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.