Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

Show Jeter The Money, Fans Say

Daily News, January 20, 2000

By Dave Goldiner

New Yorkers told a Daily News fax poll that the Yankee shortstop is worth every penny of the $118 million deal he is discussing with the Bombers.

"Absolutely, he is an immensely talented young man and soon to be the Yanks captain," wrote Pete Rivera. "Also a great role model."

Derek Jeter celebrates after the Yankees swept the Braves in the 1999 World Series.

By a 2-1 margin, readers put their pinstripe stamp of approval on the seven-year contract, which would make Jeter the highest-paid player in baseball history.

Many readers cited the star power Jeter brings to the Bronx. Others gushed over his rare talent. Still others gave him kudos for the three World Series rings he's acquired in the past four years.

"Look at what he has done for the Yankees and for baseball," wrote Lisa Williams. "If the Yankees were smart they would definitely need to sign him up now before some other team does when he becomes a free agent."

With salaries skyrocketing, some fans pointed out that Jeter's asking price is not out of line with what other top stars are getting.

"He is one of the best shortstops in Major League Baseball," wrote Fran Noftell of Brooklyn. "He's a better player than (Mets catcher) Mike Piazza, who signed for $93 million."

Amid all the Jeter fever, some readers questioned whether $118 million was a bit too much to pay for a baseball player, even one as good as Jeter.

"I do not think any baseball player is worth it," said Jennifer Donovan, of Brooklyn.

Sharon Harris, of Briarwood, Queens, agreed.

"The only people worth that kind of money would be the teachers and the police and firemen," she wrote.

"Earth to sports fans," wrote Pat Grant, of Rocky Point, N.Y. "He is not working on a cure for cancer. He is playing a game."

But the naysayers were drowned out by a torrent of faxes from loyal Jeter fanatics.

One fax poll respondent even expressed mock surprise at the stinginess of the possible Yankee offer.

"Is that all they offered him?" the person asked.