Derek Sanderson Jeter

 

Derek Jeter is one of the most amazing New York Yankees baseball players’ to-date.  Derek wears the number two jersey, plays short-stop, field and bats right handed.  He stands 6’3” and weighs 195 pounds, and is a pleasure to look at. 

Derek Jeter was born on June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, NJ.  He later moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, however he remained a true Yankee fan with the help of his grandmother.  Derek made the high school Varsity baseball team as a freshman and continued to play until he graduated.  Throughout Derek’s high school baseball career he earned Scholar Athlete, Player of the Year, High School Athlete of the Year, and USA Today’s High School Player of the Year.  In addition to baseball, he played Varsity basketball, where he earned all-state honorable mention.  After high school, Derek attended the University of Michigan on a baseball scholarship.  However, college did not last long for Derek as he was drafted sixth overall by the Yankees in 1992. 

During Derek’s first full year in the MLB (Major League Baseball), he made the All-Star team and was named Most Outstanding Major League Prospect.  He was officially “called-up” on May 29, 1995. In 1996 Derek hit his first home-run.   

Derek has received many awards over his baseball career.  In 1996 and 1998 the Yankees won the World Series, 1999 was Derek’s best season statistically with another World Series win.  2000 proved for yet another World Series win and with Derek being named the Most Valuable Player for the World Series and All-Star games.  In 2002 he was the fourth player in major league history to score at least 100 runs in the first seven full seasons.  On June 3, 2003 Derek was named captain of the Yankees.  2004 found Derek receiving his first gold glove for superior infield performance.  In 2011 he was the 23^rd member and first Yankee to join the 3000 hit club. While Derek’s salary has seen ups and downs, he is currently worth $14,729,365 for the season. 

MLB is currently in preseason; however, the Yankees’ first home opener is April 13 against the Angels.  Derek Jeter and his New York Yankees team expect to have another great season. 

In addition to Derek’s baseball talent, he is involved with many fundraisers and programs.  Derek’s “Turn 2 Foundation” promotes healthy lifestyles on youth and promotes youths to stay away from drugs.  Derek is also involved with programs such as “Smart Moves”, “Girls on the Run”, and provides baseball clinics as well as scholarships.   

Derek Jeter, as well as New York Yankees team and other players sell various items on their websites, during games, and in various stores.  Items from jerseys, hats, and shoes to collectibles, cards, and books are available for purchase. 

            Derek, as well as the entire Yankee ball club is one in which you either love or love to hate.  The Yankees ball team receives a lot of criticism for how much they pay their players, but you get what you pay for and the numbers don’t lie.  However, if you ask most kids today who their favorite player is, the majority of the responses will be Derek Jeter. 

Works Cited

MLB Advanced Media. Derek Jeter. 2001-2012. 29 March 2012. <http://mlb.mlb.com/players/jeter_derek/index.jsp>.