Derek Jeter

My hero is Derek Sanderson Jeter, who was born on July 26, 1974 in Pequannock N.J. Derek was born right near Yankee stadium. Although he was born in New Jersey Derek was raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Derek living so far away didn’t stop him form loving the Yankees. His childhood idol was Yankee outfielder Dave Winfield. Derek returned commonly to New Jersey to visit his grandparents and attend Yankee games

Growing up in Kalamazoo Derek played baseball for the Kalamazoo high school baseball team. He won numerous awards during his high school career such as: The 1992 high school player of the year presented by the ABCA, The 1992 Gatorade high school athlete of the year and USA today’s high school player of the year. Derek was the 6th overall pick in 1992 when he was drafted to the Yankees. In 1993 He was voted most outstanding major league player by the SAL (South Atlantic League) after hitting a .295 with 5 homers that season. Derek has made an influence in the MLB since then.

Derek made it to the majors by being an honest baseball player, Derek never used drugs to make his dream come true. Derek grew up in a home where his family had a big impact on his academic achievement and his athletic achievements. Both his mom and his dad supported him in his dream to go pro. His parents pushed him to set high goals in school and in sports. Derek also grew up with his sister Sharlee who was also a good athlete she looked up to Derek and also set goals for herself. Derek has inspired an infinite amount of kids in the world to also set high goals and to never give up.

Derek wants to be more then just a baseball player, he likes the fact that kids in the world look up to him in a short interview with Derek he said, “I think that if I didn’t have my fans' support it would greatly affect the way I play in my games.” Derek’s baseball career revolves around his support from his friends, family and fans. He is where he is now because the way his family supported him throughout his life and he continues to get better because of his fans.

Derek has inspired me and a lot of other kids in the world. His attitude towards friends, fans and family is amazing. Derek’s life has been one in a million and is just getting better. His friends and family are a big influence on his life as he inspires them to good in there live. Derek’s baseball career is at it high and just keeps growing higher. In 2009 Derek hopes to take the Yankees to the playoffs and after that the World Series. Derek wishes to add to his all time best post season marks of 153 hits, 85 runs scored, and 123 games played. On November 4, 2009 Derek Jeter and the Yankees beat the Philllies 4 games to 2 to win the World Series for the 27th time.