On the Field with... Derek Jeter Book

Personal Response
The biography of Derek Jeter was a very good and interesting book. The obstacles he had to overcome to get to where he wanted to be when he got older were unbelievable. Derek had to get his name out to people someone way, because he came from a small high school. I think he set a great example for other kids that have a dream of playing professional baseball. It showed the effort that you have to put into things that you want to achieve in your life.

Plot
Derek was that really good baseball player from a small school, not getting many looks from colleges. He always had a dream to play for the New York Yankees as a shortstop. His dream would come true. Once Derek had his name being mentioned and people realizing how good he really was, it was not the college scouts looking at him, but MLB teams. Right away though, Jeter was disappointed that the Yankees really didn't show any interest in him. That would change as time passed. The team realized what Derek brought to the table and how he could really help out their team. In years to come Jeter made a name for himself in the pros. He led the Yankees to world series wins and multiple team pennants. Derek Jeter will go down in history as one of the greatest players to ever play the game.

Characterization
Derek was a three sport athlete in high school which he excelled in all sports, but really stood out in baseball. He was a great leader for his teams always setting the example on and off the field. Derek was the one to stay after practice just to make himself better. He never had a big head and always treated others with respect. Knowing how good he was, he still did all his school work before he would go practice baseball, because he knew education came first.

Impact of Setting
The majority of the book took place in Michigan in the 1980s when Derek was starting to become a man. He then went on to attend Michigan University to get his business degree. Once he got drafted he moved out to New York and spent many of his years out there. It was hard for his parents to see him leave but they knew it was the best for him. His parents traveled all over the country to be at a majority of his baseball games. Mainly baseball is played in the spring, but Derek found a way to play it all year around to just make himself better.

Audience/Recommendation
I would recommend this book to any high school baseball player who has a dream of playing in the MLB. Derek shows the hard work that goes into achieving a goal like that. On the flip side it shows all the benefits of reaching your goal. Derek Jeter is a great role model for people and myself to look up to.