Derek+Jeter

Baseball has been America's best pastime since the turn of the century; but how could it have been when the best athletes were not allowed to play? [|Jackie Robinson] broke the color barrier in 1947 when he entered the National League, playing with the [|Brooklyn Dodgers]. His triumphs as the first African American to play Major league baseball is still remembered and vauled today at a time when African American players have become a downward population. One of the best players in my generation is [|Derek Sanders Jeter]. Derek Jeter has been described as one of the best shortstops to play the game. His greatness has come through hard work and dedication.

Derek Jeter was born on June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey. His ethnic background consists of African American, German, and Irish. Jeter's roots have made him the diverse and open man that he is today. Growing up in Kalamazoo Michigan, at the age of eight, Jeter was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He stated that he was going to be the starting shortstop of the [|New York Yankees]. Jeter went on to have a great high school career in both academics and baseball and was drafted by the New York Yankees after his senior year. Instead of begining a career strait to the pros, Jeter elected to attend the University of Michigan for one semester.

Derek Jeter went on to win three World Series championships with the New York Yankees in only four seasons. Jeter, who remains an active player with the Yankees, has led his team as captain to ten post season apperances. Not only did Jeter go on to be named rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player, but he would also form his acclaimed foundation for kids. Jeter and his father-Charles Jeter-started the [|"Turn 2 Foundation"] as an outlet for kids who previously had been making bad decisions. Today there are hundreds of "Jeter's Leaders" who have gone on to do great things in their education and communities. Jeter has been called a great leader for kids who are seeking positive influences. He has produced camps in various cities, including: Tampa, New York, and Kalamazoo.

Recently baseball has been weakened by much controversy and America's pastime has been compromised because of the recent stories of steroid usage by the best players. It is excellent to find a player like Derek Jeter who stands for only greatness and integrity. One day I hope to tell my children about the great players who graced the world with their presence and made many proud to be African Americans.

Work Cited Page Curry, Jack, and Derek Jeter. __The Life You Imagine.__ New York: Crown Publishers, 2000

"Brookly Dodgers" __Baseball Library__ 20 Feb 2008 [|

"The Official Website of Jackie Robinson" __Jackie Robinson__ CMG World Wide 20 Feb 2008 [|