DEREK JETER
PART-OWNER & CEO, MIAMI MARLINS, MIAMI
Jeter is no stranger to success. The five-time World Series champion and Hall of Fame shortstop is the Yankees’ all-time career leader in hits, games played and times on base. In his role as CEO and part-owner of the Marlins, he has found that turning around an underperforming MLB team is tougher than performing on the baseball diamond. In 2019, the Marlins finished last in the National League east division with a 57-105 record and also finished last in attendance. Jeter has drawn criticism for not engaging more with fans as he’s traded big-name players, trimmed payroll and made changes at the executive level to bring financial stability to the long-struggling team, which he purchased for $1.2 billion in 2017 as part of a group that included businessman investor Bruce Sherman.
Before the disruption of the 2020 season by the coronavirus, some pundits spoke hopefully, however, pointing to the prospects the team had amassed by trading away established players and also to improvements in the team’s farm system.“We believe in the fan base in Miami,” Jeter said at a press conference at his Hall of Fame induction. We believe in the organization that were building. We understand it’s going to take some time. I preach patience even though I have none.”