If He Had His Way, Derek Jeter Would Have Had the New York Yankees Retire a Different Jersey Number

Of all the modern-day Yankees, no other player has left a legacy behind in the way Derek Jeter has.

The shortstop, who spent his entire 20-year-long MLB career in Pinstripes, even today, stands as a fan favorite. The number two, all across New York City is associated with Captain Jeter. However, if it were up to him, he would have it another way.

A few days before the Yankee management retired Derek Jeter’s jersey number two and added the shortstop to Monument Park, he made a massive revelation about his jersey number preferences.

Initially, which jersey number did Derek Jeter want?

Jeter made his Yankee and MLB debut in 1995. He talked about the first time he entered the clubhouse, and the last thought on his mind was his jersey number. He said, “You’re walking in the clubhouse, you’re scared to death, you’re nervous and you’re intimidated. The last thing I looked at was the number on my jersey. I said it time and time again: I think they gave it to me because it was the smallest uniform.”

He continued to talk about his jersey number preferences and stated, “When I was younger, I wanted to wear No. 13, because my dad wore 13.” 

Finally, he ended up with number 2, with his only other option being 17. He expressed, “Obviously Jim Leyritz was wearing it [jersey number 13] and I think the clubhouse attendant at the time thought I wanted a different number. So going into spring training in 1997, they were going to give me No. 17, and then I said, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Nah, I’m going to stick with No. 2.’ It was a good choice on my part.”

READ MORE: ‘You Get Excited Just Watching Him Warm-Up’- Way Before Derek Jeter’s Meteoric Rise in Baseball, New York Yankees’ Scout Foresaw His Greatness

Notably, the Yanks retired Derek Jeter’s jersey number 2, and added a plaque with their former captain’s name to Monument Park.

Will the New York Yankees make it to the World Series?

After a rollercoaster season with multiple, perpetual ups and downs, the New York Yankees have secured their postseason berth. Moreover, despite a terrible August, with six straight series losses, the Judge-starred Pinstripes have clinched the American League East Division Title.

Interestingly enough, the last time, the Bronx Bombers battled the postseason and made the World Series was under captain Jeter in 2009. Since then, they haven’t appeared in a single postseason. Now, the big question arises is that will they be able to break their 13-year-long World Series drought and make it till there?

WATCH THIS STORY: From Babe Ruth To Derek Jeter: New York Yankees Legends Who’s Jersey Number Has Been Retired

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