When you play for the New York Yankees, the bar is simply set a little bit higher. After all, when your franchise has captured 27 World Championships, finishing second is not looked upon well.
That expectation of winning is passed down throughout the Yankees organization as well. As Derek Jeter prepares to enter Cooperstown as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, he shared a story that shows just how important winning is within the Yankees culture.
“Ultimately, you’re judged, especially in New York, by winning,” Jeter explained. “That’s what makes Old Timers Day so important and so special, because you know guys come back and there are memories to share. They remember you if you win.”
An interesting exchange between New York Yankees legends Derek Jeter and Yogi Berra
In a Zoom call with reporters on Thursday, Jeter relayed his memories of Old Timers Days, when former Yankees players would return to the Bronx for festivities … and some good old-fashioned trash talking that came along with those visits.
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Can you imagine Yankees legends Derek Jeter and Yogi Berra exchanging some ribbing over wins and World Series rings? Well, Jeter said it happened, even in the height of celebrations as the Yankees hoisted another trophy into the air.
“Yogi Berra used to come in the locker room and, every time we won, he would come over and remind me of how many rings he had (Berra was a part of 10 World Champions). I used to joke with him and say, ‘Well, you know it’s a little bit harder now because there are more rounds in the playoffs. You went straight to the World Series.’ His response was, ‘You can come over my house and count the rings any time you want.'”
Jeter, who finished his career with five World Series titles, smiled while he was relaying the story, but also talked about how important it was to grasp that concept of working hard to win it all every season.
“I always felt as though you’re trying to chase something and I think that’s the only way you can be,” Jeter said. “The only way you’re going to improve is by always trying to get better. For me, getting better meant winning more.”
Jeter will officially join Berra as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, September 8, 2021.