In team sports, the key to success lies in fostering a collective understanding among all parties involved. This holds true for baseball, which has followed the same spirit since its inception. As one of the oldest leagues in the world, MLB was at the center stage of it. The league has given many fairytale stories on the connection between players, owners, and fans. And the New York Yankees, with a rich history and success, have a sizeable chunk of it. The former Yankee, Derek Jeter, who has experienced those stories, reflected on them in his book.
The five times world series winner, in his book Jeter Unfiltered, shared a lovely moment after winning the 2009 world series championship. The moment was special not only because of the title win but for the involvement of tradition that stayed during the change in the chairmanship.
Derek Jeter poured champagne on the new boss
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The support of the owners is one of the biggest reasons for the New York Yankees’ success. They reflected it in their decisions, including the support for the players. They ultimately became a part of the players in their lows and highs. It included Derek Jeter, who played Fall in his life and captained the Yankees for the 2009 title. In his book, on page 158, Jeter shared a story from the title win.
Jeter defocused on a tradition, which he followed even during the change in chairmanship and said, “After we won the World Series in 2009, I sought out the Boss’s son—who now runs the team—and daughter and poured champagne on them. “This is what I used to do to your father, I said. So now I’m going to do it to you!”
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Notably, it showed the relationship George Steinbrenner had with the players. Not only did he participate in the wins and successes, but he also guided them during their lows. Apart from Jeter, Alex Rodriguez also had a comforting connection with George Steinbrenner after he helped him to break his slump.
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When George Steinbrenner’s appreciation helped Alex Rodriguez to transform his season
Baseball is a competitive game, and ups and downs are part of it. But with support, things become easy and achievable. The same was the case with Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez once shared a story involving George Steinbrenner. He stated that a special note from GM helped him overcome the poor form and a slow start.
It happened after Rodriguez failed to hit well for consecutive games. He needed some motivational support, which eventually came from the Yankees’ GM. After it, Rodriguez scored two home runs and finished it as one of the best seasons of his career.
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Whether it’s Jeter or A-Rod, George Steinbrenner played his part of being Yankees’ general manager well. On one hand, he supported the crazy tradition of Jeter, and on the other, he gave the emotional support to A-Rod.
Watch this story – From Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Legends Whose Jersey Number Has Been Retired.