If you need motivation in life, who’s better than the father of clutch moments? Yes, we are talking about Derek Jeter, the former Yankees icon. The newly graduated students from the University of Michigan just had their dream-come-true moment when they got a few pep talks from the captain himself. However, what was the commencement ceremony for the students, the event offered a great insight into how Jeter traveled the road. Well, the road of life to success.

Well, the echoes for Jeter rang a little louder Saturday morning at Michigan Stadium. Is that because of a game-winning touchdown or a heated rivalry matchup? No, because one of baseball’s biggest legends finally became, in the eyes of the UM, one of its own. During U-M’s spring commencement ceremony at The Big House, Jeter was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, a symbolic gesture that bridges the gap between fandom and family.

However, above all, it was the lively speech made by Jeter that took all the attention.

“I failed publicly. I failed miserably. There were days I cried because I was so bad. In my first season as a professional, I made 56 errors. For the non-baseball fans, that’s hard to do intentionally,” Jeter said.

Drafted sixth overall by the Yankees in 1992, Jeter struggled during his first full professional season in the minors, committing 56 errors and often doubting whether he truly belonged at the next level. Scouts and critics questioned his readiness and defensive reliability. But Jeter stayed committed to improvement, working tirelessly on his fundamentals and mental toughness.

By 1996, he earned the Yankees’ starting shortstop job and never looked back. He won the AL Rookie of the Year that season and helped lead the Yankees to a World Series title. The first of five he would win during his 20-year career. Along the way, he became the Yankees’ all-time hits leader and a 14-time All-Star. Jeter was ultimately enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2020 with one of the highest voting percentages in history.

“It’s a choice. Your choice.“

During his address to the graduating class, Jeter offered advice rooted in personal experience. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and intentional decision-making. He noted that external pressures — from peers, family, society, or professional expectations — often cloud one’s path, making it all the more vital to understand one’s own goals. For Jeter, that choice was baseball, a passion he pursued relentlessly despite early challenges.

Well, had Derek Jeter not followed his choice, we would be deprived of getting a glimpse of the captain in the ballparks. While this is a life lesson worth it for the future generation, the Yankees’ current roster needs the exact boost to be precise.

The Yankees are just a Jeter away from success 

As of May 4, 2025, the Yankees hold a 19–14 record, placing them atop the American League East division. Despite recent challenges, including a 3–2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on May 3, the team maintains a strong +54 run differential and boasts a 96% probability of making the postseason. Their offense is something making the town talk with amassing the maximum home runs this season (54). Looks impressive, right?

Well, apart from these bright areas, the Yankees are also walking alongside the injuries. A few of their starters are out due to injuries, and Anthony Volpe is the latest addition from yesterday’s game against the Rays.

Hence, for younger players like Volpe and Spencer Jones, Jeter’s advice underscores the importance of self-belief amid growing hype. For veterans like Aaron Judge, it’s a reminder to stay grounded in their leadership style. And for the team as a whole, leading the AL East but still facing pressure to perform deep into October. It’s a call to stay focused on their mission, not the noise surrounding it.

In short, Derek Jeter’s lesson matters now. Because the Yankees, like any contender, will be defined not just by their talent, but by how well they handle the expectations placed upon them. Knowing who they are — and what they stand for — may be the difference between another near-miss and a championship run. What do you think?