Thurman Munson is another Yankee that can be included in the discussion of the best captain the teams ever had. He led the team to two championship wins in 1977 and 1978 before an airplane accident claimed his life in 1979. Some may also argue that Babe Ruth may have been the best captain, but his reign was over pretty much before it even started. He was stripped of his captaincy after throwing dirt on an umpire during a game and climbing into the stands to confront a fan. That being said, Ruth is perhaps the greatest Yankee of all time, but is also the worse captain the Bronx Bombers have ever had. I used to argue with my uncle, because he'd always say, "Lou Gherig would have been the best Yankee captain had he remained healthy." My answer to him was always the same, "Had he been healthy, we would be discussing it in a different way – but, this is how history turned out." That is why Jeter can be named the greatest Yankee captain the team may ever see. .
Derek Jeter is the longest-tenured captain in Yankee history, and he did this while playing at the position of shortstop his whole career. Many other players that begin their career at this postion usually finish playing as a third baseman, but not Jeter. Chris Smith, in his story "Derek Jeter Opens the Door", wrote "At 40, he is ancient for a major leaguer, but up close he is leaner than he appears in uniform" (Smith, Page 1). Jeter worked especially hard on keeping his body up to par with the rest of the younger players in the league. He remained one of baseball's best defensive player throughout his career, concluding with a .976 fielding percentage. Jeter received five "Gold Glove" awards, which recognizes the most valuable fielder for each defensive position. He would sacrifice his body numerous times the way other "lazier" players wouldn't. He'd always plunge towards the ball for an out, whether it be a hit up the middle or a foul pop-up where he's literally sacrificed his body for the team.