Derek Jeter is one of the most legendary players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. He has been a part of five World Series-winning teams and is widely considered one of the greatest shortstops of all time. One of the many aspects of his game that made him so successful was his choice of equipment, particularly his glove. So, what size glove did Jeter use and why did he choose it?
About Derek Jeter
Before delving into the details of Jeter’s glove, it is important to understand the player himself. Jeter was born in New Jersey and began playing baseball at an early age. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in 1992 and made his major league debut in 1995. He quickly became a fan favorite and was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1996.
Jeter was known for his incredible athleticism, hitting ability, and defensive prowess. He was an All-Star 14 times during his career and won five Gold Glove awards, given to the best defensive players at each position. He is also the all-time leader in hits in Yankees history, with 3,465.
Jeter retired in 2014 after playing 20 seasons with the Yankees. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2020.
Jeter’s Glove
Throughout his career, Jeter used the same glove. It was a Rawlings Pro Preferred 12.75-inch glove with a deep pocket. This size was larger than the standard 12-inch glove used by most shortstops, which allowed for more control and accuracy when throwing.
The 12.75-inch glove also offered Jeter more protection when fielding ground balls. He was able to scoop up the ball more quickly and securely, which helped him make the spectacular plays he became known for.
Why Jeter Chose His Glove
Jeter chose to use a 12.75-inch glove for a few reasons. First, it gave him more control when fielding ground balls. He was able to get a better grip on the ball and make more accurate throws. Additionally, the 12.75-inch size allowed him to cover more ground.
Jeter also liked the extra protection the larger glove offered. He was able to keep his hand further away from the ball and reduce the risk of injury. Furthermore, the deep pocket and webbing allowed him to make diving catches and snag line drives.
The Impact of Jeter’s Glove
Jeter’s use of the 12.75-inch glove has had a lasting impact on the game. Many other shortstops have adopted the same size glove, including Hall of Famers like Ozzie Smith and Barry Larkin. It is now commonplace for shortstops to use a larger glove, and the 12.75-inch size has become the standard for the position.
Jeter’s glove also helped to revolutionize the equipment industry. Rawlings, the company that made his glove, began to produce more 12.75-inch gloves and has since become an industry leader in producing larger gloves for shortstops.
Conclusion
Derek Jeter was one of the greatest players in MLB history, and the equipment he used was a major part of his success. Jeter chose to use a 12.75-inch Rawlings Pro Preferred glove, which was larger than the standard 12-inch glove used by most shortstops. This size gave him extra control and protection when fielding ground balls, and he was able to make spectacular plays as a result.
Jeter’s glove has had a lasting impact on the game, as his choice of size has become the standard for shortstops. It has also helped to revolutionize the equipment industry, with Rawlings producing more larger gloves for shortstops as a result.