Derek Jeter: The New Active Hits Leader

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter reached another milestone this past weekend, and did so quietly. Not much mention was made to baseball’s poster boy after he took over the active hits lead.

As of today, Jeter has 2,781 hits and has overtaken Ken Griffey Jr. for the active lead. Griffey has 2,776 as I write this. It is quite a feat for Jeter to already catch “Junior.”

Ken Griffey Jr. already had over 1,000 hits by the time Derek Jeter came to the Majors. Yes, Griffey’s career has been drastically slowed by various injuries and we can only assume how much of a star he would have been if healthy throughout. It is still an amazing accomplishment for the Yankees captain to overtake Griffey at this point.

Jeter has played in 495 less games then Griffey and has past his hit total in exactly 1000 less at bats. Now, I am not trying to compare the two stars at all. I am simply pointing out the idea that this is no small feat.

As long as he stays healthy, Jeter will likely remain the active hits leader until he retires. When you look at the numbers, if anyone has any shot at reaching Pete Rose’s All-Time hits record, it has to be Jeter.

In the top ten active hits list, only one player has played less games then Jeter. That player his Johnny Damon. Damon has played just four less games and has 325 less hits.

Also something to consider, is Derek’s career batting average. Looking through the top ten active hits leaders once again, Jeter has the highest average at .317 for his career. The closest person to him is current Dodger and former Boston Red Sox outfielder Manny Ramirez who has a .314 average.

Congratulations to Derek Jeter on yet another milestone and great accomplishment. However, he is not done yet. The shortstop and Yankee captain continues to hit year in and year out.