History of Derek Jeter in Timeline

Derek Jeter, nicknamed "the Captain," is a retired American professional baseball player who played his entire 20-year MLB career as a shortstop for the New York Yankees. A highly decorated player, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020 with near-unanimous support. After retiring from baseball, 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

1962: First Yankee Rookie To Start As Shortstop

Since Tom Tresh in 1962, Jeter was the first Yankee rookie to start as shortstop for the team.

June 26, 1974: Derek Jeter's Birth

On June 26, 1974, Derek Sanderson Jeter was born. He would grow to become an iconic baseball player for the New York Yankees.

Others born on this day/year

1978: Previous World Series Win

In 1996, the Yankees defeated the Atlanta Braves in the 1996 World Series to win their first championship since the 1978 World Series.

1979: Sister's Birth

Around 1979, Derek Jeter's younger sister, Sharlee, was born. She later became a softball star in high school.

1992: Mike Gallego Last Wore Uniform Number 2

In 1992 Mike Gallego last wore the uniform number 2. May 29, 1995 Jeter made his MLB debut and he was assigned uniform number 2, which was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994.

1992: Minor League Baseball

In 1992, Derek Jeter began his professional baseball career with the Gulf Coast Yankees. He struggled during the season, batting .202 in 47 games.

1992: Scholar Athlete Award

In 1992, Jeter received the Kalamazoo Area B'nai B'rith Award for Scholar Athlete, the 1992 High School Player of the Year Award from the American Baseball Coaches Association, the 1992 Gatorade High School Player of the year award, and USA Today's High School Player of the Year and enrolled at the University of Michigan as an undergraduate student in fall 1992

1992: Yankees Drafted Jeter

In 1992, The Yankees drafted Derek Jeter out of high school.

1992: MLB Draft

In the 1992 MLB draft, the Houston Astros bypassed Jeter, fearing his salary demands. Hall of Fame pitcher Hal Newhouser quit his job in protest.

1993: Baseball America rated Jeter as the 16th-best prospect in baseball

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

1993: MLB Draft

Following his Rookie of the Year season, Alex Rodriguez, the first overall selection in the 1993 MLB draft, first contacted Jeter about his experiences as a high first-round pick

1993: Left University of Michigan

In 1993, Derek Jeter left the University of Michigan after he was drafted by the New York Yankees.

1993: Improved Performance in Minor Leagues

In 1993, Jeter improved his fielding and batting, hitting .295 with 5 home runs and 71 RBIs. Despite committing 56 errors, he was recognized for his defensive skills and potential.

1994: Arizona Fall League

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

1994: Mike Gallego Last Wore Uniform Number 2

In 1994 Mike Gallego last wore the uniform number 2. May 29, 1995 Jeter made his MLB debut and he was assigned uniform number 2, which was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994.

1994: Minor League Player of the Year

In 1994, Jeter played across three minor league levels and 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, Jeter made his MLB debut with the Yankees, going hitless in five at-bats. He was assigned uniform number 2, which was most recently worn by Mike Gallego from 1992 to 1994.

1995: Disappointing Performance

After Fernández batted a disappointing .245 and appeared in only 108 games due to injuries in 1995.

1995: Projected Yankees Shortstop

Considered a top prospect heading into the 1995 season, Jeter was projected as the starting shortstop for the Yankees.

1995: MLB Debut

In 1995, Derek Jeter debuted in Major League Baseball at age 20.

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 World Series.

1996: Opening Day Start and Rookie of the Year

In 1996, Derek Jeter started on Opening Day, hitting his first MLB home run and was named the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year.

1996: Opportunity with the Yankees

In 1996, Joe Torre turned to Jeter, giving him an opportunity as shortstop despite skepticism from George Steinbrenner. A trade involving Mariano Rivera was considered but ultimately vetoed to give Jeter a chance.

1996: Postseason Success and World Series Championship

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

1997: Yankees' leadoff batter

In 1997, Derek Jeter became the Yankees' leadoff batter, batting .291 with 10 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 116 runs.

1998: MVP Award Nomination

In 1998, Derek Jeter finished third in voting for the American League (AL) Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

1998: All-Star Selection and MVP Nomination

In 1998, Derek Jeter was selected for his first All-Star Game, batted .324 with 127 runs, and finished third in voting for the AL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

1999: Career-High Numbers

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

2000: All-Star and World Series MVP Awards

In 2000, Derek Jeter won both the All-Star Game MVP and World Series MVP Awards.

2003: Yankees Team Captain

In 2003, Derek Jeter served as the Yankees' team captain.

2009: Roberto Clemente Award

In 2009, Derek Jeter was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award.

2014: Jeter's Retirement

In 2014, Derek Jeter announced his retirement from professional baseball.

September 2017: Jeter Becomes CEO of Miami Marlins

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

2017: Yankees Retire Jeter's Number

In 2017, the New York Yankees retired Derek Jeter's uniform number 2, cementing his legacy with the team.

2020: Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

In 2020, Derek Jeter was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, receiving nearly unanimous support.

February 2022: Jeter Leaves Miami Marlins

In February 2022, Derek Jeter stepped down from his role as CEO and part owner of the Miami Marlins.

May 3, 2025: Honorary Degree from University of Michigan

On May 3, 2025, Jeter received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Michigan and delivered a speech at the university's spring commencement.