NEW YORK – Derek Jeter staked a claim in New York Yankee history Friday night when he passed Bronx great Lou  Gehrig’s team record for most hits.

After a rain delay, Jeter provided the Yankee fans with what they came out to see when he singled off Orioles’ pitcher Chris Tillman in the third inning.

It was hit 2,722 for the Yankee infielder, beating Gehrig’s record that had survived seven decades.

After breaking the record, Jeter said, “The whole experience has been overwhelming. This is more than I could’ve imagined.”

Jeter was appreciative of the dedication of the fans to stick it out on a stormy night. “I didn’t expect that many people to be out there after the rain delay considering how hard it was raining when we started the game but the fans were incredible,” said Jeter.

“It says a lot about how they feel about their team and more importantly how they feel about the history of their team. I appreciate each and every one that was there.”

Yankee teammate Jorge Posada believes there’s a lot more to come from Jeter. “He’s going to be the only Yankee to ever hit 3,000 hits,” said Posada. “[With] all the players that came through here, he’s going to be the only one with 3,000 hits. He’s a special guy.”

Copyright © 2009 – Sports Climax