The Jeter Legacy: A Tough Act To Follow

There have been many legendary players who have worn the Yankee pinstripes. Names like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, among others, come to mind. And of course, on almost anybody's list of legendary Yankees would be another name: Derek Jeter.

Let's reflect for a moment on the awesomeness of Jeter's career. In 20 major league seasons, he holds The Yankee team records for most at bats ( 11195), most hits (3,465), most singles ( 2,595) , most doubles ( 544), most stolen bases( 358), and most games played (2,747). His 3,465 hits include 260 home runs, and a total of 1,311 RBI's.

Jeter was named to the American League all-star team 14 times, and was the all-star game MVP in 2000. He has five championship rings, and was named World Series MVP in 2000.

Although Jeter faced criticism at times regarding his defensive play (especially more towards end of his career), his defensive stats are more than respectable, with a career total 254 errors, and a .9762 fielding percentage, which places him at # 34 on the list of career fielding percentage for shortstops. And, can you argue with FIVE Gold Glove awards?

Also, Jeter provided something a bit more intangible to his Yankee teams: leadership. In 2003 , he was named team captain by none other than George Steinbrenner. He was the first team captain since Don Mattingly, who retired in 1995, and only the 11th captain in Yankee history.

Also worth mentioning: he was FUN TO WATCH, with that trademark Jeter hopping throw, that somehow made it directly to the first baseman's glove, ahead of the runner.

So, in 2017, names are thrown around , who will succeed Derek Jeter? Didi Gregorius has been the Yankee shortstop since Jeter's retirement, but he is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2017 season due to shoulder injury. His stats , in a total of five MLB seasons, 451 hits, 42 HR's, 183 RBI's , although he is a decent player , he will never match Jeter.

Who will be the next great Yankee shortstop? Will they make a trade, since Gregorius is injured? Will they call up one of the several promising prospects in the minor league system to fill in, and maybe emerge as the next Yankee star?
Keep watching friends, you never know what might happen!