“Bonus Was You Weren’t in Trouble”- When MLB Great Derek Jeter Talked About the Very First Contract of His Life

From making countless errors in his minor league days to achieving almost everything in baseball, Captain Clutch Derek Jeter has come a long way. It has been over eight years since Jeter retired from the big league, but his craze and popularity among the fans remain the same. Many might not be aware, but Derek’s parents played a crucial role in helping him become one of the best players in MLB history.

During his high school days, Derek’s parents Charles Jeter and Dorothy Jeter made him sign a contract every year, which eventually helped Jeter big time. It was also the first of many contracts that Jeter went on to sign in his glorious baseball career. Revisiting those old days, Jeter talked about the same contract. He also spoke about the consequences of following and not following it.

Derek Jeter got candid about the first contract of his life

The contract that Jeter signed as he entered high school had clauses about many aspects of his teen life. Although, as Jeter spoke of his contract, he didn’t fail to mention that he was obedient and never really argued with his parents for it.

Read More: Derek Jeter’s Mother Once Divulged Her “Ready to Attack” Mentality During a Difficult Period For Her Son

While talking about the consequences of the contract sometime early in his career, Jeter said, “Punishment was you’re in trouble, and bonus was you weren’t in trouble.”

Almost two decades later, Derek Jeter, in his seven-part docu-series, revealed the punishment set for him. If, at any point, Jeter broke any clause, he would not be allowed to play sports. Even so, he has admitted many times now that he used to break curfew a “little bit.” Seems like Jeter was not much obedient after all!

What was in Derek Jeter’s first contract?

During episode 7 of his documentary, Jeter showed the unearthed picture of his contract. The unearthed image had every clause mentioned in detail with Jeter’s signature in the end. The first item on the contract was to get the homework done on time, as he wasn’t allowed to participate in any event until the homework was done.

The second and third things were no phone calls after 10 pm and friends only after school. However, one of the things that stood out from it was if Derek ever got into trouble at school, his parents would like to know from him and not anybody else. Other things on the contract were the usual ones. It was a curfew, no arguing, no drugs, a set limit for grades, and a couple of others. 

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Although at the time Jeter agreed to sign the contract, he also fought it. But later in life, he realized that it was all for his benefit.

By the way, did your parents ever get you to sign any contract? If so, let us know in the comments below!