It is common knowledge that Derek Jeter was an extraordinary baseball player. But he had much more to him than just being a great athlete. He was a genuine game-changer, a true leader, and a role model for his teammates and fans in and out of the ballpark. So, alongside all the accolades that he received as a player, Jeter also got an honorary degree in 2012. 

Jeter got awarded the Doctor of Humane Letters by Siena College on May 13, 2012. Interestingly, that was the first ever college academic honors for Jeter, who never got the chance to attend college. He got drafted straight out of high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jeter almost attended the University of Michigan but rather opted to build a professional career in baseball. 

Thus, Jeter became a member of Siena’s Class of 2012 due to his dedicated charitable works alongside his sporting achievements. He changed the lives of many young people through his Turn 2 Foundation. However, he was in an MLB game against the Seattle Mariners on that specific date. So his sister Sharlee Jeter accepted the award on his behalf. 

Sharlee Jeter’s honorary speech on behalf of Derek Jeter 

Derek Jeter launched the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996 and since has awarded million-dollar grants to support youth development programs. Sharlee Jeter is presently the president of the organization. Though Derek could not attend the event, a personalized video message from him was played at the event. Sharlee delivered an inspiring speech while accepting her brother’s honors. 

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Speaking at the event, Sharlee said, “I told Derek that if I came and accepted this award on his behalf, then I got to take the title moving forward. So I know he wishes he could be here. But I wanted to start off just by saying Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers here today…”  

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Sharlee added saying, “In our household, growing up, the values that were instilled in us, and were most important to us as a family, included supporting each other, giving back to the community, and being role models in the community. I want to congratulate the Class of 2012, but I also came here to challenge each and every one of you. I challenge you to work hard to fulfill your dreams and most importantly, I challenge you to give back to your communities and to always act as role models because someone will always be watching you.”  

A summary of Derek Jeter’s splendid MLB career 

Jeter made his MLB debut in 1995 for the New York Yankees. He remained a loyal shortstop for the Yankees until his retirement in 2014. The 14-time All-Star won five World Series championships throughout his playing career. Notably, he was inducted into the MLB Hall Of Fame in 2020. 

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What do you think of Sharlee Jeter’s speech?