When MLB star Reggie Jackson hailed Derek Jeter for his incredible postseason power display
Reggie Jackson wrote an article in the Players' Tribune in 2015 called "Elite Mr. Octobers 101". In the article, Jackson praised Derek Jeter for his stellar postseason showings.
"Mr. October" is a title reserved especially for Jackson, who is known for raising his level in the postseason. In the article, Jackson talked about how the title bestowed on him should not be given so easily to other players.
The former right fielder said doing well in one postseason should not qualify a player to be called "Mr. October." Instead, they should be able to play well in several postseasons, like Jeter.
"He hit the game-winning and series-tying home run that earned him the nickname “Mr. November.” It’s kind of funny. You wouldn’t say Derek had great power, great speed or a great arm, and he certainly wasn’t the fastest guy."
He added:
"But he was a winner and a leader, which elevated everything else about him and made the whole of his ability so much greater than the sum of his attributes. For that reason, he’s recognized as one of the great players of his era. Some call him the greatest."
Jackson continued:
"When the postseason came and he would just get big hit after big hit in the clutch, it just reinforced his greatness. If there is such a thing as the “clutch gene,” Derek Jeter — and all these guys I mention here — have it."
My favorite part of the Derek Jeter documentary.
https://t.co/1clt9H6euu
When Reggie Jackson praised Derek Jeter for always rising to the occasion
Derek Jeter was one of the best captains the New York Yankees ever had. He always led by example, a fact that Reggie Jackson highlighted in his essay.
"In postseason history, Derek Jeter has the most hits (200), the most doubles (32), is tied for the most triples (5) and has the third-most home runs (20)."
He continued:
"He’s also the all-time postseason leader in games played and plate appearances — which helps those other stats — but you could give a guy all the opportunities in the world in the postseason, and most guys won’t rise to the occasion. Derek Jeter always rose to the occasion."
Jeter should definitely be remembered not only as one of the best Yankees captains, but also as one of the best players they had.