Derek Jeter Defends New York Yankees’ Decision to Sign Frenemy Alex Rodriguez by Hailing George Steinbrenner

Derek Jeter played his entire MLB career as a shortstop with the New York Yankees. He played for 20 long years and got joined by many legendary players in the meantime. One player, in particular, rose to the same towering stature as Jeter himself. That was none other than the megastar Alex ‘A-Rod’ Rodriguez.

‘A-Rod’ who played MLB for the Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers before, joined the Yankees in 2004. Initially a shortstop, ‘A-Rod’ entered the Yankees’ frame as the third baseman. Interestingly, both Jeter and ‘A-Rod’ became 14-time All-Star players during their respective careers. However, while Jeter had World Series championships to his credit, ‘A-Rod’ had just one which came with the Yankees. 

Jeter and ‘A-Rod’ have known each other for a long time before they became teammates. But some controversial comments by ‘A-Rod’ on Jeter in an interview back in 2001 caused a rift in their friendship. However, once they became teammates, they put the bad blood behind them and united for the purpose of team glory. Thus, they both were part of the Yankees’ 2009 World Series victory.

Derek Jeter: In defense of Alex Rodriguez and George Steinbrenner 

Derek Jeter has always had a selfless devotion to his team. He was a genuine team-spirit player who would protect his allies at all costs. Recently, he was a guest on the Drink Champs podcast. When the hosts questioned the Yankees’ selection of Alex Rodriguez back in the day, Jeter stood up for his former teammate. Even more so, Jeter highly praised the Yankees’ former owner, the late George Steinbrenner for his winning mentality.

Speaking in the interview, Jeter said, “Well, one thing with New York, man, the Yankees and especially Mr. Steinbrenner, he can play who he wants to. He wants to win, man. I told you the story before. You know, Mr. Steinbrenner, the late George Steinbrenner is a big football guy. We had a great relationship because he was an Ohio State guy. I grew up in Michigan. So we used to butt heads all the time on Michigan – Ohio State football.” 

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Jeter added saying, “But I also understood, you can’t win every night. He didn’t understand that. So he expected everyone to be accountable. And if there was a player that he felt as though would help us win, he would go get him. You got to tip your cap to him because, in my mind, he’s one of the greatest owners in all of sports.” 

George Steinbrenner: The longest-serving team owner in sports franchise history 

Later, George Steinbrenner was the principal owner of the Yankees from 1973 until his eventual death in 2010. The Yankees won seven World Series championships during his reign. Three of those victories came in successive years. 

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What is your opinion of Derek Jeter’s comments?