The appointment of Jeter as team captain marked the first time a player had held the designation since the retirement of first baseman Don Mattingly, following the 1995 season.
The choice seemed obvious from the outset of Jeter’s rookie campaign in 1996. His cool, calm, almost stoic demeanor and leadership example essentially had him groomed for the position.
Yet, it wasn’t all that clear cut in the offseason with Jeter being criticized by Steinbrenner for staying out too late and not focusing, which not surprisingly angered Jeter. It also led to an ad goofing on their feud after they resolved their differences.