NY sports history: April 2, 1996

THIS DAY IN NY

SPORTS HISTORY

Tuesday, April 2, 1996

Jeter takes over as Yankees shortstop

Derek Jeter hits a home run in the Yankees' 7-1 victory over the Indians on Opening Day at Jacobs Field. The 22-year old infielder becomes the first Yankee rookie to play shortstop at the start of the season since 1962 when Tom Tresh filled in for Tony Kubek, who had reported to duty when his National Guard unit was federalized.

Jeter replaced Tony Fernandez, who batted .245 in the 1995 season. Jeter batted .314 with 183 hits, 104 runs scored, 10 home runs and 78 runs batted in and would be named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1996. The Yankees would go on to win their first World Series since 1978 by defeating the Atlanta Braves in six games.

Jeter batted ninth in the game. Bernie Williams hit a three-run homer in the eighth inning and Paul O'Neill was 3-for-4 with two doubles and two runs batted in for the Yankees. David Cone pitched seven shutout innings, allowed two hits and six walks with four strikeouts. Current manager Joe Girardi was the catcher and was 1-for-3.