Angels Give Derek Jeter a Painting Commemorating His 3,000 Hits

It’s not enough for Derek Jeter to get his own line of gear at MLB.com commemorating his 3,000 hits. It’s not enough that his Yankees teammates commissioned a statue celebrating the milestone. The Angels decided they had to get in on the act.

This is actually nothing new. We told you last month that the Angels planned to honor Jeter when the Yankees came to Anaheim. Well the Yankees arrived in Anaheim Friday night and the Angels welcomed Jeter with open arms.

Manager Mike Scioscia and outfielder Torii Hunter presented Jeter with a painting commemorating his 3,000 hits prior to the game. The PA announcer also congratulated Jeter after the second inning, drawing cheers from the crowd.

That’s something I just don’t understand.

Jeter has been a memorable player who will one day be in the Hall of Fame. When that day comes, all teams in baseball can celebrate him. Until that point, why would the Angels encourage fans to cheer on an opponent who’s still trying to beat them? I’m all for sportsmanship and I do believe Jeter deserves to be celebrated, but now is not the time. You can respect the opponent, by why celebrate the opponent while you’re still competing against him?

Thanks to Victor Rojas for the picture, via Beto Duran