Mailbag: Derek answers his fans' questions

January 24, 2006

Derek enjoys watching University of Michigan basketball games. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

Derek Jeter sat down to answer 10 of the top e-mail questions submitted by fans through his Web site. Here's what he had to say:

Jeter: I'd like to go back and finish someday and I would probably major in business.

Q: Do you have any plans of doing any more television appearances, for example, Saturday Night Live again?
-- Kathleen C.

Jeter: SNL was a lot of fun and also very intimidating because it was live. I have a few new commercials coming out this spring, so keep an eye out for those.

Q: Hi Derek,
My name is Allie and I am 9 years old. My question is: Do you have any pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?
Sincerely,
Your biggest fan
-- Allie D.

Jeter: Hi Allie. No, I don't have any pets, and with my travel schedule, it would be really difficult to take care of one. Plus, I'm a little afraid of animals in general -- I like to watch them on Animal Kingdom, but not in my house!

Q: Derek,
According to your bio, you played basketball in high school. Do you have an interest in watching or playing basketball now?
-- Marquita W.

Jeter: I don't play basketball these days, but I do enjoy watching it quite a bit, particularly the University of Michigan.

Q: Hey Derek,
What's up man? I was wondering what you do in the offseason? What kind of training do you do? Thanks for your time, Derek.
-- Matthew T.

Jeter: My training routine changes depending on the time of year. I take about a month off, and then I start with two hours per day and work my way up to about four hours per day before the season starts. I focus on things like strength training, agility drills, and increasing my flexibility -- all things that will help improve my game.

Q: Dear Derek Jeter,
How do you feel about the addition of Johnny Damon on the Yankees?
-- Ryan O.

Jeter: He's going to be a great addition to the team.

Q: I have a 13-year-old nephew who idolizes you. He is a smart kid but he is constantly getting in trouble at school and not doing his work. Can you help?
-- Carlos G.

Jeter: Well, I don't know what his circumstances are, but for me, I had to maintain my grades in order to play baseball so that was always a motivating factor for me. I was lucky because I really enjoyed school, but if he doesn't, then giving him a goal to focus on can be helpful.

Q: Aloha Mr. Jeter:
I am a big fan of yours and the Yankees. I have a question: What do you use to condition your glove? Glove oil? Some people tell me that shaving cream with lanolin is good. What do you think?
P.S. Do you ever come to Hawaii?
-- Keenan N., Hawaii

Jeter: Actually, I prefer good old-fashioned wear and tear to break in my glove. I play catch with it until it's broken in. But, I have heard that shaving cream works well, too. I was in Hawaii for the first time this year and it is beautiful.

Q: I am a diehard Yankee/Jeter fan from Puerto Rico. I would like to know why you did not select the same uniform number that you wore in the Minor Leagues? My understanding is that you wore No. 24. Take care during the World Baseball Classic. We need you to win the World Series in 2006.
-- Angel R.

Jeter: Actually, I didn't get to choose my number when I came up to the big leagues. The No. 2 jersey was the one they gave me.

Q: Hi Derek,
Have you ever considered starting baseball clinics in New Jersey with your Turn 2 Foundation? There are lots of Yankees fans in Jersey and you have a tremendous amount of youngsters who look up to you and one day hope to be like you. My son Andre is 8 years old and he read your autobiography and just totally admires you.
-- Vivian D.

Jeter: Currently, we are only holding clinics in each of the five boroughs of New York City and the information for these clinics will be posted on the Web site in the next couple of months. Our clinics are open to everyone, ages 8-13, so if there is one close to where you live in New Jersey, then we would be happy to have you!