A single-digit number seemed to predestine Derek Jeter for Yankees greatness, the real reason behind him getting that jersey number is shockingly ordinary.
When Derek Jeter got No. 2 as his jersey number from the New York Yankees, it was one of the last single-digit numbers available. The rest of the single-digit numbers — save for 6 — had been worn by legends like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and others, already retired by the organization.
If Jeter had his way, he would have taken No. 13. That has been well publicized, he wanted the number because his father wore it. Instead, he got 2, which, in retrospect, almost feels like it predestined his path with the team to join the rest of the legends who have had their single-digit jerseys retired.
What hasn’t been discussed at-length to this point is the reason he got the No. 2 jersey instead of some other number. In fact, a clubhouse attendant offered him to switch to No. 17 at one point, but Jeter opted to stick with the original 2.
The real reason why Derek Jeter got No. 2, as told by Derek Jeter himself
The reason behind Jeter getting No. 2, at least as he tells it, is oh-so-boring compared to the possibility that it was a predestined path of becoming one of the all-time greats to wear a single-digit number in pinstripes.
On a recent episode of the Drink Champs podcast, Jeter revealed his unassuming stature was the reason he got that number:
“[They] just gave it to me, man,” Jeter said on getting No. 2. “I think it was the smallest jersey. I really do. There was a guy by the name of Mike Gallego that wore No. 2 before me. Mike Gallego was probably what, like 5-6, 5-7? and, um, You know, when I… I played basketball in high school. And you know, in basketball they always make you a little taller, a little heavier. So I was listed as 6-3, 185 [pounds] when I was drafted. And, first thing they did when the Yankees signed me is they measured me, put me on a scale. I was 6-2, 154. Dressed. Dressed! So when I finally got to New York, man, I probably weighed 175, 180. So I just think No. 2 was — there’s all these rumors of why they gave me No. 2 — I just think No. 2 was the smallest jersey they had, man.”
Gallego was listed at 5-8, 160 pounds, so it tracks.
Eventually, Alex Rodriguez would take No. 13 when he joined the Yankees, and since, Joey Gallo has worn the number. What a different legacy the number would have if Jeter got it when he originally wanted it.