While playing in the ballparks, Derek Jeter was a leader who didn’t worry about personal accolades. He only wanted to play the best baseball possible and win championships. He had this mindset throughout his career, which eventually helped him become one of the best in the game. In his own words, the Yankees legend once admitted that he never wanted to become the highest-paid in the league.

Not to forget that while playing for the Pinstripes, Jeter earned over $250 million only in his salary. And by the time he retired from the games, he was already one of the best-paid players in MLB history. However, Jeter’s priority has never been money while playing the game. He admitted the same in 2010.

Derek Jeter was never bothered about not being the highest-paid MLB player

Back in 2010, Derek Jeter opened up on not being concerned with earning the most money or breaking contract-related records. Notably, being the main man of the Yankees, the captain was once asked if he was interested in being the highest-paid MLB player. To which he replied no, stating that he wasn’t interested in a record like that.

Per Business Insider, Jeter said, “Being the highest paid isn’t something I covet”. This was completely in line with Jeter’s ideology, which was to win championships and play his best baseball.

But since money follows the glory, the former Yankee signed a 10-year $189 million contract in 2001. It was then, and still is, one of the biggest contracts in MLB history. When talking about his net worth, the MLB Hall of Fame inductee has a total net worth of around $200 million.

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Jeter had won 4 World Series with the Yankees at the time and was a pivotal part of their team. Additionally, he was one of the best players in the MLB at the time and so him getting such a big contract did not seem a big deal in the MLB world.

Jeter’s friendship with A-Rod was ruined by A-Rod’s comment over a new contract

Derek Jeter had his friendship ruined with A-Rod shortly after the latter received his record contract. Notably, A-Rod made controversial comments regarding Jeter shortly after signing with the Texas Rangers.

According to ESPN, A-Rod said “He’s never had to lead. He can just go and play and have fun. He hits second—that’s totally different than third or fourth in a lineup. You go into New York, you wanna stop Bernie (Williams) and (Paul) O’Neill. You never say, ‘Don’t let Derek beat us.’ He’s never your concern”

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Following this, Jeter distanced himself from Rodriguez. The interesting thing is that later in their careers, the two went on to play together for the Yankees and even won a World Series together. What do you think about Derek Jeter’s approach to money and the fact that he only cared about winning championships?