Captain Clutch’s influence spreads far and wide in the MLB. Not only is the retired New York Yankees slugger an inspiration for upcoming baseballers, but a Colombian ballplayer even named his son after him. Jeter Downs now plays for the Washington Nationals as a shortstop. But while this is normal, who would have guessed Derek Jeter could affect the NFL too? Particularly the superstar QB, Patrick Mahomes?

The Kansas City Chiefs player needs no introduction, with his athletic skills speaking for themselves. Mahomes’ unique sidearm throw comes from a special inspiration because it looks like a shortstop throwing the ball to first base. One of his favorite players in that position was, of course, Derek Jeter. The two recently met up for a conversation, but in reality, they go back decades.

Derek Jeter and Patrick Mahomes’ Viral Photo From Childhood

Given who the father of the quarterback is, Mahomes’ association with baseball is perhaps not as surprising. Pat Mahomes Sr. spent 11 years of his life playing in MLB, although he did not quite achieve the same stardom as his son. Mahomes Jr. spent his entire childhood in ballparks and some of it was spent in New York. Although Mahomes Sr. played for the Mets, his son was friendly with their cross-town rivals too.

A picture of the Chiefs player and Jeter from the beginning of this century recently went viral on social media after the NFL team shared it. It shows a little Patrick Mahomes, probably around 4-5 years old, standing with his hand stuffed into a huge glove. He wears a huge grin on his face as Derek Jeter stands beside him in pinstripes with a hand on little Mahomes’ hat. The former Yankees captain even signed it.

The quarterback apparently greeted Jeter with the same picture as a 28-year-old, standing almost as tall as the Hall of Famer now. The second image shows Mahomes looking at Jeter with the same awe in his eyes still, while the retired athlete holds the signed photograph in his hand. What a full-circle moment!

Mahomes Could Have Been an MLB Star

The story of Patrick Mahomes and baseball is a long one. He may be an NFL pro but the influence of the diamond will always be present. While football is his first love, Mahomes was a three-sport athlete in high school. Basketball was counted out early and if not for football, the 28-year-old could have been an MLB star today.

READ MORE – Long Before Becoming an NFL Sensation, Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes Gushed About How Derek Jeter Inspired Him To Become a Pro

Pat Mahomes Sr. certainly wished his son would follow in his footsteps. If it had so happened, it would have been another case of the son surpassing his father in baseball. But as fate would have it, Patrick Mahomes was a name that only the NFL would get to boast.

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