Does the former New York Yankees captain and likely Hall of Fame shoo-in whose 20-year
baseball playing career ended on Sunday want to become a media mogul? If so, then this
is his lead-off hit: Derek Jeter is the Founding Publisher of a Web site, The Players’ Tribune,
that promises to provide athletes with the tools to “share their unfiltered, honest and unique
perspectives, bringing fans closer to the games they love.” Legendary Entertainment will
provide cash and “creative support.” And former ESPN Publishing Editorial Director Gary
Hoenig will have the same title at the new endeavor .“I do think fans deserve more than ‘no
comments’ or ‘I don’t knows,’” Jeter says this morning on the site. “Those simple answers
have always stemmed from a genuine concern that any statement, any opinion or detail,
might be distorted. I have a unique perspective. Many of you saw me after that final home
game, when the enormity of the moment hit me. I’m not a robot. Neither are the other athletes
who at times might seem unapproachable. We all have emotions. We just need to be sure our
thoughts will come across the way we intend. We want to have a way to connect directly with
our fans, with no filter.”
Legendary CEO Thomas Tull is a natural partner: He’s a board member at The Baseball Hall
of Fame, and his company produced the 2013 biographical film about Jackie Robinson, 42.
He’s also a member of the ownership group of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Source: Deadline