What Derek Jeter Can Teach Young Ballplayers

Whether or not you are a Yankees fan, you have to admit that Derek Jeter has been the standard bearer for the classic, All-American baseball player. While you consider ways to teach kids on your youth baseball website, now is an appropriate time to tie in what made Jeter great as his career comes to a close.

Remember those “Be like Mike” commercials with Michael Jordan? Professional athletes at the highest level are heroes to young players - for better or worse - so referencing an exemplary competitor can resonate with your team.

Here are a few ways in which Derek Jeter served as the perfect role model for young athletes:

He lets his play do the talking

Jeter has a career .310 batting average, 3,400 hits, 2,700 games played, and 5 American League Gold Glove Awards, according to Entrepreneur - and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Although he has one of the best resumes in all of baseball, you never see the man taunting opponents or playing up his own game. He is calculated and polite with the media, an excellent teammate by all accounts and is defined by his toughness. Those are traits youngsters should emulate, no matter their skill level.

He stays out of trouble

In the unfortunate times of professional athletes routinely making headlines with drunk driving or domestic violence, Derek Jeter has been stoically silent. He focuses on doing his job to the best of his ability and nothing more. By avoiding scandals, Jeter has become one of the best-respected athletes on the planet even though he plays for an especially polarizing franchise. There is no way to dislike someone who minds his own business and maintains class.

He is a great leader

Fortune placed Jeter at number 11 on the Top 50 Greatest Leaders in the World for 2014, just behind Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. Fortune cited Jeter’s old-school approach, constant effort and failure to rely one excuses. Even though he never won an MVP award nor will he be considered the best ever shortstop, players have always looked up to Jeter and followed his lead. Young players should remember that - you don’t have to be a generational talent to gain respect and become a leader.

Referencing Jeter on your sports team website is sure to help you reach your young players during The Captain’s farewell tour.