Before I discuss the game or Derek Jeter passing Mickey Mantle for third place on the all time hits list for Yankees, I have to say how much I admire Derek Jeter. It is easy to admire him for the great player he has been, the leader he is, and the way he has taken the team to 4 championships, but it more than that. Jeter is a fan of the game. He knows its past, respects it, and understands the different eras of the game and the players of those eras. He is a true professional, a great player, and a great person. More than that, he is a great Yankee. If you are a kid out there looking for someone to emulate. You can not go wrong with number 2, Derek Jeter, number 2.
As far as the game tonight Mike Mussina pitched another great game going 6 innings giving up only 1 run and striking out 6 as he won his 9th game. Mussina could be named to the All Star team. Ohlendorf, Farnsworth, and Rivera nailed down the 7th, 8th, and 9th and the Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-1.
Johnny Damon had 3 more hits and continues to be hot while the team had 12 hits. Jeter was humble about passing Mantle on the hit list and seemed more comfortable talking about Moose's pitching performance. It is quite a accomplishment.
