He’s called captain now, his last title before Hall of Famer. Derek Jeter has had many monikers in his young life: phenom, torchbearer, leader, All-Star, Rookie of the Year, World Series MVP. Captain is the best fit of all.
It seemed his destiny way back in Kalamazoo when Dave Winfield’s poster hung on his wall and dreams of playing in Pinstripes became a young boy’s passion. Truth is, Jeter wanted to be more like his dad than Winfield. Charles Jeter played baseball in high school, but wasn’t good enough to impress major league scouts. Yet, the impression he made on his son was everlasting.
Charles Jeter gave his son a love of the game and a dedicated work ethic. Dad may not have made the big leagues, but the Ph.D in sociology that hangs on his wall set a lofty standard for the rest of his family to uphold regardless of their chosen profession.
There was little doubt Derek Sanderson Jeter was something special. When the Yankees were in the midst of their only playoff season in the Don Mattingly era, Jeter was at Triple-A Columbus. Then Yankees manager Buck Showalter would offer the media a daily update on Jeter’s progress in Columbus. Showalter seemed to salivate at the thought of Jeter’s permanent arrival in The Bronx. But it was Joe Torre, who replaced Showalter in 1996, who’d benefit from the timing of the baseball Gods.
In his first full season in the majors, Jeter hit .314, won the AL Rookie of the Year award and led the Yankees to their first World Series victory since 1978. Stardom, fame, fortune and a legion of faithful fans have followed him since. Handsome, single and charismatic in a humble sort of way, he mixes with supermodels, sexy singers and the city’s top celebrities offering a modern-day version of Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth without the self-destructive habits. Women adore him, men envy him and baseball owners all wish he played for them.
Alex Rodriguez might be a more powerful hitter and Nomar Garciaparra might be flashier, but nobody wins like Jeter. His four World Series rings give him more bling-bling than any shortstop playing today and his individual pelts add to an already impressive trophy room: five-time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP 2000, World Series MVP 2000.
He already holds the record for most career postseason hits and has a library of memorable highlights, including the cross-the-field sprint and backhanded relay to get Jeremy Giambi at the plate in Game 3 of the 2001 ALDS against the A’s, and the back flip over the third-base rail to catch a Terrence Long foul ball in Game 5 of that same series.
But that’s not why he’s captain.
Spectacular statistics and spectacular plays don’t make a leader. Millionaire men don’t respond until their respect has been earned. Jeter does that on the field with his dependability, dedication and drive. To Jeter, there is no individual success without team success.
He’s just as devoted off the field, too, especially when working with his Turn 2 Foundation for disadvantaged kids. This is no phony tax shelter. Nothing is phony about Jeter. Dr. Charles runs the foundation that funds a myriad of school-related programs.
Through carefully selected partnerships, Jeter’s foundation touches the lives of children by promoting healthy lifestyles, academic achievement, leadership qualities and substance abuse prevention.
A leader of millionaire men and under-served children, that’s why he’s called captain.
