Derek Jeter By Ima Student

Derek Jeter was born in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, on June 26, His father, Sanderson Charles Jeter, Ph.D., was a substance abuse counselor and his mother Dorothy was an accountant. Derek has a sister named Sharlee.

Derek lived in North Arlington, New Jersey, until he was four years old, when he moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Derek spent his high school days at Kalamzoo Central High School, where he played baseball and basketball.

After his senior season, Jeter received the Kalamazoo Area B'nai B'rith Award for Scholar Athlete, the American Baseball Coaches Association 1992 High School Player of the Year Award, 1992 Gatorade High School Player Of The Year Award, and USA Today's High School Player of the Year. Derek was drafted straight out of high school by the New York Yankees in the first round of the MLB First Year Players Draft 6th overall.

In all, Jeter played 20 seasons for the Yankees as their starting shortstop and captain. He retired following the 2014 season as the team’s all-time career leader in hits, doubles, games played, stolen bases, plate appearances, and at-bats.

His accolades include: 14 All-Star selections 5 Gold Glove Awards 5 Silver Slugger Awards 2 Hank Aaron Awards 1 Roberto Clemente Award 1 Rookie of the Year Award (1996) All-Star Game MVP (2000) World Series MVP (2000)

Outside of baseball (and now that he’s retired), Jeter owns an imprint called Jeter Publishing and the website ThePlayersTribune.com. Jeter also created the Turn 2 Foundation, which helps children and teenagers avoid drug and alcohol addiction.

“If you’re going to play at all, you’re out to win. Baseball, board games, playing Jeopardy, I hate to lose.” In his final at-bat, Jeter hit an RBI single helping the Yankees beat their rival Red Sox 9-5.