U-M fan Derek Jeter talks with Free Press on 5/11/08

U-M fan Derek Jeter talks expectations, Rich Rodriguez's hire, beating Ohio State and more

May 12, 2008

Free Press special writer Jon Machota caught up with Derek Jeter before Sunday's Yankees/Tigers rain delay. They discussed getting inducted into his high school hall of fame, his expectations for Michigan's football team, and comparing Tiger Stadium and Comerica Park.

QUESTION: Your thoughts on getting inducted into the Kalamazoo Central High School Hall of Fame (Dec. 15, 2007)?

ANSWER: It was fun for me. Anytime you talk about a hall of fame, it makes you feel good. So, yeah it was fun. I had an opportunity to go back home and go and see a lot of old teachers and coaches and things.

Q: With you being a Michigan football fan, what do you expect out of the team this season?

A: You always expect them to be competitive. You expect them to win. I mean -- that's the bottom line, sort of like how it is here (with the Yankees). Regardless of who the coach is or anything, people still expect the team to be good. So, I'm sure they will be fine.

Q: Are you happy with the Rich Rodriguez hire?

A: I didn't really pay much attention to it. But everything I've heard about him is that he's a great guy, he's a great coach, and I'm sure he's going to do a great job.

Q: Does his new offense give Michigan a better chance of beating Ohio State?

A: Hopefully. (George) Steinbrenner is an Ohio State guy. He's had bragging rights for a while, so hopefully they can beat them this year.

Q: You have a foundation called "Turn 2." What was the reason for getting so involved in charity work?

A: I did it because I was a big Dave Winfield fan. He was one of the first athletes to have his own foundation. I thought that was cool when I was a kid. A tremendous athlete that's giving back to the community. I've always wanted to do it. A lot of people give money to charity, but I wanted to be a little more involved and start my own foundation, and it's been getting bigger and better every year.

Q: Comerica Park or Tiger Stadium?

A: This one's in better condition than Tiger Stadium. It was just an old stadium. One thing I liked is how the rightfield upper deck sort of overhung (the field at Tiger Stadium). I hit the ball the other way, so that helped me out a few times.

Q: Do you enjoy playing at Comerica Park with its large field dimensions?

A: I like it. I don't hit that many home runs anyway, so it doesn't really make a difference. I think it's great to see that the fans are coming out now. A lot more fans show up than when it first opened up. So, I think it's a great stadium.

Q: Favorite thing about coming back to Michigan?

A: I always enjoy when I see some familiar faces, like some people from Kalamazoo when I come here and play. So, that's always a thrill to get an opportunity to see some guys or some people that you really haven't seen in a long time. ... Every once in a while, you see some people in the stands and get a chance to say hello to them. Sometimes people have some signs from Kalamazoo, so that makes you feel good.

You suck Jeter! You're no Michigan fan. BOO!