Derek Jeter’s ‘Core Four’ Buddy Once Snubbed the MLB Great’s Enticing Offer to Prove His New York Yankees Loyalty

Derek Jeter epitomized loyalty in the New York Yankees jersey. He played for 20 seasons in the MLB as the Yankees shortstop, never switching his allegiance. But there is a former teammate of his, who proved to be an even more staunch Yankees loyalist. He happens to be none other than the legendary pitcher and a member of the Yankees’ ‘core four’ group, Andy Pettitte.

Retiring in 2014, Jeter became a co-owner and CEO of the Miami Marlins in 2017. He hired former Yankees teammate Jorge Posada as a special advisor for baseball operations at the franchise in 2019. The very same year, Jeter also tried to hire Pettitte to work with the Marlins organization. However, Pettitte had openly rejected Jeter’s offer, as a mark of loyalty towards the Yankees. 

When Derek Jeter’s offer got rejected by a New York Yankees loyalist: 

Just like Jeter, Pettitte also made his MLB debut for the Yankees. However, Pettitte did play for the Houston Astros from 2004 to 2006. But he returned to the Yankees rank in 2007 and played until retirement in 2013. A three-time All-Star player and five-time World Series champion Pettitte became the postseason wins leader.

Jeter always had the dream of owning an MLB team since his playing days. His undying passion for the sport also had him willing to continue his involvement in some form. Therefore, Jeter fulfilled his wish by joining the Marlins’ ownership group in 2017. Pouring in a grand total of $25 million, Jeter bought a four percent stake in the Marlins franchise.

The Marlins were struggling to make any significant impact on the rankings chart. Nothing changed much even after the 14-time All-Star and five-time World Series champion Jeter took over. To make things better, Jeter opted for a change of personnel in the playing and management staff. Therefore, he turned towards his former Yankees teammates, Posada and Pettitte. While Posada jumped on the bandwagon, a reluctant Pettitte refused to leave his job as a Yankees’ special advisor.

Read More – “We’re Trying to Fix Something That’s Broken” – When Derek Jeter Fired Back at Criticisms Faced During Tenure as Miami Marlins’ CEO

According to a report by the NJ.com network, speaking on Jeter’s offer, Pettitte said, “I’ve spoken with Derek recently. Obviously (working for the Marlins) would be something fun you could consider. A couple of my buddies are over there doing that, but this (official Yankees title) was something that’s been in the works for really five years, since I retired. Hal and Cash and the organization have been so great to me.”

How did Derek Jeter’s campaign go as the Miami Marlins CEO? 

Unlike his playing tenure, Jeter’s franchise administration reign failed miserably and he gave his resignation in 2022. According to a report by CBS Sports Network, Jeter’s official statement read, “Today I am announcing that the Miami Marlins and I are officially ending our relationship and I will no longer serve as CEO nor as a shareholder in the Club.” 

Watch This Story – Derek Jeter Steps Down As CEO Of Miami Marlins- What Went Down As Yankees Legend Walked 

So, what do you think about Andy Pettitte’s response to Derek Jeter’s offer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!