In general, Derek Jeter isn't overrated. He can't possibly be. Google it. You'll see.
It isn't just because I am a Yankee honk. I am. But I am also a realist, and a writer. I think that combination of fanatical allegiance, perpetual examination, and obligation to facts has brought me to the point where I must voice my objection to the use of the term "overrated" in situations where no high rating actually exists.
The most glaring example of late is the bashing that Derek Jeter is taking by so many of those who reside on the other side of that line which divides the Yankee and nearly everyone else on the planet. There is no middle ground on which a true fan of baseball can stand. The Yanks are not anyone's second favorite team. Met fans boo Jeter enthusiastically. A cottage tee-shirt industry exists in Boston dedicated to Jeter hating. Even a city like Seattle, whose crowning moment was winning one division series against the Yankees (13 years ago), has its Jeter detractors and, you see where this is going. They certainly don't rate him highly.
The point is made that the media loves Jeter. True. Why shouldn't they? He is a rich bachelor with titles and models and plenty of media who loves such things. But don't confuse "beloved" with "highly rated".
To be highly rated you have to be placed among the best. You have to be touted as the best or nearly the best at a particular thing. But still, I can't seem to find anyone with baseball chops willing to anoint him the best shortstop ever without making some sort of qualifying remark.
The media outlets of the world love extreme winners and extreme losers. They love Cinderella stories but only for a while. Also-rans and nearly-weres don't sell ad space.
To be overrated your placement among your peers must be above that which evidence will support. It is not enough to think someone is overrated. It also isn't enough to have an emotional reaction to a person and then conclude that they certainly are overrated. They must actually underperform statistically compared to their rating. Sure, screaming teens in pink NY caps might overrate him, but I'm sure they don't know his career fielding percentage is .975 or that he has more career hits than Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and only 68 fewer than Babe Ruth.
But sure, the Google hits when I type in the search string "Jeter best SS" number near a million. So he must be overrated, right? Google it. Then find the first hit that doesn't say "Jeter is not the best shortstop" or something of that ilk.
It's on page two. And that person's credentials are suspect.
Overrated is a word that implies contempt. It reeks of disrespect. In Jeter's case it is unwarranted by virtue that he is rated low in the court of public opinion.
Show me otherwise. Show me the respected journalist who places Jeter too highly, and doesn't weigh his opinion based on hitting. YES Network doesn't count for obvious conflict of interest issues.
It isn't just because I am a Yankee honk. I am. But I am also a realist, and a writer. I think that combination of fanatical allegiance, perpetual examination, and obligation to facts has brought me to the point where I must voice my objection to the use of the term "overrated" in situations where no high rating actually exists.
The most glaring example of late is the bashing that Derek Jeter is taking by so many of those who reside on the other side of that line which divides the Yankee and nearly everyone else on the planet. There is no middle ground on which a true fan of baseball can stand. The Yanks are not anyone's second favorite team. Met fans boo Jeter enthusiastically. A cottage tee-shirt industry exists in Boston dedicated to Jeter hating. Even a city like Seattle, whose crowning moment was winning one division series against the Yankees (13 years ago), has its Jeter detractors and, you see where this is going. They certainly don't rate him highly.
The point is made that the media loves Jeter. True. Why shouldn't they? He is a rich bachelor with titles and models and plenty of media who loves such things. But don't confuse "beloved" with "highly rated".
To be highly rated you have to be placed among the best. You have to be touted as the best or nearly the best at a particular thing. But still, I can't seem to find anyone with baseball chops willing to anoint him the best shortstop ever without making some sort of qualifying remark.
The media outlets of the world love extreme winners and extreme losers. They love Cinderella stories but only for a while. Also-rans and nearly-weres don't sell ad space.
To be overrated your placement among your peers must be above that which evidence will support. It is not enough to think someone is overrated. It also isn't enough to have an emotional reaction to a person and then conclude that they certainly are overrated. They must actually underperform statistically compared to their rating. Sure, screaming teens in pink NY caps might overrate him, but I'm sure they don't know his career fielding percentage is .975 or that he has more career hits than Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and only 68 fewer than Babe Ruth.
But sure, the Google hits when I type in the search string "Jeter best SS" number near a million. So he must be overrated, right? Google it. Then find the first hit that doesn't say "Jeter is not the best shortstop" or something of that ilk.
It's on page two. And that person's credentials are suspect.
Overrated is a word that implies contempt. It reeks of disrespect. In Jeter's case it is unwarranted by virtue that he is rated low in the court of public opinion.
Show me otherwise. Show me the respected journalist who places Jeter too highly, and doesn't weigh his opinion based on hitting. YES Network doesn't count for obvious conflict of interest issues.
