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The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter
â Derek Jeter is undoubtedly the most talked about, argued about, cheered, booed and ultimately respected baseball player of his generation. And as public a figure as he has been, he is in many ways the least known. That changes now as Ian Oâ Connor, one of the best sports writers anywhere, goes deep and does what no one has quite been able to Tell us a bit about who Derek Jeter really is.â â Joe Posnanski, author of The Machine
â Deftly told.â â Washington Post
In The Captain, Ian Oâ Connor draws on unique access to Derek Jeter and more than 200 new interviews to reveal how a biracial kid from Michigan became New Yorkâ s most beloved sports figure and the face of the steroid-free athlete. Oâ Connor takes us behind the scenes of a legendary baseball life, from Jeterâ s early struggles in the minor leagues, when homesickness and errors threatened a stillborn career, to the heady days of Yankee superiority and nightlife, to the battles with former best friend A-Rod. All along the way, Jeter has made his Hall-of-Fame destiny look easy. But behind that leadership and heroâ s grace there are hidden struggles and complexities that have never been explored, until now.
â Deftly told.â â Washington Post
In The Captain, Ian Oâ Connor draws on unique access to Derek Jeter and more than 200 new interviews to reveal how a biracial kid from Michigan became New Yorkâ s most beloved sports figure and the face of the steroid-free athlete. Oâ Connor takes us behind the scenes of a legendary baseball life, from Jeterâ s early struggles in the minor leagues, when homesickness and errors threatened a stillborn career, to the heady days of Yankee superiority and nightlife, to the battles with former best friend A-Rod. All along the way, Jeter has made his Hall-of-Fame destiny look easy. But behind that leadership and heroâ s grace there are hidden struggles and complexities that have never been explored, until now.
391 pages, Hardcover
First published April 25, 2011
230 people are currently reading
1852 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
October 11, 2021
My husband is a Yankees fan so we listened to this audiobook together. There were some interesting parts - like the fact that Jeter and Arod were friends as kids before their infamous frigid relationship as major leaguers - but I wanted more behind the scenes stories. This book felt like a retelling of many of the games that I watched throughout the years of the Yankees dynasty. While enjoyably reminiscent, not terribly enlightening.
May 28, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. Derek Jeter is one of my favorite players yet I knew next to nothing about him. He is extremely private. This book talks about his childhood, his high school years and his decision not to go to Michigan along with his minor league career and him becoming a Yankee. It takes you through his dealings with A-Rod and his appreciation of Joe Torre as his manager. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was towards the last third of the book it starts to drag as the author goes through a lot of games instead of telling the stories from the players' perspective. I felt like I was reading the box scores about who hit where and what player caught what fly ball. Just got tedious. However overall the book was very good. I liked the amount of interviews with past and present players about Jeter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking to learn more about Derek Jeter.
June 1, 2018
This book describes Derek Jeter's journey in his long 20 year baseball career. His character strength is self-control. He was always able to keep his calm in his biggest moments in his career, and this is why he had such a successful career. He was always able to keep his teammates in check and pushed them to the top each season.
March 23, 2018
Derek is an inspiring person because he always gives every single thing is all. The only reason why he was captain of the Yankees is because he beat every one else to become captain. The book talks about how everyone denied him for trying out for the Yankees, but he is the best in baseball!
June 15, 2018
Derek jeter has great leadership and self controll by not yelling at the umps when they make a bad call
July 5, 2024
I started reading this book because I got a puppy that I named after the Captain. Truly one of my heroes and the greats as far as baseball and professionalism goes. I loved how this presented the information without getting preachy or judgy and letting the reader decide how to take the good and the bad about our favorite Yankee.
February 24, 2025
Least satisfying celeb bio I can imagine. Justice for Jeter.
May 18, 2018
Derek Jeter was an American former professional baseball shortstop. Derek showed great leadership to his team on and off the field. when they were off the field he would always be supporting them and on the field always trying to make them better
October 4, 2014
Well, I seem to be at odds with some of the other reviews of this book that I am now reviewing.
I found the book interesting in places....too few places. I found the reading to be too much devoted to ancillary characters. I bought this book to read about Derek Jeter, not some kid in the cheap seats who happened to stick his glove where it didn't belong. Maybe the kid is happy now that he got his 15 minutes of fame, but....I don't care. Perhaps the author was told by some self anointed writing expert or publisher that the book had to be a certain length. Maybe he didn't have enough second-hand info on Jeter so he made the words goal with the rest of this non-Jeter fluff.
Much of the read also was similar to reading old box scores and play by play text that was written before people were able to enjoy their baseball on television........Michael
I found the book interesting in places....too few places. I found the reading to be too much devoted to ancillary characters. I bought this book to read about Derek Jeter, not some kid in the cheap seats who happened to stick his glove where it didn't belong. Maybe the kid is happy now that he got his 15 minutes of fame, but....I don't care. Perhaps the author was told by some self anointed writing expert or publisher that the book had to be a certain length. Maybe he didn't have enough second-hand info on Jeter so he made the words goal with the rest of this non-Jeter fluff.
Much of the read also was similar to reading old box scores and play by play text that was written before people were able to enjoy their baseball on television........Michael
November 9, 2014
A good book, bot one ultimately limited by its methods (Jeter hasn't agreed to be interviewed for any biographies) and its timing, being finished in 2011 so not capturing Jeter's 3000th hit. Also way too much of the A-Rod soap opera for my taste, no matter how important that was to Jeter's Yankees.
Definitely the best book written on Jeter to date, but I think the definitive book on Jeter and what makes him the most determined winner in sports in my lifetime (in league with Brett Favre or Michael Jordan) has yet to be written.
Definitely the best book written on Jeter to date, but I think the definitive book on Jeter and what makes him the most determined winner in sports in my lifetime (in league with Brett Favre or Michael Jordan) has yet to be written.
September 27, 2019
Landon Popovic
Mr.Schleifer
Period 4
18 September 2019
Landon: I am here with Mr. Alex Rodriguez former 3rd basemen of the New York Yankees and 3x MVP and teammate of SS Derek Jeter. I am here to unravel what truly happened behind the scenes and on the field during Mr. Rodriguez’s career. Now Alex how was your relationship with Derek Jeter?
Alex: Well what I have learned with this question is that it is not just one question it must be split up into multiple questions from beginning to end. For example in the beginning Jeter and I were inseparable we spent all of our free time together. But once I made those comments in the Esquire it was game over, I had been removed from Jeter’s close knit group, or his inner circle.
Landon: What do you mean Jeter’s inner circle, and how did those comments in the Esquire affect your place in his inner circle?
Alex:Jeter was a very picky guy he had his perfect image of a friend and if you strayed from that image he left you out of that circle. And when I made those comments about how because of Derek's lack of power I was a better player and deserving of the larger contract, made me stray from Jeter’s image of a friend and was left out of his inner circle.
Landon: Why was Jeter so picky on the friends he had?
Alex: Jeter was always the guy that wanted to win and that strive made him the hall of fame caliber he is today. And he believed in order to win you must fit his mold of the perfect friend or teammate and people that did not, Jeter treated them as if he were better them and that was Jeter’s biggest flaw he will never admit.
Landon: When you joined the team in 2004 the Yankees had come off a World Series win, and would go on to face a devastating loss to the Red Sox in the ALCS, how did that affect your time as a Yankee?
Alex:Well, in the beginning I was doing quite well in the first 3 games, the games we won. But after those games went into a massive slump I only had 2 hits in the last 4 games. My biggest mistake that series was when I slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove, many of the fanbase believe I should I have done the traditional way and knocked it out of the glove and that is basically a summary of my time in New York, a slap to the glove.
Landon:The move to third base how did that affect you?
Alex:I loved both of the positions I played throughout my career, although sabermetrics said I was the better fielder than Derek the truth is sabermetrics did not do Jeet justice. Personally, I've only seen one person executes that jump throw like Derek, Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki.But overall third base was great and that one mishap with jeter where we collided is a laughable memory to us both now.
Landon:That is great to hear,Alex but in 2009 when you admitted to steroids with the Rangers, did that change the leagues perspective on the dangerous hitter that is Alex Rodriguez?
Alex: Landon, when I admitted to steroids I think the league truy awoke to the fact anyone can do steroids. But the fact that my teammates had my back most importantly Derek that meant the most to me it was almost a new beginning for Derek and I.
Landon:By almost what do you mean?
Alex:2014, Derek's last season, I was suspended a full season for taking steroids. This moment really reopened the wound between Derek and I because in 2009 I lied to him and the fanbase saying I had never taken PED’s with the Yankees. And Derek was not one for liars.
Landon: Jumping back to 2009, you one a ring. Your first and only ring in your career. What do you think made that team different than the other teams you played for?
Alex: That team was hands down the best team I ever played for. And I think that goes mostly to my former gm Brian Cashman for making some really good pickups like Mark Texeria and especially CC Sabathia. CC really brought the energy this team needed and pitched a fantastic regular and postseason that year.
Landon:Alex how did injuries affect your career?
Alex: Injuries plagued my career especially in my hip towards the back end of my career. I went through multiple hip surgeries in my career. And when I came back I feel like I didn't feel and play up to my ability and that really impacted my decision to take steroids.
Landon: You mentioned you used steroids for healing, how does that work?
Alex: Steroids are a complicated thing. They have many benefits but their main purpose is to repair muscles and speed up the healing process. You see my fellow teammate Roger Clemens used them for this purpose as well but I truly that decision.
Landon: Now to finish up my interview, Alex how was Jeter as a leader?
Alex: Jeter was a natural born leader I have never seen or interacted with someone that lead like Derek and I will always love him for that. I thank God for my experiences with Derek and the game of baseball they truly changed my life. I hope one day I can repair my relationship with Jeet and that one I will be forgiven for my use of steroids and be able to make the hall of fame aside my captain Derek Jeter.
Landon: Thank you for being here Alex you truly helped me and the rest of the baseball world understand your experiences in the game of baseball.
Mr.Schleifer
Period 4
18 September 2019
Landon: I am here with Mr. Alex Rodriguez former 3rd basemen of the New York Yankees and 3x MVP and teammate of SS Derek Jeter. I am here to unravel what truly happened behind the scenes and on the field during Mr. Rodriguez’s career. Now Alex how was your relationship with Derek Jeter?
Alex: Well what I have learned with this question is that it is not just one question it must be split up into multiple questions from beginning to end. For example in the beginning Jeter and I were inseparable we spent all of our free time together. But once I made those comments in the Esquire it was game over, I had been removed from Jeter’s close knit group, or his inner circle.
Landon: What do you mean Jeter’s inner circle, and how did those comments in the Esquire affect your place in his inner circle?
Alex:Jeter was a very picky guy he had his perfect image of a friend and if you strayed from that image he left you out of that circle. And when I made those comments about how because of Derek's lack of power I was a better player and deserving of the larger contract, made me stray from Jeter’s image of a friend and was left out of his inner circle.
Landon: Why was Jeter so picky on the friends he had?
Alex: Jeter was always the guy that wanted to win and that strive made him the hall of fame caliber he is today. And he believed in order to win you must fit his mold of the perfect friend or teammate and people that did not, Jeter treated them as if he were better them and that was Jeter’s biggest flaw he will never admit.
Landon: When you joined the team in 2004 the Yankees had come off a World Series win, and would go on to face a devastating loss to the Red Sox in the ALCS, how did that affect your time as a Yankee?
Alex:Well, in the beginning I was doing quite well in the first 3 games, the games we won. But after those games went into a massive slump I only had 2 hits in the last 4 games. My biggest mistake that series was when I slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo's glove, many of the fanbase believe I should I have done the traditional way and knocked it out of the glove and that is basically a summary of my time in New York, a slap to the glove.
Landon:The move to third base how did that affect you?
Alex:I loved both of the positions I played throughout my career, although sabermetrics said I was the better fielder than Derek the truth is sabermetrics did not do Jeet justice. Personally, I've only seen one person executes that jump throw like Derek, Colorado's Troy Tulowitzki.But overall third base was great and that one mishap with jeter where we collided is a laughable memory to us both now.
Landon:That is great to hear,Alex but in 2009 when you admitted to steroids with the Rangers, did that change the leagues perspective on the dangerous hitter that is Alex Rodriguez?
Alex: Landon, when I admitted to steroids I think the league truy awoke to the fact anyone can do steroids. But the fact that my teammates had my back most importantly Derek that meant the most to me it was almost a new beginning for Derek and I.
Landon:By almost what do you mean?
Alex:2014, Derek's last season, I was suspended a full season for taking steroids. This moment really reopened the wound between Derek and I because in 2009 I lied to him and the fanbase saying I had never taken PED’s with the Yankees. And Derek was not one for liars.
Landon: Jumping back to 2009, you one a ring. Your first and only ring in your career. What do you think made that team different than the other teams you played for?
Alex: That team was hands down the best team I ever played for. And I think that goes mostly to my former gm Brian Cashman for making some really good pickups like Mark Texeria and especially CC Sabathia. CC really brought the energy this team needed and pitched a fantastic regular and postseason that year.
Landon:Alex how did injuries affect your career?
Alex: Injuries plagued my career especially in my hip towards the back end of my career. I went through multiple hip surgeries in my career. And when I came back I feel like I didn't feel and play up to my ability and that really impacted my decision to take steroids.
Landon: You mentioned you used steroids for healing, how does that work?
Alex: Steroids are a complicated thing. They have many benefits but their main purpose is to repair muscles and speed up the healing process. You see my fellow teammate Roger Clemens used them for this purpose as well but I truly that decision.
Landon: Now to finish up my interview, Alex how was Jeter as a leader?
Alex: Jeter was a natural born leader I have never seen or interacted with someone that lead like Derek and I will always love him for that. I thank God for my experiences with Derek and the game of baseball they truly changed my life. I hope one day I can repair my relationship with Jeet and that one I will be forgiven for my use of steroids and be able to make the hall of fame aside my captain Derek Jeter.
Landon: Thank you for being here Alex you truly helped me and the rest of the baseball world understand your experiences in the game of baseball.
December 12, 2017
Enjoyed this book a lot. I am a big fan of the Yankees, especially of Derek Jeter, so I enjoyed this book a lot.
Want to read
April 13, 2018the theme of this book is that you succeed when you try your best and that school grades need to be good to play a sport
December 12, 2024
More like 3.5 stars, big Yankees fan, so of course I enjoyed it, but was a bit repetitive and lacked substance at parts
May 31, 2018
The Captain, a sports book by Ian O'Connor is now one of my favorite books. The content talking about Derek Jeter and how he grew up is unbelievable. This is even more amazing since he was not even the one that wrote the book. This book is about Derek life and how he grew up. It talks about way more than what he did on the baseball field but it also talked about his time with family and friends. The book was missing major moments in Jeter's career with the book ending just before Jeter's 3000th Career hit which ended up being a home run. I would recommend this book to anybody who is looking for an interesting, exciting, but also slow at the same time book. I mean this because at the start of the book it starts off slow but picks up pace when his career starts to get underway.
December 27, 2016
A solid, point-to-point bio of retired Yankee Derek Jeter. Jeter, known for his single-minded approach to winning and his supernatural talent for avoiding controversy, is not revealed in any earth shattering way here; you're given some detail about his life and his baseball career.
Because Jeter never let anyone in to really get his full story, this book, as well as any other about him, is doomed to a certain superficiality.
Because Jeter never let anyone in to really get his full story, this book, as well as any other about him, is doomed to a certain superficiality.
February 15, 2013
This biography was a fantastic read. I already held Derek Jeter in pretty high esteem, but this book increased my opinion of Jeter exponentially. An amazing baseball player, and an even better human being.
Read
March 24, 2022The Captain: The Journey Of Derek Jeter, by Ian O'Connor. This book is all about how Derek Jeter grew up, and how he got to the big leagues. This book explains the ins and outs of how Derek became such a good baseball player growing up. Also, this book is a great example of what to do if you yourself want to get to the big leagues or even college for baseball, this book shows the highs and lows of what Jeter went through during his career. Next, I knew that I wanted to read a book that I had a lot of interest in and Derek Jeter is the first person that came to mind. He is the baseball player that I want to be, he is a very good player and a very good man. Lastly, if you’re a baseball player and you want to look up to someone or learn the journey you have to go through to make it to where you want then this is the person to read or learn about.
This book will show you how Derek Jeter grew up and what it was like in his hometown, he grew up in Kalamazoo Michigan. Next, this book will tell you about how the captain got into the sport of baseball and how he grew and gained interest in the sport. Also, this shows his journey through high school and how he gets to college, then when he makes it to college how he will eventually make it to the MLB. Then, it explains how his career goes in the big leagues and explains how he was as a player and some of his best or craziest experiences. All in all, this book shows how you yourself can make it and that you do need to work for it but sky's the limit and you can accomplish anything.
" club officials wanted the Yanks to build around Jeter and his team centric goals and they were concerned that people with self absorbed pursuits would hurt the cause.” This is a very important quote in this book because this shows how important Jeter really is. This shows that Jeter is a really valuable player and that the Yankees are willing to do anything to keep him in the organization. What Derek says is that he wants team players. He doesn't want players that will be selfish and do this for the money or for just themselves to succeed. Also, he thinks that the team will have ups and downs. That is why he wants team players so he knows that they will have that bond and that they will get through thick or thin together. On the bright side, this is an amazing person to look up to and a great baseball player to get to know a lot about.
The Captain: The journey Of Derek Jeter is a great book and it is a book that is very relatable to me. If you are a baseball player with plans to do something or go somewhere with it, I suggest reading this book so you know what to do to get where you want. Next, I want to be just like Jeter, a kid from Michigan that gets to the big leagues. I want to get as far as I can with baseball and I want to see where and how far it wants to take me. Derek Jeter shows how much of an amazing sport baseball really is and shows how you can grow and get better as you go on with the sport. All in all, this is a man that I have looked up to my whole life and when I started playing baseball it was him that I wanted to be when I was older.
This book will show you how Derek Jeter grew up and what it was like in his hometown, he grew up in Kalamazoo Michigan. Next, this book will tell you about how the captain got into the sport of baseball and how he grew and gained interest in the sport. Also, this shows his journey through high school and how he gets to college, then when he makes it to college how he will eventually make it to the MLB. Then, it explains how his career goes in the big leagues and explains how he was as a player and some of his best or craziest experiences. All in all, this book shows how you yourself can make it and that you do need to work for it but sky's the limit and you can accomplish anything.
" club officials wanted the Yanks to build around Jeter and his team centric goals and they were concerned that people with self absorbed pursuits would hurt the cause.” This is a very important quote in this book because this shows how important Jeter really is. This shows that Jeter is a really valuable player and that the Yankees are willing to do anything to keep him in the organization. What Derek says is that he wants team players. He doesn't want players that will be selfish and do this for the money or for just themselves to succeed. Also, he thinks that the team will have ups and downs. That is why he wants team players so he knows that they will have that bond and that they will get through thick or thin together. On the bright side, this is an amazing person to look up to and a great baseball player to get to know a lot about.
The Captain: The journey Of Derek Jeter is a great book and it is a book that is very relatable to me. If you are a baseball player with plans to do something or go somewhere with it, I suggest reading this book so you know what to do to get where you want. Next, I want to be just like Jeter, a kid from Michigan that gets to the big leagues. I want to get as far as I can with baseball and I want to see where and how far it wants to take me. Derek Jeter shows how much of an amazing sport baseball really is and shows how you can grow and get better as you go on with the sport. All in all, this is a man that I have looked up to my whole life and when I started playing baseball it was him that I wanted to be when I was older.
June 18, 2017
The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter is a great book for baseball lovers. This book is a biography about Derek Jeter. Almost everyone has heard of Derek Jeter before. In this book, it talks about Derek Jeter's life. Since this is a biography, it doesn't have a plot like a normal book, but it includes secrets of his life you may not know. Some of the points that stuck out to me was Derek Jeter was born on June 26 1974 and was born in Pequannock, New Jersey, but soon moved to Kalamazoo Michigan. He was drafted by the Yankees in 1992 but started in the minors. Also, Jeter had many nicknames consisting of the Captain and Mr. November. He was called Mr. November because of when the 2001 World Series took place. The 2001 World Series got postponed due to 9/11. The clock struck 12:00 AM and signified it was November first. When Jeter was up at bat he hit a home run and that is why he was called Mr. November. Jeter is a five time World Series champion, so he could have a ring on every finger. Sadly, his career ended in 2014. Something that I thought was cool was in Jeters junior high yearbook, students were asked to predict what they would be doing in 10 years. He wrote that he would be playing shortstop for the Yankees. That's some of the facts that stood out to me.
The author is Ian O'Connor. O'Connor is a sports columnist for Espnnewyork.com and writes many sports books. For this book that he wrote, he won an award for it like the New York Best Seller. Also, O'Connor was born in Englewood, New Jersey. The writing style is Unique. I have never saw any writings like this, but it is interesting. I really enjoy it because it fit in very well. The theme that I choose was Never giving up. Derek Jeter started off to a rough start in the minors and became one of the best baseball ball players alive.
This book made an impact on me by being a huge fan of Derek Jeter. I remember as a kid I would sit down on the couch and watch Derek Jeter playing on the Yankees. Personally, I think he was the best shortstop out there that ever played. Really I think anyone would like this book because almost everyone has heard of Derek Jeter before and any baseball lovers would love this book expectantly Yankees fans. I would rate this book a 4/5 stars because sometimes the book was a little boring and slow. But overall it was very good. The number, 2, will be remembered for forever. That is why The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter was such a great book.
The author is Ian O'Connor. O'Connor is a sports columnist for Espnnewyork.com and writes many sports books. For this book that he wrote, he won an award for it like the New York Best Seller. Also, O'Connor was born in Englewood, New Jersey. The writing style is Unique. I have never saw any writings like this, but it is interesting. I really enjoy it because it fit in very well. The theme that I choose was Never giving up. Derek Jeter started off to a rough start in the minors and became one of the best baseball ball players alive.
This book made an impact on me by being a huge fan of Derek Jeter. I remember as a kid I would sit down on the couch and watch Derek Jeter playing on the Yankees. Personally, I think he was the best shortstop out there that ever played. Really I think anyone would like this book because almost everyone has heard of Derek Jeter before and any baseball lovers would love this book expectantly Yankees fans. I would rate this book a 4/5 stars because sometimes the book was a little boring and slow. But overall it was very good. The number, 2, will be remembered for forever. That is why The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter was such a great book.
January 10, 2025
Derek Jeter is one of the biggest icons in baseball history, and one of the most recognizable figures in the storied history of perhaps the most storied athletic club in the world. Exploring the life of an icon like Jeter is an interesting task as it is critical to balance the cold facts of Jeter’s life with the personal life that he has worked to keep hidden. I found the first part of O’Connor’s biography to be excellent, moving at a solid clip with good insights and recountings of iconic moments within Jeter’s career, from his childhood to his early days on the team to the success he experienced early on with the rejuvenated Yankees dynasty. The first area where I felt this book took a step back was the significant amount of time it spent on the relationship between Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. There is a significant portion of the book that is dedicated to the initial friendship and later falling out between the two, to the point that it ends up just being more of the same reiterated over and over again, and it felt like O’Connor was more interested in the relationship between the two than in the life and career of the famous number 2.
Nonetheless, when baseball is focused on, O’Connor gives excellent coverage of the events and breakdowns of what went right and what went wrong. Nonetheless, my other problem with this book is that it was published before the end of Jeter’s career, which ultimately made this book feel both hasty and incomplete to me, without a full retrospective on Jetere’s career, achievements, and legacy within both the Yankee organization and baseball as a whole. All in all, this is a solid book and recounting of the life of an iconic Yankee, that nonetheless still feels a little incomplete. Worthwhile for fans of the sport and especially Yankedom, but nothing especially great.
Nonetheless, when baseball is focused on, O’Connor gives excellent coverage of the events and breakdowns of what went right and what went wrong. Nonetheless, my other problem with this book is that it was published before the end of Jeter’s career, which ultimately made this book feel both hasty and incomplete to me, without a full retrospective on Jetere’s career, achievements, and legacy within both the Yankee organization and baseball as a whole. All in all, this is a solid book and recounting of the life of an iconic Yankee, that nonetheless still feels a little incomplete. Worthwhile for fans of the sport and especially Yankedom, but nothing especially great.
December 30, 2017
This was definitely an interesting read, even for someone like me who is not a die-hard fan of baseball stats. Having grown up watching the Yankees, my favorite part of this book was reading about some of the other players who were instrumental to Jeter's career. Some were with him from the minor leagues in Greensboro while others floated in and out of the Yankee clubhouse. I think it was a great addition to the story.
While The Captain kept me hooked until the end, it did grow heavy at times as O'Connor threw in any and all names he found relevant. There were plenty of occasions where I didn't get the reference or got lost in a side story that deviated far from the main point O'Connor was trying to make.
The beginning of the novel was also difficult to get through as Derek Jeter was placed on a golden pedestal. Page after page was endless praise of Jeter and his ability to do everything right all the time. It was hard to swallow all that perfection. Once he signed to the Yankees though, O'Connor was more able to describe Jeter as he was, flaws and all, instead of this ideal image. It was much more inspiring to read about Jeter's journey when everything wasn't portrayed as perfect.
Overall, The Captain was a good read, full of interesting facts and stories that enriched not only Jeter's journey, but also helped me learn more about the dynamics of baseball itself.
While The Captain kept me hooked until the end, it did grow heavy at times as O'Connor threw in any and all names he found relevant. There were plenty of occasions where I didn't get the reference or got lost in a side story that deviated far from the main point O'Connor was trying to make.
The beginning of the novel was also difficult to get through as Derek Jeter was placed on a golden pedestal. Page after page was endless praise of Jeter and his ability to do everything right all the time. It was hard to swallow all that perfection. Once he signed to the Yankees though, O'Connor was more able to describe Jeter as he was, flaws and all, instead of this ideal image. It was much more inspiring to read about Jeter's journey when everything wasn't portrayed as perfect.
Overall, The Captain was a good read, full of interesting facts and stories that enriched not only Jeter's journey, but also helped me learn more about the dynamics of baseball itself.
April 8, 2022
In many ways, the tone of this book is very pre-Bouton. Before the publication of the now classic “Ball Four” by Jim Bouton, books about sports figures tended to be laudatory and lacking in any semblance of dirty laundry about the players. After that book was published, the authors felt free to expose all the faults of the athletes along with their successes. Sometimes, there seemed to be an emphasis on the negative.
The subject is of course the longtime Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter. In many ways, Jeter was a throwback to the old days. He spent 20 years in the major leagues and every single inning he played was as a Yankee. Jeter also played nearly every day and was as close to a model citizen as is possible in the modern world.
This is the story of his life and either by choice of the author or because there was very little to report, there was almost nothing negative in the descriptions of how Jeter conducted himself, both on and off the field. At a time when steroids were rampant in baseball, there was never a hint that he was a user of anything in the way of a PED.
An all-time great baseball player, Jeter deserves the accolades, as in many ways he was a role model for people in all areas of sports. Despite his incredible talents, he had an unbelievable work ethic. Unlike so many other players with comparable talent, there was not an inkling of tendency to self-destruct.
The subject is of course the longtime Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter. In many ways, Jeter was a throwback to the old days. He spent 20 years in the major leagues and every single inning he played was as a Yankee. Jeter also played nearly every day and was as close to a model citizen as is possible in the modern world.
This is the story of his life and either by choice of the author or because there was very little to report, there was almost nothing negative in the descriptions of how Jeter conducted himself, both on and off the field. At a time when steroids were rampant in baseball, there was never a hint that he was a user of anything in the way of a PED.
An all-time great baseball player, Jeter deserves the accolades, as in many ways he was a role model for people in all areas of sports. Despite his incredible talents, he had an unbelievable work ethic. Unlike so many other players with comparable talent, there was not an inkling of tendency to self-destruct.
July 26, 2022
I am a huge Derek Jeter fan... I've had a crush on him since his rookie year with the Yankees (although I am quite a bit older than he is.) I've also had this book on my shelf for a while so figured I should read it before watching the ESPN Documentary series (currently airing). I enjoyed the book immensely, though honestly, I knew much of the story already since I have been following the Yankees since the late 1980s. The only thing new to me was the extent of the relationship between Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
The big takeaway from this-- great teams are not made from a group of superstars, but made from a group of people who share a common goal. In the case of Jeter's Yankees Dynasty, the early success was due to players and a manager (Joe Torre) whose focus was on winning, not individual achievements. As a result of that success, the players and manager became superstars, with Torre, Jeter and Mariano Rivera subsequently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame--and IMHO, the other members of the core 4 (Jorge Posada and Andy Pettite) deserve to be inducted too.
The author is a sports writer and, as such, has many non-baseball sports references and metaphors. While there is certainly lessons to be learned on leadership in this book, it would be a difficult read for someone who doesn't follow sports, hence the 4-star rating.
The big takeaway from this-- great teams are not made from a group of superstars, but made from a group of people who share a common goal. In the case of Jeter's Yankees Dynasty, the early success was due to players and a manager (Joe Torre) whose focus was on winning, not individual achievements. As a result of that success, the players and manager became superstars, with Torre, Jeter and Mariano Rivera subsequently inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame--and IMHO, the other members of the core 4 (Jorge Posada and Andy Pettite) deserve to be inducted too.
The author is a sports writer and, as such, has many non-baseball sports references and metaphors. While there is certainly lessons to be learned on leadership in this book, it would be a difficult read for someone who doesn't follow sports, hence the 4-star rating.
July 14, 2019
From the description I was expecting much more of a biography about Derek Jeter. I realized that would include stats and other similar aspects as a part of his life. I felt like I read mainly a book of yearly stats for each game and how that affected Derek and his relationship with himself and others. That was included in this book, at times. But more often than not, I felt a read of yearly stats and a few random tidbits thrown in. That you can look up online for Jeter.
While I respect the author’s knowledge of the game and his respect for Derek Jeter as both a player and an individual, that just didn’t quite come through for most of the book. In fact, I felt the epilogue was the best part of the book ibmany ways as it truly did meet the description of the novel and held my attention to the last word. I had some difficulty, at times, sticking with this, yet waiting for the “meat” of the book to come alive. It did in very short random spots.
If you are interested in Jeter’s career and how it differed by each year and with random tidbits thrown in, this is the book for you. Otherwise, this is not what it was presented: as more of a biography of Derek Jeter, although the author had more than enough information to have written one hell of one.
Rated: 3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️
While I respect the author’s knowledge of the game and his respect for Derek Jeter as both a player and an individual, that just didn’t quite come through for most of the book. In fact, I felt the epilogue was the best part of the book ibmany ways as it truly did meet the description of the novel and held my attention to the last word. I had some difficulty, at times, sticking with this, yet waiting for the “meat” of the book to come alive. It did in very short random spots.
If you are interested in Jeter’s career and how it differed by each year and with random tidbits thrown in, this is the book for you. Otherwise, this is not what it was presented: as more of a biography of Derek Jeter, although the author had more than enough information to have written one hell of one.
Rated: 3.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 23, 2017
The book "The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter" is a phenomenial true story of a kid that made a dream come true. Derek grew up in New Jersey and Michigan. He was a New York Yankee fan as a young kid. He used to go to some of the games with his grandmother. He then proceeded to play high school baseball at Kalamazoo Central High School. He made the Varsity level team as a freshmen. Jeter began to really flourish during his senior year of high school. He won several honors like Gatorade High school player of the year. He then proceeded to get a college baseball scholarship at the University of Michigan. Jeter then got drafted when he was still in College by the New York Yankees in 1992. He left college and started his major league career in 1995. He was named rookie of the year in 1996 and also was a leader of the Yankees championship team that year. The Yankees then proceeded to have a dynasty In the late 90's they won 3 world series in a row. Jeter had been apart of these great teams and was the star shortstop. His journey from a kid watching the Yankees with his grandmother, to becoming a Yankee is truly remarkable. He became one of the best players in baseball and was a household name. I strongly recommend this book to people that love sports and baseball. Great Read.
June 5, 2018
I honestly enjoyed this book Derek Jeter is one of my favorite players of all time. He is extremely private though, because there were things the author explained about him that I never knew. This book talks about his childhood, his high school years and his decision not to go to Michigan along with his minor league career and him becoming a Yankee. It takes you through his dealings with A-Rod and his appreciation of Joe Torre as his manager. The only thing I didn't enjoy about the book was towards the end of the book it starts to "die" as the author goes through a lot of games instead of telling the stories from the players perspective. I felt like I was reading the box scores about who hit where and what player caught what fly ball. Just got tedious. However overall the book was very good. I liked the amount of interviews with past and present players about Jeter. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is looking to learn more about Derek Jeter, But also, there are probably better books out there that give better information about Derek Jeter.
January 23, 2020
The Captain: The Journey Of Derek Jeter by: Ian O’Connor pages: 416
The Captain is a biography of one of baseball's greatest players, Derek Jeter. It focuses on the life of Jeter and how he came to be who he is today. Coming from where he lived in Michigan playing baseball, to the minors, to then being picked by the Yankees in the 1992 draft and being called up in 1995. The book includes milestones in his career as well as lots of his games and World Series. It also shows the dynasty that was created in the 2000’s with him as the all star shortstop he once dreamed to be.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys baseball the slightest as he was considered one of the most respected and well known baseball players. This book has every aspect of his baseball life and tells the story very well. The only downside is it can drag some parts on a bit too long. If this doesn’t bother you though, then I would definitely recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn about the role model Derek Jeter was and still is.
The Captain is a biography of one of baseball's greatest players, Derek Jeter. It focuses on the life of Jeter and how he came to be who he is today. Coming from where he lived in Michigan playing baseball, to the minors, to then being picked by the Yankees in the 1992 draft and being called up in 1995. The book includes milestones in his career as well as lots of his games and World Series. It also shows the dynasty that was created in the 2000’s with him as the all star shortstop he once dreamed to be.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys baseball the slightest as he was considered one of the most respected and well known baseball players. This book has every aspect of his baseball life and tells the story very well. The only downside is it can drag some parts on a bit too long. If this doesn’t bother you though, then I would definitely recommend the book to anyone wanting to learn about the role model Derek Jeter was and still is.
July 23, 2024
The Captain was a pretty great book with some insights on Jeter, how he operated and his work ethic. As a Braves fan whose hopes were continually getting crushed by the Yankees, I hated the Yankees. I never hates Jeter though. The way he carried himself on and off the field, and his clean reputation show the kind of guy he was. I hated to see him retired but he earned my respect for sure. It took me probably about 8 or 9 hours of total time to read as the writing is pretty small. I liked how the author stayed largely in chronological order throughout the book. What the book really showed me out of anything though was how bad sportswriters are. They caused so much drama for Jeter and the Yankees as a whole. Makes me dislike sports newspeople even more. Stick to the game and stats, not personal life and making up stuff. Overall, if you liked the Yankees or respected the way #2 played ball, this is definitely worth a read.
March 26, 2023
Very good. Can be enjoyed by Yankee fans, baseball fans, and all sports fans alike.
Derek Jeter was someone who played his sport the way an athlete should. It was never about individual accomplishments, it was all about winning championships. He may not have been the most gifted athlete, but he worked as hard or harder than anyone else to succeed. He would rather remain private in all his dealings, than in the public eye. He was respected and admired by teammates and opponents. He never showed anyone up, including teammates, coaches, and umpires.
It was interesting, but maybe a little too much attention was spent on his relationship with Alex Rodriguez.
Also, I wish Ian O’Conner would have waited till Jeter finished his career before writing the book. He still had a couple of good years left. So, the book feels slightly incomplete.
Derek Jeter was someone who played his sport the way an athlete should. It was never about individual accomplishments, it was all about winning championships. He may not have been the most gifted athlete, but he worked as hard or harder than anyone else to succeed. He would rather remain private in all his dealings, than in the public eye. He was respected and admired by teammates and opponents. He never showed anyone up, including teammates, coaches, and umpires.
It was interesting, but maybe a little too much attention was spent on his relationship with Alex Rodriguez.
Also, I wish Ian O’Conner would have waited till Jeter finished his career before writing the book. He still had a couple of good years left. So, the book feels slightly incomplete.
December 6, 2025
A biblical account of a great baseball player who is also an exceptional human being. Biblical because, like the four gospels of the New Testament there are many stories of the life of Derek Jeter; there are contributions from the sports scribes who wrote about him; we learn of the foundations taught by his parents that produced a man who grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with men and women, Yankees fans or not.
And finally, the negative of the book, the unceasing Psalm-like praise for Jeter. And by the way, shortstops were making backhand plays and leaping throws to first more than thirty years before Jeter stepped onto the Yankee Stadium diamond.
One confession from this reader: It was more fun reading of the Yankees failures than their championships.
This review is a composite of a much more detailed review that was somehow lost.
Four stars waning
And finally, the negative of the book, the unceasing Psalm-like praise for Jeter. And by the way, shortstops were making backhand plays and leaping throws to first more than thirty years before Jeter stepped onto the Yankee Stadium diamond.
One confession from this reader: It was more fun reading of the Yankees failures than their championships.
This review is a composite of a much more detailed review that was somehow lost.
Four stars waning
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