New York Yankees legend blasts Hall of Fame voters after snub
Yankees legend Derek Jeter chastised Hall of Fame voters for their lack of accountability.
Derek Jeter, a New York Yankees legend, was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020. The long-time shortstop was one vote away from becoming one of only two unanimous first-ballot members in MLB Hall of Fame history, including teammate Mariano Rivera.
While Jeter insists he isn’t bothered by that one absentee vote, he does believe that whoever turned him down should be held accountable for their poor ballot.
“Members of the media always want us to be accountable as players,” Jeter stated in a Fox News article published on June 20. “Good game, horrible game. You must stand in front of your locker and address the media. I did this every day. “You may not agree with what I said, but I held myself accountable and was present.”
Throughout his illustrious 20-season MLB career with the Yankees, Jeter always made an effort to make himself available to the media following games.
“And I think you should expect the same [accountability] from the members of the media,” Jeter said afterwards. “I’m not concerned that someone didn’t vote for me. I truly don’t, but I think it’s bothersome that I have to repeatedly answer the question. And I don’t think I should be the one to answer the question. Whoever it is should respond to the inquiry. I don’t mind it, but I’m tired of being asked that question.
In addition to never explaining why they left Jeter off their 2020 ballot, the voter’s identity has never been revealed.
During his Hall of Fame speech, Jeter acknowledged his 99.7% vote and expressed gratitude to all baseball writers. “All but one of you.”
Jeter’s five World Series championships, 14 All-Star game appearances, five Gold Glove Awards, 3,465 hits, 1,923 runs scored, 4,921 total bases, and having his No. 2 retired by the Yankees all demonstrate that he deserved the unanimous vote.
