Yankees’ Jeter Named A.L.’S Rookie Of Year

Derek Jeter began the spring thinking he might get sent down to the minors once the season started.

By opening day, he’d made his mark. In the first game, Jeter homered and made a sparkling, over-the-shoulder catch. By the time the Yankees won the World Series, he had blossomed into one of baseball’s best young players.

Just four months past his 22nd birthday, Jeter unanimously won the A.L. Rookie of the Year award Monday.

Jeter batted .314 with 10 home runs and 78 RBIs and settled a position that had long been in flux for the Yankees. Not that he was going to brag about it.

“Baseball is a real humbling sport,” he said. “One day you’re on top and the next day you’re not. I’m enjoying this now, but I don’t think you’re going to have to worry about me getting a big head.”

Jeter was the eighth Yankee to win the award - including shortstops Tony Kubek and Tom Tresh - and first since Dave Righetti in 1981. He received all 28 first-place votes and 140 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Chicago White Sox pitcher James Baldwin, who went 11-6, was second. Detroit first baseman Tony Clark, who hit 27 home runs, was third.