Yankees Legend Derek Jeter Criticizes Participation Trophies

Jeter tells his daughters the goal is to win, not just participate.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:54am

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New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter was seen giving his daughters a pep talk in his car during a FOX Sports broadcast, where he criticized the practice of handing out participation trophies. Jeter believes trophies should be earned through winning, not just for showing up.

Why it matters

Jeter's comments touch on the ongoing debate around participation trophies and the role of competition in youth sports. As a legendary player known for his fierce competitiveness, Jeter's perspective provides insight into the mindset of elite athletes.

The details

During the broadcast, Jeter told his daughters that the goal is to win, not just have fun. He said he gets "tired" of seeing trophies given out to everyone, emphasizing that you have to win in order to receive a trophy. Jeter also told his daughters to "beat them down" and finish in first place, showing a glimpse of his trademark competitiveness.

  • The pep talk in Jeter's car was shown during a FOX Sports broadcast on March 17, 2026.

The players

Derek Jeter

A 51-year-old former New York Yankees player and Baseball Hall of Famer, known for his fierce competitiveness and winning mentality during his 20-year MLB career.

Hannah Jeter

Derek Jeter's wife, with whom he has four children, including the daughters featured in the pep talk.

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What they’re saying

“You get to let them know. I get so ti- look I'm going off, this is a whole other show – you give out trophies to everybody. You got to win, you got to win.”

— Derek Jeter, Former New York Yankees Player (FOX Sports)

“No, you want to have fun, you will have fun. The goal is to win, don't get it twisted. Win. Beat them down, all of them, you beat 'em down. You run faster, you hear me? You finish, first. That's what we do, we finish first.”

— Derek Jeter, Former New York Yankees Player (FOX Sports)

What’s next

Jeter's comments are likely to reignite the debate around participation trophies and the role of competition in youth sports. It remains to be seen if his perspective will influence any changes in how youth sports are structured and rewarded.

The takeaway

As a legendary player known for his fierce competitiveness, Derek Jeter's criticism of participation trophies provides a unique perspective on the ongoing debate around the role of competition in youth sports. His comments highlight the value he places on winning and the importance of instilling a winning mentality in his own children.