Derek Jeter's Top 10 Yankee Moments Part 1: Countdown #10 - #6

Derek Jeter has been one of the most beloved professional athletes in New York’s illustrious sports history.

He has also been one of the most respected athletes in the history of sports in general.

Jeter has been involved in countless moments that will live on forever, and be told to sons and grandsons for generations.

Though it is virtually impossible to break down Jeter’s 14-year career into just “The 10 Greatest Moments”, I will attempt to shoulder the burden as best I can.

There are many more that have slightly fallen short of the list, and may have even touched fans enough to make it their personal favorite.

Starting of course at #10 and counting down to #1, here are some of the moments that helped Jeter to capture our hearts (or ripped yours out and stomped on it):

10. Jeter Collects His 2000th Career Hit:

On May 26, 2006, Jeter chopped a slow-roller down the 3rd base line off of Royals SP Scott Elarton.

He beat it out for an infield single, and became the 8th Yankee to achieve the milestone.

It was fitting that Jeter did not reach 2000 hits with a home run, but in fact a soft single.

I was luckily and thankfully at the game.

9. Jeter Becomes “Captain” of the Bronx

On June 3, 2003, Jeter was crowned the 11th captain in New York Yankees history.

He was the only possible replacement for the beloved Don Mattingly, who vacated the position upon retirement in 1995.

Needless to say, he has lived up to his title time and time again.

8. Passes Lou Gehrig for Most Hits in Yankee Stadium History

Jeter passed Gehrig’s longstanding Yankee record on September 16 of last season by collecting his 1270th hit in the stadium.

He singled off of Chicago White Sox starter Gavin Floyd to reach the milestone.

The “Iron Horse” has grown accustomed to his hallowed records being broken, as the consecutive games played streak that earned him his nickname was surpassed by Cal Ripken in 1995.

7. Jeter's Girlfriends: Jealousy Personified

Jeter has proudly held New York’s “Most Eligible Bachelor” title for over a decade.

During that time he has dated some of the most beautiful girls to walk the Earth.

In order to save space and time, I have only selected six of the most famous and well known love affairs.

This picture collage includes Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, and Vanessa Minnillo on the top row. The bottom row includes Jessica Biel, Mariah Carey, and former “Miss Universe” Lara Dutta.

Some may argue that this does not belong on Jeter’s top moments. Others may argue that these people are envious and bitter at Jeter’s ability to close.

6. Yankee Stadium Farewell Speech

No one else could have possibly delivered the final speech at “The House that Ruth Built”.

This stadium had seen some of the most memorable speeches in sports history, including Lou Gehrig’s emotional goodbye in which he stated he was “the luckiest man on the face of the earth.”

Jeter tapped into fans emotions during the speech, and gave over 80 years of memories their justice.

Providing a second home to many fans for their entire lives, the original stadium will never be forgotten.