Derek Jeter’s Parents Work at His Foundation: All We Know about Charles and Dorothy Jeter

Derek Jeter’s parents, Dorothy and Charles Jeter, are two of his most devoted fans in Major League Baseball (MLB). Dorothy is of Irish-German descent, while Charles is African-American.

Dorothy and Charles Jeter met in 1972 while in the U.S. military and deployed in Germany. The couple then moved to Tennessee, married, and welcomed two children, Derek and Sharleee Jeter.

Their parents raised them in a conservative environment, partly because of their previous military experience. But Derek and his sister felt Dorothy and Charles’ support in their individual lives.

Derek Jeter with his parents Charles and Dorothy Jeter, and sister Sharlee Jeter, during pregame between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees on September 21, 2008, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Derek’s Mother, Dorothy, Is from New Jersey, a Descendant of a Handyman

Dorothy is from New Jersey, and her father is a handyman. Dorothy had a simple upbringing, but that didn’t stop her from becoming very successful as an adult. After her time in the military, she worked as an accountant.

She now serves as a board member and treasurer of the Turn 2 Foundation, a non-profit group that helps young people enhance their leadership skills, do better in school, and live healthier lives.

Derek founded the organization while his sister Sharlee serves as the group’s secretary. Even if he has already established a foundation of his own, Derek still holds his mother in high regard in all that he does.

The New York Yankee star remembered making brief eye contact with his mother, who was watching from the stands, before the start of the baseball match at Yankee Stadium.

According to Derek, his mother is the driving force behind his and his sister’s determination to achieve their goals. He added that their mother taught them not to give up on their desires.

Dorothy Jeter and her husband Charles Jeter attend the Liquid Pool Lounge for Derek Jeter’s Celebrity Invitational event at Aria Resort & Casino on April 20, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images

Despite their conservative upbringing— where they were required to sign a handwritten contract about dating, curfew hours, rules about alcohol, study habits, and getting good grades—Derek said they grew up similar to the TV show “The Cosby Show.” Derek said of Dorothy and her husband:

“We had fun, always did many things together. My parents were involved in everything my sister and I did.”

Charles and Dorothy Jeter attend the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony inductee of their son Derek Jeter at Clark Sports Center on September 8, 2021, in Cooperstown, New York. | Source: Getty Images

Derek Jeter’s Father Also Played Baseball Back in the Days

Charles Jetter, born in Alabama, was a baseball player when he was younger. He played shortstop for the University of Tennessee baseball team while there. He stopped playing, however, when he decided to further his studies in psychology.

When he was younger, Derek said he and his dad would drive to Tiger Stadium in Michigan for two hours to watch his favorite team, the New York Yankees, play.

When his son was four years old, Charles and his family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, so that he could finish his master’s degree at West Michigan University.

Derek Jeter and his father Charles Jeter smiles on stage on November 4, 1996. | Source: Getty Images

The former college athlete also earned a doctorate in sociology. Charles chose to devote his time and energy to his work as a counselor for young people dealing with substance abuse.

Because of how much of an influence he was on his son, Derek kept playing baseball and turned it into a career. Derek stated that his father is an optimistic person. The MLB star added:

“He’s been a very, very vital part of my career and obviously my entire life. He always tried to find a positive, so that’s what I try to do.”

Derek Jeter and his father Charles Jeter attend the Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden on December 23, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

When he was younger, Derek said he and his dad would drive to Tiger Stadium in Michigan for two hours to watch his favorite team, the New York Yankees, play. He promised his father at that time that he would play baseball someday.

Derek became a successful shortstop player for the New York Yankees for 20 years before retiring from the sport in 2014. Many of his colleagues regarded him as one of the best players in MLB.

Charles was lucky to have a son who shares his love of the game. Besides being a counselor, the proud father served as vice-chairman and board member of his son’s Turn 2 Foundation.

Dorothy and Charles appear content that despite the meticulous upbringing they provided for their children, Derek Jeter and his sister have achieved success and happiness in life.

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