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Get the latest news on what's happening with Derek Jeter-- and the New York Yankees.
NEW YORK (AP) - You couldn't have guessed Paul O'Neill had just hit a game-tying home run by watching his reaction.
O'Neill had a look of disgust and was about to slam down his bat after sending a fly ball to right field in the 10th inning Sunday. The ball cleared the fence.
``It's almost embarrassing to react that way and hit a home run,'' O'Neill said.
Two batters later, David Justice homered to nearly the same spot off Derek Lowe and the New York Yankees had beaten the Boston Red Sox 4-3.
``It's a weird game,'' said O'Neill, who has seven homers in April for the first time in his career.
Boston took three one-run leads, after a pair of Manny Ramirez homers and with a 10th-inning rally off Mariano Rivera (1-1) started by a Ramirez single and capped by a Jason Varitek broken-bat single.
But New York got tying homers from Jorge Posada, Scott Brosius and O'Neill.
``Obviously, if you saw my reaction, I didn't think I hit the ball out,'' O'Neill said.
Justice had struck out in his first four at-bats. One out after O'Neill, he homered on a sinker that didn't sink.
``It's like a nightmare I can't get out of,'' said Lowe, 1-3 with a 6.48 ERA. ``We've lost five games and I've got three of them. Who knows when I'll be out there again? I faced four guys, they hit two homers and we lost. This is the worst stretch I've every been through.''
Rookie Ted Lilly struck out a career-high 10 in his first Yankees' start. The 25-year-old left-hander was brought up from Triple-A after Christian Parker got hurt and Randy Keisler couldn't throw strikes.
Lilly gave up homers to Ramirez in the second and sixth, the 24th multihomer game of his career and second of the season. When Lilly left, the sellout crowd gave him a standing ovation.
``It's not just another game,'' Lilly said. ``I can't deny that. But even when I'm in Triple-A, I get psyched up.''
Yankees manager Joe Torre was pleased and made a veiled reference to Keisler's failures.
``It makes it a lot easier to pitch if you go after people,'' Torre said. ``I don't care how hard you throw the ball. You have to establish strike one.''
When Ramirez batted in the seventh with runners at the corners and two outs, Mendoza relieved and struck him out. Rod Beck allowed a leadoff double to Tino Martinez in the ninth, then escaped by fanning Chuck Knoblauch.
``We haven't played that good,'' Rivera said. ``Hopefully, today changed that.''
Notes:@ Derek Jeter failed to catch a throw from Lilly during a rundown, his fifth error this season and second in two games. Jeter, who usually gives coach Don Zimmer his bat to rub for good luck, instead gave Zimmer his glove after Saturday's error. ... Lilly's previous strikeout high was seven for Montreal against Atlanta on Sept. 19, 1999. ... The game drew 55,278, and the three games drew 165,127. ... Alfonso Soriano, who went 2-for-4, has not walked in 82 at-bats this season. ... Ramirez went 3-for-5 and is 14-for-30 (.467) against the Yankees this year with three homers and seven RBIs.
4.20.01
TORONTO (AP) - The New York Yankees ended their losing streak with the longest game in Toronto Blue Jays history. 4.07.01
NEW YORK (AP) - Derek Jeter arrived at Yankee Stadium 45 minutes early, eager to get started on his personal opening day.
The Yankees' shortstop was activated from the 15-day disabled list Saturday and was in his familiar No. 2 spot in the lineup for the first time this season. Jeter missed the first four games because of a strained right quadriceps.
``Mentally, I'm ready,'' Jeter said before the game against Toronto. ``I want to play and I'm ready to go.''
Jeter, who went 1-for-3 in an extended spring training game in Tampa, Fla., on Friday, played just five major league spring training games because of the injury. He also missed time with a right shoulder injury and viral throat infection.
``It was a situation where you just had to have patience, and I'm not the most patient person,'' Jeter said. ``But today was the day I could play, and I'm ready.''
Jeter said he was ``treating everything'' early Saturday to make sure his body was loose.
He stepped into the batter's box at 11:02 a.m. for his first regular-season batting practice with the team, and bunted on the first two tosses. Then, he swung away, looking comfortable as he sprayed the ball around the field.
``It's nice to have him back,'' manager Joe Torre said. ``He peeked his head out from the runway around the eighth inning last night. He's ready. He's a big part of what we do, and I don't think that's any secret.''
Jeter said it was strange watching his teammates play on opening day while he remained in Tampa.
``It was like that fear that all players have - that you wake up and you think it's a night game, but it's really a day game,'' Jeter said, with a big smile. ``I knew today was a day game.''
The Yankees sent infielder D'Angelo Jimenez to Triple-A Columbus of the International League to make room on the roster for Jeter.
Right-hander Orlando Hernandez was also making his regular-season debut following extra conditioning in Tampa for his right elbow.
``I'm maybe thinking in terms of him going six innings unless he gets into trouble early with a tough inning,'' Torre said. ``I'm thinking the pitch count will be maybe 75 or so.''
El Duque originally was to start Sunday against the Blue Jays, but his start was pushed up to give Roger Clemens an extra day of rest.
Clemens has a sore right wrist after being hit by a comebacker opening day.
``Roger threw the other day and he's fine,'' Torre said. ``He'll start Sunday, without question.''
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter will start the regular season on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps.
``I know he feels obligated to be ready, but I'm still more comfortable having him take the extra four, five days and that's what it came down to,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said Saturday.
Jeter, who is going on the disabled list retroactively, will be eligible to be activated next Saturday, when New York plays the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. Torre said Jeter likely will rejoin the team Friday.
``I know he probably could go out and play, but again, because it's such a short time being away, you really have to look at the big picture,'' Torre said. ``He did not try and talk me out of it. Once I said this is what I want to do, that was it. He did not, even kiddingly, try to change my mind.''
The Yankees also placed outfielders Henry Rodriguez (back strain) and Shane Spencer (knee), along with pitcher Ramiro Mendoza (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list. Pitcher Darrell Einertson (rotator cuff) was put on the 60-day DL.
Scott Seabol, who hit .296 with 20 homers and 78 RBIs at Double-A Norwich last season, will replace Rodriguez.
Jeter has played the field past two days in minor league games after being sidelined two weeks. He admitted Saturday that he still feels the injury when running.
``I don't feel it walking around,'' Jeter said. ``The only time I feel it is when I run.''
Jeter will continue working out at the Yankees' extended spring training camp. He appeared in just five major league spring games, going 3-for-15.
``I don't want to be down here,'' Jeter said. ``I told him I'm ready and I told them I could play. I said my part. Everybody wants to play opening day. You don't want to miss games.''
The 2000 World Series MVP, also sidelined by a right shoulder injury and viral throat infection this spring, did not try plead his case with the Yankees.
``You know I'm not going to tell them anyway,'' Jeter said. ``What I tell them, I don't think they'll listen to it.''
D'Angelo Jimenez will take Jeter's spot on the opening day roster. Luis Sojo is likely to start at shortstop against Kansas City on Monday and bat eighth, with second baseman Alfonso Soriano moving from the No. 8 slot to No. 2.
NEW YORK (AP) - Baseball contracts with average annual values of $15 million or more. Figures were obtained by The Associated Press from player and management sources and include all guaranteed income but not income from potential incentive bonuses. There is no distinction for money deferred without interest (x-the Yankees value this as a three-year contract averaging $10.3 million):
Player - Club - Years - Avg. Salary
Alex Rodriguez, Tex 2001-10 $25,200,000
Manny Ramirez, Bos 2001-08 $20,000,000
Derek Jeter, NYY 2001-10 $18,900,000
Sammy Sosa, Cubs 2002-05 $18,000,000
Jeff Bagwell, Hou 2002-06 $17,000,000
Carlos Delgado, Tor 2001-04 $17,000,000
Todd Helton, Col 2003-11 $15,722,222
x-Roger Clemens, NYY 2001-02 $15,450,000
Mike Hampton, Col 2001-08 $15,125,000
Kevin Brown, LA 1999-05 $15,000,000
Chipper Jones, Atl 2001-06 $15,000,000
Mark McGwire, StL 2002-03 $15,000,000
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Rain might have cost New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter a shot at playing on opening day.
Jeter was supposed to be the DH in a minor league game Thursday, but it was rained out.
The forecast for Friday, when the Yankees hoped the 2000 World Series MVP might play in the field for the first time since departing a game on March 16 with a strained right quadriceps, called for more rain.
''``Obviously, it doesn't help,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said. ''``This whole thing is about physical ability. I'm still a little hesitant to feel that he's completely healed.''
There remains a good possibility Jeter will start the season on the disabled list.
''``We've got to make sure it's not an emotional opinion that is going to decide it,'' Torre said. ''``We have to be rational and make sure we have the right perspective on it.''
Pitcher Orlando Hernandez reported no problems one day after throwing three innings in a Triple-A game. It was his first outing since leaving a game on March 9 with right elbow inflammation.
Torre said Hernandez would pitch again in Florida on Monday and, barring any setbacks, would start April 8 against the Toronto Blue Jays.
''``That's providing he feels all right,'' Torre said. ''``Today, he felt good.''
Andy Pettitte, who will start the Yankees' second regular season game Wednesday against the Kansas City Royals, is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Friday.
Torre announced Mike Mussina will pitch the finale of the Yankees' season-opening series against the Royals on Thursday.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter played in a game for the first time since March 16, but appears headed for the disabled list.
``I'm leaning that way only because it's probably safer to do that for me in my mind,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said. ``I don't want to be sorry. He's getting better. If it's going to cost him a week, let it be that way.''
Jeter, who had been sidelined by a strained right quadriceps, was the designated hitter Tuesday in an exhibition game for the Class-A Tampa Yankees and went 3-for-7 with a solo homer and was hit by a pitch.
``Today you get a little optimism, but I'm still frustrated,'' Jeter said. ``The entire spring has been frustrating. They're always cautious with everyone. It's a good thing, but I have no patience.''
Jeter has played in just five major league games this spring, going 3-for-15. He missed the first eight games with a right shoulder injury and another due to a viral throat infection.
If he doesn't play in any more major league exhibition games, Jeter would be eligible to play on April 7 against Toronto after missing the first four games of the regular-season.
``Of course I want to play opening day,'' Jeter said. ``If they ask me, that's what I'm going to tell them.''
Orlando Hernandez is slated to make his first game appearance since March 9 in a minor league exhibition Wednesday. The right-hander, who has thrown just four innings this spring, has been sidelined by right elbow inflammation.
Left-handed reliever Mike Stanton, who hasn't pitched since last Thursday because of elbow discomfort, is scheduled to pitch an inning Wednesday night.
Outfielder Henry Rodriguez (back stiffness) reported improvement and might resume swinging a bat Wednesday.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Derek Jeter sat in the trainer's room Monday at Legends Field, wearing a neck brace when Brian Cashman walked in,
``I was like, `Oh my God!'' the New York Yankees general manager said.
Turns out Jeter was playing a joke on teammate Orlando Hernandez, who rear-ended the Mercedes of his All-Star shortstop in the parking lot on Sunday night.
Now Jeter's car matches its owner, who has been sidelined for much of this spring training with aches and pains.
``It's a good spring,'' Jeter said sarcastically. ``It was his fault.''
Jeter, just 3-for-15, missed the first eight exhibition games because of a sore shoulder, then missed another with a viral infection. He finally played March 11, then strained his right quadriceps last Friday, an injury likely to keep him out of action until the weekend.
Jeter said his car sustained significant damage from Hernandez's semitruck. During the offseason, Jeter signed a $189 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees, the second-richest contract in sports history behind Alex Rodriguez's $252 million, 10-year deal with Texas, so money isn't an issue.
Insurance will cover the repairs.
``I'll inflate it a little,'' he joked.
Hernandez has had car problems before.
When the Yankees played at Tampa Bay in June 1999, he reported hitting an animal, which he thought was a bobcat, on his trip from Miami to St. Petersburg.
He rented a car in the Tampa Bay area, then said that one was damaged when someone ran into it while it was parked at the team hotel.
Cashman's walk into the trainer's room ruined Jeter's joke. Hernandez walked in after the general manager.
``I started laughing,'' Cashman said.
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) - Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter said it was all a big misunderstanding.
Concerned his remarks had hurt his good friend, A-Rod spoke with Jeter on Friday night.
And now, Rodriguez said, it's time for everyone to stop talking about the All-Star shortstops.
``It came and it left. It was a misfortune that things got taken out of context,'' Rodriguez said Saturday.
Twice since signing his record $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas in December, Rodriguez has made what appeared to be unfavorable remarks about Jeter. The latest was in the April issue of Esquire.
``I'm not going to field any more Derek Jeter questions,'' Rodriguez said. ``The only thing I'm going to say about that is that I love Derek Jeter as a person and a player. And he's a great leader. Anyone who would say that he's not would be a fool.''
Jeter, who has won four World Series in five years with the New York Yankees, said he was confused but not upset by the Esquire article. He said Rodriguez clarified what his intentions were when he made the comments.
``I've known him for about eight years now,'' Jeter said in Tampa. ``When you know someone for that long, you have a pretty good understanding of what somebody's character is and how they are as a person. Obviously, it didn't sound well, what he said, but we got an opportunity to talk about it. The way I look at it, it's over with.''
Soon after he signed his record contract, Rodriguez told ESPN radio the salary figure would be hard to top, even for a guy like Jeter `because he just doesn't do the power numbers and defensively he doesn't do all those things.''
His remarks in Esquire also seemed critical of Jeter.
``He's never had to lead,'' Rodriguez was quoted as saying. ``He can just go and play and have fun. He hits second - that's totally different than third or fourth in a lineup.
``You go into New York, you wanna stop Bernie (Williams) and (Paul) O'Neill. You never say, `Don't let Derek beat us.' He's never your concern.''
Rodriguez insists that comment was taken out of context from a 90-minute interview in December and that he was trying to compare how they both are in lineups with other veteran stars.
Jeter recently received a $189 million, 10-year contract from the Yankees, the second-largest deal in sports history. He was the MVP of last year's World Series win over the New York Mets and last summer's All-Star game.
While Rodriguez made his Rangers debut in their exhibition opener Saturday in Fort Myers against the Boston Red Sox, Jeter remained sidelined.
Jeter hasn't thrown or taken batting practice since Tuesday because of stiffness in his right shoulder. He plans to throw and to take batting practice Sunday.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Even movie stars are looking up to Derek Jeter these days.
``He's the biggest star in the world, isn't he?'' George Clooney said Wednesday at Legends Field. ``He does everything right.''
Clooney, in town to film a movie, stopped by the New York Yankees' camp to watch the three-time World Series champions hold their first full-squad workout of spring training.
Jeter, of course, agreed earlier this month to a $189 million, 10-year contract, the second-largest deal in sports history behind Alex Rodriguez's $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas.
He doesn't want fans to expect his statistics to increase at the same rate as his salary.
``I don't think they'll expect me to hit 60 homers and drive in 200 runs,'' he said. ``They'll want me to do the things I've done the past few years.
``I don't think now that I've gotten a long-term deal that all of a sudden I've got to pick up this huge load,'' Jeter said. ``This is a team. We need everyone to do their job in order to win.''
Jeter, the MVP of both the All-Star game and the World Series, hit a team-leading .339 last season with 15 homers, 73 RBIs and 22 steals. He could have been eligible for free agency after the season but he had no interest.
``I wanted to be remembered as a Yankee,'' he said. ``This is the only organization I've known.''
He downplayed talk that the Yankees are ``Jeter's team.''
``Go tell the Boss that one,'' he said, referring to owner George Steinbrenner. ``See what he says. That's not the case. We have a lot of veterans on the team. We have a lot of guys that have been here a lot longer than me and played the game a lot longer than me. I don't sit around thinking it's my team.''
While Don Mattingly, the Yankees' last captain, said Jeter is among the current players who have the attributes to take that title, manager Joe Torre said the team doesn't need one.
``I don't think it will be much different for him this year than last year,'' said Mattingly, in camp as an instructor. ``It's probably even better now, it would seem to me, because you know where you're going to be.''
Jeter knows the big contract creates a bigger focus on him.
``You understand it. There's going to be questions about the money part,'' he said. ``With a lot of the fans, I haven't heard that much. I just hear people say they're happy for me because I'm going to be in New York playing for this team.''
Jeter has talked with Rodriguez since agreeing to his deal.
``You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy where you are, then you're going to be miserable,'' Jeter said. ``That's the bottom line.''
New York is looking to win its fourth straight World Series title, a feat last accomplished by the 1949-53 Yankees.
``If we stay healthy, I think we have a team as good as anybody else in baseball,'' Jeter said. ``But that is the key, staying healthy.''
The deal has changed his attitude to one thing: New York's sky-high real-estate market.
``My mom is looking for a place right now,'' Jeter said. ``Rent is killing me in New York.''
Notes:@ Clooney is in Tampa for filming of the remake of ``Oceans 11.'' ... The Yankees think 1B prospect Nick Johnson has chicken pox and will be sidelined several days. ... DH David Justice was excused to take care of a personal matter and will return Thursday. ... Torre said RHP Mike Mussina (calf) is much better and will throw batting practice Thursday... Torre said the No. 5 starter race is wide open. Candidates include Adrian Hernandez, Randy Keisler, Ted Lilly, Dwight Gooden and Sid Fernandez. Another candidate, Scott Kamieniecki, is out 7-10 days because of a bad back. ... Former Yankees Rich Gossage, Graig Nettles and Clete Boyer joined Mattingly in camp as special instructors.
NEW YORK (AP) - Derek Jeter has four World Series titles, a Rookie of the Year award and MVP titles from both the Series and the All-Star game.
Now he has another distinction, asking for the highest amount ever in salary arbitration.
Jeter submitted an $18.5 million request Thursday as players swapped proposed salaries with their team. The New York Yankees offered their All-Star shortstop $14.25 million.
Last year, Jeter set an arbitration record when he asked for $10.5 million. The Yankees countered at $9.5 million and the sides settled at the midpoint.
Jeter's big raise is due to Rodriguez, who last month agreed to a record $252 million, 10-year contract with the Texas Rangers. That markedly raised Jeter's price.
If Jeter winds up with a one-year deal, win or lose, it would be the top one-year package in baseball history, surpassing David Cone's $12 million contract with the Yankees last year.
The other New York player left in arbitration, closer Mariano Rivera, asked for $10.25 million, which would be a record one-year salary for a relief pitcher. The Yankees offered him $9 million.
Last year, Rivera and the Yankees wound up before an arbitrator, who chose the team's $7.25 million offer over the pitcher's $9.25 million request.
Jeter and the Yankees both hope to avoid a hearing and a one-year contract. New York president Randy Levine and Casey Close are again attempting to negotiate multiyear contract and made progress Thursday, according to a baseball official familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition he not be identified.
It remains unclear whether Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was willing to give his approval to what would be the largest contract in team history.
Jeter, 26, is eligible to become a free agent after this season and his price for a long-term contract would be even higher next fall.
Last year, Jeter led the Yankees with a .339 batting average and was selected MVP of both the All-Star game and the World Series. He had 15 homers, 73 RBIs and 22 stolen bases during the regular season.
Close and Levine agreed a year ago to a $118.5 million, seven-year contract, but Steinbrenner wouldn't complete the deal because the average salary of $16,928,571 would have been a record.
12.19.00
NEW YORK (AP) - A week after Alex Rodriguez's record-setting contract, Derek Jeter's agent and the New York Yankees have resumed talks on a multiyear deal.
Jeter is eligible for free agency after next season and has had five one-year contracts thus far.
After the 1999 season, Yankees president Randy Levine and the All-Star shortstop's agent, Casey Close, negotiated a $118.5 million, seven-year agreement, but Yankees owner George Steinbrenner refused to let the deal close because he didn't want to set a record for average salary.
Jeter's deal would have averaged $16,928,571. and Juan Gonzalez and Detroit were negotiating an eight-year contract worth $140 million or more. But the Gonzalez contract never was finalized, and the Yankees and Jeter agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract.
Since then, Jeter was voted Most Valuable Player of the All-Star game and the World Series, and Rodriguez shattered the salary records for professional sports when he agreed last week to a $252 million, 10-year contract with Texas - a deal averaging $25.2 million per season.
Levine and Yankees general manager Brian Cashman met Monday with Close, according to a lawyer familiar with the talks who spoke on the condition he not be identified. The lawyer said the meeting was cordial and that the sides agreed to continue talking.
NEW YORK (AP) - Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's suggestion that parents let their children skip school to attend Monday's New York Yankees' victory parade isn't sitting well with the new schools chancellor.
Harold O. Levy, appointed by Giuliani in May, said he expects everyone - teachers and students - to be in class on Monday.
``The World Series was very exciting for all of us,'' Levy said. ``But that is no reason to skip school.''
Giuliani, the city's highest-profile Yankees fan, said he has no problem with children taking a few hours off to watch the ticker-tape parade. He suggested teachers have the students who miss class write essays about it or do projects in exchange.
``I get in trouble for this every year,'' Giuliani said Friday. ``Yeah, I think it's OK. ... Baseball can be an educational experience.''
Levy said he was certain at least one group would pose no absentee problem. ``I particularly expect Mets fans to be there,'' he said.
The Yankees beat the New York Mets, 4 games to 1, for the Yankees' third consecutive World Series title.
On the Net:
NEW YORK (AP) - Derek Jeter, the modern DiMaggio, helped moved the Yankees within one win of their third straight World Series title.
Jeter, asked to assume the leadoff spot, homered on the first pitch of the game, then tripled and scored as the Yankees beat the Mets 3-2 on Wednesday night for a 3-1 World Series lead.
When Joe D. came to the majors in 1936, the Yankees won four World Series in his first four seasons.
Jeter is on the verge of helping the Yankees win titles in four of his first five years.
``We've been fortunate the last few years,'' he said in front of the Yankees' dugout, seconds after the final out.
These Yankees are on the verge of becoming one of baseball's greatest teams, one of only four to win the Series in three straight years.
Ruth never did it.
Neither did Reggie or Thurman.
Jeter is about to join the DiMaggios and Berras.
``You have to play for a lot of years before you can be considered a Yankee great,'' he said back in July after winning the MVP award in the All-Star game. ``I've only played four years. This is my fifth. Hopefully, I can play for a few more years, then start that debate.''
Fuhgeddaboudit!
In the age of talk radio, the debate has already begun.
The Mets have Benny and the Jets?
The Yankees have Derek and the Dominoes.
He gets hits, and opponents fall like, well, dominoes.
``He makes things happen,'' a rather drained Yankees manager Joe Torre said. ``He's a kid who's only been around five years, and he's got all the qualities of someone who takes charge and leads by example, as opposed to telling anybody he is the leader of this club.''
Torre calls him the kid.
Jeter still calls his manager Mr. Torre.
Jeter seems to have perfect timing, at the plate and in the dugout. He knows just the right time for a wisecrack to loosen the tension. Just before Mike Piazza grounded out in the eighth, Jeter ran in to the mound to say a few words to Mariano Rivera.
He is the Yankees' glamourpuss, the cover boy the girls swoon at, like they were at some Sinatra concert in the '40s.
On Wednesday, he stunned Shea Stadium into silence, sending Bobby J. Jones' first pitch soaring into the left-field bleachers, the first to homer of the opening pitch of a Series game since Pete Rose in 1972.
``You want to take the crowd out of the game,'' Jeter said. ``I've been known to swing at the first pitch. When you're playing these types of games, when runs can be kind of hard to come by, you want to score early.
``It was huge for us.''
Jones was shocked.
``I wasn't expecting him to swing,'' Jones said. ``There's some guys that swing first pitch. When I watched him on video, he was in the two-hole a lot.''
Jeter led off in the third inning and came through again, tripling to the base of the fence right-center leading off and scoring on Luis Sojo's grounder for a 3-0 lead.
He doesn't have a fluid swing, not like a Ken Griffey Jr. When he slumps, he tends to lunge at balls.
But when he's on, he leads the Yankees, just like Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill.
Jeter may be just 26, with his best years ahead, but he's a leader, hitting .444 in the first four games of the Series, extending his Series hitting streak to 13 games and raising his career Series average to .347.
But these Yankees think relatively little about individual accomplishments. The only number that counts is the Series rings on their starry fingers.
``We're one win away,'' he said, ``from where we want to be.''
By RONALD BLUM
SEATTLE (AP) - It looked like a routine fly ball, and it just kept going.
Derek Jeter blew a few bubbles as he ran up the first-base line, watched the ball go over Mike Cameron's glove and the center-field fence, then raised his right fist in triumph and jaunted around the bases.
With the roof open at Safeco Field, balls aren't supposed to fly off the bat.
This one did.
Jeter jump-started the Yankees to their 5-0 win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, his fifth-inning floater pushing New York within a win of its third straight AL pennant.
``When I hit it, I hit it well, but I thought I hit it too high,'' Jeter said. ``It looked like he was going to catch it.''
Paul Abbott, who had given up just two hits before then, was shocked.
``I thought he popped it up,'' the pitcher said. ``I've never seen a ball travel like that.''
Cameron thought he had a chance to catch it.
``I might have jumped a little too early,'' he said. ``It was just out of my reach.''
The way things are going, Jeter will have more rings that Liberace.
Most major leaguers spend their entire careers hoping to make it to the World Series just once. Joe Torre, the Yankees manager, never made it in 18 seasons as a player.
Jeter, one of the most unassuming stars in sports, is a big reason Torre has become a yearly fixture on baseball's biggest stage.
In his first four seasons in the major leagues, Jeter won three World Series rings.
When he slumps, the Yankees slump.
When he hits, the Yankees usually win.
``In postseason play, you are always focused,'' Jeter said.
In the first round against Oakland, Jeter went 4-for-19 with no homers and two RBIs, and the Yankees just got by the Athletics in five games, feeling more like they escaped than they won.
Against Seattle, Jeter's 4-for-14 (.286) with two homers and five RBIs, leaving his career average in the postseason at .313 with six homers and 19 RBIs in 54 games.
``We're not a home-run hitting team, but we're capable of hitting it out,'' Jeter said.
He wins so often, it seems routine.
Since Jeter has joined the Yankees, winning has become routine.
By HAL BOCK
It took a while, but the two shortstop pals are all even after two games in the American League playoffs.
Seattle's Alex Rodriguez got the jump with a monstrous home run that was headed for the upper deck at Yankee Stadium Tuesday night before it hit the screen on the left-field foul pole.
That accounted for half the runs in the Mariners' 2-0 Game 1 victory over the New York Yankees.
His buddy, Derek Jeter, was silent in that game, striking out three times, a major part of the offensive coma the Yankees were in. But Jeter drew even with Rodriguez in Game 2, hitting a two-run homer Wednesday to cap a seven-run eighth inning in the Yankees' 7-1 victory.
Point. Counterpoint.
They are both 2 for 7 after two games of the series, and the rivalry is heating up.
Did Rodriguez think the Game 1 homer might ignite his pal?
``I don't want to talk about what might turn him around,'' Rodriguez said, ``because I don't want anything turning him around.''
``I can't keep up with him in homers,'' Jeter said. ``I keep saying this series is not about me against A-Rod. He's not pitching to me and I'm not pitching to him. I wish I was, actually, because I have a nasty two-seamer.''
Watch Rodriguez and Jeter. Every so often there will be a smile exchanged between them, maybe a wink. They are buddies, energized by each other, two of the best shortstops in the game.
They share matinee-idol good looks and frightening talent, each considered a major factor in the success of their teams.
Jeter is a favorite of Yankees manager Joe Torre. During the team's offensive drought, Torre needled his shortstop in the dugout saying, ``Are you guys trying?'' The shortstop shot him one of his over-the-shoulder Mona Lisa smiles and homered an inning later.
The two shortstops both enjoyed banner seasons in 2000.
Jeter batted .339. Rodriguez hit .316. Edge: Jeter.
Jeter hit 15 home runs and drove in 73 runs. Rodriguez hit 41 home runs and drove in 132 runs. Big edge: Rodriguez.
Jeter made $10 million this season. Rodriguez made $4,362,500. Big edge: Jeter.
That is about to change. Rodriguez's contract expires after this season and he is expected to be the most coveted player on the free-agent market. Manager Lou Piniella, also a free agent, said the loss of A-Rod would be much more significant to Seattle than the previous departures of superstars Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey. They got usable players for the others, but would only get a draft choice for Rodriguez.
``Plus, you've got a great shortstop that swings the bat, one of the leaders of our team,'' Piniella said, ``Seattle is going to do everything it can to bring him back.''
The New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to lead the bidding for Rodriguez. The Yankees will not be involved. They already have their shortstop.
NEW YORK (AP) - Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter head the list of nominees released Thursday for the Roberto Clemente Award.
Major League Baseball announced the 30 nominees, one from each team, for the award presented annually to the player who combines outstanding skills on the field with devoted work in the community.
Three players were nominated by each team, before local panels of community representatives selected one nominee to represent the club.
A panel of baseball dignitaries including Vera Clemente and Commissioner Bud Selig will select a winner from the final list of nominees. The winner will be announced before Game 3 of the World Series, scheduled for Oct. 24.
John Hancock will make a donation to the winner's local charity of choice as well as a donation to the Roberto Clemente Foundation in the name of the winner.
In addition to Cincinnati's Griffey, the other nominees from the NL include Luis Gonzalez (Arizona), Andruw Jones (Atlanta), Kevin Tapani (Chicago Cubs), Todd Helton (Colorado), Cliff Floyd (Florida), Billy Wagner (Houston), Gary Sheffield (Los Angeles), Mark Loretta (Milwaukee), Steve Kline (Montreal), Al Leiter (New York Mets), Jason Kendall (Pittsburgh), Scott Rolen (Philadelpia), Darryl Kile (St. Louis), Trevor Hoffman (San Diego) and Jeff Kent (San Francisco).
The Yankees' Jeter is joined by Mo Vaughn (Anaheim), Mike Mussina (Baltimore), Tim Wakefield (Boston), Ray Durham (Chicago White Sox), Omar Vizquel (Cleveland), Bobby Higginson (Detroit), Jermaine Dye (Kansas City), Ron Coomer (Minnesota), Jason Giambi (Oakland), Jay Buhner (Seattle), Fred McGriff (Tampa Bay), Royce Clayton (Texas), and Carlos Delgado (Toronto).
NEW YORK (AP) - New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is No. 2 behind actor George Clooney on People magazine's list of ``America's 100 Most Eligible Bachelors.''
``If I had a daughter, Derek is the kind of guy that I would want her to marry,'' said friend Alex Rodriguez, the Seattle Mariners shortstop who also made the cut.
Pro golfer Casey Martin is No. 9 on the list that appears in the magazine's July 10 issue. The magazine only ranked the top 10.
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire also is listed along with NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, Detroit Lions receiver Johnnie Morton, tennis player Todd Martin, Dallas Stars forward Mike Modano, rodeo cowboy Stran Smith, ski instructor Pete Moran, windsurfers Matt and Kevin Pritchard, sports lobbyist Alan Sobba and Miami Herald sports columnist Dan Lebatard.
By RONALD BLUM
NEW YORK (AP) - Derek Jeter wanted to play against the Boston Red Sox Saturday.
So the New York Yankees shortstop, in Florida for a one-game minor league rehabilitation assignment, hired a private plane to bring him back to New York late Friday night.
The Yankees will reimburse him only for what the cost of a first-class commercial plane ticket would have been.
``They owe me,'' Jeter said, joking before the Yankees played the Red Sox. ``I'm going to talk to them to get something out of it.''
The All-Star shortstop, sidelined since May 11 by an abdominal strain, was activated from the disabled list and Alfonso Soriano was optioned to Columbus of the International League.
Boston's All-Star shortstop, Nomar Garciaparra, also was activated before Saturday's game. Garciaparra had been on the DL since May 12 with a strained left hamstring.
To clear space, the Red Sox placed infielder Jose Offerman on the 15-day disabled list, a move retroactive to Thursday. Offerman was injured Thursday night at Chicago.
While Garciaparra began the day with a .346 average, two homers and 19 RBIs, Jeter had slumped to a .266 average with three homers and 13 RBIs at the time he was hurt. He was in an 0-for-13 slide, going hitless in four straight games for the first time since April 1997.
He hoped the layoff would give him a fresh start.
``It was like starting from scratch,'' he said. ``It was like spring training.''
On Friday night, Jeter played for Class-A Tampa in the Florida State League, going 2-for-3 with a double and scoring twice against Lakeland. Instead of going on the Yankees' road trip, he rehabilitated at their minor league complex in Tampa.
He even subscribed to Direct TV so he could watch Yankees' games while in Florida, but he was thwarted when some games were blacked out by ESPN or FOX.
``I can't stand it,'' he said of the layoff. ``I don't like watching. It's not a situation I could ever get used to.''
NEW YORK (AP) - All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter, sidelined since May 11 by an abdominal strain, was expected to return to the New York Yankees' lineup for Saturday's game against Boston.
The Yankees hoped to activate Jeter from the 15-day disabled list after he arrives at the ballpark.
``It looks that way,'' manager Joe Torre said after Friday night's 4-1 loss to the Red Sox.
Jeter played for Class-A Tampa in the Florida State League on Friday night, going 2-for-3 with a double and scoring twice against Lakeland. He was flawless in the field. He headed to the airport for a late flight back to New York.
``I'm out of here at 10:30,'' Jeter said following the minor league game. ``I'm anxious to get back regardless of who we're playing. Obviously it's a big series, but at this point you've been away so long I'm just looking forward to playing again.''
``I'm trying to see if I'm healthy, that's the biggest concern,'' he said. ``I feel healthy, but sometimes you really can't tell until you get into a game, the adrenaline gets going and you get into a game situation.''
Jeter is hitless in his last four games for the Yankees. At 0-for-13, it's his longest slump since a four-game drought in April 1997.
Jeter is hitting .266 with three home runs and 13 RBIs for New York.
``It's a tough injury,'' he said. ``It's something every movement you do, you don't throw, you can't run, you can't swing, you can't even roll over while you're sleeping because you use that muscle. You can't much to it, just rest it.
``It's a situation where right now we're tied for first place and by no stretch of the imagination are we playing well. That's a testament to our pitching staff. We haven't swung the bats, but yet we've still been able to find ways to win. Hopefully, we can get going on all cylinders and get a little roll going here.''
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter reported no problems after his second full-scale workout Thursday and expects to play in a minor league game Friday.
Jeter, currently on the 15-day disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle, is eligible to come off the DL on Saturday.
``That's what I'm trying for,'' Jeter said. ``We'll know tomorrow.''
Jeter took approximately 10 minutes each of ground balls and live batting practice, and also ran the bases Thursday at the Yankees' player development center in Tampa Fla.
``It's going very well,'' Jeter said.
Jeter was not sure which minor league team he might join for Friday night's game.
Jeter was hitless (0-for-13) in his last four games before being pulled in the third inning May 11 game against Tampa Bay. This is the second time Jeter, the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1996, has gone on the DL. He was sidelined with an abdominal strain in 1998.
Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, meanwhile, met with his high-ranking baseball officials for the fourth consecutive day Thursday.
The Yankees are thought to be interested in a number of strong offensive players, including Detroit's Juan Gonzalez. Others reportedly include Kansas City's Johnny Damon, the Chicago Cubs' Sammy Sosa, Tampa Bay's Jose Canseco and Baltimore's B.J. Surhoff.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Derek Jeter has moved a step closer to rejoining the New York Yankees.
Jeter, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle, said he will resume swinging a bat Monday.
``It's getting better,'' the shortstop said Sunday after completing his third day of workouts and treatment at the Yankees' player development center in Florida.
Jeter is eligible to be activated Saturday, and did not rule out being ready when the Yankees play Boston next weekend.
``When I'm ready, I'm out of here,'' Jeter said.
Jeter was hitless (0-13) in his last four games before being pulled in the third inning May 11 against Tampa Bay. This is the second time Jeter, the AL's Rookie of the Year in 1996, has gone on the DL. He was sidelined with an abdominal strain in 1988.
By HARRY ATKINS
DETROIT (AP) - Derek Jeter blames himself. But, how was he to know his latest pain was anything worth worrying about?
The Yankees' shortstop left Thursday night's game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after the second inning with an abdominal strain in his left side.
At the time, everyone thought Jeter hurt himself with a leaping, twisting throw to second on a ground ball hit by Vinny Castilla.
Jeter said Friday, however, that he first felt the pain while hitting in a cage Wednesday, after the Yankees and Devil Rays had been rained out.
``I took a lot of swings the day we had a rainout,'' said Jeter, wearing a heat pad held by a large elastic wrap over his blue Yankees T-shirt. ``I hit for about an hour, and I guess I hit too long.''
Jeter had a similar injury two years ago on a checked swing, also against Tampa Bay. That one forced him to miss 12 games, marking the first time in his career he was on the disabled list.
He wasn't sure he would be out that long this time.
``When I had it before, I was out two weeks,'' Jeter said. ``Hopefully, I can get back this time sooner than that.''
Jeter indicated he would rather not go on the disabled list.
``You break a toe nail here and they put you on the DL,'' Jeter said. ``So, we'll have to wait and see.
``I guess the smart thing to do would have been not to play yesterday. But, like I say, there's not too many days you come (to the ballpark) when there's not something wrong with you.''
Jeter said he felt stiffness near his rib cage when he woke up Friday.
``Yesterday, they iced it down, and quick,'' Jeter said. ``Today, it's stiff. I think it's one of those things where you've got to wait a couple of days. We'll just wait and see.''
Yankees manager Joe Torre said the club would probably wait through the weekend and see how Jeter's injury responds to treatment before deciding about placing him on the disabled list.
Jeter, mired in a slump, is hitless in 13 at-bats over his last four games. His average has slipped to .266 with three homers and 13 RBIs.
4/12/00
By JOSH DUBOW
NEW YORK (AP) - When Mel Stottlemyre jogged out of the dugout during pregame introductions Wednesday, the New York Yankees' home opener was a success.
It didn't matter that their 8-6 win over Texas didn't come for nearly four more hours. What mattered was that their pitching coach was back at work, one day after beginning chemotherapy for bone marrow cancer.
``It was difficult seeing him before the game because it was my first chance to talk to him since he announced it,'' said starting pitcher David Cone, who has pitched 11 of his 14 major league seasons with Stottlemyre as his coach. ``But during the game it was a lot easier because we both had our jobs to do.''
Stottlemyre, who is receiving medication in his chest through a catheter, was restricted in his duties. Bullpen coach Tony Cloninger watched Cone warm up, and Stottlemyre did not make any trips to the mound, even when Cone struggled his control in the third inning.
But Stottlemyre did spend most of the game sitting next to manager Joe Torre in the dugout.
``It was strange to be warming up before the game without Mel watching,'' Cone said. ``But Mel is so strong. He was in the game. He kept telling me to be more aggressive and throw strikes.''
Stottlemyre, a three-time 20-game winner for the Yankees, received a loud, prolonged ovation from the crowd - as well as the Rangers - as he jogged onto the field during pregame introductions. He waved his hat to the crowd and appeared uncomfortable by all the attention.
``The one thing he wanted was not to be treated any differently,'' said Torre, who missed the first six weeks last season while being treated for prostate cancer. ``That's tough. He'll do his job and hopefully this stuff will go away.''
Stottlemyre, who was diagnosed with the disease a year ago during spring training, didn't talk after the game.
The coach announced Sunday that he has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow. He began a four-month series of chemotherapy treatments two days later and was going to miss the opener Tuesday until it was postponed.
``It wouldn't have been opening day if Mel hadn't shown up,'' Torre said.
Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer formed by malignant plasma cells. Normal plasma cells are crucial to the immune system but when they are produced at an abnormal rate, they can cause tumors, anemia and fatigue. Roger Neilson, coach of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, currently is undergoing treatment for the same disease.
Following the four months of chemotherapy, Stottlemyre will have a stem-cell transplant, a procedure in which certain blood cells critical to healthy bone marrow are harvested from the patient's blood, then reintroduced after the chemotherapy has destroyed most of the cancerous plasma cells.
Stottlemyre's original diagnosis came at about the same time as Torre left the team to undergo his surgery. In October 1998, Darryl Strawberry had surgery for colon cancer. Last year, Yankee Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio and Catfish Hunter both died. Three players, Paul O'Neill, Scott Brosius and Luis Sojo, all lost their fathers during the year.
``It gets old going through this with people you are close to,'' Cone said. ``But in some sense we are no different than a lot of families who have to deal with these things. Only we have to do it in public.''
By JIM COUR
SEATTLE (AP) - New York Yankees pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre has a form of blood cancer that he said was diagnosed about a year ago.
The 58-year-old coach will begin treatment in New York immediately but expects to keep working with the team.
``I feel fine,'' Stottlemyre said Sunday. ``Now it's time for me to go in and tackle this.''
The cancer attacks plasma, the fluid part of the blood, and is called multiple myeloma, a malignant disease of the bone marrow. Philadelphia Flyers coach Roger Neilson has the same cancer and underwent a stem cell transplant last month.
Stottlemyre lost an 11-year-old son, Jason, to leukemia in 1981. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Todd Stottlemyre, Mel's son, has donated $1 million to leukemia research.
Mel Stottlemyre made the announcement at a news conference before the Yankees played the Seattle Mariners in the final game of a season-opening road trip.
``I'm at a loss for words,'' Roger Clemens said. ``When I got to see him, it was after he talked to all you reporters. I just gave him a hug. You don't have anything to say. You're just hoping and knowing he's going to be all right.''
The treatment will include four months of chemotherapy, meaning Stottlemyre will miss the Yankees' home opener against Texas on Tuesday. He does not expect to miss many games this season.
In Phoenix, Todd Stottlemyre said his father's optimism bolstered the entire family.
``I mean here he had a son go through a similar deal where leukemia had taken his life, and now to have to battle it in his adult life,'' Todd said. ``Yet to do it as courageous as he is and with the attitude he is, to me, gives him a fighting chance.''
Mel Stottlemyre and his wife, Jean, received the National Recognition Award from the Leukemia Society of America in 1992.
Yankees manager Joe Torre, who had prostate cancer surgery last year, said bullpen coach Tony Cloninger will fill in for Stottlemyre for the opener and whenever necessary for the two-time World Series champions.
Stottlemyre told Torre about his cancer after the manager's operation in March 1999.
``It's a blow and it hits you hard,'' Torre said. ``It's a scary situation whenever you mention cancer.''
Suspended Yankees slugger Darryl Strawberry had colon cancer surgery in October 1998.
``There always seems to be something new with this team,'' shortstop Derek Jeter said. ``It seems like cancer is spreading like the common cold. It's unfortunate, but the positive side of it is that he's supposed to be all right. So all of our thoughts and prayers are with him.''
In his fifth season with the Yankees, Stottlemyre is considered one of baseball's top pitching coaches. His staffs have finished in the AL's top five in team ERA in the past four seasons, including first in 1997 and 1998.
Todd Stottlemyre has credited his father's support for his unprecedented attempt to return from a partially torn rotator cuff to pitch without surgery.
Todd wanted to see his father immediately but is scheduled to pitch Monday in San Diego.
``What he said to me this morning was `Win one for me tomorrow,''' Todd said, choking back tears. ``I'd love to get out of here now, but at the same time I know he wants me to stay.''
After chemotherapy, Stottlemyre will have a stem cell transplant. He will be treated four days a week for four weeks as an outpatient and not require hospitalization. His blood will be cleansed through a machine and reintroduced in his body, he said.
``The doctors have used the word cure, which I'm very thankful for,'' Stottlemeyre said. ``They've told me everything is in my favor.
``It's not painful. There are a few minor side effects from the medication, but it's nothing I won't be able to handle.''
He said his condition showed up in a normal physical last spring. He said he was borderline anemic, a blood deficiency. He said he was not fatigued and would not have known about it had he not been diagnosed through blood tests.
Yankees players did not know about their pitching coach's condition.
``I've kept it quite for a period of time,'' Stottlemyre said. ``Surprisingly, it hasn't been all that difficult.''
``My prognosis is good. It's very good. Like all treatments of cancer, things are changing every day.''
Stottlemyre, who pitched for the Yankees from 1964-74, said it is important for him to keep working. But he said he would step down if his health problems create any problems.
``Joe's made it easier on me because he's been through the battle,'' he said. ``We've had a lot of adversities on the club. This is just another one.''
After the game, a 9-3 loss by the Yankees to Seattle, Mariners manager Lou Piniella said the news about Stottlemyre, his teammate with the Yankees in 1974, distressed him.
``It's a shame,'' he said. ``I'm heartbroken. I was thinking about that during the ballgame. He's a good friend. Let's hope that he overcomes this thing.''
- Nabisco Will Track the Achievements of These Top Athletes
To Raise Funds to Promote Sports Participation -
NEW YORK, April 4 /PRNewswire/ -- The recruiting period is over, and Nabisco's Sportz crackers have signed seven top athletes representing six sports to join their All-Star Team as part of the Sportz Giving Kids a Sporting Chance program.
After long and intense negotiations, the Sportz All-Star Team has signed U.S. Soccer's all-time leading scorer, Mia Hamm and two of baseball's top performers, Ken Griffey, Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds and Derek Jeter of the New York Yankees. Also joining the squad are all-time football great Dan Marino; two-time WNBA champ, Cynthia Cooper; tennis superstar Lindsay Davenport; and X-Games overall street/vert champ Fabiola Da Silva.
Through the Sportz Giving Kids A Sporting Chance program, Nabisco will donate up to $100,000, based on each athlete's on-field performance, to Boys & Girls Clubs of America in support of the organization's sports programs nationwide.
"Each of these athletes knows first hand the positive benefits and rewards that sports participation offers," said Kathy Parker, Nabisco Business Director. "Each year Boys & Girls Clubs of America helps millions of kids by providing them with after school activities and sports programs that enhance their lives, but they need support. What better way than by teaming with some of the greatest athletes in sports today."
To reach the program's target goal of $100,000, Sportz crackers has developed a formula that will award a cash value for each player's various accomplishments throughout their respective seasons.
The team captain, Ken Griffey, Jr., was recently involved in one of the biggest trades in baseball history. Junior is back home in Cincinnati and ready to take National League pitchers deep. To provide Junior with some added incentive, Sportz crackers will donate $350 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every home run the new centerfielder for the Cincinnati Reds hits during the 2000 baseball season. Griffey hit 48 home runs in 1999 and 56 home runs in 1997 and 1998. He is a long-time supporter, and a member of the national board, of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Looking for an athlete to provide a much needed kick start, the Sportz All-Star Team turned to arguably the greatest all-around soccer player in the world, Mia Hamm. Every time Mia beats a goalie for a score during the 2000 season (April 2000 - April 2001), Sportz crackers will donate $700 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Even after being double and tripled teamed all year, Hamm was still able to score 5 goals in 13 games during 1999.
He's won three world championships in only four years of professional baseball. It's no wonder the Sportz All-Star Team signed the slick fielding shortstop of the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter. Last year Jeter hit a career high 24 home runs, so for every home run Jeter hits during the 2000 baseball season, Sportz crackers will donate $350 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Jeter is an alumnus of Boys & Girls Club of America in his hometown, Kalamazoo, Michigan, and is an active supporter of the Clubs today.
The hardwood competitor on the Sportz All-Star Team is Cynthia Cooper, who will be trying for her third straight WNBA World Championship with the Houston Comets. For every three-pointer Cynthia sinks, Sportz crackers will donate $225. Last season Cooper hit 58 shots behind the arc.
Retirement from football didn't stop the Sportz All-Star team from signing arguably the greatest quarterback to hurl a pigskin, Dan Marino. Since Dan is now sinking birdie puts off long drives from the tee, instead of sinking his opponents with long touchdown drives, Sportz crackers will donate $500 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every birdie he sinks in a celebrity golf tournament during the 2000 season.
Swinging into action for the Sportz All-Star Team is one of the top women's tennis players in the world, Lindsay Davenport. Sportz crackers will donate $200 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every singles match win during the 2000 WTA season. Although injuries sidelined Lindsay for a great deal of 1999, she won 64 matches in 1998 and is back and stronger than ever in 2000.
Riding the ramp for this All-Star effort is the crown princess of in-line skating, Fabiola Da Silva. Sportz crackers will donate $350 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for every top three finish the aggressive in-line skater from Brazil makes on the 2000 Aggressive Skater Association Pro Tour.
Sportz crackers, the newest snack sensation from Nabisco, with six cool sport shapes and two delicious flavors -- cheddar cheese and pizza -- are sure to be a home run. With fun shapes like basketballs, footballs, soccer balls, baseball gloves, in-line skates and tennis rackets, these crackers keep kids in the game even when they aren't playing. Sportz snack crackers were introduced in February and are available at grocery stores nationwide. Nabisco is a major international manufacturer of biscuits, snacks, and premium grocery products, including such well-known U.S. brands as Oreo, SnackWell's, and Chips Ahoy!; Ritz crackers; A.1. steak sauces; Grey Poupon mustards; LifeSavers confections; and Planters nuts and snacks. International products include Christie, Peek Freans, Terrabusi cookies and crackers; Yemina pastas; Royal dessert mixes; Fleischmann's yeast; and several Nabisco global brands -- Oreo, Ritz and Chips Ahoy!. Nabisco markets products in the United States, Canada and more than 85 other countries around the world.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (http://www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of 2,600 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 3.3 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," Clubs provide guidance-oriented programs on a daily basis for children 6 - 18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key programs emphasize character and leadership development, educational enhancement, career preparation, health and life skills, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation. National headquarters are located in Atlanta.
By BEN WALKER
Derek Jeter dances around the word, almost afraid it might bring a jinx.
Let others call his New York Yankees a dynasty. Let them compare this team with the ones of Ruth, DiMaggio and Mantle. He's too busy trying to achieve greatness to boast.
``You don't sit and dwell on how many championships we've won in the past,'' Jeter said. ``We've had a good run. I don't see any reason why it can't continue.''
Only 25, the All-Star shortstop has earned three World Series rings. And as the Yankees try to become the first team to win three in a row since the 1972-74 Athletics, the question is: Can these Yankees be stopped?
``I'm sure a lot of people, not just us but teams in the National League, are trying to find ways to beat them,'' Texas general manager Doug Melvin said.
Ken Griffey Jr. hopes so. Traded from Seattle to his hometown Cincinnati Reds, he's eager to win a title - and not the one for beating out Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa in the Home Run Central.
In fact, neither Junior, Big Mac nor Slammin' Sammy seem excited about the great homer race shaping up. That's OK, because there will be plenty of tote boards keeping track.
``I just want to go out, play ball and win games,'' Griffey said.
John Rocker would settle for that, too. More likely, he'll hear it from crowds all over the major leagues when he sprints in from the bullpen, especially when he makes his first appearance at Shea Stadium on June 29.
Suspended for two weeks, the Atlanta reliever will miss opening day. Then again, most fans in America will miss it, too.
Baseball 2000 begins Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome when Mike Hampton makes his New York Mets debut, facing the Chicago Cubs. First pitch with the new Bud Selig-signed balls is at 7:05 p.m. in Japan - that's 5:05 a.m. EST.
Rickey Henderson already is griping about the 7,400-mile trip for the two-game series, set up to promote international baseball. Of course, these wouldn't be the Mets without a little turmoil, would it?
In other places, there's optimism as the opener approaches.
Chalk it up to:
Three new ballparks. Enron Field in Houston replaces the Astrodome, Comerica Park in Detroit takes over for Tiger Stadium and Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco replaces old Candlestick Park.
Seven new managers. There's Don Baylor (Cubs), Mike Hargrove (Baltimore), Charlie Manuel (Cleveland), Davey Lopes (Milwaukee), Mike Sciosia (Anaheim), Buddy Bell (Colorado) and Phil Garner (Detroit).
Bunches of stars in new places. Along with Griffey and Hampton, the movers included Juan Gonzalez, Shawn Green, Raul Mondesi, Chuck Finley, John Olerud, Greg Vaughn, Vinny Castilla, Dante Bichette and Darryl Kile.
``I didn't anticipate so many changes,'' said Colorado general manager Dan O'Dowd, who completely revamped the Rockies' roster.
Plus, there's the Comeback Club. Kerry Wood, Andres Galarraga, Moises Alou and Kerry Ligtenberg return after missing all of 1999. Jason Kendall also returns after sitting out much of the season with a broken ankle.
Atlanta ace John Smoltz, however, will be out the whole year after tearing an elbow ligament, an injury that happened after the NL champions seemed to be getting over the controversy Rocker created with disparaging remarks about minorities, foreigners and gays.
``This club is used to dealing with adversity,'' MVP Chipper Jones said.
Darryl Strawberry also is gone, suspended for the season because of a cocaine problem. His former Yankees teammates, Wade Boggs and Chili Davis, have retired. And 1999 All-Stars Tony Fernandez and David Nilsson left to join teams in Japan.
Richie Garcia and Frank Pulli are absent, two of the 22 umpires who lost their jobs last season. No telling whether any of them will ever work again, with umps having since formed a new union.
And AL president Gene Budig and NL counterpart Len Coleman no longer are in office. Their posts were wiped out and, as a result, all baseballs will bear the signature of commissioner Selig.
There's still talk of realignment for 2001, with Arizona to the AL, Tampa Bay to the NL and Texas to the AL Central as possibilities. But for now, the focus is on the field.
That means Orioles fans counting down the nine hits Cal Ripken needs for No. 3,000. And Padres fans cheering as Tony Gwynn, with 3,067 hits, moves up from 18th place on the career list.
AL Cy Young winner Pedro Martinez gave Red Sox rooters a taste of what to expect by taking part in a perfect game at spring training.
``I pitched a perfect game!'' Martinez shouted after going three innings in a tuneup against Toronto.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The New York Yankees organizational meeting didn't produce any immediate moves.
Speculation about the Yankees acquiring Anaheim's Jim Edmonds increased before Thursday's session, which included owner George Steinbrenner and his top executives.
``It was just an update on what everybody thinks about the ballclub,'' Torre said Friday after the Yankees loss 9-5 to the Atlanta Braves. ``I think we're fine the way we are.''
New York general manager Brian Cashman also downplayed the gathering, calling it ``an everyday spring training meeting.''
When asked if any trades were imminent, Torre said no, but added: ``We didn't know it was imminent when we got (Roger) Clemens last year. That was a 24-hour thing.''
The Yankees are expected to continue exploring the possibility of acquiring Edmonds.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - The New York Yankees acquired left-handed pitcher Ted Lilly from the Montreal Expos on Friday, the first of two players to be named in December's Hideki Irabu trade.
Lilly, 24, made his major league debut in 1999, going 0-1 with a 7.61 ERA in nine games with the Expos. He was 8-5 with a 3.84 ERA at Triple-A Ottawa.
At the time of the trade, New York received right-hander Jake Westbrook from Montreal. Lilly will be added to the Yankees' 40-man roster.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - New York Yankees manager Joe Torre wants to keep his pitching strength. He may find out soon if owner George Steinbrenner agrees.
The talk before the Yankees beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4 centered on a New York organizational meeting previously set for Thursday night by Steinbrenner.
The session was scheduled for Malio's, the Tampa steakhouse where the trade last spring involving five-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens was finalized.
``It could be, it very well could be,'' said Torre, when asked if potential trades would be discussed. ``I have not talked to him, but you know George. It's his club, he can do whatever he wants to.''
The main trade talk this spring has centered on the Yankees' interest in Anaheim outfielder Jim Edmonds. The asking price might include pitcher Ramiro Mendoza, an asset Torre doesn't want to lose.
``He listens. There are a lot of opinions expressed,'' Torre said. ``He is the ultimate decision maker. I knew that when I got here, and I still know it.''
Steinbrenner has voiced his concerns about the Yankees' slow start this spring. Still, Torre wants to keep his pitching staff intact.
``That's why we've won,'' Torre said. ``Hopefully, we'll win again. It has to be done with pitching.''
LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) - NBA coaches opposed to being miked during games have an ally in New York Yankees manager Joe Torre.
``It's probably the worst thing a manager or coach has to do,'' Torre said before Wednesday's game against Detroit.
Torre said his major concerns include talking with and about players, and discussing strategy.
``You can be misunderstood, and it's nobody's business,'' Torre said.
Torre was miked for a movie while managing the Atlanta Braves. One argument with an umpire wound up on a blooper reel.
``They tell you it won't get out, but somebody has it,'' Torre said.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The New York Yankees optioned outfielder Donzell McDonald and right-hander Ben Ford to Triple-A Columbus on Wednesday.
Infielder Mike Coolbaugh and right-hander Mike Jerzembeck were reassigned to the team's minor league camp.
The Gwyns were the grand prize winners of a Skippy peanut butter, on-label, instant-win sweepstakes sponsored by Bestfoods. Five million sweepstakes tickets were distributed nationwide on jars of Skippy peanut butter during the 1999 promotion, with the grand prize being a week-long Florida vacation for four and a chance to meet the baseball superstar during spring training. Jeter, who said he ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before minor league games, is an official spokesperson for the Skippy brand.
Steve Gwyn, his wife, Nancy, and his sons, 19-year-old Stephen and 12-year-old Jesse, enjoyed their conversation with the affable Jeter at Legends' Field. "It was obvious Derek has had good direction in his life. And he has a heart for those who aren't as fortunate," said Steve, referencing Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, which helps promote healthy lifestyles among kids and teens.
During the Gwyns visit with Jeter, the big leaguer soon discovered he wasn't the only athlete present, as young Jesse Gwyn happily related that he was the offensive left tackle of his local championship football team. Proud father, Steve, added that Jesse also earned a 95 average in sixth-grade math. "So you're the genius in the family," Jeter quipped, before warming up his fingers for an autographing frenzy that included baseballs, bats, and a hockey puck, which was a first for the shortstop.
"A friend told me to bring the puck," Jesse explained with a grin, before scurrying to find his Jorge Posada card when the catcher surprised the family by joining in the fun.
4.23.01
Yankees 4, Red Sox 3, 10 innings
By RONALD BLUM
.c The Associated Press
Yankees 6, Blue Jays 5, 17 innings
.c The Associated Press
Paul O'Neill hit an RBI single in the 17th inning and the Yankees beat Toronto 6-5 Thursday night in a game that took five hours, 57 minutes, the longest in Toronto's 25-year history.
``That was a pretty wild game,'' New York's Mike Stanton said. ``When you play 17, it's always better to win. Getting in at 5 a.m. will be a lot easier to take.''
The longest game in the majors this season ended at 1:06 a.m. EDT. About 1,500 fans in the announced crowd of 24,684 were left at SkyDome for the finish.
``I'm very tired, but it makes that plane ride home a little bit easier,'' winning pitcher Randy Choate said. ``I'll be able to get home and sleep in my own bed, and that's probably what I'm most excited about.''
O'Neill singled with two outs for his fourth hit, ending the Yankees' four-game losing streak. The Blue Jays blew a chance to win it much earlier, failing to score after loading the bases with no outs in the ninth.
``It seemed like every guy who came up tried to take it on their shoulders and end it,'' Toronto's Brian Simmons said.
The 17 innings matched the most in Toronto history. At 5:57, it broke the previous record of 5:49 it took the Blue Jays to play Baltimore on June 19, 1998.
``We're drained both mentally and physically,'' Simmons said.
The Yankees last played 17 innings on July 20, 1998, in the first game of a doubleheader against Detroit.
``You start to think it will never end,'' New York's David Justice said.
Bob File (1-1) retired the first two batters in the Yankees' 17th before Chuck Knoblauch walked. Knoblauch moved to second on Derek Jeter's single, and slid around catcher Darrin Fletcher on O'Neill's single.
``You're not tired when you win a game. You're semi-exhausted, but we're elated tonight,'' Yankees manager Joe Torre said.
Choate (1-0) earned the victory and Ramiro Mendoza got two outs for his first save.
Stanton made a great escape from the bases-loaded, no-out jam in the ninth. He struck out Carlos Delgado and Jose Cruz Jr., both on three pitches, and retired Brad Fullmer on a grounder.
``That was unbelievable. That set the tone,'' Torre said.
Stanton said he took it one pitch at a time.
``Luckily I was able to wiggle my way out of it,'' Stanton said. ``After I came out of the game, we played another one.''
Fullmer got another chance in the 16th, but struck out with the bases loaded against Choate to end the inning.
There was an odd scene in the sixth when Toronto reliever Pedro Borbon left the bullpen and trotted to the mound, only to be told he wasn't pitching.
With Joey Hamilton in trouble, manager Buck Martinez walked out to talk with the Blue Jays starter. Martinez didn't signal for a change, yet Borbon made his entrance.
An embarrassed Borbon then walked to the dugout and watched Hamilton pitch his way out of the jam.
``No one summoned him. Nobody called him. He just came running,'' Toronto manager Buck Martinez said.
Roger Clemens, making his first start in Toronto since being traded to the Yankees in 1999, allowed five runs on eight in six innings.
Fans chanted ``Roger! Roger!'' as Clemens gave up five runs in the third, keyed when Cruz hit a bases-loaded triple with two outs that barely skidded past center fielder Clay Bellinger.
Bellinger then had fly balls by Fullmer and Tony Batista sail just beyond his reach for RBI doubles.
O'Neill's RBI double, and Tino Martinez's sacrifice fly gave New York a 2-0 lead in the first. Martinez hit RBI grounder in the third.
Notes:@ Third-base umpire Greg Bonin barely made it out for the first pitch of the 15th inning after going to the washroom. ... New York's Donzell McDonald singled in the 14th for his first major league hit. ... The Yankees are 6-0 against Kansas City so far this season and 3-7 against AL East rivals Toronto and Boston. ... Jeter struck out in the second, ending his career high streak of not striking out in 49 consecutive at-bats. ... Cruz has hit in 13 straight. ... Toronto's Shannon Stewart left in the sixth with cramps in his hamstrings. ... CF Bernie Williams will rejoin the Yankees on Friday or Saturday after missing 10 games to be with his ailing father in Puerto Rico.
For Jeter, it's Opening Day
By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
.c The Associated Press
3.31.01
Yanks' Jeter To Start Season on DL
.c The Associated Press
3.30.01
Highest Baseball Salaries
.c The Associated Press
3.29.01
Weather Shuts Down Yankees' Jeter
.c The Associated Press
3.27.01
Jeter Plays in Minor League Game
.c The Associated Press
03.19.01
Jeter Plays Practical Joke
By RONALD BLUM
.c The Associated Press
02.04.01
Rodriguez, Jeter Clear the Air
By STEPHEN HAWKINS
.c The Associated Press
2.21.01
George Clooney Watches Jeter
.c The Associated Press
1.19.01
Jeter asks for $18.5 million in arbitration
By RONALD BLUM
.c The Associated Press
Yanks, Jeter Resume Contract Talks
By RONALD BLUM
.c The Associated Press
10.29.00
NY Mayor: Skip School, Go To Parade
.c The Associated Press
Yankees: http://www.yankees.com/
10.24.00
Derek Jeter Leads Yankees
By RONALD BLUM
.c The Associated Press
10.15.00
Jeter's three-run homer backs Clemens and Yankees
.c The Associated Press
10.12.00
AL Shortstop Rivals Even in Series
.c The Associated Press
10.05.00
Griffey, Jeter Lead Nominee List
.c The Associated Press
6.28.00
Jeter No. 2 on Bachelors List
.c The Associated Press
5/27/00
Jeter Hires Plane to Join Yankees
.c The Associated Press
5/26/00
Yanks' Jeter May Return Saturday
.c The Associated Press
5/25/00
Yanks' Jeter To Play in Rehab Game
.c The Associated Press
5/21/00
Jeter Showing Improvement
.c The Associated Press
5/12/00
Yanks' Jeter Blames Self for Injury
.c The Associated Press
Stottlemyre Returns to Yankees
.c The Associated Press
4/9/00
Yankees' Mel Stottlemyre Has Cancer
.c The Associated Press
4/4/00
Griffey, Hamm, Jeter, Cooper, Marino, Davenport, Da Silva Join Nabisco's Sportz All-Star Team to Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America
3/25/00
Yanks Still Team To Beat in 2000
.c The Associated Press
3/17/00
Torre Thinks Yankees Roster is OK
.c The Associated Press
3/17/00
Yankees Acquire Lilly From Expos
.c The Associated Press
3/16/00
Yanks May Discuss Potential Trades
.c The Associated Press
3/15/00
Joe Torre Agrees With NBA Coaches
.c The Associated Press
3/15/00
Yankees Send Four to Minors
.c The Associated Press
3/10/00
Derek Jeter Spreads the Fun With Skippy(R) Sweepstakes Winners
TAMPA, Fla., March 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Even though it appears Derek Jeter is at the top of his game, the all-star shortstop said there's always room for improvement. Jeter, who has played a major role in winning three world championships in four years, took time from his spring training regimen to share tips and tidbits with the Gwyn family of Endicott, N.Y.