On June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey, Sanderson and Dorothy Jeter welcomed their son, Derek Sanderson Jeter, into the world. The family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, but the summer found Jeter visiting his grandparents back in New Jersey enabling him to see the Yankees play.

Jeter played on Little League teams as well as in high school, where he won several awards including the Baseball Coaches Association’s High School Player of the Year Award.

The Yankees made Jeter their first-round draft pick in 1992, and in the same year, he earned a baseball scholarship at the University of Michigan. In his first year as a professional baseball player, the South Atlantic League voted him the Most Outstanding Major League Prospect, and in 1994, Baseball America gave Jeter the title of Minor League Player of the Year.

Jeter entered the major leagues in 1995 as a shortstop and soon began to demonstrate his tremendous hitting ability. That same year, Jeter played in his first World Series, and in 2000, was named the MVP of both the World Series and All-Star games.

Jeter has played on nine all-star teams, has been the Yankees player of the year four times, and has won three Golden Glove Awards.

In 2003, Jeter achieved another milestone. He was named New York Yankees captain ? only the 11th player to be so in the history of the franchise.

During his career, Jeter has earned over 160 million dollars and has won the hearts and admiration of team members and fans alike.

Jeter lives in Tampa, Florida and has homes in Manhattan and New Jersey. Jeter is single, but has dated several eligible ladies, many of whom are recognizable names in the entertainment world.