Derek Jeter is overrated

Many thanks to my opponent for beginning this debate, even though it's kind of a cop out to post a challenge and then have your competitor go first. Regardless, I'd like to begin by noting that I was born and raised in New York City, and as such grew up loving both the New York Yankees AND The New York Mets. Granted, it's been easier being a Yankee fan over the years considering the vast amount of success they've had whereas the Mets have been more than a little disappointing and downright frustrating in several key seasons. Nevertheless, I still love both teams and regard Derek Jeter as one of the greatest players in MLB history as well as one of the most prominent MLB players today. I don't think he is overrated; I think he deserves all of his fame and success. =========================================================================== David Schoenfield said it best: Derek Jeter has the killer instinct of Jackie Robinson, the hustle of Pete Rose, the bat artistry of George Brett, the leadership of Kirby Puckett, the clutch hitting of Reggie Jackson, the acrobatics of Ozzie Smith, the eyes of Grace Kelly. He's the perfect ballplayer [1]. Pro insists that Derek Jeter is overrated, and yet nobody can deny his accomplishments. It is no wonder he is considered the BEST SHORTSTOP OF ALL TIME by TV's "The Insiders," though most rank him as #2 only behind Honus Wagner. After winning 1996's prestigious Rookie of the Year award, Jeter went on to be a NINE-TIME All-Star and the MVP of the 2000 World Series. He boasts a career .316 batting average, and is called "Mr. November" due to the Yankees post-season success for which Jeter's accomplishments are largely attributed (i.e. his 17 post-season homers). In addition to having the most hits in post-season history, he also has more hits than any other Short Stop ever, and this year even surpassed Lou Gehrig making him the all-time hit leader of the Yankees franchise. Derek Jeter is a 5-time world champion and has a career .975 fielding percentage -- definitely among the league's elite, especially considering the fact that he's won 3 Gold Glove awards. One important attribute Jeter has is his consistency - he's great every season! He is captain to the best team in the MLB and proves to be a fantastic leader year after year. He's always been level headed, fair and a good sportsman. He is a great role model to young players and his teammates. The MLB commissioner even considers him "The face of baseball." In noting all of Jeter's hard work, dedication, leadership, statistics and awards, how can Pro possibly be serious in saying that Derek Jeter is overrated? One cannot fake statistics; they're not biased. He's earned his spot as a member of the elite players and possibly one of the best to ever play the game. ==== AWARDS DEREK WON ==== 1994 Minor League Player of the Year Award 1996 Players Choice: Outstanding Rookie of the Year Award 1996 Rookie of the Year Award 1996 Sporting News Rookie Player of the Year Award 1998 Player of the Month Award 2000 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award 2000 Babe Ruth Award (World Series MVP) 2000 World Series Most Valuable Player Award 2004 Gold Glove Award for Shortstops 2005 Gold Glove Award for Shortstops 2006 Baseball Digest Player of the Year Award 2006 Gold Glove Award for Shortstops 2006 Hank Aaron Award 2006 Silver Slugger Award (American League) 2006 TYIB: Hitter of the Year Award 2007 Silver Slugger Award (American League) 2008 Silver Slugger Award (American League) 2009 Gold Glove Award for Shortstops 2009 Hank Aaron Award 2009 Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award 2009 Silver Slugger Award (American League) 2009 Sportsman of the Year Award [1] http://www.cbssports.com... [2] http://www.baseball-almanac.com...