Men Grow To Be Kings In Front Of Our Eyes: Derek Jeter and Patrick Ewing

Great athletes that embody and personify not  only the teams they play for, but the cities they play in come along rarely. Players known only by their first name or nickname. People know them who DONT watch sports. But to do it on the biggest stage in the world is a different. In front of the worlds most demanding fans. Unheard of. New York City is a cold place.

There were a few in the past. Joe Namath. Willis Reed. Clyde Frazier. Some of the Old Yankees. The beginning of the nineties gave us New York fans two legends. Patrick Ewing, and Derek Jeter. Legends who we watch grow and earn their reputation. Athletes who always give thier all. Athletes we watch grow talent wise and mentally. Athletes who were flat out winners.

New Yorkers never appreciated Patrick while he was here. Knicks fans grew accustomed to winning fifty games every season and being legitimate contenders. We grew used to him playing full seasons, or missing 2-3 games a year. He wasn't good enough, since he wasnt Shaq or Hakeem. People never know what they have until its gone.

Patrick shattered almost every major record for the Knicks. He played hurt, and he played hard. He played with emotion and dedication. Instead, he was condemned for not winning a title. Several factors contributed to that:

• Michael Jordan: The Knicks probably could have been a dynasty in the 90's, at least in the east if not for him. Then again, how many Hall of Fame players had thier championship dreams chewed up by Mike? Reggie. Karl Malone. Stockton. Barkley. It's nothing to be ashamed of.
• Era of Legends: Patrick played in a era of legends. He played with the three greats, Larry, Michael and Magic. He played against Shaq in his prime AND Hakeem Olajuwon.
• Weak Front Office: It kills me when I see how the Knicks are now, with an obscene payroll filled with loser. We had a Hall of Fame center and surrounded him with guys like Charles Oakley, John Starks, and Derek Harper. They were excellent teammates and defenders, but Pat needed more. especially on offense. By the time he got that help with Sprewell and Houston, he was too old. Its been downhill since.

     Look at the Knicks now, and whats happened since he left. Not a worthwhile season yet.

Derek Jeter doesn't need as much defense or explaining. When he won the Rookie of the Year Award in 96, I thought that he was just an average and consistent player. Then his hitting improved. His clutch performances became a staple in playoff baseball. He began to build a legacy that will never be forgotten

To think he will be mentioned with Ruth. Mantle. Gehrig. And other great Yankees. He will forever be synonymous with the New York Yankees, the most successful and most storied franchise in all of sports. Probably the best Yankee ever by the time hes done.

Respected for putting his body on the line for a win. Respected for never panicking under pressure. Respected for not being arrogant or cocky, ever, but classy, always. Respected for just playing the game, and never losing his composure.

He played in the shadow of A-Rod for years. Now theyre teammates. Derek never had the flashy 40-40 season. He just did what he had to do to win. He was a winner, something A-Rod wasnt despite the stats. No back page drama, DWI's. Nothing.

Derek and Patrick played in other people's shadows their whole career, but in New York they overshadow everyone else. Thats a very hard thing to do in this big city.