New York Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter (1974-), born in Pequannock, New Jersey, became the 2000 World Series MVP by leading his team to a five-game victory over the New York Mets. Jeter batted .409 in the series and tied the game in the sixth inning with a homer, his second in two days.

"Every year is a different story," said Jeter, basking in the glow of his team's 2000 win. "I'd be lying if I said this one wasn't more gratifying."

"The tougher the situation, the more fire he gets in his eyes," Yankee manager Joe Torre said about the flawless fielder who was also MVP of the July 2000 All-Star Game. "You don't teach that. You're born with that."

"Jeter is a very special guy," Torres added. "There is something about his presence that makes you feel good."

One of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful in 1999, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound heartthrob, called D.J. in the dugout, has been romantically linked to singer Mariah Carey, actress Jessica Alba, and other beauties. "He's just like Elvis Presley," said third baseman Scott Brosius. "Girls, especially the younger ones, always scream for him. I've never seen anything like it."

Humble, polite, and talented, Jeter seems to improve with each passing year and has admitted that all he ever wanted to be was a Yankee. "To have the chance to play at Yankee Stadium and be on their team, I must be one of the lucky ones," Jeter said. "God, I hope I wear this jersey forever."

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