by Mark Kriegel

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No surprise, either. By their mid-thirties, even the best ballplayers give up the position for less demanding assignments. At 36, Cal Ripken was a full-time third baseman. The logic is inexorable. Age and range are inversely proportional. Hence, Jeter's days are numbered.

Derek Jeter has won the hearts of more than 4.8 million voters, sometimes one at a time. (Matt Campbell / Getty Images)

Still, when it came time to select a starting shortstop for the All-Star Game, Jeter received an astounding 4,851,889 votes, more than anyone in the American League, more than anyone not named Albert Pujols and Chase Utley. He's now the oldest shortstop to start an All-Star Game since 37-year-old Luis Aparacio in 1971.

So here's to the fans. For once, at least, you guys got it right.

I covered Jeter from '96 — when the burning question in New York revolved around whether he would be the equal of the Mets' defensive wizard Rey Ordonez — to 2001. And in all that time, through four Yankee championships, I don't think I ever fully appreciated the guy. While his dating résumé, now as then, remains exemplary, I considered him too assiduously non-controversial, which is to say, boring. In retrospect, it was a reaction to the gratuitously controversial regime that preceded his tenure in the Bronx. Jeter was the perfect consigliere for Joe Torre, a layer of heavy insulation against the irrational ravings of the principal owner. Still, his "Mr. Steinbrenner" act wore thin.

But here it is, 2009, and Jeter has more hits than Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. In the next couple of seasons, he'll pass the original iron man, Lou Gehrig, and Babe Ruth. In fact, he's a good bet to end up with 3,600 hits. And in his steady progression toward that number, he's beaten more than the odds.

He's never embarrassed himself or his team. That may not sound like much — until you consider the perils of dating a Mariah Carey or a Miss Universe. Consider also the characters who monopolize the attentions of the sporting classes: Manny and A-Rod and Brett Favre and T.O. and Roger Clemens and Jose Canseco and Ocho Cinco and Shaq. They comprise an inexhaustible supply of knuckleheads. But against every expectation, Derek Jeter has done more than not humiliate himself. He's actually maintained his dignity. While playing his ass off, of course.

Some months back, after Alex Rodriguez was implicated for his role in baseball's Steroid Era, Jeter said: "One thing that's irritating and really upsets me a lot is when you hear people say that everybody did it. Everybody wasn't doing it."

I don't agree with him. The cynic in me believes most guys were doing something they shouldn't have. But I appreciate his sentiments on behalf of fair play. I don't know what Jeter did or did not do, only that his tell-tale home run number — he hit a career-best 24 homers 10 years ago — would make him a sorry excuse for a juicer.

And though the baseball nerds insist he can't field his position, I'll remember with affection the same plays everyone else does: the glove-handed shovel pass that caught Jeremy Giambi at the plate in the 2001 ALDS, and Trot Nixon's foul ball he caught three rows deep in the left-field stands at the old Stadium.

But those are mere plays. Consider the full body of work. Jeter made his first All-Star team in 1998. The years since have seen 23 others selected as All-Star shortstops: Omar Vizquel, Alex Rodriguez, Edgar Renteria, Walt Weiss, Nomar Garciaparra, Barry Larkin, Alex Gonzalez, Rich Aurilia, Jimmy Rollins, Cal Ripken, Cristian Guzman, Jose Hernandez, Miguel Tejada, Rafael Furcal, Michael Young, Jack Wilson, David Eckstein, Cesar Izturis, Felipe Lopez, Jose Reyes, Carlos Guillen., J.J. Hardy and Hanley Ramirez.

So who among them had a career better than Jeter's? Vizquel had the glove, but not the bat. A-Rod had the bat, but he's been a third baseman since 2004 and exposed as a cheater to boot. Garciaparra's days as a star were done years ago. Rollins had an MVP season, but never the consistency or the batting average. Ripken has the longevity, sure. But he was a mere 5-for-18 in his only World Series appearance and his lifetime average of .276 is 40 points lower than Jeter's. As for Larkin, he had fewer hits after 19 seasons than Jeter had after 13. Tejada is a cheater. Hanley Ramirez has a long, long way to go. Then again, maybe they all do.

OK, maybe Jeter doesn't have the range he once had.

But 4,851,889 voters can't be too wrong.

On the Mark

Believe it or not, the Nathan's hot dog eating contest was not the most tasteless event televised from Coney Island this past weekend.

Now appearing on our main stage ... (Hansen, Alf Ove/AFP / Getty Images)

That distinction belongs to NBC's beach volleyball production.

Poor girls. Surprised no one tried to stuff singles in their bikinis.

I mean, no one's been forced to sell that much crack in Brooklyn since the Eighties.

Let me get this straight: Now people are worried about Michael Jackson's kids?

I don't know what's more shocking, that Shaq took his children for a visit to the Neverland ranch?

Or that he admits it?

Still can't get over Federer winning that fifth set, 16-14. Should've known something was up when my bookmaker told me he'd give me a field goal.

Mets have four All-Stars and no gamers.

And after three mistake-filled losses to the Phillies, it feels like September's coming early this year.

San Diego's Adrian Gonzalez gets less protection than the baby seals.

In the better late than never department, on behalf of all Americans, I'd like to extend congratulations to those unsung heroes who endeavored to make the Confederations Cup such a resounding success for the U.S. of A.

Talking about those hookers who rolled the Egyptian team.

Stephon Marbury says Mike D'Antoni's system doesn't win championships. Don't laugh.

When it comes to not winning championships, Starbury qualifies as an expert.

Funny, no one was talking about Manny's work ethic when he was sitting out games in Boston. (Jim Rogash / Getty Images)

First ESPN's Eric Young gushes about Manny Ramirez's work ethic. Then Fernando Vina goes on about Manny Ramirez arguing a call, that it "shows how much he cares."

Really, now, when does this nonsense stop?

By the way, Vina is the analyst who wrote all those checks to the steroid dealer, Kirk Radomski.

Guess he cheated because he cared.

When did Jeremy Mayfield, NASCAR's alleged meth-smoking driver, hire Roger Clemens' defense team?

All these ballplayers say they're getting busted with over-the-counter supplements.

And I want to know: Where, exactly, is this counter?

Jerry from the Bronx says it sounds a lot like one of his formerly favorite bodegas off Bruckner Boulevard.

Quick, what do Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest have in common? You put their playoff numbers together and they still averaged fewer rebounds than Lamar Odom.

Just saying.

How long before Sarah Palin is on "The View?"

Speaking of which, Joy Behar canceled the engagement with her longtime boyfriend.

Some guys have all the luck.