To 15-year-old Leticia Thomas, Derek Jeter is more than a superstar ballplayer and a heartthrob: she considers the Yankees shortstop a friend and role model.
He has been there for her, picking her to become one of Jeter's Leaders, an educational program that helps inner-city kids who do well in school.
And she'll be there for him tomorrow, jumping up and down in front of the television every time Jeter goes to bat during the World Series opener against the Atlanta Braves.
"It's just part of my ritual when I watch Derek play," said Thomas, a straight-A student at Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem. "Derek will lead his team to victory as always."
The Bronx teen is one of 20 students in the group, which promotes healthy living, academic achievement, physical fitness and community service.
The program - founded by Jeter, his father, Charles Jeter, and New York Urban League President Dennis Walcott - recruits ninth-graders and works with them throughout high school. At their graduation, Derek Jeter gives them a $1,500 grant to help with college or to prepare for entering the workforce.
But perhaps even more significant, he gives the kids his time.
"Derek Jeter is my favorite Yankee," said Thomas, whose room is decorated with Jeter posters, photos and his jersey. "When I applied for the program, I had no idea I would actually get a chance to meet him."
"Derek introduced us to Tino Martinez, Scott Brosius, and [Chuck] Knoblauch," said Betty Wiltshire, 16, another group member. "I am rooting for the Yankees all the way."
Jeter has taken his leaders to Yankee games, and they attended his 25th birthday party at the All-Star Cafe in Manhattan.
"My girlfriends were all jealous when I met Derek Jeter," Wiltshire said. "I told them they could be part of the program, too, if they get good grades."
Charles Jeter, who holds a doctorate in sociology, said his son wanted to "work with young people who are doing something positive with their life."
He said Derek talks to the kids about his own experiences growing up in Kalamazoo, Mich., and the importance of staying in school and out of trouble.
"Success is all about working hard and not giving up," the elder Jeter said. "There were people who told Derek that he couldn't do it, but Derek is telling these kids they can do whatever they want in life."
Walcott said Jeter and his family have taken a personal interest in the kids. "There is a mutual respect between Derek and the kids, and they are learning a lot from each other," Walcott said.
Louie Escobosa of Brooklyn said he is thrilled that his 14-year-old son, Jose, is part of the program.
"The kids need more programs like this," he said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for these kids to have a personal relationship with someone they look up to."
In order to remain in the program, Jeter's Leaders have to maintain a B average and pledge to live a drug and alcohol-free life.
"Alcohol and drugs ruin lives and prevent people from reaching their full potential," said Wiltshire. "I want to be a lawyer, but I can't do that if I don't study hard and live a healthy lifestyle."
Wiltshire said her baseball idol's "study-hard-and-stay-out-of-trouble" message has not fallen on deaf ears.
"We will all be glued to the television during the World Series," said Wiltshire. "Cheering for Derek is the least we can do ... he has done a lot for us."