Derek Jeter Essay

788 Words2 Pages

G.O.A.T
Kyle Hawkins
Period: 1st
3/1/15
“I’m trying to think who the best shortstop I’ve ever seen is, and I keep coming back to this kid.”
—Yankees legend Phil Rizzuto (Jockbio)
There are many people that are thought out to be the greatest of all time. Jordan, Mantle, Young, these are all people that are in the discussion to be the greatest in their respected sport. All of theses people have many things in common, such as, leadership, integrity and the overall will to take over in the clutch moments. Another athlete that is easily considered in this category would be Derek Jeter. Derek Jeter shows all of the qualities of the greats , but more importantly he proves it by his numbers. He is a whole new person when it comes to the postseason. …show more content…

Derek and his family lived there until he was four and they then moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan.(Kalamazoo) Derek spent the school year there with his parents and then spent the summer in New Jersey with his grandparents. While in New Jersey Derek attended many Yankee games and this is where not only his love for the Yankee, but for the game of baseball. (Kalamazoo)
Derek wanted to play shortstop which is where his dad played in college, but his favorite player, Dave Winfield, played outfield. Dave Winfield played a big part in Derek pursuing his baseball career.(Turn) Dave Winfield was the captain for the Yankees from 1985-1988.(Turn) Derek was smaller as a kid, so his coaches always tried to get him to play second. The passion he had to play his fathers collegiate position was superior.(Bio.com)
When he was not in New Jersey during the summer with his grandparents he was in Kalamazoo, Michigan where he attended Kalamazoo Central High School. Derek excelled in academics just as he did in athletics. Baseball was not the only sport that he was good at. Derek also started varsity basketball his sophomore year but didn't play his last two years because he was focused on becoming a professional baseball player. …show more content…

He batted over .500 in both of his final two high seasons and only struck out one time in his senior year. After his outstanding senior season, the awards seemed to just roll in. Derek was named American High School Coaches Association's 1992 "High School Player of the Year," the 1992 "Gatorade High School Athlete of the Year" and USA Today's "High School Player of the Year" along with seven other local awards.(bio.com) His outstanding high school resume was noticed by Michigan University. They offered him a full ride baseball scholarship which at first he chose to accept. Unbeknownst to Derek and his family he had heavily been recruited by the New York Yankees and they took him as the 6th overall pick in the 1992 MLB Draft.

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