Derek Jeter Encourages Michigan Graduates to Embrace Failure

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – Former Major League Baseball star Derek Jeter delivered a powerful commencement speech on Saturday at the University of Michigan, emphasizing the importance of overcoming failure.

Jeter, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the university, addressed hundreds of graduates at the ceremony. He reflected on his own experiences, sharing that failures are a natural part of pursuing dreams.

“Failure is essential,” Jeter told the crowd. “If I can promise you one thing for certain, you will fail. The bigger the dream, the bigger the risk. But what’s the price if you don’t take the risk?”

The Hall of Famer also recalled his challenging beginnings in professional baseball, where he faced significant hurdles in the minor leagues. “I failed publicly, I failed miserably. There were days I literally cried because I was so bad. I made 56 errors. For the non-baseball fans, it’s hard to do intentionally,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Jeter, a former shortstop for the New York Yankees, made his Major League debut in 1995 and went on to have a storied career, including five World Series titles and 14 All-Star selections. He attributes much of his success to the lessons learned through failure.

“You, me, every one of us has to learn to deal with failure,” Jeter stated. “I wouldn’t have had the success without the failures. It’s your job to make sure that a speed bump doesn’t become a roadblock.”

As he concluded, Jeter encouraged the graduates to pursue their passions, stating, “The key to what’s going to separate you is passion: passion for what you do, passion for who you are.” With this message, he inspired a new generation to embrace challenges and strive for greatness.