Yankee Derek Jeter - All Baseball Players and Coaches Can Learn From His Mental Approach to the Game

Derek Jeter's mental approach to baseball is onedoes. Here I take three Derek Jeter quotes that I
that every player, coach and parent should takefeel reflect the proper mental attitude for any
notice of. He is a true American Sports Hero yetplayer at any level to have toward the game.
he does not consider himself bigger than theQuote #1 This quote reflects Jeter's thoughts
game itself. His words and quotes reflect hisabout the importance of having fun and enjoying
attitude, his commitment, and his love of thethe game.
game."You have got to have fun. Regardless of how
What can all baseball coaches learn from Derekyou look at it, we are playing a game. It is a
Jeter's mental approach to the game? He is onebusiness, it is our job, but I do not think you can
of the most "decorated" Major League baseballdo well unless you are having fun." Derek Jeter
players in the past decade. But, more impressiveIt is refreshing to see a Major League Baseball
than his talent is his ability to keep the game inAll-Star like Jeter feels that having fun should be a
proper perspective mentally. He is humble. Hepriority. I feel that more players, coaches, and
knows how important the game is to him. Heparents should share that same sentiment. Many
appreciates the opportunity he has to play thecoaches and players forget the fact that baseball
game and he considers it an honor to wear theis just a game and games are meant to be
pin stripes. In this article I present Derek Jeterplayed for fun!
quotes that I feel reflect how every player shouldQuote #2 This quote shows that Jeter values
approach the mental part of the game.defensive play and pitching as keys to winning.
Derek Jeter helped the New York Yankees win"That is how you win - pitching and defense."
the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series. TheDerek Jeter
win earned the franchise's 27th World SeriesThis quote is coming from one of the best hitters
Championship. In 2009 Jeter made his 10thin Major League Baseball History, yet he is makes
All-Star Team. The list of honors and awardsit clear that he considers pitching and defense the
Jeter received in 2009 is extremely impressive.keys to winning. Maybe some coaches and
He Won his 5th World Series Ring. He became theplayers should put more emphasis on the
all-time Yankee leader in hits. He won his fourthdefensive aspects of the game.
Gold Glove. He won his fourth Silver SluggerQuote #3 This quote reflects how important
award by batting .334 with a .406Jeter thinks it is to keep working and improving.
On-Base-Percentage. He won the Hank AaronThis quote shows the importance of staying
Award as the best hitter in the AL. He receivedfocused and staying "hungry".
the Roberto Clemente Award for his commitment"We just want to win. That is the bottom line. I
to service in the community. He was honoredthink a lot of times people may become content
with Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year forwith one championship or a little bit of success,
his overall accomplishments in 2009. But, what isbut we do not really reflect on what we have
more impressive that his honors and accolades isdone in the past. We focus on the present."Derek
his mental approach to the game.Jeter
Derek Jeter considers himself blessed to play theAs you can see from Jeter's quotes, he does not
game of baseball. He does not look at himself likeput himself or his success above the game or his
many pro athletes do. Many pro athletes considerteam. He shows a commitment to continue
it a privilege for the game to have them as aimproving and working hard. His love for the game
player. They put themselves on a pedestal aboveis obvious. He is an inspiration to anyone that
the game itself.watches him play.
All coaches should be happy if they players takeI hope that you enjoyed this article. Thanks for
the same mental approach to baseball as Jetertaking the time to read it. Have a great day, Nick.