Jeter tops Gehrig, sets Yankees hit record

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter broke the New York Yankees' hit record held by Lou Gehrig for more than seven decades Friday night. He did it with a single to right field in the third inning.

That gave Jeter 2,722 hits, one more than Gehrig, whose Hall of Fame career was cut short by illness in 1939.

Of course, the game against Baltimore must get through five innings and become official for Jeter's hit to count. The start was delayed 87 minutes by a heavy rain that had tapered off by the third inning.

Jeter's record-breaking hit was remarkably similar to the one that tied Gehrig on Wednesday night, a sharp grounder inside the first-base line. After this one, Yankees players poured out of the dugout and engulfed Jeter at first base with hugs and pats on the back.

"For those who say today's game can't produce legendary players, I have two words: Derek Jeter. Game in and game out he just produces," Yankees owner Georger Steinbrenner said in a statement. "As historic and significant as becoming the Yankees' all-time hit leader is, the accomplishment is all the more impressive because Derek is one of the finest young men playing the game today.

"That combination of character and athletic ability is something he shares with the previous record holder, Lou Gehrig," the statement said.

A rain-soaked crowd roared during an ovation that lasted about 3 minutes. Fans chanted Jeter's name and the ball was taken out of play as a souvenir.

Jeter spread his arms wide after rounding first base and gave an emphatic clap as he headed back to the bag.

He was still smiling moments later when Orioles rookie pitcher Chris Tillman tried to pick him off first. Jeter easily beat the throw and flashed a playful grin — ever alert, he wasn't about to let himself get wrapped up in the moment and caught off-guard.

When the ball got past diving first baseman Luke Scott, Jeter's parents raised their arms in excitement. Joining them in an upstairs box filled with family and freinds were his sister and steady girlfriend, actress Minka Kelly.

Jeter tied Gehrig's mark Wednesday night, snapping an 0-for-12 slump with three hits against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees were off Thursday, and Jeter resumed his pursuit Friday at soggy Yankee Stadium.

He struck out swinging in his first at-bat, but came through his next time up.

Gehrig's final hit came on April 29, 1939, a single against the Washington Senators. The Iron Horse had held the club record since Sept. 6, 1937, when he passed Babe Ruth.