Derek Jeter Admits He Was “Scared to Death” of a New York Yankees Legend Despite His Legendary MLB Status

Derek Jeter has been nothing but a blessing for the New York Yankees. With a career that spanned over two decades, Jeter is one of the very few players who have the privilege of calling themselves a one-team man.

One thing that stands out about Jeter is how he has continued to maintain his calmness and down-to-earth nature despite being one of the legends in the game. And when talking about Jeter’s behavior, the former Yankee was too afraid to talk to the club legend, Joe DiMaggio.

Former Yankees star Derek Jeter did not want to get into Joe DiMaggio’s space

In Jeter’s own words, DiMaggio’s personality was very intimidating. Unlike Derek Jeter, DiMaggio did not get the opportunity to play for 20 years for the New York Yankees as he also had to go for military service during his playing career. 

Recently, Jeter appeared in an interview with Drink Champs, where he opened up on various aspects of his personal and professional life.

When asked to choose between Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio, the Yankees legend explained why he was too afraid to talk to DiMaggio. Jeter said he did not want to get into his space.

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“So, I am gonna tell you something. Joe DiMaggio used to come to Yankee Old-timers day and… I never spoke to him… Because I was scared to death, you know what I mean, I do not want to bother people…”

“I didn’t want to get in their space… I was intimidated by him. Mickey Mantle passed a few years prior, so I did not know Mickey at all. But Joe DiMaggio, I was afraid to speak to him…,” Derek Jeter said.

Joe DiMaggio in Major League Baseball

DiMaggio was a serial winner in Major League baseball. During his 13 years long MLB career, he did not play for a different team than the Yankees. 

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Even though he played only 13 years for the Pinstripes, it was more than enough for DiMaggio to leave his mark on the game. Notably, the late Yankees legend won nine World Series titles while playing for the Yankees.

Given Derek Jeter has also won five championships for the Yankees, who do you think has more influence on the game?