Episode Six of Derek Jeter’s “The Captain” Docuseries, which is called “Never Gave Up a Day in My Life,” focuses on many different moments of Jeter’s career: 2009 world Championship run, collecting 3,000 hits, the broken ankle during the 2012 ALCS against the Tigers, contract issues with Brian Cashman, and meeting his wife.
The 2009 world championship run is unforgettable. When the Yankees signed CC Sabathia, AJ Burnett, Nick Swisher, and Mark Teixeira, you knew they were on to something special that year. It’s also the first season playing at the new stadium. After missing the postseason in 2008 for the first time in 15 years, the Yankees wanted to prove this was a fluke.
Statistically, Derek Jeter had one of the best seasons of his career. He had an MVP-caliber season. Unfortunately, Joe Mauer got the AL MVP honors.
As for the Yankees collectively, they don’t want to miss the playoffs again. The Yankees went on to win the AL East division, swept the Minnesota Twins in the ALDS, defeated the Angels in 6 games to win the pennant, and dethroned the Philadelphia Phillies in 6 games to become world champions.
Alex Rodriguez was unreal throughout that postseason run. Without Alex, they would’ve not won it all. Sabathia stepped up, Hideki Matsui stepped up, and the Core Four were aging, but they were young at heart.
3,000 Hits
Derek Jeter reached 3,000 hits at Yankee Stadium was spectacular. It happened on July 9, 2011. The pressure to hit 3,000 at home was immense. He did it in a very Hollywood-scripted way. He hit a home run off a great pitcher David Price, and he went 5-for-5, including a game winning hit in the 8th inning.
2012-2014
Derek had the toughest last few seasons as a Yankee. He was playing through injuries in the 2012 season, and it got worse when he broke his ankle during Game 2 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers. He was miserable. He hated missing time off from baseball. But he got back on his feet.
In 2014, the Yankees kept Derek Jeter in the leadoff and sometimes hit the No. 2 spot. Some would say that the Yankees were trying not to disrespect him because he’s Derek Jeter. He’s the captain. So probably, they wanted to please him and keep him on the leadoff spot. There are no problems in that regard. He earned it through his production throughout the years.
Buster Olney, one of the most recognizable baseball writers, had the nerve to say that Derek Jeter should’ve volunteered to tell manager Joe Girardi to bring him down from the lineup. That’s utterly ridiculous. Jeter said it best when that champions don’t give up or volunteer to take a day off or quit on their team. I’m paraphrasing, but that’s his attitude. He’s not going to let his team down. He’s not going to quit. He’s going to play through the pain no matter what. He wants to win and contribute at all costs. Many of these sports writers have said some of the most foolish things at times, and in this case, Olney said something beyond ridiculous.
Review
4.5 out of 5 stars
