Shut up, haters. Derek Jeter is SI Sportsman of the Year.

Yeah, yeah, I can hear you all bitching and moaning. Derek Jeter is SI Sportsman of the Year? This year?

What’s that you say? Derek Jeter is a media darling? Who’s worse? Jeter, Favre or Tebow? (This was an actual debate on Twitter yesterday, and honestly Jeter has got nothing on Favre or Tebow).

Did you just say that Jeter is overrated? That the Yankees have the highest payroll in the league? He can’t go to his right?

Well, I don’t care. Honestly. I’ve spent years defending being a Yankee fan and a Jeter supporter. And you know what? You should all just shut up. The man is good. He’s a leader. He’s a solid citizen. He comes through in the clutch. And why shouldn’t he be recognized for his accomplishments? Despite being a Yankee.

And why not this year?

My friend Stefanie, an unabashed Jeter fangirl, saved me the time and effort of putting together Derek Jeter’s resume.

• Minor League Player of the Year
• Rookie of the Year
• All-Star Game MVP
• World Series MVP
• 4 time Gold Glove winner
• Hank Aaron Award winner
• Roberto Clemente Man of the Year Award winner
• 4 time Silver Slugger Award winner
• New York Yankees Captain
• FIVE time World Series Champion

And if that isn’t impressive enough, I’ll add a few more for good measure:

• Yankees franchise leader in hits (surpassing Lou Gehrig this season)
• 10 time All-Star
• 6 time All-Star starter

This year, he adds Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year to the resume. And deservedly so. Haters be damned.

Oh, if you want to read SI’s article announcing Jeter’s selection, it’s here. The reasons look pretty legitimate to me.