"We are trying to fix something that’s broken" - When Derek Jeter remained unfazed by backlash over controversial Marlins decision
Derek Jeter's short stint as co-owner of the Miami Marlins didn't go as planned. The Hall of Famer gave up his stakes in the organization within five years of operating as the CEO of the team.
Jeter enjoyed an illustrious playing career, spending 20 seasons with the New York Yankees. He earned 14 All-Star caps and won the World Series five times.
In 2017, he joined Bruce Sherman's group, which acquired the Marlins from Jeffrey Loria. Jeter held a 4% stake in the franchise and was named CEO.
Early in his Marlins front office tenure, Derek Jeter dismissed then-team president David Samson. He also parted ways with legends Andre Dawson and Tony Perez, who served as front-office consultants. The team traded star player Giancarlo Stanton after his 2017 MVP season, despite being in the fourth year of a 13-year, $325 million contract.
In an interview with "CBS Mornings" in 2018, Jeter opened up about the backlash he faced from fans and analysts alike. Jeter said he didn't pay much heed to it.
"Honestly I don't really pay much attention it," Jeter said (1:17). "I am an optimist. I am positive in nature and I try to look at the fact that we do have an end game. Everyone gets criticized. I think it's easy to criticize we haven't played a game yet right? The bottom line is we're trying to fix something that's been broken."
Derek Jeter on leaving the Marlins franchise
Derek Jeter had felt that in the five years he was part of the Miami Marlins franchise, he didn't feel connected to the team. In 2022, he diluted his shares and stepped away from the CEO role.
"It's just like the statement I made, I think that the direction of the organization had changed and that was not what I had signed up for and you know you have to believe in the direction, especially if you are going to be the forward face," Jeter said (h/t ESPN).
"I just couldn't move on if I didn't agree with the direction that the organization was going."
During his time, the Marlins went 218-327 and could only make the playoffs once in the 2020 season. Jeter moved to a broadcasting role and appeared on Fox's post-game shows alongside legends like Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz.