Derek Jeter vs. Mike Piazza With the Media
The best aspect of Mike Piazza’s personality is his lack of pretentiousness. The Mets catcher will talk with big-time columnists from big-time newspapers as well as stringers from the smaller fish-wraps.
Jeter is easy to speak with as well. The Yankees shortstop is polite and cordial. However, although rumor has it he owns an engaging personality, he loathes unveiling it during interviews. He is boring, barely ever saying anything of note. He also isn’t nearly as accessible as Piazza.
Piazza delivers some creative lines that fit nicely into stories. Occasionally, he will come up with some hard-hitting quotes, like he did after the Roger Clemens bat-throwing altercation.
Piazza understands that the media helps him. The publicity he gains improves his image, popularity and commercial appeal.
Piazza respects the media’s job and never unexpectedly ducks out early. He’s won a lot of awards, but never sports’ highest honor. Finally, a matchup victory is his.