OTD 2004: Derek Jeter Flies into the Stands vs. Sox

By Sam Grigsby, PSO Director of Sports History
Jul 01, 2021

July 1, 2004: In the 12th inning of an eventual victory over the Boston #RedSox, New York #Yankees SS Derek Jeter made an iconic play, flying into the stands and scratching up his face to catch a pop fly
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— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 2, 2021

In 2004, SS Derek Jeter made his iconic diving play against the arch-rival Boston Red Sox that still stands as one of the greatest plays of the 21st century. In the top of the 12th inning, Jeter raced to catch a batted pop fly between 3B and LF, flying over the infield wall into the stands to make the magnificent catch. The Yankees went on to defeat the Sox 5-4 in the bottom of the 13th. In January of 2020, Jeter concluded his phenomenal, storybook career by being enshrined in the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New York.

Jeter sustained minor injuries after entering the stands, suffering a swollen cheek, cut chin, and a bruised shoulder. It would have no lasting impact. The Captain made a similar play in 2001 against the Oakland Athletics. He approached the stands with less speed, flipping over the rail while maneuvering for the catch. He sustained no serious injury during this effort either but these plays served as the epitome of Jeter’s hustle and grit as the face of the Yankees.