Long before Derek Jeter was haunting the dreams of young Marlins’ fans everywhere (No, Derek Jeter, no! No more payroll slashing! Please!), he was inspiring a generation of little league shortstops with the now-famous and classic “jump-throw” from short – I must’ve reenacted this play a thousand times in my life.
You know the jump-throw, no doubt, but when’s the last time you actually watched the entire play from that 1998 postseason game? Admittedly, it had been a while for me.
And now, I actually think this play is more impressive than I remembered it.
Getting to the ball and making the turn, alone, would be a challenge, but, as the announcer correctly points out, that type of accurate, on-the-fly, and in-time throw takes a whole lot of strength (especially when your off balance) and remains one heck of a play.
That’s the Jeter we all know and love.
