Barring something catastrophic, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will soon become the 28th player in Major League Baseball history to reach the 3,000-hit plateau. The question is, can he collect the seven hits he still needs in the next four games, which would allow him to reach the milestone in front of the home fans at Yankee Stadium?
Jeter went 2-for-5 with two RBI during Sunday’s 9-1 victory over Cleveland. He now has 2,993 career hits. Other players have reached the 3,000-hit mark while playing for the Yankees. None, however, have amassed all of their hits while wearing a Yankee uniform.
Thus, reaching the mark at home would be an an achievement sure to set off a celebration in the Bronx, and would be more memorable than if Jeter accomplishes the feat on the road. Especially since the next round of inter-league play begins after the Yankees finish their current homestand against Cleveland and Texas.
Somehow, reaching the mark at Wrigley Field against the Chicago Cubs or at Great American Ball Park Against the Cincinnati Reds just doesn’t seem quite right.
So, here’s to hoping Jeter — hitting just .259 right now — can find a little magic the next few days and get to 3,000 at Yankee Stadium.