Miami Marlins CEO and shareholder Derek Jeter announced a surprise departure from the organization on Monday after 4 1/2 years.  Jeter said in a statement: “Through hard work, trust and accountability, we transformed every aspect of the franchise, reshaping the work force and developing a long-term strategic plan for success. That said, the vision for the future of the franchise is different than the one I signed up to lead. My family and I would like to thank our incredible staff, Marlins fans, Marlins players, and the greater Miami community for welcoming us with open arms and making us feel at home. The organization is stronger today than it was five years ago, and I am thankful and grateful to have been a part of this team.”

Jeter was part of the group that won the right in August 2017 to buy the Marlins in a $1.2 billion deal.  Jeter had a 4% stake in the purchase, coming on board as the CEO in September 2017 when principal owner Bruce Sherman bought the team from Jeffrey Loria.  Sherman said in a separate statement: “We have a deep bench of talent that will oversee both business and baseball decisions while we work to identify a new CEO to lead our franchise.” 

The Marlins had the fourth-worst record in baseball over Jeter’s four seasons, making the playoffs only in 2020 during the pandemic-affected year.  Miami went 218-327 during his four seasons at the helm, finishing with a winning record only once at 31-29 in the 2020 season. In the full seasons under Jeter, the Marlins went 63-98, 57-105 and 67-95.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said:  “I thank Derek for his service to the Marlins, the communities of Miami and the game. Derek is a winner on and off the field … a pillar of our game and we look forward to his future contributions to baseball.”

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com