Derek Jeter smacked his 3,000th career hit on July 9th yet the celebration of his accomplishment continues five weeks later. The shortstop received a statue from his teammates Saturday to commemorated his 3,000 hits. It was commissioned by teammates CC Sabathia and Jorge Posada, and it shows Jeter tipping his cap to the fans. The statue itself looks a bit strange, so maybe we’ll call it “abstract art.”
In addition to the statue, Jeter and his father received rings from the Yankees. The rings are 14-karat gold with 50 total diamonds, each engraved with No. 2. He also received a crystal vase.
Jeter donated the batting gloves and helmet he used for the 3,000th hit to the Baseball Hall of Fame. The ball was returned to Jeter immediately after the July 9th game by fan Christian Lopez. The MLB.com shop offered Jeter 3,000 hits specialty items after the accomplishment was reached. Even pitcher David Price, who surrendered the home run, has participated in the memorabilia frenzy.
The actions may seem excessive, but I will say this: they wouldn’t make it all if so many fans didn’t want it. Jeter is immensely popular and the continuous celebration proves that.
