Yankees: Jeter’s vote for the Hall of Fame dramatically enhances his aura and stature

Impact on Jeter’s reputation

One thing that has happened, interestingly, is that the incendiary debate over the final vote and how Jeter graciously responded has led to a very public showing of strong support for Jeter’s election to the HOF. In a large number of articles both online and in print across the U.S., analysts have enumerated his major accomplishments:

• 1996 American League Rookie of the Year
• 14-time All-Star
• Finished in the top 10 of the AL MVP voting eight times
• Named 2000 All-Star Game MVP and 2000 World Series MVP
• Five-time Gold Glove Award winner
• Scored at least 100 runs 13 times, hit at least .300 12 times, and stole at least 30 bases four times
• Earned at least 200 hits in eight seasons and ranks sixth all-time in hits (3,465)
• Appeared in an eye-popping 33 Postseason series over 16 seasons, more than anyone else
• Played in 158 Postseason games, hit .308 with 111 runs scored, 200 hits, 32 doubles, five triples, 20 home runs, 61 RBIs, and 66 walks
• Member of Bombers’ five World Series title teams

It will take a long time before another baseball player, let alone another shortstop, breaks many of these records.

Even if a writer thinks that Jeter is not the best shortstop of all time, how can anyone ignore Mr. November’s avalanche of accomplishments and overall record — and still fail to vote for him for inclusion in the Hall?

Because of the one “no” vote, everyone in the country now knows just how terrific Jeter was as the Yankees shortstop due to the comprehensive media coverage the final vote he received. Ironically, whatever his reputation was before, it has now become dramatically elevated thanks to the one anonymous writer who voted “no.” Thank you, Ms./Mr. “no vote.”