New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter’s number was retired over the weekend as an entire city remembered Padres legend Tony Gwynn on what would have been his 57th birthday.
Baseball fans celebrated two legends of the game this past week; Derek Jeter and Tony Gwynn. Jeter’s number was retired in a ceremony at Yankee Stadium while a statue was dedicated to the late, great Padres star on what would have been his 57th birthday. During his time with the Yankees, Jeter was known as Mr. November while Gwynn as Mr. Padre.
It’s not surprising these two baseball greats were celebrated in the same week. Both spent 20 years in the majors and each made over a dozen All Star appearances. Their careers overlapped briefly, from 1995 when Jeter debuted to 2001 when Gwynn retired, but they had a chance to play each other at the 1998 World Series.
Side by side, their numbers aren’t too far off from each other:
Gwynn played in 2,440 games over 20 years, with 3,141 hits, 1,138 RBI, 135 home runs and a .338 batting average. He also made 15 appearances as an All Star.
Jeter had 2,747 outings over his 20 years, with 1,311 RBI from 3,465 hits. His average was .310 and he finished his career with 260 home runs. Jeter trailed Gwynn by one with 14 All Star appearances.
Not only were their stats similar, but they played the game with the single-minded focus that is the hallmark of a true great. It was more than numbers, it was who they were outside of the game that endeared them to their fans. While it’s true you don’t have to be a good person to be a legend, it certainly makes it easier for fans when you aren’t a jerk. Even diehard Yankees haters had nice things to say about Jeter. That is saying something.
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It’s somehow fitting that both of these men were honored within the same week. Both with such storied pasts will always be remembered not only for the outstanding work they did on the field, but for the people they were off the field as well.