Growing up just 30 miles from Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter grew up a New York Yankee fan. Little did he know he would become one of the most beloved Yankees in the last 50 years. In 1992, Jeter received a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Michigan, but choose to enter the draft instead. Jeter was drafted sixth overall. He began to show his skill early in his career. In 1994 he won the Minor League Player of the year, New York Yankee Minor League Player of the Year, and also Baseball American Minor League Player of the Year. Jeter broke into the majors on May 29^th, 1995 due to Tony Fernandez becoming injured; 13 games later he was sent back to the minors. He later returned for good as an opening day starter in 1996. In his rookie season, Jeter hit .314 with 10 home runs and 78 RBI’s and won the 1996 rookie of the year. 

Derek Jeter has won his share of awards and titles. Since starting in 1996, Jeter has won All-Star Game MVP, World Series MVP, three Gold Gloves at Shortstop, the Silver Slugger Award in 1996, and the Hank Aaron Award in 2006. Jeter has also helped the Yankees win four World Series Titles, in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. Derek Jeter was the first person in MLB history to hit a home run in the month of November. He was also the first person to win the All Star game MVP and the World Series MVP within the same year.  

Jeter’s favorite time to play is in the post-season. He has played in many games, and holds many records. Jeter has a record 478 at bats, and also holds the records for games played (105), singles (108), runs scored (85), and strikeouts (92). The most impressive stat is the amount of games he has reached a base in the post-season; in 119 post season games, he has reached base in 105 of those games. Jeter’s post-season play has been a major part in defining him as a player. 

In 2003, Jeter became the first Yankee captain since 1995 when Don Mattingly retired. This also marked only the 11^th time a captain has been named in New York Yankee history. Jeter has been exciting to watch play because he has a traditional love for the game. Jeter leaves it all out on the field, but at the same time he loves playing the game. If he is playing in the World Series, or just a regular season game, you will always see his smile, and also a few great plays in the field. His traditional love for the game has attracted the attention of many fans, and Jeter will always be remembered for his hard play, and his obvious enjoyment for the game.