Derek Jeter’s Hilarious Michigan Speech: Embrace Failure to Win Big

Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees icon, stepped up to the plate at the University of Michigan’s commencement on Saturday, delivering a speech that hit a home run with graduates. With his signature charm, Jeter shared a heartfelt message about embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, drawing from his own journey in baseball and life.

Jeter, who once dreamed of playing for Michigan’s Wolverines before going pro in 1992, reflected on his early struggles. “I failed publicly, and I failed miserably,” he admitted, recounting his rookie season’s staggering 56 errors—a stat that drew laughs from the crowd. “It’s hard to do that intentionally,” he quipped, proving his knack for blending humor with hard truths.

Despite those early fumbles, Jeter’s resilience led him to a Hall of Fame career, five World Series titles, and a legacy as one of baseball’s greatest. He urged the graduates to see failure not as a dead end but as a necessary part of chasing big dreams. “The bigger the dream, the bigger the risk,” he said, encouraging them to push past setbacks.

Receiving an honorary degree from Michigan, Jeter’s connection to the university shone through. His message was clear: “A speed bump doesn’t have to become a roadblock.” For a new generation stepping into the world, Jeter’s words were a reminder that even legends strike out before they soar.