This Day in Yankees History: Derek Jeter is named captain

With the start of the 2020 season delayed for the foreseeable future, the Pinstripe Alley team decided to revive the program in a slightly different format. These daily posts will highlight a few key moments in Yankees history on a given date, as well as recognize players born on the day. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

★ ★ ★

This Day in Yankees History (June 3)

88 years ago

Tony Lazzeri blasts a grand slam to complete the cycle, with his four hits accomplished in sequential order: single, double, triple, home run. Along with that, his teammate Lou Gehrig blasted four home runs in the same game, and it may have overshadowed the second baseman’s rare feat.

22 years ago

Orlando Hernandez gets the victory in his major-league debut as the Yankees defeat the Devil Rays in the Bronx, 7-1. El Duque allows a run on five hits in seven innings.

17 years ago

Derek Jeter is named the 11th captain in New York Yankees history. The 28-year-old shortstop joins Hal Chase, Roger Peckinpaugh, Babe Ruth, Everett Scott, Lou Gehrig, Thurman Munson, Graig Nettles, co-captains Willie Randolph and Ron Guidry, and Don Mattingly.

★ ★ ★

Birthdays

Happy birthday to Jose Molina!

Molina caught for the Yankees from 2007-2009, winning a ring with them in his final year with the team. During his 181 games in pinstripes, he hit .231/.281/.318.

★ ★ ★

We thank Baseball-Reference, Nationalpastime.com, and FanGraphs for providing background information for these posts.