Rare Footage Of the Home Run Which Derek Jeter Hit Wearing a “Golden Thong” Resurfaces Almost 19 Years Later

Derek Jeter, the epitome of stability and class, had a mischievous side not many were privy to. Despite his seemingly impeccable reputation, the former Yankee shortstop had a moment that left fans in disbelief – he wore a thong during an MLB game! 

But as it turns out, the daring sartorial choice proved to be a lucky charm for the New York Yankees captain, as he hit a home run immediately after slipping into the undergarment beneath his uniform. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and relive the game where the former sensational shortstop wore a thong and made a spectacular play.

The golden thong homer by Derek Jeter 

On April 29, 2004, Derek Jeter hit a soaring home run out of the park. Now one might ask, ‘he’s hit countless home runs in his career, what’s so special about this one?’ Well, the ball he sent flying was a “golden thong” homer. Let’s relive the moment he wore a thong play-by-play through this video. 

As the pitcher wound up and delivered a fastball to Jeter, Jeter made the swing of his life. With a confident crack of the bat, the ball took flight, soaring out of the park. The ball sailed high to the left-center eliciting a roar of cheers from the crowd. Ironically, Jeter was still a picture of grace under pressure, as he remained focused while making his way around the bases. Despite the stoic expression, there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes, as if he was secretly wondering if the thong he wore for good luck was actually responsible for this incredible moment.

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As Jeter rounded the final base and made his way home, he calmly accepted their congratulatory fist bumps. The interesting thing is, with this particular home run, Jeter put an end to a grueling slump he was experiencing on the field.

Why did Jeter wear the thong in the first place?

According to an interview with Jimmy Fallon, Derek Jeter once found himself in the midst of a career crisis in 2004. Struggling to find his rhythm at the plate, he was introduced to a unique solution by a teammate. 

In his own words, “He always had a gold thong hanging from his locker. He told me anytime you struggle, you wear the gold thong and you’re guaranteed to get a hit. And I thought the guy was crazy. So in 2004, I went through the worst offensive patch stretch in my career. And every day I walk in, he points at the thong. So finally, I wore the thong. Now I wasn’t thong the skin. I had shorts underneath, so I put the thong over the shorts.” And just like that, with the first pitch, he smacked a home run.

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Did you ever imagine Derek Jeter would end his home run drought by wearing a thong? Leave your comments below!