1 Consistent performance
Jeter hit .334 with 18 homers and 66 RBIs in leading the Yankees to their first title since 2000.
He hit .344 in the postseason but didn’t even win MVP. There’s a feeling this award is more of a career achievement than a single season honor.
2 Clean image
The Yankees’ shortstop is clean and honors the tradition of the game.
While the list of admitted steroid users added Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez in the last 11 months, Jeter has become an angelic figure in the steroid era.
3 Game off the field
His Turn 2 Foundation has awarded millions in grants to groups that keep children away from drugs and alcohol.
Then there’s also his latest catch, Minka Kelly. Maybe SI?is hoping she will pose for their next swimsuit edition.
