Jeter Interview with Fans at Fila.com
Spring 1998

Why do you have a fear of dogs?

Derek Jeter: I just don't like them. The big ones scare me. They jump all over you. Little ones are okay

. Do you ever sneak a good 'ol Yankee frank or some popcorn while you're in the dugout?

I sneak candy bars out there. You're not supposed to have food in the dugout. But I do it occasionally.

What do you want to do after you retire [after you're in the hall of fame]?

I don't know. Probably finish school, do something in business. I'm not so sure.

What's your favorite exotic car?

I bought a car when I was 18. I still have the same car. I'm not really a car freak. People get on me about that all the time.

Do you trust the NYC cabbies?

I don't have a choice! I take cabs everywhere I go!

When ever you turn a double-play and then hear the crowd go crazy, what does that feel like?

It's kind of hard to put into words unless you experience it. Its a great feeling.

If you could break Roger Maris' record or Cal Ripken's record, which would you choose?

Roger Maris' record would come a lot sooner. Cal's record is a lot of games.

You appear to be very mellow, unlike say O'Neill, does anything upset you?

Of course. If you strike out, make an error or lose a game you can't change it. So I don't dwell on it.

What aspect of your game do you want to improve on most this season?

Everything. I wanna steal more bases and hit for more power.

What kind of music do you like and do you like to dance?

I like hiphop and R&B. As far as dancing, I'm really shy so it takes a lot to get me going.

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

Gold Medal Ribbon from Baskin Robbins.

If your kids wanted to follow your footsteps what would you tell them?

I wouldn't push them into anything. I'd tell them, If you work hard you'll be fine at whatever you choose to do.

Why Fila instead of Nike?

I think Nike is okay. But Fila is more of a family. Nike has a lot of athletes but with Fila it's more personal, it fits better.

If you could be traded where would you want to go?

It's always been my dream to play for the Yankees. I had a nightmare once that I was traded. That's my worst fear.

How's your sister doing playing softball? Is she as good as you?

I think she's better than me but she's focusing on her studies now at Spelman. No more softball.

Growing up, what was your favorite tv show? And now?

My favorite show was the Price is Right. I used to watch it with my Dad. Now it's Sports Center.

Now that there's the WNBA, do you think there will ever be women's baseball?

I think the WNBA is a great sucess. Right now we're just trying to get the fans back to major league baseball. It would be difficult.

How is your Turn 2 Foundation progressing?

It's progressing great. We've raised over $400,000 in just over a year. That's pretty good for a startup!

When you are feeling low and don't really feel like playing, what do you do to pick yourself up so you can do a good job?

I am spoiled. My job is a game. If you can't get up for a baseball game you have problems. How many other people would like to be in my shoes?

Where do you go when you want to get away from it all?

I'm a homebody. I go to the movies or rent movies. I pretty much keep to myself.

Other than shortstop, what's your favorite position to play?

If I didn't play shortstop I guess I'd play third base. I've never played any other position.

What is your least favorite baseball drill?

Running. I hate running. Its just not for me. When you get in trouble in sports they make you run.

Do you collect your own baseball cards?

No, I don't. My Mom started when I started with the Yankees but she's probably given up by now.

Did you go to college this past offseason, and if so, what classes did you take? What are you planning to major in?

I went to school my first off season. After that the Yankees had me busy during the off season. I'll probably graduate in another 45 years.

When you get older do you want any kids?

I can't wait to have kids. Not now of course, but in the future.

How long does your fielding glove last for before it gets too worn out?

In 1996 I used 2. In 1997 I used one. It depends on the quality of the leather.

How do you feel when you see yourself on the Discover card commercials???

That was my first national commercial. I grew up watching Jordan. It's weird walking around the house and seeing yourself on TV.

As a 23 year old, how do you feel having many people look up to you as a role model?

I don't have a problem with that. Not too long ago I was looking up to athletes. There are some people who shy away from it.

Did you design the Jeter Mid or did Fila design and just call it the Jeter Mid?

I met with the designers and told them what I liked, what I didn't like and we collaborated.

What do you do when you stay down in LA when you play against the Angels??

I usually have jet lag. I do alot of shopping - they have a good mall. I also sleep alot. Anaheim is not LA.

How is it playing for Steinbrenner, in your experience?

I have no problems with Steinbrenner. He takes care of his players as long as you play hard.

Does the front office turmoil [Watson leaving] create extra anxiety for you, as a player?

I don't think so - we're not involved in the front office. It doesn't affect the players at all.

Which of the stadiums is your favorite to play in?

Yankee Stadium by far - best playing surface, best fans and all the tradition.

Who was your favorite ballplayer, growing up?

Dave Winfield. He was the best all-around athlete. He was drafted in three sports: baseball, football and basketball.

Which of the pitchers give you the biggest challenge?

I think Jeff Nelson when he was with Seattle. Now he's with us. And Roger Clemens, he throws very hard but he's got other pitches too. He's very overpowering.

What is your pre-game ritual? Do you have any superstitions?

Not really. I usually eat before the game. I usually send the batboy out for a quarter pounder with cheese.

Are you ticklish?

I think everyone is ticklish, you just have to find the right spots.

Back to Derek Jeter Land

Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!