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7 Days After $212 Million Star Drew Derek Jeter Comparisons, Yankees Legend Reflects on Re-Creating His Iconic Flip to Dismiss Bryce Harper

Published 10/16/2023, 8:30 AM EDT

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The MLB world got another version of Flip Play after Derek Jeter. The New York Yankees icon had made multiple remarkable moves during his career that none repeated later. However, the 2023 season is different. This MLB season has witnessed multiple repetitions of Jeter’s moves by young players. While fans witnessed one during the regular season, another one unfurled during the postseason. During the NLDS Game 2 between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, all MLB enthusiasts noticed the incredible move by the Braves’ baseman that sent Bryce Harper back to the dugouts. Soon fans compared it to Jeter’s iconic move. Days after that, the legend shared his “different” views on it.

Captain Clutch rarely shared his views on MLB incidents. However, recently he appeared for an interview session with Ben Verlander on the “Flippin’ Bats” podcast. This is a Q&A format interview where the legend shared his views on Austin Riley’s repetition of his iconic move.

Derek Jeter Discussed the Key Points of Riley’s Move

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The interview revolved around different topics. The host asked for Jeter’s opinion on baseball analytics, Roger Clemens, Shohei Ohtani, and multiple other topics. While revolving like this, the discussion came to Austin Riley’s flip move. The former Yankees captain expressed, “They’re all different.” However, he emphasized the importance of the situation. Per Jeter, “I think the key is, you always have to be aware of what’s going on. You have to be aware of the situation.” 

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Further, the legend went on to express his view on the move. According to him, the Phillies baseman saw the position of Harper, and he was moving. Next, the 5x World Series Champion kept on explaining, “You’ve got to keep moving. Riley is pointing to first and then, sort of like my flip, the throw misses the first two cutoff men and he’s right there to redirect it. It was a heads-up play by him there.”

Read More: “Players Have Heartbeats…”: Yankees Icon Derek Jeter Quotes Legendary Former Skipper While Addressing Controversial Debate That Has Divided Baseball

Jeter’s flip play marks a milestone in his 20-year career. In their 2001 ALDS Game 3 against the Oakland Athletics, Jeter ran across the infield and caught the ball. In the next moment, he flipped it to Jorge Posada, who tagged Jeremy Giambi out. Riley almost replayed the move. During their Game 2, Michael Harris caught a leaping catch, which already out Nick Castellanos. But he immediately threw to double up Harper. Initially, the throw was missed by the fielder, but Riley was in the right position to get the ball and threw it to Matt Olson at first base to complete the double play. However, there was another replay of Jeter’s iconic move in this ongoing MLB season.

Cincinnati Reds’ Rookie Repeated Jeter’s Iconic Move to Take a Catch

During the regular season, The Cincinnati Reds’ Elly De La Cruz emulated another legendary Jeter move that was highly damaging as well. During their game with the St. Louis Cardinals, the rookie jumped into the audience to take a catch. The same thing Jeter did in 2004 against The Red Sox. The legend jumped into the audience to catch the ball and got highly injured with bruises on his face. The Red’s rookie was fortunate that he didn’t get injured in the process.

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These incidents prove that legendary moves left an impression on the young players that they repeat without even knowing it.

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Written by:

Antara Bhattacharyya

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Antara Bhattacharyya is an MLB Writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed her Master's Degree in English Literature, she is passionate about writing. Sports being one of her core interests, she indulged in American Sports, particularly Baseball.
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Edited by:

Ananya Giri