Derek Jeter played for the New York Yankees for the entirety of his 20-season career and served as captain for the last 11 of them. To say that he was a great pro baller would be an understatement. His work ethic and dedication to baseball set him apart, and teammates and fans loved him equally. The fact that it’s been 10 years since Jeter retired and fans still talk of him often should be proof of the fact.

A sensation as a rookie, and a legend in his overall career – fans couldn’t say enough to praise him. Showered with compliments everywhere he went, it would have been easy for Jeter to let the stardom get to his head. But to this day, he’s still the same humble gentleman who led his team to four World Series Championships in a row.

Derek Jeter had a unique leadership style

Jeter was an incredible ballplayer. No doubt about that! But Jeter built his legacy on his leadership skills, the way he handled crunch situations in the ballparks or clubhouse. A natural-born leader that led by example rather than fear, his teammates still speak of him with respect. As for his techniques to keep his fellow Yanks in line while ensuring they played their best, Jeter did what few leaders bother to do.

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“I really try to take the time to get to know the people that I’m leading. I think that’s the most important. I don’t think you walk around as a self-proclaimed leader. If you do things the right way, you’re honest with people, people may tend to follow,” the former Yankee said at the Captains of New York event in 2014.

Jeter’s closed-door approach to captaincy paid off

Known for his tight-lipped demeanor when talking to the press, the former shortstop never shared more than he needed to. Always about baseball, Jeter didn’t feel the need to indulge when talking to the media. A generally private person, he took the same approach when his fellow Yankees needed him.

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“I don’t put on a show, I don’t do things in front of a camera. I’ve had a plenty of conversations with teammates behind closed doors…I think the most important aspect of leadership is getting to know the people that you’re leading,” Jeter continued in the video.

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Now that the pressure is off him and the former captain is retired, Jeter is more frank and open in his interviews. The funny and humorous side of him that his teammates talked about is finally there for everyone to see as well!