Career Timeline of Derek Jeter: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Derek Jeter made an impact.

Derek Jeter, "the Captain," played shortstop for the New York Yankees for his entire 20-year MLB career. A first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2020, he received nearly unanimous support. Post-playing career, Jeter served as CEO and part-owner of the Miami Marlins from 2017 to 2022.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1992: Minor League Baseball Debut

In 1992, Derek Jeter began his minor league career with the Gulf Coast Yankees, struggling initially with a .202 batting average.

1992: MLB Draft

In 1992, the Houston Astros had the first overall pick in the MLB draft but chose Phil Nevin instead of Jeter due to salary concerns. Hal Newhouser quit his job in protest.

1993: Top Prospect

Coming off his strong 1993 season, Baseball America rated Jeter as the 16th-best prospect in baseball.

1993: Successful Season with the Hornets

In 1993, Derek Jeter had a strong season with the Hornets, hitting .295 with five home runs and 71 RBIs. He was voted the "Most Outstanding Major League Prospect" in the league. He committed 56 errors, a SAL record.

1994: Minor League Player of the Year

In 1994, Derek Jeter played across three minor league levels, hitting .344 and stealing 50 bases. He was honored with Minor League Player of the Year Awards by Baseball America, The Sporting News, and Topps/NAPBL.

May 29, 1995: MLB Debut

On May 29, 1995, Derek Jeter made his MLB debut for the Yankees, going hitless in five at bats. He wore uniform number 2, which was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994.

1995: Projected Starting Shortstop

Heading into the 1995 season, Derek Jeter was considered the fourth-best prospect in baseball and projected as the starting shortstop for the Yankees.

1995: Don Mattingly Retires

In 1995, Don Mattingly retired, which left the Yankee's captain position vacant until Jeter filled the role.

1995: MLB Debut

In 1995, at the age of 20, Derek Jeter debuted in Major League Baseball (MLB) with the New York Yankees.

1996: Starting Shortstop and World Series Win

In 1996, Derek Jeter became the Yankees' starting shortstop, won the Rookie of the Year Award, and helped the team win the 1996 World Series against the Atlanta Braves.

1996: Turn 2 Foundation Created

In 1996, Derek Jeter created the Turn 2 Foundation, a charitable organization to help children and teenagers avoid drug and alcohol addiction, and to reward those who show high academic achievement.

1996: Postseason Success and World Series Win

In 1996, Derek Jeter played a crucial role in the Yankees' postseason success, including a controversial home run in the ALCS. The Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series.

1996: Opening Day Start and Rookie of the Year

In 1996, Derek Jeter started on Opening Day and was named the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year, batting .314 with 10 home runs, 104 runs scored, and 78 RBIs.

1996: Manager Joe Torre turns to Jeter

In 1996, newly hired Yankees manager Joe Torre turned to Jeter, hoping for a .250 batting average and dependable defense.

1997: Leadoff Batter and Contract

In 1997, Derek Jeter and the Yankees agreed on a $540,000 contract with performance bonuses. Jeter became the Yankees' leadoff batter, batting .291.

1997: Lowest Slugging Percentage Since 1997

In the 2008 season, Jeter's slugging percentage dropped to .410, his lowest mark since 1997.

1998: First All-Star Game Selection and World Series Victory

In 1998, Derek Jeter earned $750,000, was selected for his first All-Star Game, batted .324 with 127 runs, 19 home runs, and 84 RBIs, contributing to the Yankees' 114-game-winning season. He batted .353 in the World Series, where the Yankees defeated the San Diego Padres, and finished third in voting for the AL MVP Award.

1999: Contract Negotiations with the Yankees

During the 1999-2000 offseason, the Yankees negotiated with Jeter, and tentatively agreed to a seven-year, $118.5 million contract. However, because Steinbrenner did not want to set a record for the largest contract, the agreement fell through. To avoid arbitration, Jeter and the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million.

1999: Career High Numbers

In 1999, Derek Jeter recorded multiple career-high numbers.

1999: Salary Arbitration and Championship Season

In 1999, Jeter was awarded a $5 million salary through arbitration. He led the AL in hits with 219, finished second in batting average (.349) and runs scored (134), and appeared in his second All-Star game. He achieved personal bests in several stats and drove in 102 runs. Jeter batted .455 in the ALDS, .350 in the ALCS, and .353 in the World Series, contributing to the Yankees' championship win against the Braves.

2000: All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards

In 2000, Derek Jeter batted .339 in the regular season with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs. He won the All-Star Game MVP Award with three hits and a two-run single. He also won the World Series MVP Award, batting .409 against the New York Mets, making him the first player to win both awards in the same season, as the Yankees secured their third consecutive title.

2000: Contract Agreement and Arbitration Avoidance

In 2000, after a tentative long-term contract fell through due to Steinbrenner's hesitation, Jeter and the Yankees agreed to a one-year deal worth $10 million to avoid arbitration.

2001: "The Flip" Play and All-Star Game Home Run

In 2001, Derek Jeter batted .311 with 21 home runs and 74 RBIs. He played in the All-Star Game and hit a home run. Jeter made a memorable defensive play, "The Flip", in the ALDS against the Athletics, which preserved the Yankees' lead and helped them win the series.

2001: Ten-Year Contract with the Yankees

In 2001, with one year remaining until free agency, Derek Jeter signed a ten-year, $189 million contract to stay with the Yankees, becoming the second-highest-paid athlete in team sports and auto racing, trailing only Alex Rodriguez. The average annual value of Jeter's contract was the third-highest in baseball.

2001: Mr. November Home Run in the World Series

In November 2001, Derek Jeter hit a game-winning home run in Game 4 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The words "Mr. November" flashed on the scoreboard. Despite this, Jeter struggled at the plate, batting .148 as the Yankees lost the series.

2002: Stolen Base Percentage Leader and All-Star Appearance

In 2002, Derek Jeter batted .297 with 18 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a career-best 32 stolen bases. He led the majors in stolen base percentage (91.4%) and made his fifth All-Star appearance. The Yankees were defeated by the Anaheim Angels in the ALDS.

June 3, 2003: Named Captain of the Yankees

On June 3, 2003, Derek Jeter was named the captain of the Yankees, filling the position that had been vacant since Don Mattingly's retirement in 1995. In the postseason, Jeter batted .314, but the Yankees lost the World Series to the Florida Marlins.

2003: Acquisition of Alex Rodriguez

During the 2003-04 offseason, the Yankees acquired Alex Rodriguez from the Texas Rangers. Rodriguez moved to third base, while Jeter remained the starting shortstop. Rodriguez's fielding range allowed Jeter to cede ground to his right.

2003: Yankees Team Captain

In 2003, Derek Jeter became the Yankees' team captain.

2003: Shoulder Dislocation and Return to Play

On Opening Day of the 2003 season, Derek Jeter dislocated his left shoulder in a collision, causing him to miss six weeks and 36 games. He returned to bat .324, finishing third in batting average.

July 1, 2004: The Dive Against the Red Sox

On July 1, 2004, Derek Jeter made a memorable over-the-shoulder catch against the Boston Red Sox, diving into the stands and receiving a lacerated chin and bruised face. The Yankees won the game, and the play was voted the Play of the Year. Jeter was also presented with his first Gold Glove Award following the 2004 season.

2004: All-Star Selection and ALDS Performance

In 2004, Derek Jeter made the All-Star team and finished the season with a .292 average, 23 home runs, and a career-best 44 doubles. He batted .316 in the ALDS, but struggled in the ALCS as the Yankees lost to the Red Sox.

2004: Start of the 2004 Season and Improved Batting Average

The 2004 season began with Derek Jeter in a slump, batting .168 through April. However, his batting average improved to .277 by the All-Star break in July.

2005: Second Consecutive Gold Glove Award

In 2005, Derek Jeter finished second in the AL in runs scored and third in hits. Despite criticism regarding his defense, he won his second consecutive Gold Glove. The Yankees lost to the Angels in the ALDS.

2006: All-World Baseball Classic Team

In 2006, Derek Jeter competed in the World Baseball Classic and was named to the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

2006: Hank Aaron Award and Third Gold Glove

In 2006, Derek Jeter finished second in the AL MVP voting but won the Hank Aaron Award for superior offensive performance and his third consecutive Gold Glove Award.

2006: 2,000th Career Hit and Seventh All-Star Selection

In 2006, Derek Jeter moved to second in the batting lineup after the Yankees signed Johnny Damon. Jeter recorded his 2,000th career hit, becoming the eighth Yankee to reach the milestone. He finished the season with a .343 batting average and earned his seventh All-Star selection. The Yankees lost to the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS.

2006: World Baseball Classic Performance

In 2006, Derek Jeter started at shortstop for the United States national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic. He hit .450 and scored five runs in six games. Jeter's play earned him recognition as the shortstop selection on the All-Tournament Team.

2006: Second-Highest Paid Endorser in Baseball

In 2006, Derek Jeter was the second-highest paid endorser in baseball, behind Ichiro Suzuki.

2007: Eighth All-Star Appearance and ALDS Struggles

In 2007, Derek Jeter had his third consecutive season with at least 200 hits and was selected for his eighth All-Star appearance. He turned a career-high 104 double plays. He struggled in the ALDS, and the Indians defeated the Yankees.

June 27, 2008: 400th Career Double

On June 27, 2008, Derek Jeter hit his 400th career double.

September 14, 2008: Tying Lou Gehrig's Record for Hits at Yankee Stadium

On September 14, 2008, Derek Jeter tied Lou Gehrig's record for hits at Yankee Stadium (1,269) with a home run. Following the final game in Yankee Stadium history, Jeter made a speech, thanking the Yankees fans for their support, which was voted the Moment of the Year.

2008: Yankees Miss Postseason

In 2008, the Yankees did not qualify for the postseason, an exception in Derek Jeter's major league career.

August 16, 2009: Breaking Luis Aparicio's Record

On August 16, 2009, Derek Jeter achieved his 2,675th hit as a shortstop against the Seattle Mariners, breaking Luis Aparicio's major league record for hits as a shortstop.

September 11, 2009: Passing Lou Gehrig on All-Time Hits Leader List

On September 11, 2009, Derek Jeter became the all-time hits leader as a member of the Yankees with 2,722 hits, passing Lou Gehrig. The hit was a single off of pitcher Chris Tillman in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles.

2009: World Baseball Classic and Game Against Yankees

In 2009, Derek Jeter again started at shortstop for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic. He was named captain of the team. Jeter and the United States team faced the Yankees in an exhibition game, the only time Jeter played against the Yankees.

2009: Fifth World Series Championship and Awards

In 2009, Derek Jeter batted .355 during the postseason, including .407 in the World Series, and he won his fifth World Series championship. He was named Sportsman of the Year by Sports Illustrated, won the Roberto Clemente Award, Hank Aaron Award, his fourth Gold Glove Award, and his fourth Silver Slugger Award. Jeter also finished third in the AL MVP voting.

2009: Move to Leadoff Hitter and Defensive Performance

In 2009, Derek Jeter became the leadoff hitter and batted .334. He also had a career-low eight errors and a career-best .986 fielding percentage. The Sporting News named him eighth on their list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball.

2009: Captain of United States Team

In 2009, Derek Jeter competed in the World Baseball Classic and was named captain of the United States team.

2009: Ambassador for Weplay

Since 2009, Derek Jeter has served as an ambassador for Weplay, a website designed to encourage children to get involved in sports.

2010: Free Agency and Contract Negotiations

After the 2010 season, Derek Jeter became a free agent for the first time in his career. Negotiations with the Yankees became tense. Jeter ultimately reached an agreement with the Yankees on a three-year contract for $51 million with an option for a fourth year. He spent the offseason working on adjustments to his swing.

2010: Teammate Milestone and Statistical Lows

In 2010, Derek Jeter, along with Posada and Rivera, became the first trio of teammates in the four major North American sports to play at least 16 consecutive seasons on the same team. Statistically, the 2010 season was Jeter's worst, but he was still elected to start at shortstop in the All-Star Game. Jeter made adjustments to his swing with the help of Kevin Long, and following the season, Jeter won his fifth Gold Glove award.

May 28, 2011: Breaking Rickey Henderson's Stolen Base Record

On May 28, 2011, Derek Jeter broke Rickey Henderson's franchise record for stolen bases when he stole his 327th base against the Mariners.

July 9, 2011: 3,000th Career Hit

On July 9, 2011, Derek Jeter recorded his 3,000th career hit, a home run off David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays. Jeter finished the day with five hits in five at-bats and became the second player to hit a home run for his 3,000th hit. He is the only member of the 3,000 hit club to record all his hits with the New York Yankees.

July 14, 2011: Jeter and Posada Break Record

On July 14, 2011, Derek Jeter and Jorge Posada played their 1,660th game together, breaking the previous franchise record of 1,659 games held by Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri.

July 28, 2011: Derek Jeter 3K Documentary Airs

On July 28, 2011, MLB and HBO aired "Derek Jeter 3K", a documentary that profiled Jeter's path to 3,000 hits.

Loading Video...

August 29, 2011: Breaking Mickey Mantle's Record

On August 29, 2011, Derek Jeter played his 2,402nd game with the Yankees, breaking Mickey Mantle's record for most games played as a Yankee.

2011: Charity Baseball Game

In 2011, Derek Jeter, along with Japanese baseball player Hideki Matsui, took part in a charity baseball game at Tokyo Dome to raise funds for survivors of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

2012: Most Hits in MLB and Injury

In 2012, Derek Jeter finished the season with the most hits in MLB (216). On September 14, he moved into the Top 10 on the all-time hit list. During Game 1 of the ALCS against the Detroit Tigers, Jeter fractured his left ankle, ending his season.

2012: Honorary Doctorate from Siena College

In 2012, Derek Jeter received an honorary doctorate from Siena College honoring him for his Turn 2 Foundation's work.

2012: Hot Streak and All-Star Game Performance

In 2012, Derek Jeter started the season on a hot streak, batting .420 through April 25. In the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, Jeter recorded his 11th All-Star hit, passing Mickey Mantle for the most All-Star Game hits in Yankees history.

September 14, 2013: Placed on 60-day Disabled List

On September 14, 2013, Derek Jeter was transferred to the 60-day disabled list due to problems with his ankle, after playing only 17 games during the 2013 season. He batted .190 during that season.

2013: Partnership with Simon & Schuster

During his injury-shortened 2013 season, Derek Jeter arranged a partnership with Simon & Schuster to form an imprint called Jeter Publishing.

2013: Yankees Miss Postseason

In 2013, the Yankees did not qualify for the postseason, an exception in Derek Jeter's major league career.

February 12, 2014: Announcement of Retirement

On February 12, 2014, Derek Jeter announced on his Facebook page that the 2014 season would be his last.

October 1, 2014: ThePlayersTribune.com Appears Online

On October 1, 2014, Derek Jeter's new website, ThePlayersTribune.com, appeared online as a new media platform presenting the unfiltered voice of professional athletes.

2014: Exploration of Buffalo Bills Purchase

In 2014, Derek Jeter explored purchasing the Buffalo Bills football team.

2014: Retirement

In 2014, Derek Jeter retired from professional baseball.

2014: Final Season Achievements

In 2014, during his final season, Derek Jeter recorded his 1,000th career multi-hit game and was elected to start at shortstop in the All-Star Game, where he batted leadoff for the AL. He broke Omar Vizquel's MLB career record of games started at shortstop and Lou Gehrig's franchise record of career doubles, and also scored the 1,900th run of his career. Jeter passed Carl Yastrzemski and Honus Wagner on MLB's all-time career hit list.

2014: Yankees Miss Postseason

In 2014, the Yankees did not qualify for the postseason, an exception in Derek Jeter's major league career.

March 2015: Restaurant Partnership

In March 2015, it was reported that Derek Jeter had partnered with Concessions Tampa to bid for a space within the Tampa International Airport, and plans to open a restaurant named after his website, ThePlayersTribune.com.

July 2017: Bidding for Miami Marlins Ownership

In July 2017, Derek Jeter engaged in the bidding for ownership of the Miami Marlins.

August 2017: Deal to Purchase Miami Marlins

In August 2017, Derek Jeter and Bruce Sherman finalized a deal to purchase the Miami Marlins.

September 2017: CEO of Miami Marlins

In September 2017, Derek Jeter became the chief executive officer (CEO) and part owner of the Miami Marlins.

September 2017: Miami Marlins Purchase Completed

In September 2017, the sale of the Miami Marlins was completed following unanimous approval of the other 29 MLB team owners, and Jeter was named chief executive officer (CEO) of the team.

2018: Donation to Hurricane Irma Victims

In 2018, Derek Jeter donated furniture and household items to families forced to relocate by Hurricane Irma.

July 2019: Donation to Kalamazoo Public School District

In July 2019, Derek Jeter donated $3.2 million from the Turn 2 Foundation to the Kalamazoo Public School District to renovate the school's baseball and softball complex.

April 2021: Joined Rockefeller Capital Management

In April 2021, Derek Jeter joined the board of Rockefeller Capital Management.

February 2022: End of Miami Marlins CEO Tenure

In February 2022, Derek Jeter ended his tenure as the chief executive officer (CEO) and part owner of the Miami Marlins.

February 28, 2022: Departure from Miami Marlins

On February 28, 2022, Derek Jeter announced that he would no longer serve as CEO of the Miami Marlins or hold any shares in the club, ending his relationship with the team.

September 8, 2022: Launch of Arena Club

On September 8, 2022, Derek Jeter announced that he joined entrepreneur Brian Lee and multiple capital venture firms in launching a card grading, storage vault, and marketplace platform named Arena Club.