The Texas Rangers are the only current major league franchise that never has won a postseason series. They have won one playoff game — ever.
So consider the task Vladimir Guerrero faced when he took a massive pay cut to sign with the Rangers in January. The organization hoped he could change its dubious history. Thus far, Guerrero has done everything anyone could have expected.
Ron Washington convinced Vladimir Guerrero to join the Rangers.
It started about a week before opening day, when "you could see a change in Vlady’s eyes," says Rangers third baseman Michael Young, a six-time All-Star who never has reached the postseason. "He was ready to roll."
The 35-year-old DH hit well in April, but his May was spectacular: a .330 average, 10 home runs and a major league-leading 31 RBIs. As the Rangers moved into first place in the A.L. West, Guerrero sent a loud message to all of baseball. Despite the injuries that contributed to his career-worst performance in 2009 — he hit below .300 and had a sub-.800 OPS for the first time in 13 full major league seasons — Guerrero is still one of the game’s premier middle-of-the-lineup forces.
That is what Rangers manager Ron Washington believed when he traveled to Guerrero’s Southern California home last winter. "We need you," Washington told the eight-time All-Star and 2004 A.L. MVP. "We need you to come and be the difference-maker when we need that difference made."
Guerrero’s view of the Rangers at that time? "Good players. A lot of injuries," he says through an interpreter. Six months later, Guerrero is convinced Texas is the most talented team in the division. "We’re playing good now," he says, "and we’re going to keep playing the same way."
Washington’s visit meant a lot to Guerrero, as did the presence of several of his high-profile Rangers teammates — Young, second baseman Ian Kinsler and left fielder Josh Hamilton — at his introductory press conference. They all have hitched their wagons to the man Eleno Ornelas, the Rangers’ Spanish-language radio play-by-play man, calls El Verdugo ("The Killer").
The Angels, whom Guerrero helped lead to five A.L. West titles from 2004-09, aren’t out of the race without Guerrero, but, with him, the Rangers have more hope than they have had in many years.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
The Texas Rangers are the only current major league franchise that never has won a postseason series. They have won one playoff game — ever.
So consider the task Vladimir Guerrero faced when he took a massive pay cut to sign with the Rangers in January. The organization hoped he could change its dubious history. Thus far, Guerrero has done everything anyone could have expected.
Ron Washington convinced Vladimir Guerrero to join the Rangers.
It started about a week before opening day, when "you could see a change in Vlady’s eyes," says Rangers third baseman Michael Young, a six-time All-Star who never has reached the postseason. "He was ready to roll."
The 35-year-old DH hit well in April, but his May was spectacular: a .330 average, 10 home runs and a major league-leading 31 RBIs. As the Rangers moved into first place in the A.L. West, Guerrero sent a loud message to all of baseball. Despite the injuries that contributed to his career-worst performance in 2009 — he hit below .300 and had a sub-.800 OPS for the first time in 13 full major league seasons — Guerrero is still one of the game’s premier middle-of-the-lineup forces.
That is what Rangers manager Ron Washington believed when he traveled to Guerrero’s Southern California home last winter. "We need you," Washington told the eight-time All-Star and 2004 A.L. MVP. "We need you to come and be the difference-maker when we need that difference made."
Guerrero’s view of the Rangers at that time? "Good players. A lot of injuries," he says through an interpreter. Six months later, Guerrero is convinced Texas is the most talented team in the division. "We’re playing good now," he says, "and we’re going to keep playing the same way."
Washington’s visit meant a lot to Guerrero, as did the presence of several of his high-profile Rangers teammates — Young, second baseman Ian Kinsler and left fielder Josh Hamilton — at his introductory press conference. They all have hitched their wagons to the man Eleno Ornelas, the Rangers’ Spanish-language radio play-by-play man, calls El Verdugo ("The Killer").
The Angels, whom Guerrero helped lead to five A.L. West titles from 2004-09, aren’t out of the race without Guerrero, but, with him, the Rangers have more hope than they have had in many years.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
DeSean Jackson had only one NFL game-breaking play under his belt — a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown — when the rookie caught a pass in front of ruthless Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in Week 12 of the 2008 season. "I saw him coming and I ran out of bounds," Jackson recalls. "I’m walking back to the huddle and Ray’s like, ‘Young fella, I ain’t gonna kill you! I like your game. Keep doing what you’re doing.’ "
DeSean Jackson, a 23-year-old receiver out of California, enters his third season with the Eagles.
Of course, the Eagles’ brightest young star since Donovan McNabb was only getting started. In his spectacular second season, Jackson tied an NFL record with eight touchdowns (five receiving, one rushing and two on punt returns) of 50 yards or longer. He ranked second in the league in yards per catch (18.6) and first in yards per punt return (15.2). Perhaps most impressive, he became the first player in NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl selection at two positions in the same season.
So when the 23-year-old Jackson reacted to April’s trade of McNabb to Washington by saying — on his Philly radio show — that "it was time for a change," it created major waves. This was the new No. 1 football star in town talking. At the Eagles’ training facility one day after that controversial remark, Jackson talked about McNabb and much more with Sporting News‘ Steve Greenberg.
SN: For those of us who’ve been watching basketball and baseball, has anything interesting happened with the Eagles this offseason?
Jackson: Yeah, a little bit, right? Just a quarterback change and a couple other key guys that were here a long time and aren’t part of us anymore.
SN: When you said of the McNabb trade that "it was time for a change," what, exactly, did you mean by that?
Jackson: I’m not here in charge of the front office. I’m here to handle what I can do — play football, run routes, catch the football to the best of my ability. It was nothing against Mr. McNabb; it’s just that I’m very confident in what we have here now, with Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. Basically, I was just very happy with the decision that was made. Any time major decisions are made, and I’m not the guy in charge of making the decisions, I can’t do anything but go with it.
SN: When you say happy, are you simply choosing to have a good attitude or are you being more analytical?
Jackson: I’m just looking forward at our future. Playing with Kolb last year, I know what he’s capable of doing; I see his playmaking ability and leadership. It’s nothing necessarily against McNabb. We had great times here in Philly my first two years. I think without Donovan being here, probably half the things I did on the field — I’m not going to say they wouldn’t have happened, but he gave me a better chance to be successful.
SN: McNabb had a quote after your 24-0 loss in the regular-season finale in Dallas — "We showed our youth" — that stirred the pot in Philly. How did you take that?
Jackson: When I first heard of it, I was doing a radio show on Monday, the day after the game. The guys (played) the clip, and it kind of caught me off-guard. We were a young team, with a lot of young players stepping up and playing some key roles, and to hear the comment the way it was said (bothered) me. But as a professional, you talk about things with your teammates; we talked about it and moved on. Basically, Donovan said he was misquoted.
SN: Can you understand how hard it is for older players who’ve put in so much time and effort to have to step aside or move on?
Jackson: It’s tough. It’s a business. Sometimes it can be unfortunate. But we play this game to do the best we can, to try to win all the games, get to the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl. You play this game for all the accolades. Just go out there and enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s not as fun as it (should) be. Sometimes the team you come into is not the team you’re going to finish with. I definitely see that. I can learn from that to take advantage of the best of my ability and the things I can bring to this city and this team. As long as I can keep scoring touchdowns and running by people, I’ll be all right.
SN: You’re left now with a young team — especially the offensive skill players, all 25 and under. Do you buy the talk that the Eagles are "rebuilding"?
Jackson: I wouldn’t really call it rebuilding. We’re so close every year to getting to the Super Bowl. My first year we went all the way to the NFC championship game, and last year we made it to the playoffs. No matter what happens during the year, we always find a way to make it to the playoffs. That’s the best thing I can say about it. We’re always in the competition to be one of the best teams in the NFL. I don’t think we lost anything, even with McNabb being gone. Somebody steps out, the next person just has to step in and do a good job.
SN: As a group, how do you define DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, Brent Celek and Kevin Kolb?
Jackson: The sky’s the limit to me. I think you can call us the Young Guns: We’re all young, and we’re all explosive. We have a great time playing together. Our camaraderie in the locker room, the joking around — it’s great times. I look forward to being here a long time with these guys and making some good things happen.
SN: How good will Kolb be?
Jackson: It’s unfortunate he hasn’t really had a good opportunity because he had to sit under McNabb and kind of watch and learn the system under McNabb. I think he’s got a lot of talent, a lot of ability as a leader; he’s very confident in his arm and he’s confident in himself, and he’s smart. One thing I know about him: No matter what people say about him — negative or positive — he’s at a level where he knows how to use the energy and turn it into a positive. I know what he’s capable of doing. I don’t really see him not being able to step up to the challenge.
Jackson took a little ribbing from an Eagles assistant about sitting out with a concussion, but he knows he did the smart thing.
SN: Is this your team now? You certainly are its No. 1 star.
Jackson: I wouldn’t necessarily call it my team; we have some other veteran guys still who’ve been here and done some great things. But with my leadership and what I’m able to bring to the field, I know a lot of people look to me to spark the team with big plays. That definitely comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. A lot is expected of me. I have to watch what I do on and off the field all the time, watch what I say. Like as you see with saying "time for a change" — people can twist your words up and make it more than you meant. I’m not that type of person; I’m never really saying anything negative toward anybody. I wouldn’t like anybody saying anything negative about myself.
SN: There were some negative things said about you before six wide receivers were drafted ahead of you in 2008.
Jackson: Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, Donnie Avery … I couldn’t care less about any of that. It was a blessing even to be picked. In my mind, I knew I would be a first-round pick. (Jackson went in the second round, No. 49 overall.) But all the negativity said about me — he’s not a team player, he doesn’t work hard — all that is done. I’m glad people understand what type of player I am. A lot of people could probably take my energy and misunderstand it, say, "He’s trying to be cocky." No. I think what makes me special and unique is that I’m never a follower. I’m the type of guy who always wants to be different, but at the same time I’m a team guy.
SN: Of the numbers you put up last year, which is the one that jumps out at you?
Jackson: I think the eight touchdowns over 50 yards. You really don’t get caught up with that stuff during the year until you get to about the sixth touchdown, and you’re like, Man, I’m three touchdowns from breaking this record! You try not to think about it when you’re on the field. OK, we’re on our 40? This could be over 50 yards. It’s really tough to not think about it. That’s the only thing about getting close to records and all these accolades — you kind of forget to think about what it really means to go out there and win games for your team.
SN: It’s not as though those touchdowns didn’t help the Eagles. Can’t you celebrate your individual moments within the context of the big picture?
Jackson: That’s true. At the same time I was having all the success I was having, we were winning crucial games. I can remember we went up to New York (in Week 14) — that was a huge game for us. The week before, they’d beaten Dallas and I didn’t play (at Atlanta) because I had a concussion. It was iffy if I’d come back and play. Our offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, said some things, trying to question my toughness. I was like, "Coach, I just got a concussion. This is my brain. If it’s anything else, my shoulder, whatever, I’m going to play." I sat at home, missing my first game in the NFL, watching my soldiers going against the Atlanta Falcons, and it was great — we handled it and we won. But it was killing me not to be out there. I told my cousin, "Man, next week I’m just going to get out there and explode, just go off." I ended up having a big punt return (for a 72-yard score) and a 60-yard touchdown catch (in a 45-38 win over the Giants). It was good to get back in the flow of things, man.
SN: Who’s the most explosive offensive player in the game right now?
Jackson: I would say myself and (Titans running back) Chris Johnson, definitely. Chris Johnson is a good friend of mine. The big question I always get about him is, "Who’s faster? When are you all going to race? I want to see this race." On my Twitter, everybody’s always asking that and, "Who do you like better out of Donovan and Kolb?" In reality, I’m going to always say no one’s going to beat me, of course. But making that race happen, who knows? Maybe when they take the Pro Bowl back to Hawaii and (restore) that competition for the NFL’s fastest man.
SN: You mentioned your concussion last year. Do you have any residual problems or concerns?
Jackson: Nah, man. My concussion was a Grade 1; it wasn’t too serious. It was a scary feeling, though — never in life had that feeling before. I just, like, blacked out, then came back to reality, like, What just happened? My trainer asked me if I could go back in; I said, "I don’t think I can." That was unusual for me. I’m used to dealing with those shoulder injuries or hip injuries. I was scared.
SN: One of the reasons you have to stay healthy is your contract — you’re not making seven figures yet. How does your contract status sit with you, with two more years on this deal?
Jackson: I feel God has a plan for me. Regardless of injury or not, I feel it’ll happen at the right time. Right now, I’m just doing everything I can to keep positive, keep my nose clean, do things in the community. I have an agent; I’ll let him handle that work with the Eagles. I’ll just come here and work out and do my job. My contract situation is up in the air, but I’m confident everything will happen in the right way.
SN: When you fired your original agency, DeBartolo Sports, and hired Drew Rosenhaus last year, what were your expectations?
Jackson: A lot of people thought when I fired my last agents and hired Drew, "Oh, he wants a new contract." The biggest thing I’ll say about that is I wasn’t comfortable with my last agents. For the type of person and player I am and the things I do on the field, I don’t think they were making the best of my abilities on or off the field. It was nothing like I need a new contract so let’s go sign the best agent in the game. I just felt I needed to be treated and handled in a different way. My appearances, endorsements or any time I need anything — whatever it is, a flight — I can just call Drew and it’ll be taken care of. My last agents, I was kind of like their biggest client; they didn’t really know how to handle me as far as the things top athletes need.
SN: Off the field, what do you want?
Jackson: To get the best opportunities for myself as far as the Gatorades, the Nikes, (nutritional) sports bars. I just want to take advantage of all the things I can off the field. I work so hard on the field, I think there should be a lot of opportunities for me off the field. To be the face of certain franchises, McDonald’s, whatever it is. It makes you feel good when you see yourself out on billboards.
Coach Andy Reid and the Eagles showed their confidence in Jackson’s ability to make plays—no matter the quarterback—when they traded McNabb. And why not? Jackson touched off more than his share of TD celebrations last season.
SN: You come from a big family — eight siblings, including you — and have three older brothers who played Division I football. Especially after losing your father, Bill, to pancreatic cancer last year, how much do you feel like you’re representing all of them?
Jackson: That was huge, man, going through that with my dad. I’d just never witnessed anything like that. He was able to see me go through my rookie season, with all the success I had, but then why take him so fast? … I’m the one out of my whole family to really make it all the way. It’s a blessing. Growing up in L.A., I had a lot of friends that always said they wanted to go to the NFL. It was all our dreams coming up. Where I come from, not to say it as a bad thing, but we never really said we were going to be a doctor or that we wanted to graduate from college; it was, "I want to play at the highest level of sports." I had a lot of friends who had the talent; it just was the little things that separated me from them: taking school serious or my dad keeping me off the streets, always taking me from this sporting event to the next sporting event, instead of coming home from school and just running the streets all day. There were times I was doing that and my dad was like, "I’m not going to let you keep doing this. There’s nothing but negativity in the streets." I saw people get shot, saw people selling drugs. I saw all the worst things. But that’s what motivated me to want to do sports.
SN: Having money, bearing the expectations of being a star — it might be a lot on a 23-year-old’s shoulders.
Jackson: You don’t ask for that when you’re just a young guy playing sports. You just want to have fun. But the higher up you go, the more responsibility you have to handle your business, watch what you say, things like that. Not to say anything negative about Pacman Jones or guys having problems, but that’s just not a good look. I don’t want to see it come up on the ticker: "DeSean Jackson DUI" or whatever. I’m aware of those type of things. … What I really want is just to be successful. I couldn’t care less about anything else. If that turns out to be being the face of the NFL or whatever it is, that would be great. I want to be successful, want to be able to win games. I don’t want to be on any losing teams. I don’t want to not be going to the playoffs.
SN: It’s all about winning championships, isn’t it?
Jackson: Yeah, because you know, if you look through all the great players that played the game, that’s kind of all you hear: "He never won the Super Bowl." That’s their knock. "He had all these catches and touchdowns, but he never won the Super Bowl." I don’t want to be one of those players. I want to put my effort toward giving it my best. You look up in the season and we’re sweating blood and tears, and you say, "We’ve been here since April! We’re not going to quit now!"
SN: Is it possible the Eagles got closer to that ultimate goal this offseason?
Jackson: I definitely think that. I don’t think we’re missing a beat right now. With the draft and free agents, I think they’ll be able to help us out a lot. McCoy, there’s a big task on his hands, being that main running game — but he can do it, man. Maclin is a great talent also. And that’s where I come into effect, especially with Kolb. I’m young, 23 years old, going into my third year. Not to sound cocky, but I feel unstoppable. If somebody comes to the line of scrimmage to guard me in man coverage, I think nobody can guard me in man coverage. So they double-team me, that’s good for all of us. We’ve got a lot of talent, and hopefully we’ll be able to put it all together.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the May 10, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Sponsored link: Philadelphia Eagles tickets available
DeSean Jackson had only one NFL game-breaking play under his belt — a 68-yard punt return for a touchdown — when the rookie caught a pass in front of ruthless Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in Week 12 of the 2008 season. "I saw him coming and I ran out of bounds," Jackson recalls. "I’m walking back to the huddle and Ray’s like, ‘Young fella, I ain’t gonna kill you! I like your game. Keep doing what you’re doing.’ "
DeSean Jackson, a 23-year-old receiver out of California, enters his third season with the Eagles.
Of course, the Eagles’ brightest young star since Donovan McNabb was only getting started. In his spectacular second season, Jackson tied an NFL record with eight touchdowns (five receiving, one rushing and two on punt returns) of 50 yards or longer. He ranked second in the league in yards per catch (18.6) and first in yards per punt return (15.2). Perhaps most impressive, he became the first player in NFL history to earn a Pro Bowl selection at two positions in the same season.
So when the 23-year-old Jackson reacted to April’s trade of McNabb to Washington by saying — on his Philly radio show — that "it was time for a change," it created major waves. This was the new No. 1 football star in town talking. At the Eagles’ training facility one day after that controversial remark, Jackson talked about McNabb and much more with Sporting News‘ Steve Greenberg.
SN: For those of us who’ve been watching basketball and baseball, has anything interesting happened with the Eagles this offseason?
Jackson: Yeah, a little bit, right? Just a quarterback change and a couple other key guys that were here a long time and aren’t part of us anymore.
SN: When you said of the McNabb trade that "it was time for a change," what, exactly, did you mean by that?
Jackson: I’m not here in charge of the front office. I’m here to handle what I can do — play football, run routes, catch the football to the best of my ability. It was nothing against Mr. McNabb; it’s just that I’m very confident in what we have here now, with Kevin Kolb and Michael Vick. Basically, I was just very happy with the decision that was made. Any time major decisions are made, and I’m not the guy in charge of making the decisions, I can’t do anything but go with it.
SN: When you say happy, are you simply choosing to have a good attitude or are you being more analytical?
Jackson: I’m just looking forward at our future. Playing with Kolb last year, I know what he’s capable of doing; I see his playmaking ability and leadership. It’s nothing necessarily against McNabb. We had great times here in Philly my first two years. I think without Donovan being here, probably half the things I did on the field — I’m not going to say they wouldn’t have happened, but he gave me a better chance to be successful.
SN: McNabb had a quote after your 24-0 loss in the regular-season finale in Dallas — "We showed our youth" — that stirred the pot in Philly. How did you take that?
Jackson: When I first heard of it, I was doing a radio show on Monday, the day after the game. The guys (played) the clip, and it kind of caught me off-guard. We were a young team, with a lot of young players stepping up and playing some key roles, and to hear the comment the way it was said (bothered) me. But as a professional, you talk about things with your teammates; we talked about it and moved on. Basically, Donovan said he was misquoted.
SN: Can you understand how hard it is for older players who’ve put in so much time and effort to have to step aside or move on?
Jackson: It’s tough. It’s a business. Sometimes it can be unfortunate. But we play this game to do the best we can, to try to win all the games, get to the Super Bowl, the Pro Bowl. You play this game for all the accolades. Just go out there and enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s not as fun as it (should) be. Sometimes the team you come into is not the team you’re going to finish with. I definitely see that. I can learn from that to take advantage of the best of my ability and the things I can bring to this city and this team. As long as I can keep scoring touchdowns and running by people, I’ll be all right.
SN: You’re left now with a young team — especially the offensive skill players, all 25 and under. Do you buy the talk that the Eagles are "rebuilding"?
Jackson: I wouldn’t really call it rebuilding. We’re so close every year to getting to the Super Bowl. My first year we went all the way to the NFC championship game, and last year we made it to the playoffs. No matter what happens during the year, we always find a way to make it to the playoffs. That’s the best thing I can say about it. We’re always in the competition to be one of the best teams in the NFL. I don’t think we lost anything, even with McNabb being gone. Somebody steps out, the next person just has to step in and do a good job.
SN: As a group, how do you define DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy, Brent Celek and Kevin Kolb?
Jackson: The sky’s the limit to me. I think you can call us the Young Guns: We’re all young, and we’re all explosive. We have a great time playing together. Our camaraderie in the locker room, the joking around — it’s great times. I look forward to being here a long time with these guys and making some good things happen.
SN: How good will Kolb be?
Jackson: It’s unfortunate he hasn’t really had a good opportunity because he had to sit under McNabb and kind of watch and learn the system under McNabb. I think he’s got a lot of talent, a lot of ability as a leader; he’s very confident in his arm and he’s confident in himself, and he’s smart. One thing I know about him: No matter what people say about him — negative or positive — he’s at a level where he knows how to use the energy and turn it into a positive. I know what he’s capable of doing. I don’t really see him not being able to step up to the challenge.
Jackson took a little ribbing from an Eagles assistant about sitting out with a concussion, but he knows he did the smart thing.
SN: Is this your team now? You certainly are its No. 1 star.
Jackson: I wouldn’t necessarily call it my team; we have some other veteran guys still who’ve been here and done some great things. But with my leadership and what I’m able to bring to the field, I know a lot of people look to me to spark the team with big plays. That definitely comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. A lot is expected of me. I have to watch what I do on and off the field all the time, watch what I say. Like as you see with saying "time for a change" — people can twist your words up and make it more than you meant. I’m not that type of person; I’m never really saying anything negative toward anybody. I wouldn’t like anybody saying anything negative about myself.
SN: There were some negative things said about you before six wide receivers were drafted ahead of you in 2008.
Jackson: Devin Thomas, Jordy Nelson, Donnie Avery … I couldn’t care less about any of that. It was a blessing even to be picked. In my mind, I knew I would be a first-round pick. (Jackson went in the second round, No. 49 overall.) But all the negativity said about me — he’s not a team player, he doesn’t work hard — all that is done. I’m glad people understand what type of player I am. A lot of people could probably take my energy and misunderstand it, say, "He’s trying to be cocky." No. I think what makes me special and unique is that I’m never a follower. I’m the type of guy who always wants to be different, but at the same time I’m a team guy.
SN: Of the numbers you put up last year, which is the one that jumps out at you?
Jackson: I think the eight touchdowns over 50 yards. You really don’t get caught up with that stuff during the year until you get to about the sixth touchdown, and you’re like, Man, I’m three touchdowns from breaking this record! You try not to think about it when you’re on the field. OK, we’re on our 40? This could be over 50 yards. It’s really tough to not think about it. That’s the only thing about getting close to records and all these accolades — you kind of forget to think about what it really means to go out there and win games for your team.
SN: It’s not as though those touchdowns didn’t help the Eagles. Can’t you celebrate your individual moments within the context of the big picture?
Jackson: That’s true. At the same time I was having all the success I was having, we were winning crucial games. I can remember we went up to New York (in Week 14) — that was a huge game for us. The week before, they’d beaten Dallas and I didn’t play (at Atlanta) because I had a concussion. It was iffy if I’d come back and play. Our offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, said some things, trying to question my toughness. I was like, "Coach, I just got a concussion. This is my brain. If it’s anything else, my shoulder, whatever, I’m going to play." I sat at home, missing my first game in the NFL, watching my soldiers going against the Atlanta Falcons, and it was great — we handled it and we won. But it was killing me not to be out there. I told my cousin, "Man, next week I’m just going to get out there and explode, just go off." I ended up having a big punt return (for a 72-yard score) and a 60-yard touchdown catch (in a 45-38 win over the Giants). It was good to get back in the flow of things, man.
SN: Who’s the most explosive offensive player in the game right now?
Jackson: I would say myself and (Titans running back) Chris Johnson, definitely. Chris Johnson is a good friend of mine. The big question I always get about him is, "Who’s faster? When are you all going to race? I want to see this race." On my Twitter, everybody’s always asking that and, "Who do you like better out of Donovan and Kolb?" In reality, I’m going to always say no one’s going to beat me, of course. But making that race happen, who knows? Maybe when they take the Pro Bowl back to Hawaii and (restore) that competition for the NFL’s fastest man.
SN: You mentioned your concussion last year. Do you have any residual problems or concerns?
Jackson: Nah, man. My concussion was a Grade 1; it wasn’t too serious. It was a scary feeling, though — never in life had that feeling before. I just, like, blacked out, then came back to reality, like, What just happened? My trainer asked me if I could go back in; I said, "I don’t think I can." That was unusual for me. I’m used to dealing with those shoulder injuries or hip injuries. I was scared.
SN: One of the reasons you have to stay healthy is your contract — you’re not making seven figures yet. How does your contract status sit with you, with two more years on this deal?
Jackson: I feel God has a plan for me. Regardless of injury or not, I feel it’ll happen at the right time. Right now, I’m just doing everything I can to keep positive, keep my nose clean, do things in the community. I have an agent; I’ll let him handle that work with the Eagles. I’ll just come here and work out and do my job. My contract situation is up in the air, but I’m confident everything will happen in the right way.
SN: When you fired your original agency, DeBartolo Sports, and hired Drew Rosenhaus last year, what were your expectations?
Jackson: A lot of people thought when I fired my last agents and hired Drew, "Oh, he wants a new contract." The biggest thing I’ll say about that is I wasn’t comfortable with my last agents. For the type of person and player I am and the things I do on the field, I don’t think they were making the best of my abilities on or off the field. It was nothing like I need a new contract so let’s go sign the best agent in the game. I just felt I needed to be treated and handled in a different way. My appearances, endorsements or any time I need anything — whatever it is, a flight — I can just call Drew and it’ll be taken care of. My last agents, I was kind of like their biggest client; they didn’t really know how to handle me as far as the things top athletes need.
SN: Off the field, what do you want?
Jackson: To get the best opportunities for myself as far as the Gatorades, the Nikes, (nutritional) sports bars. I just want to take advantage of all the things I can off the field. I work so hard on the field, I think there should be a lot of opportunities for me off the field. To be the face of certain franchises, McDonald’s, whatever it is. It makes you feel good when you see yourself out on billboards.
Coach Andy Reid and the Eagles showed their confidence in Jackson’s ability to make plays—no matter the quarterback—when they traded McNabb. And why not? Jackson touched off more than his share of TD celebrations last season.
SN: You come from a big family — eight siblings, including you — and have three older brothers who played Division I football. Especially after losing your father, Bill, to pancreatic cancer last year, how much do you feel like you’re representing all of them?
Jackson: That was huge, man, going through that with my dad. I’d just never witnessed anything like that. He was able to see me go through my rookie season, with all the success I had, but then why take him so fast? … I’m the one out of my whole family to really make it all the way. It’s a blessing. Growing up in L.A., I had a lot of friends that always said they wanted to go to the NFL. It was all our dreams coming up. Where I come from, not to say it as a bad thing, but we never really said we were going to be a doctor or that we wanted to graduate from college; it was, "I want to play at the highest level of sports." I had a lot of friends who had the talent; it just was the little things that separated me from them: taking school serious or my dad keeping me off the streets, always taking me from this sporting event to the next sporting event, instead of coming home from school and just running the streets all day. There were times I was doing that and my dad was like, "I’m not going to let you keep doing this. There’s nothing but negativity in the streets." I saw people get shot, saw people selling drugs. I saw all the worst things. But that’s what motivated me to want to do sports.
SN: Having money, bearing the expectations of being a star — it might be a lot on a 23-year-old’s shoulders.
Jackson: You don’t ask for that when you’re just a young guy playing sports. You just want to have fun. But the higher up you go, the more responsibility you have to handle your business, watch what you say, things like that. Not to say anything negative about Pacman Jones or guys having problems, but that’s just not a good look. I don’t want to see it come up on the ticker: "DeSean Jackson DUI" or whatever. I’m aware of those type of things. … What I really want is just to be successful. I couldn’t care less about anything else. If that turns out to be being the face of the NFL or whatever it is, that would be great. I want to be successful, want to be able to win games. I don’t want to be on any losing teams. I don’t want to not be going to the playoffs.
SN: It’s all about winning championships, isn’t it?
Jackson: Yeah, because you know, if you look through all the great players that played the game, that’s kind of all you hear: "He never won the Super Bowl." That’s their knock. "He had all these catches and touchdowns, but he never won the Super Bowl." I don’t want to be one of those players. I want to put my effort toward giving it my best. You look up in the season and we’re sweating blood and tears, and you say, "We’ve been here since April! We’re not going to quit now!"
SN: Is it possible the Eagles got closer to that ultimate goal this offseason?
Jackson: I definitely think that. I don’t think we’re missing a beat right now. With the draft and free agents, I think they’ll be able to help us out a lot. McCoy, there’s a big task on his hands, being that main running game — but he can do it, man. Maclin is a great talent also. And that’s where I come into effect, especially with Kolb. I’m young, 23 years old, going into my third year. Not to sound cocky, but I feel unstoppable. If somebody comes to the line of scrimmage to guard me in man coverage, I think nobody can guard me in man coverage. So they double-team me, that’s good for all of us. We’ve got a lot of talent, and hopefully we’ll be able to put it all together.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the May 10, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Sponsored link: Philadelphia Eagles tickets available
The future Hall of Fame shortstop knows only one team (the Yankees) and only one thing (winning). With a run at a sixth World Series ring under way, he won’t be distracted by talk of anything else.
He could’ve played for the Pirates. Or Royals or Cubs or — imagine it — the Red Sox. He still would’ve been Derek Jeter. But what would Derek Jeter have become?
Jeter’s opinion, in a nutshell: Dumb question. Impossible to answer. And he’s probably right; it’s a half-baked hypothetical one could ponder about any ballplayer. But then, is there anyone else in the game — or all of sports, for that matter — who would look so profoundly out of place in another team’s uniform?
If you believe in destiny, then surely you feel the 35-year-old Jeter was born to play shortstop for the Yankees, the team he rooted for as a boy. He was the A.L. rookie of the year in 1996 and the catalyst that season for the team’s first World Series title since 1978 — the longest drought in Yankees history. A 10-time All-Star, he now owns five championship rings as well as the career records for most hits by a Yankee and most hits by a major league shortstop.
A leader in the realm of Joe Montana, Michael Jordan and Mark Messier, he is arguably the most beloved Yankee since Mickey Mantle and the city’s No. 1 celebrity athlete since Joe DiMaggio. (Jeter’s opinion on his famous love life, in a nutshell: Don’t ask me about it because I’m not answering.)
His contract expires after this season, but that topic is a nonstarter, too. Why? You know, destiny. Once a Yankee and always a Yankee, Jeter spoke at the team’s spring training facility in Tampa with Sporting News’ Steve Greenberg.
Jeter’s happy to discuss his profession but is intensely private.
SN: Reggie Jackson said last spring, "Derek leads the press into an alley that they can’t get out of, with nowhere to go, no signs, no lights on." As metaphors go, that was pretty clever — but do you agree with it?
JETER: (Laughs.) I lead the press into an alley? I would say in terms of my personal life, he’s right on. There’s a difference between what you do as a career and your personal life. I don’t have a problem talking about my profession, but some things you keep to yourself.
SN: Has your experience over 15 years in New York with the media, and all those outside of the game who make demands on your time and sometimes your privacy, taught you anything about the nature of people?
JETER: People are extremely curious about other people’s lives. I think that’s what I’ve learned most. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it; that’s just the nature of society now. People are always curious to know everything about everyone else. People want to know not only what you do on the field, how you perform in the game, but where were you on this night? Who were you with? I guess that goes for both the media and the fans.
SN: Are New Yorkers truly a different breed? Or are people the same everywhere?
JETER: In terms of their curiosity? Obviously, there’s more attention in New York; there’s more media in New York. I don’t think people are different. There’s just more people following you in New York.
SN: In a recent Sporting News poll of general managers, more than half called you the best leader in the game. Certainly you lead by example, but do you also have a gift for reading people and understanding what they need?
JETER: I try to find out about people. You always hear people say, "Treat everyone the same." I don’t agree with that. I think you have to treat everyone fairly, but you can’t treat everyone the same because people have different personalities. You know what I mean? One particular person may react to criticism a little bit different from someone else; one person may react to praise a little bit different from someone else. … You have to spend a lot of time trying to get to know people, trying to know what buttons to push. The challenge is trying to get to know everyone. That’s fun for me, but it takes time.
SN: Among your early teammates in New York, was there someone who really tried to get to know you?
JETER: There were a lot, but the one that stands out is Gerald Williams. When I first came up (in 1993), my first spring training, I was 18 years old. I didn’t know anybody. It’s a little bit different now because I think the older players really take the younger players under their wing, so to speak. When I first came up, some of the older players picked on the younger players. Gerald always looked out for me, took care of me. He was someone who was very positive. In times I struggled, he was there to pick me up. He was the first one, and we’re still great friends today.
SN: Is the game as fun for you as it was when you were a young player? And is it fun for the same reasons?
JETER: For the same reasons, yes, it is. I love to go out there and just play the game. Now, it’s a little bit different when you’re talking about doing it as a profession; there’s a lot more work involved, not a lot of time off, because it’s your career. If the comparison is to when you’re in Little League, the one thing that remains the same is how fun it is when you’re playing the game. It’s the same game whether you’re in Little League or the major leagues. At least that’s the way I look at it.
SN: You had that incredible offensive season in 1999, still your best by the numbers. (Jeter’s career highs in batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs and RBIs all came in ’99.) Are you as good a player now as you were then?
JETER: Yeah. I think you people point to numbers so much, but numbers a lot of times don’t tell the whole story. You can be a better player and not necessarily put up better numbers. So I like to think I’m a better player now. You learn more about yourself, learn more about the game, study the game a lot more; you’ve had more experiences. I think I’m a better player now.
SN: What are the biggest differences — good and bad — in Derek Jeter today compared with back then?
JETER: I don’t know. I never really sit down and try to compare years or compare pluses and minuses. I just try to improve every year, as a challenge. Some years are easier than other years. One thing is, the longer you play, you learn to deal with failure a lot more. I’ve learned to deal with it a lot better.
SN: It’s often been said your impact can’t be measured by numbers, but the numbers — most hits by a shortstop, most by a Yankee, 10 All-Star Games, five World Series titles — have piled up mightily. What’s your No. 1 achievement?
JETER: My No. 1 achievement is being on a team that’s won. That’s it. The bottom line is when you’re competing, you’re trying to win. You can put up all the numbers you want, but if you lose you’re going home that season as a failure. Especially playing a team sport, playing 162 games plus, what, 30 in the spring? Plus the playoffs? You’re playing 200 games with one goal: to win. And if you don’t win, it’s a rough offseason.
SN: What’s the one thing you wish you had a do-over on?
JETER: (Laughs.) I don’t know if I’d do anything over. And the reason I say that is because I think you learn a lot from your failures, and I think that helps define who you are. It’s easy to say, "Oh, I wish I had that at-bat back." You know? But you learn from that. The struggles you go through, the times that you fail, all that makes you who you are. I don’t think I would change anything.
SN: You were a first-round draft pick in 1992. What’s your advice for top picks in all sports — some of whom don’t have such a terrific support system at home as you had — as they deal with such radical changes?
JETER: I would say surround yourself with good people. You only have one chance, one opportunity. I don’t care what sport you play — with the exception of maybe golf, where you can play for 40, 50 years — your career is really only a short time in your life. So you should make the most of it, work hard and surround yourself with people who are going to help you, not hurt you.
SN: You’ve played 14 full seasons in New York, a celebrity ballplayer, free of any real scandal … and now you are knocking on your wooden locker.
JETER: Well, first of all, New York is the only place I’ve known. I’ve been in New York since I was 20 years old. Look, everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. But you have to surround yourself with people who are going to be honest with you. They think you’re doing something wrong, something that’s going to hurt you or other people, they’re going to let you know. You don’t want to surround yourself with people who just say yes all the time. I go to my family first and foremost, and I’ve never wanted to disappoint them — but then again you’re always going to make mistakes. So you have to learn from those mistakes and be willing to surround yourself with people who are going to criticize you, be honest with you, and then you have to be willing to accept it.
SN: Has there been someone with the Yankees who’s been really good for you in that regard? Someone who has kept you grounded?
JETER: I’ve been spoiled. I’ve had a lot of great teammates throughout the years, especially when I was younger. Again, Gerald stands out. Tino Martinez. These are all guys who were there when I came up and I’ve gotten closer to throughout the years. Jorge (Posada), Mo (Mariano Rivera), Andy (Pettitte), we all came up together. They’re like brothers.
SN: Do you think about yourself in terms of race — being biracial in an increasingly biracial society — and what your success and image might mean to certain young people?
JETER: Well, obviously I’m aware of my race. I just think for me it’s always been a positive. I think Ive been able to relate to a lot of different people. I have friends of all different races. I didn’t say, "I’m going to pick this many black friends, this many white friends, this many (Hispanic) friends." I’ve always looked beyond someone’s race. … I’ve talked to a lot of people who have approached me who have kids that are biracial: "My kid looks up to you." It makes you feel good.
SN: Who are the players around the game you most admire?
JETER: There’s a lot of players I like watching play. But for me, talent is not all of it. It’s more how you carry yourself, how you play the game hard. There are so many that I don’t want to mention some and then forget to mention some other ones. I’ll leave it at it has a lot more to do with how you carry yourself, how you play the game, as opposed to what statistics you put up.
SN: Do you have an all-time favorite shortstop?
JETER: I looked up to Cal Ripken. Barry Larkin. Those are the guys. Larkin went to the University of Michigan; I grew up in Michigan. Ripken was the tall one. Everyone used to tell me when I was younger, "You’re too tall to play short," but my first line of defense was, "But look at Cal Ripken!" Those two guys stand out for me.
SN: Have you been more stung or motivated — or neither — by the criticism of your defense in recent years by sabermetricians?
JETER: Criticism is part of the game, especially when you play in New York. It depends on how you respond to criticism. I always take it as a challenge. Some people shy away from it. Some people don’t like it. I’d be lying if I said I liked it, but I take it as a challenge. Every year I try to make adjustments and get better, and that’s what I’m still trying to do.
SN: Should you — a four-time Gold Glover — go down in history as a good defensive shortstop?
JETER: I don’t write the articles, man. People can have their opinions, and they’re going to write what they want to write. I don’t sit around and read it.
SN: Has the Red Sox rivalry simmered down a little, gotten less angry, than it was before the Red Sox won a pair of World Series?
JETER: The tension between the fans has simmered down a little since they won. I think going to Boston, especially, was a lot different before they won and after they won. It seemed they had a lot of years of disappointment, and you could tell. Don’t get me wrong — they’re still intense. But it has gotten a little less nasty.
SN: Do Red Sox fans respect you? Perhaps even admire you?
JETER: (Laughs.) I don’t know about admire. It might be a mutual respect. I’d like to think there’s a respect there. I respect the Boston fans, how intense they are, how loyal they are. They follow every game — very similar to New York fans in that sense — they live and die with their team. I have a great deal of respect for their fans and would like to think it’s mutual.
SN: What’s one thing fans don’t get about the rivalry?
JETER: The one thing I think they don’t get is a lot of people are shocked when you communicate with someone from Boston. They think that you absolutely have to hate the players. When you’re playing them, you want to beat them. But there doesn’t necessarily have to be a hatred toward the players.
Jeter says numbers don’t matter to him, only winning does.
SN: Yankees vs. the field in 2010 — do you have a better-than-even shot to repeat?
JETER: I don’t know. I think it boils down to who is writing that story. Ask 20 people and get 20 different opinions. I’ve never gotten caught up in who’s favored, who’s not favored. I like our team, and I like our chances if we stay healthy. You have to go out there and play. I’m not one for predictions.
SN: Is your confidence level the same as it was each year in the 2000s when you didn’t wind up winning the World Series?
JETER: No. Because going into last year, I said before spring training started that I was as optimistic about that team as I was about any team we’d had in a long time. And we won that year because we added some outstanding pitchers, and if you’re going to win you have to have a good pitching staff. I feel good about this team as well.
SN: What’s the weakness that could derail the Yankees’ season?
JETER: Injuries, and that’s it. You can’t tell what’s going to happen in a long season. You can’t sit down and plan who’s going to get hurt. That’s the unknown that faces every team.
SN: What if you never get that sixth ring? Is it hard to imagine it?
JETER: My mind doesn’t work like that. I think that’s a negative way to look at things. I don’t look at things negatively. It’s always a positive outlook.
SN: Do you hope to be playing baseball at 40?
JETER: Why not? As long as I’m having fun, right? I’m having a blast right now. … I don’t understand why people make such a big deal out of your age. You either feel good or you don’t feel good. People are so into trying to forecast what’s going to happen five or six years down the road. Just try to get through this year first.
SN: Do you know what you’d like to do down the road after you retire?
JETER: Own a team. I want to be an owner. I’d love to be able to call the shots.
SN: There’s no chance you’d have been this blessed had you played anywhere else, is there?
JETER: No chance? Why is that? You don’t know. You do not know, man. There’s no way to figure it out.
SN: I don’t know if we’re headed down that alley now, but seriously, what if you hadn’t been a New York Yankee? What a different world it would be.
JETER: I can’t answer that. Don’t know. I can’t answer that question because this is the only team I ever wanted to play for, the only team I’ve played for. And I just can’t see myself playing anywhere else.
This story first appeared in the March 29 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
The future Hall of Fame shortstop knows only one team (the Yankees) and only one thing (winning). With a run at a sixth World Series ring under way, he won’t be distracted by talk of anything else.
He could’ve played for the Pirates. Or Royals or Cubs or — imagine it — the Red Sox. He still would’ve been Derek Jeter. But what would Derek Jeter have become?
Jeter’s opinion, in a nutshell: Dumb question. Impossible to answer. And he’s probably right; it’s a half-baked hypothetical one could ponder about any ballplayer. But then, is there anyone else in the game — or all of sports, for that matter — who would look so profoundly out of place in another team’s uniform?
If you believe in destiny, then surely you feel the 35-year-old Jeter was born to play shortstop for the Yankees, the team he rooted for as a boy. He was the A.L. rookie of the year in 1996 and the catalyst that season for the team’s first World Series title since 1978 — the longest drought in Yankees history. A 10-time All-Star, he now owns five championship rings as well as the career records for most hits by a Yankee and most hits by a major league shortstop.
A leader in the realm of Joe Montana, Michael Jordan and Mark Messier, he is arguably the most beloved Yankee since Mickey Mantle and the city’s No. 1 celebrity athlete since Joe DiMaggio. (Jeter’s opinion on his famous love life, in a nutshell: Don’t ask me about it because I’m not answering.)
His contract expires after this season, but that topic is a nonstarter, too. Why? You know, destiny. Once a Yankee and always a Yankee, Jeter spoke at the team’s spring training facility in Tampa with Sporting News’ Steve Greenberg.
Jeter’s happy to discuss his profession but is intensely private.
SN: Reggie Jackson said last spring, "Derek leads the press into an alley that they can’t get out of, with nowhere to go, no signs, no lights on." As metaphors go, that was pretty clever — but do you agree with it?
JETER: (Laughs.) I lead the press into an alley? I would say in terms of my personal life, he’s right on. There’s a difference between what you do as a career and your personal life. I don’t have a problem talking about my profession, but some things you keep to yourself.
SN: Has your experience over 15 years in New York with the media, and all those outside of the game who make demands on your time and sometimes your privacy, taught you anything about the nature of people?
JETER: People are extremely curious about other people’s lives. I think that’s what I’ve learned most. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with it; that’s just the nature of society now. People are always curious to know everything about everyone else. People want to know not only what you do on the field, how you perform in the game, but where were you on this night? Who were you with? I guess that goes for both the media and the fans.
SN: Are New Yorkers truly a different breed? Or are people the same everywhere?
JETER: In terms of their curiosity? Obviously, there’s more attention in New York; there’s more media in New York. I don’t think people are different. There’s just more people following you in New York.
SN: In a recent Sporting News poll of general managers, more than half called you the best leader in the game. Certainly you lead by example, but do you also have a gift for reading people and understanding what they need?
JETER: I try to find out about people. You always hear people say, "Treat everyone the same." I don’t agree with that. I think you have to treat everyone fairly, but you can’t treat everyone the same because people have different personalities. You know what I mean? One particular person may react to criticism a little bit different from someone else; one person may react to praise a little bit different from someone else. … You have to spend a lot of time trying to get to know people, trying to know what buttons to push. The challenge is trying to get to know everyone. That’s fun for me, but it takes time.
SN: Among your early teammates in New York, was there someone who really tried to get to know you?
JETER: There were a lot, but the one that stands out is Gerald Williams. When I first came up (in 1993), my first spring training, I was 18 years old. I didn’t know anybody. It’s a little bit different now because I think the older players really take the younger players under their wing, so to speak. When I first came up, some of the older players picked on the younger players. Gerald always looked out for me, took care of me. He was someone who was very positive. In times I struggled, he was there to pick me up. He was the first one, and we’re still great friends today.
SN: Is the game as fun for you as it was when you were a young player? And is it fun for the same reasons?
JETER: For the same reasons, yes, it is. I love to go out there and just play the game. Now, it’s a little bit different when you’re talking about doing it as a profession; there’s a lot more work involved, not a lot of time off, because it’s your career. If the comparison is to when you’re in Little League, the one thing that remains the same is how fun it is when you’re playing the game. It’s the same game whether you’re in Little League or the major leagues. At least that’s the way I look at it.
SN: You had that incredible offensive season in 1999, still your best by the numbers. (Jeter’s career highs in batting average, runs scored, hits, home runs and RBIs all came in ’99.) Are you as good a player now as you were then?
JETER: Yeah. I think you people point to numbers so much, but numbers a lot of times don’t tell the whole story. You can be a better player and not necessarily put up better numbers. So I like to think I’m a better player now. You learn more about yourself, learn more about the game, study the game a lot more; you’ve had more experiences. I think I’m a better player now.
SN: What are the biggest differences — good and bad — in Derek Jeter today compared with back then?
JETER: I don’t know. I never really sit down and try to compare years or compare pluses and minuses. I just try to improve every year, as a challenge. Some years are easier than other years. One thing is, the longer you play, you learn to deal with failure a lot more. I’ve learned to deal with it a lot better.
SN: It’s often been said your impact can’t be measured by numbers, but the numbers — most hits by a shortstop, most by a Yankee, 10 All-Star Games, five World Series titles — have piled up mightily. What’s your No. 1 achievement?
JETER: My No. 1 achievement is being on a team that’s won. That’s it. The bottom line is when you’re competing, you’re trying to win. You can put up all the numbers you want, but if you lose you’re going home that season as a failure. Especially playing a team sport, playing 162 games plus, what, 30 in the spring? Plus the playoffs? You’re playing 200 games with one goal: to win. And if you don’t win, it’s a rough offseason.
SN: What’s the one thing you wish you had a do-over on?
JETER: (Laughs.) I don’t know if I’d do anything over. And the reason I say that is because I think you learn a lot from your failures, and I think that helps define who you are. It’s easy to say, "Oh, I wish I had that at-bat back." You know? But you learn from that. The struggles you go through, the times that you fail, all that makes you who you are. I don’t think I would change anything.
SN: You were a first-round draft pick in 1992. What’s your advice for top picks in all sports — some of whom don’t have such a terrific support system at home as you had — as they deal with such radical changes?
JETER: I would say surround yourself with good people. You only have one chance, one opportunity. I don’t care what sport you play — with the exception of maybe golf, where you can play for 40, 50 years — your career is really only a short time in your life. So you should make the most of it, work hard and surround yourself with people who are going to help you, not hurt you.
SN: You’ve played 14 full seasons in New York, a celebrity ballplayer, free of any real scandal … and now you are knocking on your wooden locker.
JETER: Well, first of all, New York is the only place I’ve known. I’ve been in New York since I was 20 years old. Look, everybody makes mistakes. I’ve made plenty of mistakes. But you have to surround yourself with people who are going to be honest with you. They think you’re doing something wrong, something that’s going to hurt you or other people, they’re going to let you know. You don’t want to surround yourself with people who just say yes all the time. I go to my family first and foremost, and I’ve never wanted to disappoint them — but then again you’re always going to make mistakes. So you have to learn from those mistakes and be willing to surround yourself with people who are going to criticize you, be honest with you, and then you have to be willing to accept it.
SN: Has there been someone with the Yankees who’s been really good for you in that regard? Someone who has kept you grounded?
JETER: I’ve been spoiled. I’ve had a lot of great teammates throughout the years, especially when I was younger. Again, Gerald stands out. Tino Martinez. These are all guys who were there when I came up and I’ve gotten closer to throughout the years. Jorge (Posada), Mo (Mariano Rivera), Andy (Pettitte), we all came up together. They’re like brothers.
SN: Do you think about yourself in terms of race — being biracial in an increasingly biracial society — and what your success and image might mean to certain young people?
JETER: Well, obviously I’m aware of my race. I just think for me it’s always been a positive. I think Ive been able to relate to a lot of different people. I have friends of all different races. I didn’t say, "I’m going to pick this many black friends, this many white friends, this many (Hispanic) friends." I’ve always looked beyond someone’s race. … I’ve talked to a lot of people who have approached me who have kids that are biracial: "My kid looks up to you." It makes you feel good.
SN: Who are the players around the game you most admire?
JETER: There’s a lot of players I like watching play. But for me, talent is not all of it. It’s more how you carry yourself, how you play the game hard. There are so many that I don’t want to mention some and then forget to mention some other ones. I’ll leave it at it has a lot more to do with how you carry yourself, how you play the game, as opposed to what statistics you put up.
SN: Do you have an all-time favorite shortstop?
JETER: I looked up to Cal Ripken. Barry Larkin. Those are the guys. Larkin went to the University of Michigan; I grew up in Michigan. Ripken was the tall one. Everyone used to tell me when I was younger, "You’re too tall to play short," but my first line of defense was, "But look at Cal Ripken!" Those two guys stand out for me.
SN: Have you been more stung or motivated — or neither — by the criticism of your defense in recent years by sabermetricians?
JETER: Criticism is part of the game, especially when you play in New York. It depends on how you respond to criticism. I always take it as a challenge. Some people shy away from it. Some people don’t like it. I’d be lying if I said I liked it, but I take it as a challenge. Every year I try to make adjustments and get better, and that’s what I’m still trying to do.
SN: Should you — a four-time Gold Glover — go down in history as a good defensive shortstop?
JETER: I don’t write the articles, man. People can have their opinions, and they’re going to write what they want to write. I don’t sit around and read it.
SN: Has the Red Sox rivalry simmered down a little, gotten less angry, than it was before the Red Sox won a pair of World Series?
JETER: The tension between the fans has simmered down a little since they won. I think going to Boston, especially, was a lot different before they won and after they won. It seemed they had a lot of years of disappointment, and you could tell. Don’t get me wrong — they’re still intense. But it has gotten a little less nasty.
SN: Do Red Sox fans respect you? Perhaps even admire you?
JETER: (Laughs.) I don’t know about admire. It might be a mutual respect. I’d like to think there’s a respect there. I respect the Boston fans, how intense they are, how loyal they are. They follow every game — very similar to New York fans in that sense — they live and die with their team. I have a great deal of respect for their fans and would like to think it’s mutual.
SN: What’s one thing fans don’t get about the rivalry?
JETER: The one thing I think they don’t get is a lot of people are shocked when you communicate with someone from Boston. They think that you absolutely have to hate the players. When you’re playing them, you want to beat them. But there doesn’t necessarily have to be a hatred toward the players.
Jeter says numbers don’t matter to him, only winning does.
SN: Yankees vs. the field in 2010 — do you have a better-than-even shot to repeat?
JETER: I don’t know. I think it boils down to who is writing that story. Ask 20 people and get 20 different opinions. I’ve never gotten caught up in who’s favored, who’s not favored. I like our team, and I like our chances if we stay healthy. You have to go out there and play. I’m not one for predictions.
SN: Is your confidence level the same as it was each year in the 2000s when you didn’t wind up winning the World Series?
JETER: No. Because going into last year, I said before spring training started that I was as optimistic about that team as I was about any team we’d had in a long time. And we won that year because we added some outstanding pitchers, and if you’re going to win you have to have a good pitching staff. I feel good about this team as well.
SN: What’s the weakness that could derail the Yankees’ season?
JETER: Injuries, and that’s it. You can’t tell what’s going to happen in a long season. You can’t sit down and plan who’s going to get hurt. That’s the unknown that faces every team.
SN: What if you never get that sixth ring? Is it hard to imagine it?
JETER: My mind doesn’t work like that. I think that’s a negative way to look at things. I don’t look at things negatively. It’s always a positive outlook.
SN: Do you hope to be playing baseball at 40?
JETER: Why not? As long as I’m having fun, right? I’m having a blast right now. … I don’t understand why people make such a big deal out of your age. You either feel good or you don’t feel good. People are so into trying to forecast what’s going to happen five or six years down the road. Just try to get through this year first.
SN: Do you know what you’d like to do down the road after you retire?
JETER: Own a team. I want to be an owner. I’d love to be able to call the shots.
SN: There’s no chance you’d have been this blessed had you played anywhere else, is there?
JETER: No chance? Why is that? You don’t know. You do not know, man. There’s no way to figure it out.
SN: I don’t know if we’re headed down that alley now, but seriously, what if you hadn’t been a New York Yankee? What a different world it would be.
JETER: I can’t answer that. Don’t know. I can’t answer that question because this is the only team I ever wanted to play for, the only team I’ve played for. And I just can’t see myself playing anywhere else.
This story first appeared in the March 29 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Roy Halladay has never been much for pomp and circumstance, though he’ll have to learn to live with far more of it as the ace of the Phillies than he ever experienced in 11-plus seasons in Toronto. He got a taste of it in December when—after two days and nights sequestered in a downtown Philly hotel with his wife, Brandy—he was spotted by members of the local media and a blazing-hot story was instantly born.
Roy Halladay led all pitchers in the 2000s with 47 complete games.
The truth is, he didn’t so much mind it, just as he wouldn’t have minded a little more company as he pulled on his Phillies uniform for the first time before a Sporting News interview and photo shoot in Clearwater, Fla., in late January. But none of his new teammates, nor a single member of the Phillies’ big-league staff, was there to see it.
"At least nobody can take it away now," he said, tucking in his No. 34 jersey just so as he looked around at an empty Bright House Networks Field. The six-time All-Star—who went to the Phillies in the blockbuster deal that also sent Cliff Lee to Seattle—spoke with Steve Greenberg for a Sporting News magazine interview. The following are excerpts and outtakes from that interview, which is on newsstands now.
Sporting News: When you think about your new teammates, is there a face that always pops into your head? Who are you really excited to get to know?
Roy Halladay: I think I’ve heard the most about Chase Utley. Everybody knows what kind of player he is, but the things I’ve heard about him as far as being a leader and the way he approaches the game, the way he prepares himself, that’s exciting to me. Seeing that, for me, is going to be a highlight.
SN: Did you believe you were going to the Phillies last July?
RH: I did. It’s tough because you feel like you owe the team you’re playing for your time and effort and dedication—that’s where your focus should be—but I definitely was looking forward to that opportunity, and that was hard. Once it (didn’t happen), there was a little bit of disappointment. I love Toronto and loved my time there, but I saw the direction that the Phillies were going in and how they were playing at the time, knowing they were going to be in the playoffs. That’s the opportunity I wanted most. It wasn’t changing cities or teammates or anything like that.
SN: After all those years of It’s the Yankees’ and Red Sox’ world, we’re just living in it, would you have gladly pitched for one of the division bullies?
RH: Well, it would’ve been different. Any time you’re basically raised in an AL East organization that’s not Boston or New York, you grow up hating them. But that’s also a sign of respect because they’ve been good for so long; you don’t hate the players, you hate getting beat by them. Obviously, they’re great markets, and that was appealing for us. Again: Where do we have the best chance of winning? Once we were able to get down to a couple teams, it would’ve been easy to go play for any of them.
SN: Did you ever hold out hope the Rockies would somehow bring you back to your hometown of Denver?
RH: No. Being able to go there now a couple times a year is going to be enough for us. For me, it’s always been hard to play where you live or where you have lived. I’m not very good at dealing with distractions outside the field. It’s kind of nice to be able to go into a city where you were and see everybody, then go back to business. There’s a little bit of separation there during the season. I’ll probably spend a lot of time out there when I’m done playing.
SN: Can you imagine what it would be like to see the Blue Jays turn it around and win a championship without you?
RH: Wow. It would be mixed emotions, but I think I would be a backer; I’d be a fan. At some point, maybe that will happen; it’s just the timelines didn’t match up as far as my career. I got to a point where I feel like I have a window of opportunity that’s getting smaller; there’s more of an urgency, and I think the long-term plans of the Blue Jays to get better are going to take a little longer. And I think at some point they will get there. I wish the best for them and hope they do well—I just hope I’m done playing when they do. (Laughs.)
SN: How confident are you that you’ll move smoothly from the AL to the NL?
Roy Halladay went 148-76 with a 3.43 ERA in 12 years in Toronto.
RH: Nobody ever knows. For me, the important thing is I just have never predicted the future. I think that’s probably going to be my biggest asset—going in and trying to focus on my job at hand and not worrying about how things are going to end up working out. There’s uncertainty with not knowing different players, not knowing different teams, and how all that is going to play out is going to be different. But I’m a big believer in the one-step-at-a-time process, and I plan on approaching it that way.
SN: Do you believe, as many do, that the NL has weaker lineups than the AL?
RH: The DH has a lot to do with it. There are good players in both leagues; it’s just the way lineups are set up. Your 7-8-9 are a lot stronger in the American League because it’s more of an offensive league. In the National League, there’s more of an emphasis on defense. But there are great players in both leagues. If you even look at the All-Star Games, all of them are real close; there’s no real blowouts. But in the American League, there’s no break; there are no freebies.
SN: How many times have you heard yourself referred to as the best pitcher never to pitch in the playoffs?
RH: You know what? I heard it more in Toronto than anywhere. It’s one of those things you want to get over. It’s kind of a hidden compliment, I guess. But I think the longer you play, the more important that part of the game is. When you’re younger, it doesn’t bother you as much because you’re in the big leagues and trying to have your own success. But that changes.
SN: With all due respect, have you ever pitched in a big game in your life? Or felt that big-game pressure?
RH: I think any time you go into New York, you feel that way. (Laughs.) There have been years where we’ve had big series—where we’re a game out or a game up in the middle of the season and facing the Yankees or Red Sox—but obviously it’s a different level once you get to the playoffs. But I’ve always felt the pressure part of it is what you perceive it to be. There’s nothing that can actually physically put pressure on you other than how you perceive things. … The playoffs are going to be a different level than anything I’ve done before, but I feel like I’m ready for it.
SN: After playing in Toronto for so long, are you concerned at all about the media demands and scrutiny that you’ll face in Philadelphia?
RH: I know when I need to put my foot down a little bit. I think I’ve always tried to be as gracious and helpful as I could, knowing my limitations. Everybody has to know what it takes for you to prepare and feel confident when you go out there, and those are lines I just won’t cross, period.
SN: Won’t it be fun to be compared with Cliff Lee all season?
RH: You know, I’ve always admired Cliff. He was a great pitcher in our league. I finished second to him in Cy Young voting (in 2008) and he beat me to the punch coming over here. There’s definitely parts of me that feel he got the better of me. But I’m sure I’m like every other player in that I would’ve enjoyed to have him here. It wasn’t in my hands; I had no say over it. But I’m obviously going to take the brunt of it.
SN: Who’s the best starting pitcher in your new division? Is it you?
RH: I’d never vote for myself. (The Mets’) Johan Santana has always been fun to watch. The way Cole pitched in the playoffs a couple years ago and at times last year, I think he’s up there. Some of the Marlins’ younger guys are scary—Josh Johnson. There’s a lot of talent.
SN: What about in the N.L. altogether?
RH: I’m biased, but (St. Louis’) Chris Carpenter is my favorite. I played with him in Toronto and know what kind of a person he is. He’s obviously had his ups and downs with injuries. I enjoy watching him and root for him a lot. I feel like he’s a lot like me.
SN: Are you prepared right here, right now, to guarantee the NL’s first All-Star win since 1996?
RH: I hope so. I can’t guarantee it. I tell you what, I’ve had my problems in All-Star Games. It’s hard because you’re so used to preparing knowing the lineups, who you’re facing, what you’re going to do.
SN: That explanation is out the window for you now.
RH: Yeah, I guess it is. You know what? The NL teams were always good. I think at some point, you lose enough times and it becomes harder and harder to overcome. It becomes a topic, and that makes it tough. I’d like to be a part of changing it.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the Feb. 15, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Roy Halladay has never been much for pomp and circumstance, though he’ll have to learn to live with far more of it as the ace of the Phillies than he ever experienced in 11-plus seasons in Toronto. He got a taste of it in December when—after two days and nights sequestered in a downtown Philly hotel with his wife, Brandy—he was spotted by members of the local media and a blazing-hot story was instantly born.
Roy Halladay led all pitchers in the 2000s with 47 complete games.
The truth is, he didn’t so much mind it, just as he wouldn’t have minded a little more company as he pulled on his Phillies uniform for the first time before a Sporting News interview and photo shoot in Clearwater, Fla., in late January. But none of his new teammates, nor a single member of the Phillies’ big-league staff, was there to see it.
"At least nobody can take it away now," he said, tucking in his No. 34 jersey just so as he looked around at an empty Bright House Networks Field. The six-time All-Star—who went to the Phillies in the blockbuster deal that also sent Cliff Lee to Seattle—spoke with Steve Greenberg for a Sporting News magazine interview. The following are excerpts and outtakes from that interview, which is on newsstands now.
Sporting News: When you think about your new teammates, is there a face that always pops into your head? Who are you really excited to get to know?
Roy Halladay: I think I’ve heard the most about Chase Utley. Everybody knows what kind of player he is, but the things I’ve heard about him as far as being a leader and the way he approaches the game, the way he prepares himself, that’s exciting to me. Seeing that, for me, is going to be a highlight.
SN: Did you believe you were going to the Phillies last July?
RH: I did. It’s tough because you feel like you owe the team you’re playing for your time and effort and dedication—that’s where your focus should be—but I definitely was looking forward to that opportunity, and that was hard. Once it (didn’t happen), there was a little bit of disappointment. I love Toronto and loved my time there, but I saw the direction that the Phillies were going in and how they were playing at the time, knowing they were going to be in the playoffs. That’s the opportunity I wanted most. It wasn’t changing cities or teammates or anything like that.
SN: After all those years of It’s the Yankees’ and Red Sox’ world, we’re just living in it, would you have gladly pitched for one of the division bullies?
RH: Well, it would’ve been different. Any time you’re basically raised in an AL East organization that’s not Boston or New York, you grow up hating them. But that’s also a sign of respect because they’ve been good for so long; you don’t hate the players, you hate getting beat by them. Obviously, they’re great markets, and that was appealing for us. Again: Where do we have the best chance of winning? Once we were able to get down to a couple teams, it would’ve been easy to go play for any of them.
SN: Did you ever hold out hope the Rockies would somehow bring you back to your hometown of Denver?
RH: No. Being able to go there now a couple times a year is going to be enough for us. For me, it’s always been hard to play where you live or where you have lived. I’m not very good at dealing with distractions outside the field. It’s kind of nice to be able to go into a city where you were and see everybody, then go back to business. There’s a little bit of separation there during the season. I’ll probably spend a lot of time out there when I’m done playing.
SN: Can you imagine what it would be like to see the Blue Jays turn it around and win a championship without you?
RH: Wow. It would be mixed emotions, but I think I would be a backer; I’d be a fan. At some point, maybe that will happen; it’s just the timelines didn’t match up as far as my career. I got to a point where I feel like I have a window of opportunity that’s getting smaller; there’s more of an urgency, and I think the long-term plans of the Blue Jays to get better are going to take a little longer. And I think at some point they will get there. I wish the best for them and hope they do well—I just hope I’m done playing when they do. (Laughs.)
SN: How confident are you that you’ll move smoothly from the AL to the NL?
Roy Halladay went 148-76 with a 3.43 ERA in 12 years in Toronto.
RH: Nobody ever knows. For me, the important thing is I just have never predicted the future. I think that’s probably going to be my biggest asset—going in and trying to focus on my job at hand and not worrying about how things are going to end up working out. There’s uncertainty with not knowing different players, not knowing different teams, and how all that is going to play out is going to be different. But I’m a big believer in the one-step-at-a-time process, and I plan on approaching it that way.
SN: Do you believe, as many do, that the NL has weaker lineups than the AL?
RH: The DH has a lot to do with it. There are good players in both leagues; it’s just the way lineups are set up. Your 7-8-9 are a lot stronger in the American League because it’s more of an offensive league. In the National League, there’s more of an emphasis on defense. But there are great players in both leagues. If you even look at the All-Star Games, all of them are real close; there’s no real blowouts. But in the American League, there’s no break; there are no freebies.
SN: How many times have you heard yourself referred to as the best pitcher never to pitch in the playoffs?
RH: You know what? I heard it more in Toronto than anywhere. It’s one of those things you want to get over. It’s kind of a hidden compliment, I guess. But I think the longer you play, the more important that part of the game is. When you’re younger, it doesn’t bother you as much because you’re in the big leagues and trying to have your own success. But that changes.
SN: With all due respect, have you ever pitched in a big game in your life? Or felt that big-game pressure?
RH: I think any time you go into New York, you feel that way. (Laughs.) There have been years where we’ve had big series—where we’re a game out or a game up in the middle of the season and facing the Yankees or Red Sox—but obviously it’s a different level once you get to the playoffs. But I’ve always felt the pressure part of it is what you perceive it to be. There’s nothing that can actually physically put pressure on you other than how you perceive things. … The playoffs are going to be a different level than anything I’ve done before, but I feel like I’m ready for it.
SN: After playing in Toronto for so long, are you concerned at all about the media demands and scrutiny that you’ll face in Philadelphia?
RH: I know when I need to put my foot down a little bit. I think I’ve always tried to be as gracious and helpful as I could, knowing my limitations. Everybody has to know what it takes for you to prepare and feel confident when you go out there, and those are lines I just won’t cross, period.
SN: Won’t it be fun to be compared with Cliff Lee all season?
RH: You know, I’ve always admired Cliff. He was a great pitcher in our league. I finished second to him in Cy Young voting (in 2008) and he beat me to the punch coming over here. There’s definitely parts of me that feel he got the better of me. But I’m sure I’m like every other player in that I would’ve enjoyed to have him here. It wasn’t in my hands; I had no say over it. But I’m obviously going to take the brunt of it.
SN: Who’s the best starting pitcher in your new division? Is it you?
RH: I’d never vote for myself. (The Mets’) Johan Santana has always been fun to watch. The way Cole pitched in the playoffs a couple years ago and at times last year, I think he’s up there. Some of the Marlins’ younger guys are scary—Josh Johnson. There’s a lot of talent.
SN: What about in the N.L. altogether?
RH: I’m biased, but (St. Louis’) Chris Carpenter is my favorite. I played with him in Toronto and know what kind of a person he is. He’s obviously had his ups and downs with injuries. I enjoy watching him and root for him a lot. I feel like he’s a lot like me.
SN: Are you prepared right here, right now, to guarantee the NL’s first All-Star win since 1996?
RH: I hope so. I can’t guarantee it. I tell you what, I’ve had my problems in All-Star Games. It’s hard because you’re so used to preparing knowing the lineups, who you’re facing, what you’re going to do.
SN: That explanation is out the window for you now.
RH: Yeah, I guess it is. You know what? The NL teams were always good. I think at some point, you lose enough times and it becomes harder and harder to overcome. It becomes a topic, and that makes it tough. I’d like to be a part of changing it.
Steve Greenberg is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at sgreenberg@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the Feb. 15, 2010 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
