What An Amazing Night!

It would have been even better if I actually met the man of the hour, but I was close enough!

As soon it was announced that Derek Jeter was this year's recipient for Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year" award, I scrambled around to find out where it was going to take place. I got my answer- the IAC building, doors open at 8:30, plan to get there at 7:30 for red carpet interviews. Fine.

Unfortunately, Derek arrived much earlier than 7:30, so we missed him and his entourage. Not only that, we weren't on SI's list, and they were denying us access.

But to the rescue came John Sterling! (Thanks John!)

John recognized us from the Yankees DVD premiere party last week, and told the SI guys that we were "legit."

And we were ushered right in!

We set up shop in the media room and got the footage from the ceremony. Derek's dad introduced his son, and got all choked up towards the end.

Derek was amazing with his speech. Just like on the diamond- smooth, confident, and poised.

Then it was party time!

Derek schmoozed the VIP area, sipping on bottled water, talking to fans. He also hung out with his buddies- Joe Girardi, New York Giant Harry Carson, Cal Ripken, Jr., and Boomer Esiason.

Unfortunately, I wasn't lucky enough to gain access to the VIP area, but I was able to get a few pics. (You can view them here). The video above is my poor attempt at being a member of the paparazzi. I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon!

So all-in-all, a successful night! We networked with a ton of people, and got pretty damn close to Derek.

Hopefully, one day real soon the Yankee Princess will be able to hold court with the Yankee King!