For almost two decades, Derek Jeter had spent his life training away to be the best baseball player for the New York Yankees he could be. He was not only a phenomenal player but also an epitome of class and stability. As is with young rookies fresh out of university or high school, the taste of fame can be luring. And enjoying fame isn’t a bad thing until it becomes something that consumes the person.

However, for Jeter, that moment never came. Even after having a taste of fame as a rookie and just a few years later, going on to become the heart of the bustling city after winning 5 World Series championships, the Yankees’ number 2 was never fazed. He did enjoy his new life now and then, but he knew how to navigate through the new narrative of his life. Let’s recall what the phenom had to say about his ability to stay in his lane and avoid getting caught up in scandals.

What Derek Jeter said about fame and his passion for baseball?

Derek Jeter’s ability to steer clear of scandals can be attributed to his upbringing and his resolve to maintain the fervor he had for the game of baseball. Despite having fun like any other player, he never let the bright lights of New York City’s lifestyle consume him.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I didn’t go out and have fun,” he said according to gq.com. “But there’s been a lot of players that come to New York and get caught up in the lifestyle, and before you know it, they’re sent away to another team because it affected their performance. My number one priority was on the field. I’ve had fun. It’s not like I’ve never gone out; I’ve done a lot of things. But I’ve always kept sight of my number one priority.”

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His ability to never divert out of his lane is certainly something. For instance, he had kept his personal life out of the media frenzy. Jeter kept his relationship with his wife Hannah so under wraps in the early years that people began to speculate they had broken up. 

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Another instance of his humility was also evident when he met his childhood stars in real life and couldn’t believe it when they knew his name without him having to introduce himself. He sure knew how to make his passion and love for the game become his cornerstone, and it certainly made his foundation unshakable.

An instance of Derek’s phenomenal upbringing 

Derek Jeter meant it when he said that his upbringing played a huge role in him never losing sight of what he wanted in life. Growing up in Kalamazoo as a biracial kid, Derek had to face instances of discrimination. However, his parents did a great job of making him understand, ‘Look you’re gonna get looks, people are going to treat you different. You’re gonna deal with racism. You’re gonna deal with prejudice… but you learn how to deal with it.” 

And it seems like through the love and discipline they instilled in the sensational Yankee, he went on to become not just a great player, but a great human being as well. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Ranking New York Yankees Legend Derek Jeter’s Greatest Ever MLB All-Star Games