When Joe Girardi feared Derek Jeter's World Baseball Classic participation could diminish the former shortstop's regular season performance

In February 2009, a few days before the onset of the 2009 World Baseball Classic, former New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi feared Derek Jeter's WBC participation could diminish the former shortstop's regular season performance.

Apparently, Derek Jeter suffered a minor hamstring injury which got Joe Giradi concerned as he was getting ready to join Team USA in the WBC.

“It does concern me. The last thing we want is some player getting hurt in the WBC, because that could affect our whole season. We will talk and make sure that he’s healthy," said Giradi expressing his concern for Jeter.

"Derek Jeter was a very solid performer in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA." - 4 Train Savages

The 2009 WBC was Derek Jeter's second stint in the international tournament. Previously, he played in the 2006 WBC and hit 9-for-20 (.450) and scored five runs in six games.

Derek Jeter was the captain of Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic

WBC 2009 - USA v Japan

In the 2009 WBC, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter was named captain of Team USA by manager Davey Johnson. He, unfortunately, concluded the WBC on a less-than-stellar 4-for-20 stretch (all singles).

"He's my captain," U.S. manager Davey Johnson said. "A great player. He's a tremendous individual on and off the field. I think he's probably one of the most respected players in the game. He's done a lot to promote the World Baseball Classic."

"Remember the only time in history that Derek Jeter faced Yankees as an active player?" - Javier Gonzalez

Ahead of the 2009 WBC, Derek Jeter faced the Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in an exhibition game - the only time he faced his beloved team as an opponent.

In the 2009 WBC, Japan won the title for the second time, winning the final game 5–3.