Profound Respect from Cooperstown

April 2, 2012 — Over the last few months, I have been compiling quotes about Derek Jeter and about Mariano Rivera from members of the Baseball Hall of Fame for a spread in the 2012 New York Yankees Official Yearbook — which, by the way comes out on April 13.

The quote section will commemorate Jeter’s 3,000th hit and Rivera’s record-breaking 602nd save, milestones that were achieved in 2011.

Prior to today’s game, I spoke to Andre Dawson and Tony Perez, both of whom work for the Miami Marlins. The words of these Hall of Famers underscore the respect that the game’s greatest players have for Jeter and Rivera, and will be added to quotes from the likes of Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Goose Gossage, Pau Molitor and several others.

“I’m a huge fan of Derek,” Perez said. “He has the will to win every time he takes the field. He may not put up huge power numbers, but he has hit some big home runs over the years. Derek is a consistent hitter, a great fielder, and he drives in runs late in games. That is the sign of greatness.”