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Derek Jeter Homers To Reach 3,000 Hit Mark

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Derek Jeter's bid for one of baseball's most hallowed milestones, a mark never reached by other New York Yankees' greats, is complete.

Mobbed by his pinstriped pals after the ball sailed into the left-field seats, showered by ovations from his fans, Derek Jeter stood alone - the first Yankees player to 3,000 hits.

WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reports: Derek Jeter becomes Mr. 3,000

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His first home run at Yankee Stadium this year, too.

A fitting crown for the captain.

With a swift swing of his shiny black bat, Jeter jolted himself into historic company, homering off Tampa Bay ace David Price in the third inning Saturday. He joined former teammate Wade Boggs as the only players to do it with a home run.

EXTRA: Complete DJ3K Coverage

The crowd went wild at Yankee Stadium when Jeter became Mr. 3,000. His teammates surrounded him while everyone in stands cheered "Derek Jeter! Derek Jeter!"

With a big smile on his face, Jeter hugged his teammates. It was a special time for No. 2. His second hit of the game, and right at 2 p.m.

Photo Gallery: Derek Jeter Reaches 3,000 Hits

The ball, one of the specially marked ones put in play for the occasion, disappeared into a cluster of fans a few rows beyond the wall. Surely, a valuable souvenir to savor.

This was a fairy tale ending not only for Jeter and the Yankees, but for the thousands of fans who were in the stadium to witness the 3,000th hit and many flocked to the concession stands to get their hands on DJ3K memorabilia.

Fan 3000th hit
A fan with a commemorative Derek Jeter 3000th hit book (credit: Sophia Hall/WCBS 880)

"I don't think there will be another person doing the same thing anytime soon," said one fan. "First time here in New York, it is great, beautiful."

1010 WINS' Kathleen Maloney reports: Fans Go Wild For 3,000th Hit

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"I knew when he first hit it, it was going all the way," said another fan. "I first saw Jeter in 1995, so I am very happy."

Jeter was two hits short of the milestone at the start of Saturday's game against Tampa Bay before singling in his first at bat.

The New York Yankees star grounded a single through the hole into left field and smiled as he reached first base.

The 37-year-old Jeter is just the 28th major leaguer to get 3,000 hits and the first to do it with the Yankees.

Did you see it? Offer your comments on Jeter's achievement.

(TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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