THE GREAT DEBATE: JETER OR MANTLE?

What makes a Yankee legend? Is it their statistics? Is it how well they represented themselves, and the team? Is it their charisma, or is it that sense of nostalgia we feel when we think about them?

Most Yankees become idolized after fans have that moment when the player does, or says something spectacular, and we think "This guy is something special." Those fond memories decide which Yankees will forever be imbedded in our hearts. Even then, we put our legends on pedestals. One player above another. Our own internal player ranking. We decide that ones actions are worth them being set higher. For some Lou Gehrig was a greater player than Babe Ruth. It is arguable, of course, but it is a matter of personal preference.

So, when you put two players like Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter head to head, how do you decide which of the two is the greater player? Without a doubt, they both played with a great deal of heart, giving everything they possibly could to the team. Both earned their pinstripes, many times over, and are without a doubt Yankees legends.

It's hard to compare their statistics. They played two different positions, in two completely different eras. A healthy Mantle was a phenomenal addition to the Yankees line-up. He ended his 18 year long career with 536 homers, 2415 hits, and a .298 average. In 19 years, Jeter has 3311 hits, 256 homers, and a .313 average. Of course, Mantle was a power hitter, where Jeter bats for average.

Jeter represents the team very well. Everything from the flip play, to the dive into the stands proves that Jeter is willing to give everything to the Yankees. Mantle's story, while sad, is completely endearing. How can you not appreciate his speech about him being the perfect example of who not to be? Both are role models in their own way.

I will admit, it is very difficult to decide who among the two is the greater player, person, and legend. There is a number of excellent reasons to admire either of them, and there can really be no right or wrong answer here. So I will turn this debate over to the readers.

Who is greater? Derek Jeter, or Mickey Mantle? Vote in our poll on BYB. When the results is complete... we'll do a follow up and write about that! Hey... it should be fun, right?


 
--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



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