"I don't try to prove anything to anyone" - When Derek Jeter was left furious over critics questioning his decline in form with Yankees
Derek Jeter was an all-time great shortstop for the New York Yankees. He was with the club from 1995 to 2014, helping the Bronx Bombers achieve five World Series titles.
However, it was not all sunshine and rainbows throughout his career. In the winter of 2010, the two sides agreed to a three-year deal, which did not sit well with some fans. Jeter was starting to age and his game was taking a hit.
Coming off an injury in 2011, Jeter understood people were questioning his ability to play at an elite level. However, he did not let that get to him, via ESPN's Wallace Matthews.
"I don't try to prove anything to anyone. I try to help my team win. There's been constant questions. It's nothing new to me. I try not to pay attention to it and try to improve," said Jeter.
Jeter understood these questions had some weight to them and he needed to improve. He was the star on the team that everybody looked up to and set the tone.
"I need to be a little more consistent than I have been. I can't change anything that has happened in the past. I've been criticized before, I take it as a challenge," said Jeter.
Yankees' slugger Derek Jeter went on to make history that season
During the 2011 season, Derek Jeter was creeping up on the 3,000th hit of his career. It was something he had his sights set on as he would join an elite group of MLB sluggers who have accomplished the feat.
On July 9 against the Tampa Bay Rays, Jeter made history. He entered the game with 2,998 hits and ended up going 5-for-5 that day with a homer for his 3,000th hit. He was even able to do it at Yankee Stadium in front of the home fans.
It was something baseball fans hadn't seen in quite some time. During the 2007 season, Houston Astros legend Craig Biggio achieved his 3,000th hit. Interestingly enough, he was the first player to reach 3,000 hits while being perfect at the plate, going 5-for-5 on the evening.
Not long after Jeter reached 3,000 hits, his Yankees teammate Alex Rodriguez did the same. Just like Jeter, A-Rod accomplished his 3,000th hit with a home run at Yankee Stadium, coming off Justin Verlander during the 2015 season.