Former New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, currently about a week into retirement, has already announced one of his plans for his post-playing career.
After 19 years in the majors, Jeter has decided to start a website called The Players' Tribune, which he hopes will "ultimately transform how athletes and newsmakers share information, bringing fans closer than ever to the games they love."
The site's masthead states: "Introducing The Players' Tribune, a new media platform that will present the unfiltered voices of professional athletes, bringing fans closer to the games they love than ever before. Founded by Derek Jeter, The Players' Tribune aims to provide unique insight into the daily sports conversation and to publish first-person stories directly from athletes. From video to podcasts to player polls and written pieces, The Tribune will strive to be 'The Voice of the Game.'"
Jeter, in a letter titled "The Start Of Something New" posted to the site, introduced the Tribune and explained its intent - namely, giving the players a forum to express themselves and create a real connection with the fans.
"I learned early on in New York, the toughest media environment in sports, that just because a reporter asks you a question doesn't mean you have to answer. I attribute much of my success in New York to my ability to understand and avoid unnecessary distractions.
"I do think fans deserve more than 'no comments' or 'I don't knows.' 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."
"So I'm in the process of building a place where athletes have the tools they need to share what they really think and feel. We want to have a way to connect directly with our fans, with no filter."
Jeter was his normal humble, ridiculously amazing self, using part of the letter to thank fans across the country for his reception this season, his final as a professional baseball player.
"In some ways, the major change this year was that it felt like I played a majority of home games. As always, the New York fans were amazing; their response was overwhelming, but not surprising. Yankees fans have been great to me. It's the reception outside of New York that really was the biggest difference this year. I'll never forget how the baseball fans across the country have treated me."
The first article posted to the site is a short essay on domestic violence written by none other than "Senior Editor" and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson.
