MLB: Derek Jeter announces surprise Marlins resignation

Miami, Florida - The Miami Marlins and baseball legend Derek Jeter are going their separate ways after the former shortstop stepped down from his position as CEO and shareholder on Monday morning.

2021 Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter had been Marlins CEO and shareholder since 2017.
2021 Baseball Hall of Famer Derek Jeter had been Marlins CEO and shareholder since 2017.  © IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

While the MLB has been making headlines with its ongoing labor dispute with the Player’s Union, the former New York Yankees legend announced on Monday that he was no longer affiliated with Miami’s ballclub going forward.

The Associated Press quoted Jeter as saying: "We had a vision five years ago to turn the Marlins franchise around, and as CEO, I have been proud to put my name and reputation on the line to make our plan a reality."

"Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the workforce, and developing a long-term strategic plan for success," he added.

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Jeter said "the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead. Now is the right time for me to step aside as a new season begins."

Too much losing for a winner

During Jeter's four seasons in the Marlins’ front office, the team only made the playoffs once in 2020
During Jeter's four seasons in the Marlins’ front office, the team only made the playoffs once in 2020  © Imago/UPI Photo

Usually when a prominent member of a high-profile sports franchise resigns, it’s due to the lack of a successful product on the field.

This shake-up can't be all on Jeter's shoulders, especially since he's no longer a professional athlete that directly influences the game. But as someone who's accustomed to winning, the past years can't have been easy to take. During four seasons in the Marlins’ front office, the team only made the playoffs once in 2020, somehow also compiling the worst overall win-loss record during that time span.

That kind of effort was nowhere near what Jeter experienced on the field, winning five World Series titles over 20 years in Yankees pinstripes.

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With a 4% stake in the deal, Jeter was part of an ownership group that bought the Marlins franchise for $1.2 billion in October 2017.

The current Marlins general manager Kim Ng is now said to be the final decision-maker in the front office regarding baseball decisions, according to an unnamed team source.

Cover photo: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

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