Jeter doesn’t want to ‘jinx’ HOF

MIAMI — Despite being a surefire first-ballot selection to the Hall of Fame, Derek Jeter says he’s still being careful not to jinx anything.

The former New York Yankees great is one of 32 players on the 2020 Hall of Fame ballot. With an impeccable résumé, including five World Series titles, 14 All-Star game appearances and 3,465 career hits — sixth-most in MLB history — over his 20 years, the shortstop could become just the second player to unanimously be elected to the Hall of Fame. His longtime Yankees teammate Mariano Rivera became the first player to accomplish the feat last year.

“I try not to think about it; I try not to talk about it,” the third year Miami Marlins CEO said Monday during the team’s Thanksgiving food drive. “I don’t want to jinx any opportunities I may have. I’ve played my last games and there’s really not much else I can do.

“I was fortunate to play a very long career and I played on successful teams. My career’s over with now and I’m focused with what I’m doing in Miami. But every player that plays the game, (being selected to the Hall of Fame) is the ultimate honor.”

HILL SURGERY: Free agent left-hander Rich Hill had surgery on his pitching elbow and is likely to miss the first half of next season, The Associated Press reported. Rather than have Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament, Hill had what is called primary revision surgery. He is expected to start throwing by the end of April, the person said.