Derek Jeter facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Derek Jeter
Jeter in 2024
Shortstop
Born: (1974-06-26) June 26, 1974 (age 51) Pequannock Township, New Jersey, U.S.
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
May 29, 1995, for the New York Yankees
Last appearance
September 28, 2014, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Batting average	.310
Hits	3,465
Home runs	260
Runs batted in	1,311
Teams
New York Yankees (1995–2014)
Career highlights and awards
14× All-Star (1998–2002, 2004, 2006–2012, 2014) 5× World Series champion (1996, 1998–2000, 2009) World Series MVP (2000) AL Rookie of the Year (1996) 5× Gold Glove Award (2004–2006, 2009, 2010) 5× Silver Slugger Award (2006–2009, 2012) 2× AL Hank Aaron Award (2006, 2009) Roberto Clemente Award (2009) New York Yankees No. 2 retired Monument Park honoree
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	2020
Vote	99.7% (first ballot)

Derek Sanderson Jeter (born June 26, 1974) is an American former professional baseball shortstop who is considered one of the greatest players of his generation. Nicknamed "the Captain", he spent his entire 20-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the New York Yankees.

Jeter was a key player in the Yankees' success in the late 1990s and 2000s, helping them win five World Series championships. He was known for his excellent hitting, fielding, and leadership. In 2020, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving nearly every possible vote.

He holds many Yankees team records, including the most career hits (3,465), doubles (544), games played (2,747), and stolen bases (358). His many awards include 14 All-Star selections, five Gold Glove Awards, and five Silver Slugger Awards. In 2017, the Yankees retired his uniform number, 2, in his honor. After his playing career, he was the chief executive officer (CEO) and part owner of the Miami Marlins from 2017 to 2022.

Early Life

Jeter with his childhood hero Dave Winfield at Dodger Stadium in 2010.

Derek Sanderson Jeter was born on June 26, 1974, in Pequannock Township, New Jersey. His parents, Sanderson and Dorothy Jeter, met while serving in the U.S. Army in Germany. His father played shortstop in college. When Derek was four, his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Jeter and his younger sister, Sharlee, spent summers with their grandparents in New Jersey. His grandparents took him to New York Yankees games, and he became a huge fan. He especially admired star player Dave Winfield and dreamed of playing for the Yankees.

At Kalamazoo Central High School, Jeter was a star athlete. In his senior year of baseball, he batted .508. He won many awards, including the 1992 High School Player of the Year from the American Baseball Coaches Association and USA Today. He earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Michigan, but he chose to play professional baseball after being drafted.

Professional Career

Getting Drafted

In the 1992 MLB draft, the Houston Astros had the first pick. A scout for the Astros, Hal Newhouser, strongly recommended they pick Jeter. However, the Astros were worried Jeter would ask for a large signing bonus and chose another player instead.

The New York Yankees had the sixth pick. A Yankees scout named Dick Groch was very impressed with Jeter. He told the team, "the only place Derek Jeter's going is to Cooperstown." The Yankees listened and drafted Jeter, signing him for $800,000.

Minor Leagues (1992–1995)

Jeter began his professional career in the minor leagues. At first, he struggled. In his first season, he batted only .202. He was homesick and frustrated, but he did not give up.

He worked hard to improve, especially on his fielding. By 1993, he was hitting much better and was named the "Most Outstanding Major League Prospect" in his league. In 1994, he had a fantastic season playing for three different minor league teams. He was named the Minor League Player of the Year by several major publications, including Baseball America.

New York Yankees (1995–2014)

The Early Years (1995–1998)

Jeter (right) with his fellow Core Four teammates in 2015. All four started their careers with the Yankees in 1995.

Jeter made his MLB debut on May 29, 1995, because of injuries to other players. He played in 13 games before returning to the minor leagues.

In 1996, new manager Joe Torre made Jeter the starting shortstop. On Opening Day, Jeter hit his first MLB home run. He had a great season, batting .314 with 10 home runs. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year by a unanimous vote.

That year, the Yankees made it to the 1996 World Series. In the playoffs, Jeter hit a famous home run that was helped over the wall by a young fan. The Yankees went on to win the World Series, their first championship since 1978. Jeter, along with teammates Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera, became known as the "Core Four" because they were so important to the team's success.

By 1998, Jeter was an All-Star. The Yankees had one of the best seasons in baseball history, winning 114 games and another World Series.

A Yankees Dynasty (1999–2002)

Jeter at bat during the 1999 season.

In 1999, Jeter had his best statistical season. He led the American League with 219 hits and batted .349. The Yankees won their second straight World Series, and third in four years.

In 2000, Jeter continued to shine. He was named the MVP of both the All-Star Game and the World Series. He is the only player ever to win both awards in the same season. The Yankees won their third consecutive championship.

In 2001, Jeter made one of the most famous defensive plays in baseball history. In a playoff game against the Oakland Athletics, he ran across the field to grab a wild throw and flipped it to the catcher to get a runner out at home plate. The play, known as "The Flip," helped the Yankees win the series.

Later that postseason, during the 2001 World Series, a game was played in November for the first time ever. Jeter hit a game-winning home run in extra innings, earning him the nickname "Mr. November."

Captain of the Yankees (2003–2008)

Jeter during batting practice in 2004.

On June 3, 2003, Jeter was named the captain of the Yankees. He was the first captain since Don Mattingly retired in 1995.

In 2004, Jeter made another incredible defensive play. Against the rival Boston Red Sox, he ran at full speed and made an over-the-shoulder catch before diving headfirst into the stands. He was bruised and cut but helped the Yankees win the game. For his excellent defense, he won his first Gold Glove Award that year. He would win five Gold Gloves in his career.

From 2005 to 2007, Jeter continued to be one of the best players in the league. In 2006, he finished second in the voting for the American League MVP Award. In 2008, the Yankees played their final season at the historic Yankee Stadium. After the last game, Jeter gave a memorable speech to the fans, thanking them for their support.

Milestones and a Final Championship (2009–2013)

Jeter salutes the crowd after becoming the Yankees' all-time hits leader in 2009.

In 2009, the Yankees moved into the new Yankee Stadium. Jeter had another amazing season, batting .334 and stealing 30 bases. On September 11, 2009, he got his 2,722nd career hit, passing Lou Gehrig to become the Yankees' all-time hits leader. The Yankees went on to win the 2009 World Series, Jeter's fifth and final championship.

On July 9, 2011, Jeter achieved another huge milestone: his 3,000th career hit. He did it in style, hitting a home run. He is the only Yankee to get all 3,000 of his hits with the team.

In 2012, at age 38, Jeter led the major leagues with 216 hits. But during the playoffs, he fractured his ankle, which ended his season. He struggled with injuries the next year and played in only 17 games in 2013.

Final Season (2014)

A fan holding a sign honoring Jeter during his final season

Before the 2014 season, Jeter announced it would be his last. All season long, teams around the league honored him during his final visit to their cities. Fans came out to cheer for him one last time.

His final home game at Yankee Stadium was on September 25, 2014. In a perfect ending, Jeter hit a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to win the game for the Yankees, 6–5.

His very last game was at Fenway Park in Boston. Even the rival Red Sox fans gave him a standing ovation. In his final at-bat, he hit an RBI single, a fitting end to a legendary career.

Player Profile

Jeter tagging out Miguel Tejada in 2007.

Jeter was known for being one of the most consistent players ever. He was an aggressive hitter with a special "inside-out" swing that allowed him to hit the ball to all parts of the field.

He was also famous for his performance in big moments. He earned the nicknames "Captain Clutch" and "Mr. November" for his amazing play in the postseason. He holds many MLB playoff records, including most games played, hits, and runs scored.

Defensively, Jeter was known for his signature "jump-throw," where he would leap in the air while throwing to first base. While some advanced statistics were critical of his fielding, he was widely respected for his skill and won five Gold Glove Awards.

Personal Life and Business

Jeter has always been known for his professionalism and has avoided major controversy throughout his career. In 1996, he started the Turn 2 Foundation, a charity that helps young people.

After retiring, Jeter became a businessman. He started a media company called The Players' Tribune, which allows athletes to share their own stories. From 2017 to 2022, he was the CEO and a part-owner of the Miami Marlins.

Jeter is married to Hannah Jeter, and they have four children.

Career Highlights

Honors

Derek Jeter's number 2 was retired by the New York Yankees in 2017.

The Yankees retired Jeter's number 2 and honored him with a plaque in Monument Park on May 14, 2017.

In 2020, Jeter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He received 99.7% of the votes, one of the highest percentages in history.

Awards

Jeter receives his 2009 World Series Championship ring.

See also

In Spanish: Derek Jeter para niños