3 of 12

Write now Article Tools

Shortstop is the most pivotal position in the game of baseball. The shortstop serves as the catalyst of the defence, controlling the left side of the infield, as well as the middle. The shortstop is the vocal leader, the voice of the infield. He controls the count on the batter, and the outs recorded in the inning. It is the job of the shortstop to let the outfielders know how many are out, and where to throw the ball once they have retrieved it. Some shortstops go above and beyond the call of duty, and completely control the game in every aspect.

Derek Sanderson Jeter of the New York Yankees is the greatest shortstop in the game. Some shortstops have better statistical offensive numbers, and some even flash better leather now that Jeter is aging slightly, but all in all he is still the cream of the crop. Any discussion of the best shortstops in the game must include Jeter, because he is the hardest working player on the field at all times, and he is the prototypical gentlemen in a game that houses egomaniacs, overpaid, selfish wannabes, steroid abusers, and off-field carousing. Jeter has managed to carve out his niche in the Big Apple, garnering only positive attention.

The argument for who is the best shortstop in baseball does not lend itself to a fair assessment. While there are several fine shortstops that can field their position exceptionally well, and can also hit well, with power and average, the total package is only found in one individual.

No offense to players like Miguel Tejada, Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez to name a few, but none of them can be compared to Derek Sanderson Jeter. Whether or not you love or hate the Yankees (and it is seldom other than those two options), no other player in recent memory can combine the entire package like Jeter.

Not only does Derek Jeter flash the leather like the Wizard of Ozzie Smith, he also hits consistently high for average, provides a decent amount of power at the top of the order, and his base-running is second to none. However, the most impressive aspect of Jeter's game is the intangible, his all out hustle, grit, determination, pride and competitiveness. On every single pitch he is at the ready to dazzle the fans with his trademark catch, swivel and fire to nab a would be base runner. He is a pitcher's best friend, on and off the field. While he still likes to joke around, and can often be seen smiling, he is the consummate professional.

When a teammate gets a key hit or makes a stellar defensive play, the first to congratulate that player is Jeter. He is always at the top of the dugout cheering on his team, no matter the score. He is loved immensely by the entire state of New York, and by baseball enthusiasts everywhere. Upon his retirement, the #2 will be retired and raised high in honor of Jeter, and a statue will be erected in Monument Park. When Jeter takes his place in Cooperstown, and he pumps his fist in his signature manner, all of the other shortstops in baseball can breathe a sigh of relief now that they have a chance of being recognized at their position.

Jeter's intelligence, love for the game, skill level and likability have forged him into a national icon. In the midst of all of the steroid scandals and sports heroes going to jail, it is quite refreshing to see Derek Jeter play shortstop for the beloved New York Yankees. He embodies what America's Favorite Pastime really and truly is. Jeter is one of the good guys in a game filled with crooks and liars. Step aside Lou Gehrig, Derek Jeter is the Pride of the Yankees.

Learn more about this author, Bobby Coles.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Who are the best shortstops in baseball??
We want to hear your view. Write now!