Derek Jeter can add 2009 Sports Illustrated “Sportsman of the Year” Award to his extensive trophy case. Although he hasn’t found himself accepting any AL MVP awards in his career, I doubt he’d be able to find any room to put the trophy.

As if winning his 5^th World Series, 4^th Golden Glove and setting an all-time Yankee Hit record wasn’t enough, he can now add his first “Sportsman of the Year” Award to the list. He is the first baseball player to win it since the Red Sox won it as a team (gag me) in 2004.

It’s nice for a man who has been a pure team player and dedicated winner to receive recognition as being the best “man” in sports. He’d suggest his worst enemy for an honorable medal well before he’d consider himself for an award, so to see Sports Illustrated acknowledge him with such a distinguished award was pleasing, if not for him than for his fans.

Jeter’s greatness can rarely be put into words but to give you an idea of how “big” Derek Jeter is to New York and the world of professional sports you should probably know this: Derek Jeter is the first Yankee to ever win Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year Award in it’s 55 year history.

The shortstop gold glover and silver slugger turned 35 this year, an old man by baseball standards, and will begin the last year of his contract next April. His age will be in question as will the amount of money he should be offered or should expect. People will wonder what position he will play and for how long. They’ll expect him to take less while silently hoping the Steinbrenner’s offer him too much.

Derek Jeter has spoiled his fans again. As his awards pile up and the rings crowd his multi million dollar fist, fans across every borough of New York remember less and less of what it was like before number 2 kicked away dirt at shortstop in the Bronx. Seeing him play spring after spring becomes more and more routine. So as his career begins to wind down and the rumors of an inevitable position switch tickle your eardrums just remember what you have Yankee Fans. One of the greatest players of all time is playing in your city, take advantage of his time, cherish his scoops and throws, and thank God for making him a Yankee.

Congratulations Derek…again.