Yankees: Ranking Derek Jeter’s Most Iconic Moments

2. The Mr. November Homer

Derek Jeter earned his iconic moniker Mr. November in 2001 with a home run for the ages.

On October 31, Tino Martinez and Derek Jeter likely locked eyes at some point late into the evening, and in tandem decided that, after four titles in five years, a still-buried-in-the-rubble New York hadn’t had their faith properly rewarded yet.

Or, at least, that’s what it felt like to a loyal fanbase who could not believe it was all happening again (and wait ’til they got a load of the next night).

Enjoy, the only moment in MLB history that comes equipped with its own set of ominous chimes.

With two outs in the ninth, Tino Martinez set the table perfectly, drilling a fastball into the outer reaches of the center field bleachers, with the black seats in sight, to tie the game. Then, with the contest stretching past midnight and in danger of advancing past the Martinez cut and swinging its momentum back to Arizona, Jeter made sure that none of the iconography was squandered. He didn’t hit home runs terribly often, remember. It was rarely Jeter’s job to complete the whole rally himself with two outs and no one on base.

Also — important — zero Yankees were doing any hitting whatsoever during the 2001 World Series.

Luckily, this inside-out swing had a bit more jolt on it — this horsehide ball had enough lift that it would’ve comfortably smacked a properly-situated Jeffrey Maier right in the sternum, beyond the wall. Just like that, the series was even. New life. No reason to die. A deflated Curt Schilling, who started the game, was forced to watch his hard work unravel, shred, and implode. It was at that very moment that he retreated to the clubhouse, asked Jeeves, “Can Heinz ketchup look like dried blood?” and plotted his unfortunate revenge.

Don’t let Andy Pettitte tipping pitches and Luis Gonzalez taking advantage of a drawn-in infield taint this memory for you one bit. This was for your city. This will stand the test of time.