Derek Jeter's Top 10 Yankee Moments Part 2: Countdown #5 - #1

5. Jeter Dives into the Stands

On July 1, 2004, Jeter made one of the most courageous defensive plays in Yankee history against the rivaled Red Sox.

He went on a full sprint toward the 3B line on a Trot Nixon popup, and made an excellent backhanded grab.

His momentum carried him three rows deep into the stands as Alex Rodriguez looked on as if to wonder, “How can a player be so selfless? He already got his big contract”.

As he emerged from the stands bloodied and bruised, Jeter won over even the most hateful of Boston fans.

4. Jeter Wins the 2000 World Series MVP

In capturing its fourth World Series title in a span of only five years, the Yankees defeated the New York Mets 4-1 in an overly hyped “subway series”.

Jeter hit .409 with a .480 on-base percentage, while also hitting two home runs and scoring six times.

“Captain Clutch” lived up to his nickname during the most important World Series victory of the dynasty years. If they won it was anticipated. If they lost, it was unforgivable.

3. Jeffrey Maier

During Game One of the 1996 ALCS, Jeter lifted a fly ball deep to right field.

It appeared to be headed for the stands. Then it appeared that Orioles RF Tony Tarasco had a beat on it.

Luckily for the Yankees, 12 year old Yankees fan Jeffrey Maier had brought his glove to the game that day.

He reached over the wall and pulled Jeter’s fly ball into his lap. After much protesting and deliberation, it was ruled a home run.

The Yankees continued their storybook season on their way to capturing they first title in 18 years.

2. “Mr. November”

Due to the September 11 attacks on New York City, the baseball season was stretched out longer than originally anticipated.

As a result, the World Series entered a month it had never seen before during a magical Game Four in the Bronx.

As the clock struck midnight during an extra inning game, it had officially become November 1, 2001.

Jeter then deposited an offering from Diamondbacks closer Byung-Hyun Kim over the right field wall for a walk-off homer.

Forever earning the nickname “Mr. November”, Jeter then tied the series at 2-2 and temporarily kept the team’s dreams alive.

1. “The Flip”

Jeter made his greatest defensive play as a Yankee during Game Three of the 2001 ALDS against the Oakland Athletics.

After a double down the right field line, Yankees OF Shane Spencer badly overthrew the cutoff man while attempting to stop a critical run from scoring.

Jeter came out of nowhere to scoop up the errant throw, and ultimately saved the Yankees from elimination by shoveling it to Jorge Posada for the out.

He had no business being in the area as a SS, but his instincts and playmaking ability took over.

FOX announcer Thom Brennaman's play-by-play:

"That is fair, down the right field line. Giambi on his way to third, and they're gonna wave him around! The throw misses the cutoff man—shovel to the plate! Out at the plate! Derek Jeter with one of the most unbelievable plays you will ever see by a shortstop!”