On this day in 2001: Derek Jeter makes the 'flip' play in ALDS vs. Oakland
On this day 15 years ago, Derek Jeter made of the most iconic and clutch plays of his career as he found himself way out of his regular spot at shortstop to flip a failed cut-off throw over to Jorge Posada and tag Jeremy Giambi out for the final out of the inning.
The Oakland Athletics led the American League Division Series 2–1 as the Yankees faced elimination on the road. With a 1–0 lead and Mike Mussina on the mound in the seventh inning with two outs and Giambi on first after single.
Terrence Long lined the ball down the line into right field before being retrieved by Shane Spencer. The outfielder's throw missed Yankee infielders Tino Martinez and Alfonso Soriano before then-A's third base coach Ron Washington waved Giambi home. To his dismay, Jeter was just feet away from home plate and redirected Spencer's throw with a bare-handed flip to Posada.
Watch the incredible play below:
Umpire Kerwin Danley called out Giambi and the Yankees celebrated.
“It was my job to read the play,” Jeter told reporters after the game.
The Yankees went on to win the game and the series. They advanced to the World Series where they were defeated by the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.
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