‘I Groomed Him to Be the Prince of New York’- Derek Jeter’s Ex-Roommate Once Recalled a Career-Defining Moment for the New York Yankees Phenom That Changed Everything

Derek Jeter became Derek Jeter that he is today after a lot of struggles and hard work. He dreamt of becoming a Yankee, and though told by many that he couldn’t do it, he did it anyway. Jeter became a Yankee and retired as a Yankee. A true Yankee by heart.

However, he didn’t start his career by being the best. In the initial phase, he was not doing good as a shortstop.

What was the career-defining moment for Derek Jeter?

Derek Jeter was the top draft pick of the New York Yankees in 1992 while he was playing for Single-A Greensboro (N.C.) Hornets. When there were still two months left for the 1993 season to end, Jeter had already made 37 errors.

One of the Hornet’s executives told the Yankees, “God Almighty, this is the worst shortstop I’ve ever seen. Where did you guys find him?”

Then came a time when he had to consider changing positions, and this was told to Jeter by his former roommate, RD Long. Long thought it was the time for an intervention, so he talked to his buddy.

Long said, “Jeet, you have to prepare yourself. They might move you.” To this, Jeter replied, “It’s never going to happen. They’d have to trade me first. I’m never moving from shortstop. Never.” 

Long had known Jeter from a time when not many people were aware of him. From low minors to the World Series in 1996, they’ve been together as roommates and teammates. Also, Jeter was one of the groomsmen at Long’s wedding.

Long said, “I groomed him, to be the prince of New York.” As per him, he was one of the reasons Jeter became what he is today. “We had a sweet apartment in Greensboro in ’93,” Long added. “We had great music, and we blasted it from noon on. R. Kelly. H-Town. Mary J. Blige. Just the two of us. And we only stopped to watch Days of our Lives.” 

“In one year, this kid went from the worst shortstop I’ve ever seen to light’s out. Now he’s obviously going to be something.” Long concluded.

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And not only did he go on to become something, but he became a baseball legend. He became the one and only Derek Jeter. And he stopped his errors streak at 56, all while making a record of it. 

Jeter did not give up

Getting criticized by everyone, Jeter was at a place he could have easily given up. But he didn’t. All thanks go to his friend, RD Long. If he wasn’t there for him, if he hadn’t intervened when he did, maybe Derek wouldn’t have become what he is today.

The point when Long intervened to tell him what everyone else was afraid to tell him ultimately became the turning point in Derek’s life.

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And, he became ‘The Captain,‘ The Hall of Famer, and everything he is today.