Good player, but not the great one the Yankee mythos has made him. Tough competitor, and the constant heart of a largely heartless pinstripe team.

As a lifetime Redsox fan, I'm supposed to profess nothing but contempt for any and all things Yankee. I recent years, however, it seems as if my beloved Sox have offered me just as many or more players that I find troublesome (Manny, Pedro, and Johnny "The Turncoat" Damon) whereas the Yanks are led by a manager who exudes nothing but class at all times and players (Hideki Matsui, Bernie William, and D.J.) Derek Jeter not is a great sportsman, but he seemingly has no weaknesses as a player. Jeter can hit for a high average, provide the occasional pop at the plate, runs the bases instinctively, fields flawlessly, and is at his best in the clutch. He leads by example and, to my knowledge, never has a negative word to say about anyone. In an age that has brought us the greatest talent at the shortstop position to ever play, (Garciaparra, Tejeda, Alex Rodriguez, and Jeter) Jeter may well be the best of the lot. His play in World Series and playoff games and games pitting the Yankees against the Redsox (which are all "playoff" games no matter how the standings read) can be compared with the greatest stars to play the game. When it comes down to making a big play or getting the clutch hit, this guy is downright scary. A great, great player. (But I still hate the Yankees!)

Very good, clutch player, fast, can hit for average and homers, though rather overrated as a fielder: that team would be better off with Rodriguez at short and Jeter at third. Jeter is one of those fielders that makes great plays at crucial times though. Surefire Hall of Famer, and easily the best shortstop that team's ever had.

Great clutch player. Great leader.

If Nomar was on the Yankees, they would have about 650 winning percentage. Also if jeter was in boston, boston would be the equivilant to the blue jays. BAD!

I don't know if he's the BEST shortstop in history, but I do know he's the HOTTEST shortstop in history! :) www.cafeshops.com/GotJeter

He is good, but he is considered so great because he is on the yankees. Almost all other star shortstops have better stats than him, and if nomar was in new york and jeter was in boston, the yankees would probably have two more rings on their fingers

A very good shortstop, but I think he is overrated because he has played for the Yankees. Among his contemporaries, I think Rodriguez, Garciaparra are better than him, and arguments could be made that Tejada and Renteria are also better than Jeter.