Derek Jeter Once Witnessed a Terrible Rut Where He Struggled for a Hit Before World Series Victory in 2000 “I Just Want to Hit the Ball”

Derek Jeter is a baseball legend. From an unbeatable attitude of competitiveness to brimming confidence, Jeter was the most fitting description of an ideal Yankee. And his awards and numbers always spoke for it. However, like everyone else, even he is human. Even Jeter had his share of slumps, poor outings, and imperfect forms.

Despite a slump in form, Jeter’s face was never low. He came out strong, and he conquered. Back in 2000, Jeter once witnessed a terrible rut, so bad that he wasn’t even able to touch the ball.

Jeter’s rumor helped him out of his rut in 2000

During the 2000 season, right before the Yanks lost 1-11 to the Mariners, Jeter caught himself on camera having a candid conversation with Paul O Neill and Bernie Williams. He said, “I’d better get a hit today.”

Shortly after that statement, Jeter edited his previous remark while saying he just wanted to hit the ball hard. He added, “I don’t even care if someone catches it.” He dropped down further with his next statement and said, “I just want to hit the ball with the barrel of my bat, that’s all.”

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Joe Torre, then skipper of the Yanks, responding to Jeter’s poor form, said, “He’s in a little bit of a dip. But I think he’ll be all right. He’s the same person in the dugout—it’s remarkable how he stays on an even keel.” Markedly, the Yanks went on to win the World Series in 2000, with Derek Jeter winning the MVP of the World Series. Definitely some turn of form.

Can anyone replace Derek Jeter?

Before the Yankee management elected Jeter as their captain in 2003, they waited for eight years. Don Mattingly retired from captaincy and the MLB in 1995. The hold-up before selecting a new captain directly expressed the Yankee attitude of electing only the most perfect and fitting captain to become the face of the Yankees roster. After Jeter took over the captaincy, he displayed an attitude of courage. He went out, represented, and faced the world like a true, confident, selfless, and powerful Yankee. Jeter reached every household in NYC and resonated with the fans’ thought process.

Undoubtedly, Jeter goes down in history as one of the greatest shortstops to play the game. His success and fandom prove that no one can ever replace him. However, the Yankees’ quest for a new captain has started. Today, there is only one fitting answer to who could replace Jeter as the next captain. Probably, it’s Aaron Judge. But will he do justice to the position? Only time will tell.

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