‘People Give You Looks’- MLB Icon Derek Jeter Once Opened Up on Being Treated Differently Because of His Bi-racial Identity

Derek Jeter is nothing but a blessing for the game of baseball. Having played for over two decades in MLB, Jeter graced ballparks only for the New York Yankees. And while doing so, the former Yankee also achieved the pinnacle in the game.

Although Jeter has also received enormous love for being an exceptional leader and player in the game, at times, people have also looked at the Yankees legend differently. Yes! Derek Jeter himself once confirmed how people would treat him differently just because his parents were not of the same race.

Derek Jeter had to suffer a lot because of his bi-racial identity

Back in 2008, when Derek Jeter was still playing baseball and was the Yankees captain, he opened up about his bi-racial identity to Men’s Health. Jeter revealed how his bi-racial identity became an issue for him once.

“It was an issue at times,” he says. “If I would go somewhere with just my mom, people would look at us kind of funny, like something ain’t matching, you know? I’d go somewhere with my dad, and I’m a little lighter than he is. People give you looks,” Derek Jeter said.

Read more: MLB Legend Derek Jeter Revealed an Unusual Move He’d Pull On His Dates Despite Being New York Yankees’ Shortstop in 2004

But the Yankees legend credited his parents for raising him and his sister with a very good education. 

“Then I’d go somewhere with both of them, and people really give you the funny looks. My parents were very good at educating my sister and me. I was always taught that you look at people for who they are.” He said. “I think I have the best of both worlds, so for me the situation has been a plus.”

Jeter owned Major League Baseball

Derek Jeter was well aware of the fact that he was not the best hitter in the game. However, when it came down to leading the pack in the clubhouse or ballparks, Jeter had no competitors.

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While playing for the New York Yankees, Jeter helped them achieve a new high in Major League Baseball. He led the Yankees to five World Series titles. Even the last time the Yankees won a World Series title, it also came under Jeter’s leadership in the 2009 season.

Given the Yankees are yet to name anyone captain after Jeter’s retirement, who do you think is the best choice to become the next Yankees captain?