Derek Jeter

Guide Note

Derek Jeter is an All-Star shortstop for the New York Yankees. He is widely recognized as one of the best defensive shortstops and consistent hitters in Major League Baseball. In 1996 he won the American League Rookie of the Year and in 2000 he became the only player to win the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP awards in the same year.

Fast Facts

1. Born: June 26, 1974
2. Birthplace: Pequannock, New Jersey
3. Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
4. Drafted: 6th overall pick in 1992 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees¹
5. MLB Debut: May 29, 1995
6. Number: 2
7. Bats: Right
8. Throws: Right
9. Captain of the New York Yankees
10. 4-time World Series Champion
11. 8-time All Star selection
12. Nickname: Mr. November

Derek Sanderson Jeter was born in Pequannock, NJ, but moved to Kalamazoo, MI when he was only four years old. Jeter began attracting the attention of professional scouts in high school, as he batted over .500 in his junior and senior seasons for Kalamazoo Central High School.² These achievements were recognized nationally as Jeter was named the 1992 Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year as well as the American Baseball Coaches Association High School Player of the Year. Despite receiving a baseball scholarship to the University of Michigan, Jeter was chosen sixth overall in the 1992 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees and elected to go pro.

Derek Jeter made his Major League Baseball debut in 1995 against the Seattle Mariners, but was quickly sent back down to the minors. Jeter was named the starting shortstop for the 1996 season and did not disappoint, as he went on to win the American League Rookie of the Year award, and was a key contributor in his first World Series championship. In 2000, Jeter became the first player ever to be named the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP in the same season. Following Alex Rodriguez's 10 year, $252 million dollar contract, Jeter signed his own lucrative contact in 2001, making himself the then second highest paid athlete with his 10 year, $189 million dollar contract.³ After eight seasons without a captain, the New York Yankees named Jeter the eleventh team captain in franchise history in 2003.

Derek Jeter is very active in the community and gives back a lot of his time and money through his Turn Two Foundation which he founded in 1996. Being the star shortstop of the New York Yankees has also opened up numerous of endorsement deals for Jeter, and have resulted in him appearing in commercials for companies such as Nike, Gatorade, Visa, and Ford. Of course being in the spot light in New York has also meant that Jeter's personal life is prime tabloid material. Over the years Jeter has been rumored to have dated Mariah Carey, Scarlett Johansson, and Jessica Biel.