The Marlin in Miami and CEO Derek Jeter have mutually agreed to separate. It was announced on Monday that Jeter would step down immediately, in a surprising move. The Hall of Famer was baseball’s first and remains the game’s only black CEO.
Here is the statement released by Jeter in which he explains his decision, which he believes was influenced by the “vision of the future” of the Marlins.
“Today I announce that we are officially ending our relationship with the Miami Marlins and will no longer serve as the club’s CEO or shareholder. Five years ago we had a vision to transform the Marlins franchise and, as CEO, I was proud to have tested my name and reputation to make our plan a reality. Through hard work, trust and responsibility, we’ve changed every aspect of the franchise, reshaped the workforce, and created a long-term strategic plan for success.
“However, the vision for the future of the franchise is different from what I signed up to lead. Now is the time for me to step aside at the start of a new season ”.
“My family and I would like to thank our wonderful staff, the Marlins fans, the Marlins players and the great Miami community for welcoming us with open arms and making us feel right at home. The organization is stronger today than it was five years ago, and I am grateful and grateful to be part of this team ”.
To say that “the franchise’s vision for the future is different from what I co-directed” would certainly raise some eyebrows, and his sudden departure suggests a rift with others in the organization. Jeter joined Marlins as part of the Bruce Sherman-owned group in 2017 when they bought the team for $ 1.2 billion from Jeffrey Loria. Jeter owned four percent of the franchise and earned a salary of $ 5 million a year. His contract would expire after 2022.
“The Miami Marlins and Derek Jeter announced today that they have agreed to formally end their relationship. The Marlins thank Derek for his many contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors, ”Sherman said in a statement. “We have a deep talent base who will oversee business and baseball decisions as we work to select a new CEO to lead our franchise. The owned group is committed to continuing to invest in the future of the franchise and we are determined to build a team that will return beyond the season and thrill Marlins fans and the local community. ”
As CEO, Jeter has made significant contributions in the team’s front office and baseball operations over the years. Among those in his close circle with the Marlins were General Manager Kim Ng, Director of Player Development and Scout Gary Denbow, both of whom have a long history with Jeter that stretches back to his time with the Marlins. New York Yankees. The club’s technical and player development staff also includes many former Yankees players and employees.
“Derek is the winner on and off the pitch,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “In addition to his invaluable contributions as a front office executive, Derek has been a highly respected voice on diversity and competition committees. He helped build a talented front office with the Marlins, including taking the game forward by hiring women in senior positions in the club’s baseball operations and executive executive, and the institution that brought the Marlins to long-term success. Derek is a pillar of our game and we can’t wait to receive his future baseball contributions. ”
Jeter’s resignation comes at a pivotal and historically important time for baseball. The current owner initiated shutdown is the second longest downtime in baseball history, Monday is an artificial deadline for the two teams to strike a deal and avoid postponing opening day and canceling regular season matches.. However, Jeter’s resignation allows the Marlins to find a new CEO and adapt their search to the terms of the new collective agreement, once finalized.
Joel Sherman at New York post Relationships Jeter believes the Marlins will have an additional $ 10 to $ 15 million to spend on paychecks after closing, which he no longer has. This is “central to Jeter’s decision to step down as CEO”.
some MLB players, Including Mets Shortstop star Francisco Lindorpraised Jeter’s move and timing, circling the idea of a former player reluctant to keep up with a reluctance to spend money. Read more here.
Soon after Jeter and Sherman took over in 2017, the Marlins ditched the payroll and dumped top talent like Christian WillichAnd the Marcel OzunaAnd the JT Realmotoand then adjusts NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton. The club is looking to rebuild the agricultural system and, although they qualified for the extended season with a record of 31-29 in 2020, they have lost at least 95 games in three full seasons of 162 games in the Jeter / Sherman era.
