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To be clear I don't think any of those three belong. I say this as someone who had a Derek Jeter poster on my wall as a kid and read and reread his autobiography. Jeter has a reputation entirely built on the 1997-2000 run, take that away as this list purports to do and he's merely a very good shortstop. Jeter absolutely belongs on a list for the last thirty years, but not the last 25.
Ortiz was a career DH and simply didn't do enough to make it, he's all personality and no stats. Beltre arguably has the stats, but lacks the impact or personality.
In my mind greatest athlete is about impact on the game, statistical achievements, accomplishments (ie championships etc), and impact on culture. Not necessarily in that order, but you need at least a dose of all three to make it into the list.
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