After having a historic career in the game for over two decades, Derek Jeter decided to bid farewell in 2014. The moment Jeter hung up his cleats, he left the clubhouse with all kinds of trophies and milestones zipped inside his travel bag. One of the countless milestones that Captain Clutch achieved in his career was never being ejected from a major league game, including post-season ones. Even so, Jeter was not perfect. The Yankees legend was also the subject of multiple controversies throughout his storied MLB career. 

And one of those controversies started to brew when the 5x World Series Champ missed 2011’s All-Star game. News outlets reported that Jeter was tired from his pursuit of 3000 hits and required rest. But that wasn’t the case. Even though Captain Clutch liked the excuse that the media gave for his absence, he also spoke of the real reason behind his absence. 

What did Derek Jeter say about missing out on the All-Star game in 2011?

Getting selected to play in the All-Star games is one of the biggest honors for any baseball player. And Derek Jeter got this tremendous chance in his life 14 times. Although Jeter maintained incredible consistency throughout his career, he could not escape from injuries that slowed him down. Hence, a month before the All-Star game of 2011 in June, Jeter got on the disabled list for his strained calf. Even though Jeter returned on the diamond a few days before the D-day, he decided to skip it to rest his worn-out calf muscle. It was because he wanted to get it better for the second half of the regular season. 

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At the time, Jeter spoke to ESPN’s Andrew Marchand. In doing so, he opened up on missing out on 2011’s All-Star game. While mocking the controversy going around him, Jeter said, “That (emotional and physical exhaustion) sounds like a good quote, but I didn’t say it. I told you on Friday why I wasn’t going so emotional and physical exhaustion makes it sound good, but that wasn’t the case. It was strictly based on my leg.”

Seems like Captain Clutch had bigger things in mind, considering his career. And that’s why the media’s scrutiny didn’t bother him at all. And now, it’s been over eight years since Jeter retired. But the legacy he left behind is still alive among the active players trying to walk in his footsteps. 

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Are you a Derek Jeter fan? If so, what is your fondest memory of him? Let us know in the comments below!