Derek Jeter 6th in all-time hits

ByAndrew Marchand ESPN logo
Sunday, August 10, 2014

NEW YORK -- Derek Jeter doesn't amaze easily, but when he thinks about passing Honus Wagner and moving into sixth place on the all-time hits list, it has an impact.

Jeter's 3,431st hit of his career came in the sixth inning Saturday on a soft single that charging Cleveland Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall could not pick up with his bare hand.

"It is one of those 'wow' moments," Jeter said after the New York Yankees' 3-0 loss. "It's something I'm extremely proud of. Obviously, I would've liked to have won the game, but it's something I'll be able to tell my kids one day."

Jeter, 40, announced his retirement prior to the season. He has never played any position other than shortstop. Now, he has more hits than anyone who has ever appeared at the position.

"Honus Wagner, he is the last one on the list who has played shortstop," Jeter said. "That one hits home a little bit. Anytime you pass guys that have had the careers that they've had, it is kind of overwhelming."

Following the hit, the crowd gave Jeter a standing ovation as the ball was retrieved. Jeter said he doesn't know yet what he'll do with the ball.

"I'll put it somewhere safe," Jeter said.

If Jeter sticks to his retirement plans, Wagner will likely be the final player Jeter passes because Tris Speaker, at No. 5, has 3,514 hits. Pete Rose, the all-time hit king, had 4,256 hits.

"It is unbelievable," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "The people he has passed. It is unbelievable. This guy has been consistent for us all year long. There were a lot of questions of where he would be at, but he has played pretty well."

Jeter is hitting .276 with three homers and 30 RBIs in 103 games.

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