Jeter discusses hopes to own a team, more on 10 Most Fascinating People
Derek Jeter has known he’s wanted to play shortstop for the New York Yankees since he was a fourth grader.
Since Jeter was drafted by the Yankees in 1992, he’s more than fulfilled that desire, as his Hall of Fame worthy career would attest.
But can you imagine “The Captain” as “The Boss?”
On Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of the Year airing tonight on ABC at 9:30 p.m. ET, Jeter says he sees himself as a future George Steinbrenner of sorts.
This afternoon, SportsCenter presented some highlights of the interview with Walters.
Here’s an excerpt:
WALTERS: When you were a little kid you wanted to be a Yankee, that was the goal. Can you think beyond the day when you’re not playing, is there anything you’d say, this might be something I’d like to do?
JETER: I would like to own a team . . . Yeah, I would like to be, uh, the one that calls all the shots. I’d like to be like the Boss.
The notoriously private Jeter also discusses his “squeaky clean” image.
WALTERS: You know, one of the most fascinating things about you all these years, there’s never been a scandal. There’s never been anything that’s been controversial. How do you manage that?
JETER: I hope you didn’t just jinx me.
WALTERS: Oh, I hope not. I don’t think so. I don’t think so.
JETER: I’m not perfect. You know, no one’s perfect. And I also try to stay private, as private as —
WALTERS: Yeah.
JETER: — possible, and, you know, I know that’s difficult, but um . . .I make an attempt at it.
WALTERS: Is it hard to be a role model? You know, to be . . .squeaky clean?
JETER: Well, I’m not squeaky clean, let’s . . .preface it with that —
WALTERS: Tell me about it.
JETER: That’s the next interview. [Laughs]
Jeter, who is biracial, also discussed confronting racism as a youth: “It also taught you that there are people that are uneducated in terms of different races.
“My parents always made us aware of, not only black side [but the] white side. I’ve always had friends of all different races, nationalities, religions, and, and that was always important to me.”
He also recalls signing a “behavioral pact” with his parents.
WALTERS: What happened if you broke the pact?
JETER: I didn’t. I was pretty good, I mean I never really wanted to disappoint . . .my parents, um. . . I still have that mind-set where I don’t wanna disappoint people. But, uh, you know, especially them, so I—I really didn’t get in too much trouble or should, should I say, I didn’t get caught — as much as some people.
