Since Derek Jeter took the reins of the Miami Marlins, the results have been mixed according to fans. However, after years of criticism directed at the player-turned-owner whose playing days equated to postseason success, the Marlins are in the playoffs.

It’s Jeter’s first postseason since 2012. While he’s no longer playing, his experience could be key to a deep run by the franchise he owns. 

Derek Jeter’s key to winning

Jeter has always been a different type of superstar. While marvelous, his stats may not paint the same picture as his overall impact on the game of baseball. However, for young Yankees fans, his playing days invigorated the club in ways few managed since Mickey Mantle.

Jeter debuted for his only MLB team in 1995. For nearly 20 years, he was the face of the organization regardless of other rotating stars. It took him just a year to become a champion. By the end of 2000, Jeter was a four-time Champion, one-time MVP, and three-time All-Star. 

While Jeter might not have hit it out of the park like Alex Rodriguez, and his fielding analytics show a man who, at best, could get himself out of a pickle and at worst, had a tendency to let the ball get by him. What he had more than anything, however, was heart.

For a 20-year career filled with highlights, accomplishments, and championship baseball, Jeter had a way to make his brightest moments shine more than anyone else could ever dream of. 

Jeter’s greatest moments

Jeter wasn’t just there for his greatest moments basking in the success that comes with being a Yankee. He was an integral part of every ring he won with the club, details ESPN. From his home run against the Orioles in the 1996 AL Championships to his lead-off home run in 2000’s Subway series against the Mets, Jeter might not have been a home run king, but he knew how to hit them when they mattered. 

A 2001 home run again said the D-backs had him usurping Reggie Jackson, in a way, after it caused sports writers to dub him Mr. November. Jeter didn’t just need home runs to make a difference. He consistently did what needed to be done on defense, ran the bases, or got a simple base hit when everything was working against them. 

His last playoff game came in 2012 and ended disappointingly when Jeter broke his ankle. He was never quite the same afterward. His impact, however, could not go understated. Jeter might not have been the best at any specific aspect of the game, but he could do a little bit of everything. Off the field, however, all he has is his voice and leadership. 

Can Jeter lead the Marlins in the postseason?

Jeter might be well beyond his playing days, but his impact on the team could still be huge, according to the Miami Herald. While every owner has a strategy for meddling with the team, Jeter has playing experience to back it up. For all the downfalls he may have as an owner, his leadership in the locker room could be what keeps the unlikely winners competitive. 

As the Marlins figure out just how far their Cinderella story will stretch, Jeter has a part in it, for better or worse. As playoff baseball goes into full effect, Jeter has an advantage that no other baseball owner has. He can draw upon his own experience not as a millionaire or owner, but as a player. That, in itself, is vital.