Jeter might as well take up soccer and flop like they do with his "acting" like he was hit by that pitch. I thought he was above that kind of move.
Didn't catch it (the Red Sox are long out of the playoff hunt, so I'm not watching much). With that being said, Jeter is one player I really have a lot of respect for. Low flash, consistent and reliable. Like SevenMag said, there's a lot on the line, so who knows what you would do in that situation.
I certainly don't think he thought in his mind, "If a pitch nearly hits my hand but instead hits the bat, I'm going to do a major sell job!" I honestly think a lot of it was natural reaction. a 90+ mph pitch came within centimeters of breaking his hand. Of course he's going to jump back and shake his hand. And it is like he said after the game, "They told me to go to first base, it's not like I am going to say "no, that's okay I don't want to" (I paraphrased, don't quote me exactly). It's kind of like when you are close to a bees nest, or are thinking of bees and fly lands on your neck. You go insane trying to swat it off thinking you've just been stung.
Well said. I agree 100%. You dont' react that quick like that and have it ALL predetermined. Not possible. A lot of natural reaction and a little acting. There have been a few worse things that have happened in baseball than that. I have zero problem with it. Wouldn't have a problem if it was someone else on a different team either.
Wow... I just got back from work and turned on ESPN. It seems to be a big deal lol. Featured story for some reason. I dont' really see the big deal. Certainly not the first time that's happened. Really didn't have that much bearing on the outcome of the game. Must have been a slow day in the sports world to give that much attention to a play like that. Shouldn't they be talking about Favre or something?
Derek Jeter defines "class" in baseball (and I'm a Res Sox fan). He's playing the game. Nothing less.
Damn cameras show everything. Players have been doing things such as this long before the instant replay dimed them out. Good play by Jeter. You job, the one that plays you 189 million over 10 years tells you to win, period...
Exactly. This type of stuff goes on during the course of a game. It just so happens that this time the cameras caught it.
Of course he wouldn't refuse taking 1st base if given by the ump. But, I was dissapointed that he put on such a show when it didn't actually hit him. Although he is taking "some" heat could you imagine the crap a player, not as well liked, like Arod would be facing had he done the same thing?
Well, the way I see it, he just saved everyone a few steps. Do you think there's a chance Derek Jeter gets hit on the hand.....and the team trainer NOT come out to check him out? He either does it at the plate or at 1st base.
This is such a non issue. It happens throughout pro sports, players trying to push the envelope with the refs. I was listening to Mike and Mike in the Morning and people were calling in comparing Jeter's faking/cheating? to using steroids. Come on...
As a long time baseball coach, I am very disappointed in the number of people that feel this is an accepted part of the game. When did deception and being a con-man become a good example of playing the game? Not in my book ever. I will never coach kids to believe it is okay to fake an injury etc. just to win a game. After all, it is still just a game and should be played with honor. Winning at any cost is losing in my opinion.
Do we: 1) Chastise the catcher for framing an iffy pitch? 2) Chastise an outfielder for attempting to get a "catch" call on a trap play? 3) Chastise a hitter for attempting to "sell" a no-swing? 4) Chastise the infielder for a swipe tag sell on a play at his base? The list goes on and on.......
Actually, in Little League, I do. There is no honor in winning without integrity and sportsmanship. I know a bunch of 12 and 13 year old kids that I respect more than most professional athletes. Again, the emphasis on winning is oversold.
I don't disagree with setting the moral fabric in place Fletch. But I gotta side with Jeff and the others on this one. It's a game, sometimes deception or should I say not telling the truth is for the good of the team. It was a great baseball player doing what they do...it was instinct, for the benefit of the team. I am also a long time baseball coach...from T-ball up to High school ball...and now back at the T-ball level working my way through again!
I don't disagree with this statement, at all. But, I guess we just have differing opinions on whether or not what Jeter did was "DIShonorable or lacked integrity". Just a difference of opinion.
