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via Getty

via Getty

Wearing jersey number two, at the age of 20, Derek Jeter walked his first Yankee steps in May 1995. Little did the young shortstop know that greatness and five glorious World Championships stood in the line for a glorious MLB career. But what was the secret behind the 14-time All-Star and Roberto Clemente award winner’s success? Or what was his winning formula?

In a podcast called The Lineup With LJ Mazzilli and Mike Olt, LJ Mazzilli, who spent long years in the Minor Leagues, revealed the truth behind Jeter’s glory in the major league. Naturally, greatness creates greatness, and the reason was none other than NBA G.O.A.T. Michael Jordan.

Derek Jeter’s winning formula:

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L. J. Mazzilli, whose career got stained due to the consumption of steroids, credited the six-time NBA Champion Michael Jordan behind Jeter’s success. He shed light on Jeter’s attitude in the park, and how Jeter’s discipline was the primary reason behind his success.

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Mazzilli said, “With Jeter, you know, he was just like a robot. He was so meticulous in his approach, with his lead-up, routines, and every game. He would go into the cage and take a certain amount of swings every single time, do his routine… And I saw that as a kid. I just saw he stuck to it every single day. And I just realize how professional he was at that level. He had so much fame and success already at that point with all these championships.”

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Further, Mazzilli continued to talk about Jeter’s very close friend, Michael Jordan, and added, “But he had that like Michael Jordan’s mindset. All he wanted to do was win every single year, and he was like the leader of the clubhouse by his actions. And that’s kind of what I noticed as a kid, how different it was at that level. And especially being Derek Jeter. you know everything that he had going on for him on and off the field. He was always the same guy between the lines.”

Read More: “I Gave You My Word”: When Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter Spent a Rainy Evening by Themselves to Clear the Air

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What do you think was the secret to Jeter’s success? How much of a role did MJ have to play in it? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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