Derek Jeter, the former legendary shortstop has always been driven by success. After hanging up his cleats he ventured into various business opportunities. Yet, his love for the game of baseball never faded. With a passion to return to the ballpark, Jeter set his sights on owning an MLB team. 

In 2017, Jeter made a bid for the Miami Marlins, but his ambitions almost cost him his dream. Despite almost getting the winning bid, his relentless drive for power threatened to derail his bid. Jeter’s unwavering determination had always served him well, but that time it nearly caused him to miss out on his $1.3 billion dream.

How did Derek Jeter almost miss out on his dream? 

Derek Jeter’s pursuit of ownership of the Miami Marlins hit a major roadblock when one of his key financial backers, Chicago billionaire Richard Chaifetz, suddenly dropped out of the group. This unexpected departure came just days before the winning bid for the team was to be announced. It left the baseball phenom with a big financial gap to fill. 

According to the NY Post, Chaifetz’s departure was rooted in his discomfort with Jeter’s approach to the purchase. He felt the former shortstop sensation was seeking control of the team without investing a big amount of his own money. 

This sudden change in plans put Jeter in a difficult position as he worked to secure the funding needed to make his bid a reality. It did not deter him however, he quickly sprang to action and came up with a solution to plug the significant gap left by Chaifetz’s exit.

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With the help of fellow billionaire Bruce Sherman, Jeter was able to steady the ship and keep his dream of owning an MLB team alive. 

Bruce Sherman stepped up to fill in the gap

Sherman stepped up and picked up some of the slack, effectively filling the financial gap and providing the stability needed to secure Jeter’s bid. Through determination and resourcefulness, Jeter was able to overcome this setback and continue his pursuit of the Marlins. In the end, he was able to achieve his goal of becoming an MLB team owner. 

Although, in 2022, Derek Jeter and the Miami Marlins went their separate ways. However, Jeter’s love for baseball is not really dampened and he will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact on the sport. Whether it’s as a coach, an executive, or in any other capacity. Jeter’s influence and passion for the game will continue to be felt for many years to come. 

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