Derek Jeter has been retired for years, but he never really leaves the spotlight and seamlessly transitions from the batter’s box to the boardroom and broadcast booth. And in a candid interview, the Hall of Famer recently opened up about his post-playing career with NJ Advance Media at the BetMGM headquarters in Jersey City, his New Jersey roots, and a potential career change that many famous athletes have embraced.

The former shortstop, now 51, spoke about his childhood summers in the Garden State and his outlook on his former team’s chances this postseason. But his take on politics was the most revealing moment of the day. The conversation naturally turned to Washington, D.C.

After all, one of Jeter’s former teammates, Mark Teixeira, is currently running for Congress in Texas. When Teixeira’s new career path was mentioned, Jeter said, “Tex! Politician!” So, when asked about whether Derek Jeter ever sees himself jumping into politics? He immediately responded with a “No” and then explained why.

“I’ve got four kids, 8 and under,” Jeter explained. “My time is pretty much filled.” Undoubtedly, parenting is a full-time job that leaves little room for running a campaign.

Of course, the path from the stadium to the Senate is a well-traveled one. New Jersey itself has seen former NBA star Bill Bradley and former NFL lineman Jon Runyan serve in Congress. But Jeter made it clear he has no plans to join that club, as he mentioned, “You’re not gonna see this athlete,” shutting down any speculation.

And while he may be avoiding a run for office, Jeter proudly embraces his Jersey roots. Born in Pequannock, Jeter spent his childhood summers at his grandmother’s house on Greenwood Lake. It was there that his mother, a diehard Yankees fan, instilled a love for the pinstripes in him. So, when asked if he considers himself a New Jerseyan, the five-time champion said with pride: “Yeah, I’m from here. I’m a New Jerseyan.”

Even though politics is off the table, Jeter had plenty to say about the Yankees’ chances this October.

And the Captain’s postseason prediction

Jeter shared his take on what it takes to win in October. “Everybody’s got a chance,” he mentioned. “People got tired of me saying it when I played, but the best teams make it, the hottest team wins. Get hot at the right time, and you can win. Anyone can get hot for three weeks. And anyone can get cold.” 

And it’s a proven baseball truth. His own 1998 Yankees were arguably the “best team” ever and cruised to a title. But the postseason is full of “hottest teams.”

The 2019 Washington Nationals got hot at the perfect moment, where they started their season with a dismal 19-31 record, yet surged to the World Series. The 2007 Colorado Rockies did the same. And most recently, the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals were barely over .500 on September 11 before going berserk with a franchise-record 17-game winning streak to clinch a playoff spot out of nowhere.

Thankfully for the Bleacher Creatures, their team is living proof of Jeter’s theory right now. After a strong start, the team fell into a mid-season slump, posting a dismal 19-30 record over nearly two months. Paul Goldschmidt and Anthony Volpe struggled mightily at the plate, and the bullpen was even worse. Facing a total collapse, GM Brian Cashman made some aggressive deadline moves and acquired infielders Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario to help the shaky infield. They also completely rebuilt their struggling bullpen, bringing in closers like David Bednar and Camilo Doval.

The strategy worked. And since August 11, the Yankees have been the hottest team in baseball, playing with an incredible 28-12 record. Captain Aaron Judge has been on a roll, hitting his 51st home run. Ace Max Fried recently became the first 19-game winner in the majors. And deadline acquisition José Caballero delivered the season’s biggest hit, a walk-off single to clinch a postseason berth.

So, even if Derek Jeter does run for office, his analysis of the game remains as sharp as ever. His former team got hot at exactly the right time, just as The Captain predicted.