When Derek Jeter shot to Yankees stardom despite humble small-town beginnings

Derek Jeter, a former New York Yankee and one of the all-time greatest players, had a storied baseball career. The Jeters moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, when Derek was four years old.

The All-Star overcame his small-town roots to achieve Yankees greatness. In 2017, Jeter told ESPN:

"Coming from Kalamazoo, a small town, I couldn't use that as an excuse. You know, you're playing people in Kalamazoo in the small little league, and they tell you, 'Well, there's people better in Florida and California, yet they continue to work.' But when you have that reinforcement at home, I think it goes a long way."

Jeter has always spoken about how his parents taught him to be humble at all times.

30 years ago today, a call from the @yankees changed my life. My world has never been dull since then! @mlbvault - Derek Jeter

Every year when Jeter was a child, his parents made him sign a contract outlining what behavior was appropriate and inappropriate.

Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees

Derek's mother Dorothy urged him not to use the word "can't," instilling in him an optimistic outlook.

Derek said:

"I think they were trying to raise good people, me and my sister, as well. And, you know, they always told me, you can do anything you want to do. We're going to be supportive as long as you work at it. And if we see that you're not working at it, we're going to tell you you need to pick another career path. But I worked hard at it, and they were there for me."

Jeter played for 20 seasons in the MLB.

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Derek Jeter spoke about the drawbacks of living in The Big Apple

The All-Star told Esquire in 2011 that baseball has always been his top focus while speaking about the drawbacks of living in New York City:

"Don't get me wrong, it's not like I didn't go out and have fun. But there's been a lot of players that come to New York and get caught up in the lifestyle, and before you know it, they're sent away to another team because it affected their performance."

Jeter was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2021.

Great to be back home at Yankee Stadium! Thanks to everyone for making it such a special night for me and my family. The girls had a blast and finally got their ice cream. - Derek Jeter

Jeter is married to Hannah Davis and the couple shares three daughters.