New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is 26. He is considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors. He already has three World Series rings on his fingers. He holds the city in the palm of his hand.
So what do you get the guy who seems to have everything? How about a simple token of esteem, like a trophy symbolizing the Most Valuable Player award from the All-Star Game?
Tuesday night, Jeter went 3-for-3 and made a smooth play in the field to lead the American League to a 6-3 victory over the National League before 51,323 in Jeter's personal playground, otherwise known as Turner Field.
That performance earned him an All-Star MVP Award, making him the first Yankee to win one, and raised this question: If he is such a matinee idol, how come he always shines in prime time?
'It seems,' said Yankees and AL manager Joe Torre, 'that Derek is far beyond his years.'
Jeter wasn't voted into the starting lineup of the American League team. He was granted that position only after Jeter's buddy, Seattle's Alex Rodriguez, suffered a concussion.
But just as he has in three postseasons, Jeter proved a pivotal and pressure-proof player. His two-run single in the fourth gave the AL the lead for good.
Injury and opportunity are inextricably linked in sports, and so it was Tuesday. Rodriguez was one of the many premier players unable to participate because of injuries.
Jeter was the substitute who played like a true All-Star, getting hits off Randy Johnson, Kevin Brown and Al Leiter. Including last year's World Series and this year's interleague series with Atlanta, Jeter is now 16-for-27 at Turner Field in the past 10 months.
The bigger picture: Jeter already has compiled a stunning resume. 'At this point,' said Twins outfielder Matt Lawton, 'I don't know what else he can do. Now he's just playing to see if he's going to be in the Hall of Fame.'
Torre said after Jeter's rookie of the year season, he called Jeter into his office to see whether his head had swelled. 'He answered all the questions, letting me know what his priorities were,' Torre said. 'That's not easy for a youngster who seemingly has all this going for him.'
Jeter's first hit Tuesday night was sandwiched by three walks, forcing in the game's first run.
The NL's answering run in the bottom of the third was a bit more impressive. Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, batting lefthanded, hit a two-out homer to left-center off White Sox pitcher James Baldwin. Jones became the 13th player to homer in an All-Star Game in his home park.
'It's every little boy's dream,' Jones said. 'It was something I will never forget.'
Jeter, who had struck out in his two previous All-Star Game at-bats, got the lead back in the fourth with a two-run single to center, making the score 3-1. But other Atlanta players would shine.
First baseman Andres Galarraga singled in his second at-bat, getting his first All-Star hit and adding to his already legendary return from cancer.
'There are probably no words to explain how happy, how excited I am feeling today,' Galarraga said. 'That's a great moment in my career in baseball - walk on the field with my kids, and the ovation they gave to me, my fans here in Atlanta.'
Atlanta pitcher Tom Glavine pitched a perfect inning. And Atlanta center fielder Andruw Jones drove home a run in the fifth.
But this was Jeter's night, as so many in baseball's spotlight are. Afterward, as his black, autographed Louisville Slugger P-72 was being packed for a trip to Cooperstown, someone was asking Jeter if he's sure to follow. If he's already one of the Yankee greats.
'I don't think so,' he said, shaking his head. 'You have to play a lot of years before you can be considered a Yankee great. Hopefully I can play a few more years and start that debate.'
That debate could prove as one-sided as the MVP voting on Tuesday night.
AT A GLANCE
DEREK JETER:
First Yankee to be All-Star MVP; 3-for-3, two RBI
MATT LAWTON:
Twin is 1-for-2 with RBI single, stolen base, run
KEVIN BROWN:
Dodger walks three, gives up AL's first run
ANDRES GALARRAGA:
Hometown hero is 1-for-2 with two standing O's
