Challenges in the Life of Derek Jeter in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Derek Jeter. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

1994: Right Shoulder Inflammation

After the conclusion of the 1994 regular season, Derek Jeter suffered mild inflammation in his right shoulder in the Arizona Fall League.

1995: Fernández's Disappointing Season

In 1995, Tony Fernández had a disappointing season, batting .245 and appearing in only 108 games due to injuries.

2001: New York Residence Allegations

In 2001, New York State alleged that Derek Jeter should have paid state income tax as he resided in the Manhattan apartment he bought in 2001.

2003: Tax Dispute Timeframe

In 2003, New York State alleged that Derek Jeter should have paid state income tax from 2001 to 2003 as he resided in the Manhattan apartment he bought in 2001.

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.

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.

2006: Criticism of Defense

In 2006, Derek Jeter's defense was criticized by sabermetricians. The book "The Fielding Bible" contained an essay that concluded Jeter was likely the most ineffective defensive player in the major leagues over his career.

2007: Highest Error Total Since 2000

In 2007, Derek Jeter committed 18 errors, his highest total since finishing with 24 in 2000.

2008: Tax Dispute Settled

In 2008, Derek Jeter settled a tax dispute with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance regarding his official residence.

2008: Study on Defensive Performance

In 2008, a study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that from 2002 through 2005, Derek Jeter was the worst defensive shortstop in MLB.

2008: Yankees Miss Postseason

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

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.

2010: Rating Below Middle-of-the-Pack

In 2010, despite receiving his fifth Gold Glove Award, Derek Jeter was rated below middle-of-the-pack status by advanced defensive statistics sites.

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.

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.