“I Hated it Myself”: Derek Jeter Reveals How a Nifty Rule Could Have Seen Him Extend His Iconic MLB Career to Today

After giving a Hall of Fame-worthy career in baseball for over two decades, MLB great Derek Jeter bid farewell to the sport in 2014. He was approaching 40 at the time and felt it was the right time to hang up the cleats. It was a wondrous journey full of accolades besides his five World Series rings. The fan base that Jeter managed to acquire was more extensive than most players and, had he felt he could stay in the game any longer, the former Yankees captain would have.

Recently, another feather got added to Derek Jeter’s uncountable accolades. For those unversed, Captain Clutch got inducted into the GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame. As he received this honor, he revealed the one thing that he could have changed so that he could play for a longer time. 

just one change would have let Derek Jeter play longer than he did

During the last ten years of Jeter’s career on the diamond, a rule known as “shift” started to become prominent. According to the rule, to defend better against certain batters, the infielders and shortstop would move from their traditional position. However, the captain himself did not like it. 

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In the interview with GQ correspondent Brett Martin, the Hall of Famer spoke about various things. They included his career highs, hot dog preferences, well-earned media expertise, and “shifting”. However, the rule is now banned in the big league from the upcoming 2023 regular season. Talking about the rule, Jeter said, ” I hated it myself. I said it very humbly, but I think if they shifted me, I could still play now. “

If only the rule had gotten itself eliminated back then, Jeter would have had much more hits than he had in his career. 

Jeter: an inspiration for all

After winning five world series, Captain Clutch became the first Yankee ever to have 3000 hits in his career. The accolades won by him are uncountable, and his journey so far has remained inspiring for everyone. He showed the power of hard work and how failures help make the person even more robust. 

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Patience, confidence, and to take the whole team toward winning is what led him to become one of the greatest ballplayers in MLB history. 

How many hits do you think Jeter would have had if he was playing now? Let us know in the comments below!