from the New York Daily News

By LARRY SUTTON Daily News Staff Writer

03/15/98

They are New York. Talented. Beautiful. Energetic. Young. Boisterous and glamorous. He plays terrific ball for the New York Yankees, the most storied franchise in the history of professional sports.

She sings like an angel, bringing to mind Aretha, Sarah, perhaps even Ella.

They are Derek Jeter and Mariah Carey, and they are currently the talk of the town.

Don't ask Derek to explain their romance. He's much too cool for that.

"Baseball is baseball, man, and I'm here to answer baseball questions," is all he will say when pesky reporters inquire about the relationship.

Carey takes it one step further, letting a spokesman handle the queries.

And the spokesman ain't talking.

No matter. Catch Mariah in the stands during the Yankees' spring training games. Watch her eyes widen as Jeter grabs a rocket hit to shortstop.

Eavesdrop as the two dine in a cozy Italian restaurant after the game. Notice how she tenderly puts her hands on his strong, broad shoulders as they leave a few hours later.

They seem made for each other. Both are good natured with fans. Both like Manhattan and its nightlife.

And while both are considered near the top of their professions, both have so much more to achieve in their young lives.

Jeter is just a baby by Yankee standards. Yet teammates consider him wise beyond his years, and look to him for leadership on and off the field.

Carey has sold more than 80 million records since her debut in 1990. Yet she is constantly on the lookout for new musical talent, learning from collaborations with artists like Sean "Puffy" Combs and Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony.

For now, though, Derek and Mariah have each other. The rest of New York can observe in envy.