11 Rare Photos of Derek Jeter Early in His Career
There's a reason why Derek Jeter was given the nicknames "Captain Clutch" and "Mr. November," and it was clear from the early days he would make a name for himself. The Yankees shortstop, who made his Major League Baseball debut during the 1995 season, was named team captain in 2003, won five World Series rings, and played for the legendary team for a whopping 20 years. Although the famous athlete retired nearly ten years ago, he is still lauded today as one of the greatest baseball players of all time. In honor of all he has accomplished, we take a look back at some of his earliest moments out in the field.
Jeter's AFL Stint
The budding star spent some time in the Arizona Fall League before his major MLB debut. The offseason baseball league still exists today and gives teams’ top prospects the chance to get extra practice before the following MLB season. Fun fact? Around fifty percent of the baseball players in the 2022 MLB All-Stars Game were Arizona Fall League alumni.
Yankees Batting Practice
Now an official Yankee, Jeter was photographed here at team batting practice in the spring of 1996. He was named the team's starting shortstop that year.
American League Champions
1996 was an exciting time for the Yankees. Not only did they clinch the American League Championship title, but they also went on to win the World Series against the Atlanta Braves. Jeter let loose celebrating with teammates here in this great shot.
Rookie of the Year
The Yankees shortstop was unanimously named Rookie of the Year for the 1995-1996 season. He’s pictured here accepting the honor at Yankee Stadium.
Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade
Besides having their own ticker tape parade, Yankees teammates also appeared at the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City that year. The young shortstop joined Yankees teammates like Bernie Williams and Paul O’Neill on a float.
Promo with Sarah Jessica Parker
Although Jeter was a fixture at Yankee Stadium, he was all over NYC throwing and attending events. Here, he posed with Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker during the Macy’s Sports Shop launch in the mid-90s.
Batman and Robin Premiere
And here, Jeter joined fellow athletes Tino Martinez and Cecil Fielder for a night out at the New York City premiere of Batman and Robin in June 1997.
World Series
Jeter went on to win the World Series with the Yanks against the San Diego Padres just one year later. There’s no doubt about it—the late-90s, early-aughts Yankees were unstoppable.
Saturday Night Live
How could we forget Jeter's legendary appearance on Saturday Night Live? He’s pictured here in 2001 alongside Seth Meyers (who is playing up some Boston Red Sox fan fury) during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment.
Ticker Tape Parade
Another baseball season, another World Series. Jeter decided to take his camcorder with him during the Yankees’ 2000 championship ticker tape parade. The team dramatically defeated their hometown rivals, the New York Mets, four games to one.
All-Star Game
Jeter’s first All-Star Game appearance was in 1998. Although he struck out that night, he appeared in the following five All-Star games, which is a pretty impressive feat.
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