jeter, overrated.
— Spinsomniac (@Spinsomniac1) March 15, 2023
Way overrated. He caught the ball in fair territory. Took a million steps and an unnecessary dive into the stands. Still not as overrated as the flip play. But very close
— Troy Milne (@TroyMilne6) March 14, 2023
Overrated https://t.co/QJYJRmZH4u
— CANSERBERO (@pabel18) March 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Regardless of all the opinions, it will always be considered one of Jeter’s most clutch plays. With a tied game against his rival Red Sox, Jeter kept the game alive with his play. Furthermore, he put his body in harm’s way to do so. Luckily, the result went the Yankees’ way.
Jeter’s dive play helped the Yankees win the game
Following Derek Jeter’s 12th-inning heroics, the New York Yankees managed to put another run on the board. This helped them win the game and secured this play among Jeter’s top defensive moments. In fact, the legendary Yankees shortstop even revisited the dive play.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: From Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez to Derek Jeter: Here are the top 5 richest MLB players of all time
What do you think about “The Dive” play by Derek Jeter? Is it legendary or overrated? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below!
