“I Understood That This Was A Game Of Failure” – Derek Jeter Explains His Mindset As New York Yankees Captain

Anyone that steps onto the diamond in the Major Leagues is gunning for a spot in Cooperstown. The Hall of Fame is one of the greatest markers of recognition for a ball-player and the iconic #2 donning Derek Jeter, an induction came along in his first time on the ballot. But what does it take to get inducted into the pantheon of baseball’s greatest? And how did Jeter manage to do it himself?

Derek Jeter is one of the most iconic players to step out in the Bronx and has received recognition from several quarters. He is perhaps one of the most celebrated players in New York; despite boasting solid numbers has also endeared himself to fans across his playing career. The shortstop spent his entire playing career with the Bronx Bombers and has some pretty memorable wins to go with it. But how did he scale the peaks he has? What allowed him to tap into his full potential?

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Derek Jeter’s formula to success

Derek Jeter appeared in a media interview where he spoke in a bit more detail about what trait it was that he thought set him apart. Which quality in him allowed him to truly tap into his sportsperson ability fully and completely.

Initially speaking about his confidence, Jeter talks about how he built himself up as he came to the Majors. And how important that is to his game.

“I had a little bit of success, and then once you do that you’re always able to draw on that”, he said. And by no means is that to apply to every situation. Jeter was very aware of the failures that you have in the sport. Said Jeter, “I understood that this was a game of failure, you’re gonna fail more than you succeed,” but he never let that get him down.

“But every time I was in (tough) situations, I thought I was gonna be successful. And I believed that,” he added crossing the final hurdle of confidence.

Derek Jeter’s winning mentality

Jeter also had an almost unshakeable belief and desire to win. Quite clear from another interview that he took part in during his playing career, he was asked which loss was worse? One that he had lost in the World Series or one in which the Yankees had been short of a postseason in earlier rounds?

Expressing his complete disbelief at the question, Jeter again was very forthcoming.  Said Jeter, “I’ve never understood it. You know, it feels better because we made it to the World Series and lost. Why does it feel better?”

The interviewer steps in to add that making it to the World Series itself could be counted as an accomplishment to which Jeter has the most fitting reply to give us an insight into his mentality. Said Jeter, “What did you accomplish? You lost.” 

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Jeter taking shortstop at the Yankee stadium is iconic. And perhaps this idealic mentality is the reason. Jeter dominated the Yankee landscape for several seasons and still remains one of their most loved players. And we sure would love to take back his mentality on dealing with us as much as possible.