![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-452197744.jpg?width=600)
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 15: American League All-Star Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees acknowledges the crowd after being pulled in the fourth inning during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-452197744.jpg?width=600)
via Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JULY 15: American League All-Star Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees acknowledges the crowd after being pulled in the fourth inning during the 85th MLB All-Star Game at Target Field on July 15, 2014 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Even though Derek Jeter does not play the game anymore, his love for baseball is unmatched. The New York Yankees star was always trying to learn and grow as an athlete. But even with his Hall of Fame legacy, Jeter has legends that he looks up to this date.
Most recently, he interacted with some of his fans and made a dream come true by doing so. The former Pinstripes captain even gave one of his fans a special gift. Jeter was then asked which legend he would want to interact with and receive that same gift. The Yankees legend took a few seconds to think before answering. But his answer would sure have won the hearts of millions of baseball fans.
Derek Jeter would want MLB icon Jackie Robinson to sign a piece of memorabilia for him
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At a recent Arena Club event, Derek Jeter made a dream come true. He signed a baseball for a fan who emulated him. He was then asked which athlete’s signature he’d want if he could pick anybody. Jeter confirmed that he could pick anybody and thought for a few seconds before saying, Jackie Robinson in a viral video. The Yankees legend clearly respects the MLB icon’s contributions to the game of baseball even today.
This is not a surprising pick, considering Robinson’s stature within the league and everything that he accomplished. He was more than a baseball player, Robinson achieved a lot for the African-American community. He did this by being the first African-American MLB player and also working towards equal rights for his community.
Read More: New York Yankees Legend Derek Jeter Was Not Easily Swayed by Threats to His Reputation
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In fact, Jeter is not the only former Yankee to respect Robinson at such a high level. His former teammate Alex Rodriguez also holds the icon in high regard. Rodriguez once picked Robinson as one of the people he’d want to have dinner with, dead or alive. More recently, Jeter’s sister was honored with an award named after the MLB icon.
Sharlee Jeter was given the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award
Sharlee Jeter has been the President of Derek Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation since 2010. During that time, she has helped hundreds of young people in her community reach their potential. Sharlee has helped the Foundation raise and brought in immense funding for Leadership Programs and initiatives.
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The One Hundred Black Men organization recognized Sharlee’s impact and gave her the Jackie Robinson and Community Impact Award. This was a huge honor, as she was recognized for her positive impact on those in her community. Derek Jeter and his family feel a strong connection toward Jackie Robinson, both for his baseball career and humanitarian pursuits.