Derek Jeter and Michael Jordan are probably the biggest ambassadors of their respective sports. Notably, Jeter and Jordan have also been friends for a while now. Recently, the Yankees’ legend opened up about his first meeting with the basketball icon, claiming it was like magic. 

Apart from being long-time friends, Jeter and Jordan also share a mutual respect for each other. Their friendship only grew over time and when the Yankees legend joined Jordan’s brand as one of the company’s biggest ambassadors, their bond became stronger. However, both of them have retired from their games, but fans will never forget their immense contribution to baseball and basketball, respectively.

Derek Jeter on his first meeting with Michael Jordan

Recently in his podcast with The Players’ Tribune, Jeter opened up about his first meeting with the basketball legend. Interestingly, Jeter first met Jordan, when he was playing baseball in the Arizona Fall League.

“I first met Michael when he was playing baseball. He was in Arizona Fall League…And our relationship just grew over time,” said Jeter.

Jeter also expressed how people still look up to Michael Jordan as a role model even after his retirement. Whether it was during his playing days or his post-retirement time, Jordan has built a legacy in the sporting world.

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“People still now look up to him for what he did in basketball and beyond. Because when you talk about athletes and post-athletics careers and building businesses, he was one of the first,” added Jeter.

Further on his relationship with Michael, Jeter said, “He always looked out for me. I used to learn a lot from him and still learning a lot.”

Michael Jordan’s letter for Derek Jeter after retirement

Many people might not know, but when Derek Jeter retired from baseball in 2014, Jordan had written him a letter, congratulating his long-time friend on a wonderful career. When Jeter bid farewell to MLB, the New York Yankees also retired his jersey number ‘2’ to honor their legend.

Notably, Jeter never played for any other MLB side during his 20-year-long career. In 2021, the Yankees legend also got his long-due Hall of Fame induction.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Legends Who’s Jersey Number Has Been Retired