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As Derek Jeter plays his last All Star Game tonight, we will look back at his 20 years of career accomplishments.
None of his success could have been possible without the support of his parents, who have been by his side since he was in Westwood Little League in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Here’s what you need to know about Dr. Charles Jeter, the father behind the shortstop.
1. He Was a Substance Abuse Counselor
Throughout his @MLB career, Derek Jeter has leaned on his father's positivity for guidance http://t.co/R88HfRHFe4 pic.twitter.com/sn2YX3Eu9z
— Excel Sports (@excelsm) June 16, 2014
In his occupation, he worked with many teens with drug problems.
The family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, when Derek was 4 so his father could complete his master’s degree at Western Michigan.
He then went on to get his doctorate in sociology.
Charles’s positive attitude makes him a successful counselor and father.
My dad is very positive, very optimistic. We play a sport that’s full of negativity on a daily basis, but he always tries to find a positive out of things. He’s been a very, very vital part of my career and obviously my entire life.
2. He Met His Wife in the Army
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In 1972, he met Dorothy in Frankfurt, Germany when they were both stationed there.
They married a year later in Tennessee.
3. He Serves as a Board Member on Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation
Charles works for the Turn 2 Foundation, which helps promote healthy lifestyles for young people.
According to MLB’s site, the father son duo first discussed the idea over pizza in a Detroit hotel room.
“We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been able to do some good,” he said in the video interview above.
4. He Loves Yankee Fans
Throughout his @MLB career, Derek Jeter has leaned on his father's positivity for guidance http://t.co/R88HfRHFe4 pic.twitter.com/sn2YX3Eu9z
— Excel Sports (@excelsm) June 16, 2014
The son of a single mother from Alabama, Charles is there to cheer on his own son quite often.
When Derek hit his 3,000th, Charles was there and said:
Yankee fans are tremendous. They are known for knowing their history, what’s important and what’s not important. For him to be a part of it to get to 3,000, it would have been special anywhere, but here at Yankee Stadium, in front of the fans, it meant a lot to all of us.
5. He Played College Baseball
He was the shortstop at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated with a degree in business.
Since he did not professionally, Charles can now bask in the glory of his son’s tremendous career.
“We think of things that have happened with Derek back in Little League, and to see him now progress as a ballplayer, as a man, we’re always in that parent mode,” he said.
As a youngster, Derek played on his father’s Little League team.
