Derek Jeter’s Controversial Former Teammate Once Expressed His Honest Opinion on the MLB Icon’s Jersey Retirement Ceremony

Derek Jeter’s illustrious MLB career had a lengthy 20-year-long reign in the ballpark. Milestones and honors flew in plenty for him within the time frame. At the same time, Derek Jeter got acquainted with several teammates who played alongside him from time to time.

Back in 2017, an infamous former teammate of Jeter with a legendary stature once spoke about the talismanic player.

Jeter devoted his entire MLB career in service to the New York Yankees, as the shortstop from 1995 to 2014. In 2000, he met the swashbuckling Jose Canseco. Though as extraordinarily talented as Jeter, Canseco however had a tainted career in contrast. Despite having played together only for a season, Jeter seemingly had an everlasting impact on Canseco.

The Yankees paid their respect to Jeter upon his retirement. As a mark of tribute, the Pinstripes organization retired Jeter’s jersey no. #2. In an interview, Canseco was asked about his opinions on the matter. Maintaining his trademark fashion, Canseco spoke his heart out on the topic.

A few words about Derek Jeter by a former compatriot 

Derek Jeter got felicitated by the Yankees administration with a jersey retirement ceremony in 2017. Back at the time, popular sports journalist Helen Yee caught up with Jose Canseco for an interview. Discussing various topics, Yee asked Canseco about his opinion on Jeter’s jersey retirement. An outspoken character, Canseco, was, however, full of praise for Jeter.

Speaking about Jeter at the interview, Canseco said, “I did play for the Yankees, I think 2000-2001. My last World Series out of the couple won. And he is really quiet, nice guy. Only spoke to him a few times. But a gentleman of the game, a real nice guy, a great athlete. And I don’t even know how many championships for the Yankees.” 

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Canseco added saying, “Four, five, six, seven, who knows. He’s got so many rings, it’s incredible. But one of the best shortstops in the history of baseball. He definitely deserves having his name and number retired.” 

The sporting ventures of two contrasting legends 

Jeter built his MLB legacy amid maintaining a decent personal image. Mild-mannered and soft-spoken, Jeter received a Hall Of Fame induction in 2020. Nicknamed The Captain, the great shortstop’s most remarkable achievements include 14 All-Star appearances and five World Series championships. 

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On the other hand, Canseco played both as an outfielder and designated hitter throughout his career. He made affiliations with numerous teams during his playing tenure. Notably, the six-time All-Star Canseco won two World Series championships among a long list of accolades. However, amid acts of off-field misdemeanors and a steroid scandal, his legacy fell into disgrace.

Even though Canseco has often been targeted by the media for always speaking his mind, do you think he deserves to get the MLB Hall of Fame induction?