KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — New York Yankees player Derek Jeter has received admittance into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jeter received 396 out of a total of 397 votes, or 99.7%. He is only the second player in history to appear on all ballots.
“This is an absolute honor,” Jeter said during a press conference. “This is something that is not part of the dream when you’re playing, you’re playing and you’re just trying to keep your job, that’s first and foremost. You’re trying to compete year in and year out, you’re trying to win, and when your career is over and done with, then it’s up to the Writers. I want to once again thank the Baseball Writers.”
The New Jersey-born player was raised in Kalamazoo, attending Kalamazoo Central High School. He was then drafted by the Yankees in 1992.
In 1996, he was recognized as the “American League Rookie of the Year,” enjoying a successful career that included several World Series titles among other achievements.
In order to be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame, eligible players must receive at least 75% of a vote created by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Players can also be nominated by a separate committee under the Hall.
Jeter, along with Colorado Rockies player Larry Walker and former Cardinals player Ted Simmons, will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. on July 26.
