Derek Jeter

Who are your favorite New Yorkers?
Derek Jeter: Oh man. [Pauses to sign autograph for someone named “Toni”] Tough question. Man, I’ve met so many people throughout the years here in New York, that it’s hard to narrow it down to just favorite ones. I’m trying to think of people actually from New York. Joe Torre, I guess. He’s like a second father to me.

You still keep in touch with him?
Derek Jeter: Yeah, of course. And he’s from New York, so…

How’s he liking it out in L.A.?
Derek Jeter: Yeah, I think he enjoys it. It’s more relaxed out there than it is here. But he’s definitely one of my favorite New Yorkers.

Sort of spoils my next question. If you could have a drink with anyone else on this Top 40 list, who would it be?
Derek Jeter: Maybe Spider-Man, Stephen Colbert or Joe Torre…

Spider-Man? Like Spidey or Tobey Maguire?
Derek Jeter: Spider-Man like Peter Parker. [Laughs] That’s the three I get? [Jeter is brought more balls to sign.] I can’t write and think at the same time, man. Who were the three again?

Spider-Man, Torre, and Stephen Colbert.
Derek Jeter: I’ll go with Mr. T again. It’d be good to catch up with him. I haven’t seen him in a while.

What’s the biggest thing that has happened to the city in the last 13 years?
Derek Jeter: Another tough one. Besides September 11? Maybe the Subway Series? Especially for New Yorkers, that was a big event.

What’s your favorite place or thing in New York?
Derek Jeter: My apartment. I spend a lot of time in my apartment.

How is the Donald as a landlord?
Derek Jeter: He’s a great guy.

What’s your personal favorite moment in New York? Where were you and what was happening?
Derek Jeter: There’s so much, the World Series, things like that. The All-Star game here was really fun to be a part of—the last year of Yankee Stadium, bringing back the Hall of Famers. I thought that they did a tremendous job.

What’s the future of New York? What are your hopes? What needs to happen? Jeter for mayor?
Derek Jeter: [Laughs] No, no political office for me! I think the city has come a long way since I first came up; they did a great job cleaning up the city. People really enjoy coming here. Talking about September 11, people were hesitant, but now, people really look forward to visiting. The city has done a great job.

Complete the sentence: New York is…
Derek Jeter: Diverse.

I hate the Yankees, but your obvious love and respect for the game and reputation for classiness off the field make it tough to loathe you. Would you consider dogging it down to second base sometime, or maybe getting involved in a scandal?
Derek Jeter: [Laughs] No, I don’t think that will happen. My parents would kill me.

Any tips for an up-and-coming celebrity bachelor?
Derek Jeter: Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests. But I guess that goes for everyone.

Next: Joe Torre >

The New York 40: