Yankees legend Derek Jeter criticizes participation trophies: ‘You got to win’

MLB Hall of Famer and former New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter throws out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the 2024 MLB World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York, New York, on Oct.28, 2024.(Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images)

Jeter and his wife, Hannah Jeter, have four kids together: three daughters and one son.The former Yankees captain started off his pep talk to his kids with the intention of having fun when you play.

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“Is that you do your best, and you have fun, and you root for your teammates.You understand?And regardless of what happens, mommy and daddy are proud of you,” Jeter said.

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One of Jeter’s daughters asked if he would be proud if they finished in last place.Jeter responded that he would be as long as they worked hard.

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Hall of Famer Derek Jeter arrives at the National Baseball Hall of Fame during the Parade of Legends in Cooperstown, New York, on July 26, 2025.(Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)

The conversation took a turn toward winning instead of having fun when one of Jeter’s daughters said you’re supposed to have fun.

“No, you want to have fun, you will have fun.The goal is to win, don’t get it twisted.Win.Beat them down, all of them, you beat ’em down.You run faster, you hear me?You finish, first.That’s what we do, we finish first,” Jeter said.

TheBaseball Hall of Famerthen showed a glimpse of his trademark competitiveness and explained what it means to dominate.

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Hannah Jeter and Derek Jeter attend “The Captain” premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at BMCC Tribeca PAC in New York City, New York, on June 12, 2022.(Noam Galai/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival)

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“Dominate?That means you beat ‘em.You beat ’em and then you smile and shake their hands afterwards,” Jeter said.

The 14-time All-Star has a disdain for participation trophies and wants to make sure his daughters share the same view.

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