The New York Yankees ended a difficult six-game losing streak recently, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. emerged from his own batting struggles, fueled by inspiration from Derek Jeter’s graduation speech at the University of Michigan last month. This encouragement helped Chisholm Jr. regain confidence during the team’s challenging run.
On May 3, Derek Jeter, the former captain of the Yankees and five-time World Series champion, spoke to the Class of 2025 at Michigan’s commencement, highlighting the unavoidable nature of failure and how resilience shapes one’s future. Chisholm Jr. connected deeply with Jeter’s message, applying it during a rough patch for both himself and the team.
How Jazz Chisholm Jr. Applied Jeter’s Message to Overcome Challenges
After the Yankees’ 4-2 victory against the Baltimore Orioles, Jazz Chisholm Jr. reflected on the lessons from Jeter’s speech as a source of motivation to push through adversity. The Bahamian infielder recognized that setbacks are common and echoed Jeter’s views on perseverance during tough times.
“I mean, everybody goes through a rough stretch, man. I mean, we all do it,” Chisholm Jr. said. “I would just say—we’ve got Derek Jeter. He’s an example: you go through that rough stretch and you just gotta turn it around.”
—Jazz Chisholm Jr.
“I think he just gave a graduation speech the other day that we watched, and he said it before—in front of 1,000 people. And he always says it: you’re gonna fail. Eventually, you’re gonna fail. It’s just how you bounce back or how you cut it off. And I feel like six, seven games ain’t gonna kill us.”
—Jazz Chisholm Jr.
During the game, Chisholm Jr. delivered an improved performance, going 2-for-4 at the plate and driving in two runs. His season statistics now include a .242 batting average, 10 home runs, 10 stolen bases, and 28 RBIs. The Yankees’ win lifted their record to 45-32, extending their lead over the Tampa Bay Rays, who trail by 2.5 games.
Derek Jeter’s Perspective on Failure That Resonated with Chisholm Jr.
Derek Jeter’s speech to the graduating students outlined failure as an essential and unavoidable part of life, a viewpoint that continues to influence both athletes and fans alike. Drawing from his own experiences in baseball, Jeter emphasized that failure is inevitable but mastering how you respond to it defines success.
“Failure. Failure is essential. If I can promise you one thing for certain: You will fail,” he said.
—Derek Jeter
Jeter urged the graduates to embrace risk-taking, associating it with the possibility of both success and failure. The courage to pursue big dreams, despite the chance of failure, was a key message he wanted the audience to remember.
“The bigger the dream, the bigger the risk. What is the price if you don’t take the risk? If you don’t commit to the dream? You might end up overmatched,” Jeter added.
—Derek Jeter
“But maybe you won’t. I failed publicly. I failed miserably. There were days I literally cried because I was so bad. My first season as a professional, I made 56 errors. And for the non-baseball fans, that is hard to do intentionally… But you, me, every one of us has to learn to deal with failure. I wouldn’t have had the success without the failures.”
—Derek Jeter
Jeter’s candid admission about his struggles and how they shaped his achievements serves as a powerful lesson, and his continuing influence is evident as players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. find strength in his words during demanding moments on the field.
The Broader Impact of Jeter’s Message on the Yankees
As the Yankees confront a competitive season, Jeter’s perspective on resilience remains a guiding principle for the team. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s recent turnaround signifies how the legend’s wisdom can translate into real results, helping players stay focused despite setbacks. This encouragement also strengthens the squad’s morale and determination as they strive to maintain their position atop the standings.
Looking ahead, the Yankees will rely on this mindset to navigate upcoming challenges, with Chisholm Jr. and his teammates demonstrating that setbacks are temporary obstacles rather than endings. Jeter’s enduring message reminds the team and fans alike that what matters most is not the failure itself, but the ability to recover and continue pushing forward.