CBS Miami · Mar 4, 2019
Longtime Derek Jeter Mentor Gary Denbo Helping To Lead Marlins Turnaround
JUPITER (CBSMiami/AP) — Like many things worthwhile, the relationship between Derek Jeter and Gary Denbo took some work.
There were a few whiffs before Denbo and Jeter really connected.
The friendship dates to 1992, when Denbo was managing the Class A Gulf Coast League Yankees in Tampa, and an 18-year-old Jeter showed up for his anticipated professional debut.
It went badly.
“A really rough day at the plate,” Denbo recalls with a chuckle.
Jeter was unfazed.
“The next day,” Denbo says, “he came out with a smile and was the first one in the batting cage, like he was the most confident human on the face of the earth. And he did that for the next 20 years.”