When the New York Yankees first drafted Derek Jeter, nobody could have guessed that he would become one of the most successful baseball players in history. Derek Jeter is a five-time World Series Champion, three-time Gold Glove winner, and fourteen-time All-Star. Jeter holds countless records, including most hits as a Yankee shortstop and the record for games played at shortstop, among many others. On Sunday, Derek Jeter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with a record 99% of votes cast, a feat only matched by Ken Griffey Jr. But to only discuss Jeter’s career accolades would be criminal.
Derek Sanderson Jeter was born February 26, 1974, in Pequannock Township, New Jersey. Derek Jeter attended the Kalamazoo Central High School and was drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 1992 Major League Baseball draft by the New York Yankees.
Although Jeter is loved as a baseball player, he is also an incredible person. Derek Jeter was voted the most inspirational athlete in 2001 by ESPN’s ESPY awards. He eventually became “Mr. November” for his walk-off hits during the MLB Playoffs, particularly in Game 4 of the 1996 World Series and Game 6 of the 2001 World Series. Derek is known to be incredibly kind to fans, opposing players, and anyone who may need some help along life’s journey even until this day. It was his poise and energy he brought to the ballpark every night for the majority of his 23-year career.
In Jeter’s 23 seasons with the Yankee organization, the Yankees never failed to impress. Jeter’s leadership and demand for greatness was the pinnacle of two decades of Yankee success. It was clear that respect for all people was paramount at the forefront of Derek Jeter’s career and life.
Derek is not only loved but respected around the league as well. Derek won five golden gloves from 1998-2010, making Derek one of just 19 players to have won at least five golden gloves or more. Although it would be inconsiderate to avoid speaking about Jeter’s accolades, the true legend of Derek Jeter lies in his character. As often discussed in the media, Jeter’s character and actions have never been called into question. Keeping his new image and reputation in the “city that never sleeps” is unprecedented.
As Jeter went into the Baseball Hall of Fame this past weekend, it is only comforting to know that a man of such character will forever be memorialized in the heart of baseball culture. Jeter just seemed to be above all the hype and drama during his career. A reminder to a young generation growing up with more noise in their lives and careers than ever, that character and who you are as a person will always matter.
