In the tenth book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade series inspired by the life of iconic New York Yankee Derek Jeter, young Derek and his friends persevere through everyday challenges. Derek Jeter dreams of being the shortstop for the New York Yankees. He even imagines himself in the World Series. So Derek makes his case to be shortstop, but realizes winning is hard. With his dad, Derek works hard practicing and makes sure he keeps a clear mind and stays focused. Coach Russell reminds him to work hard and get the small things right and the big things will follow. Derek discovers hard work is the only way to success and only he can make his dreams come true. Derek Jeter is a fourteen-time All-Star and five-time World Series winner who played for one team—the storied New York Yankees—for all twenty seasons of his major league career. His grace and class on and off the field have made him an icon and role model far beyond the world of baseball. Paul Mantell is the author of more than 100 books for young readers, including books in the Hardy Boys and Matt Christopher series. Chapter One: New Beginnings Chapter One NEW BEGINNINGS “That ball was outside!” Derek Jeter sprang up from his seat on the living room couch, his arms outstretched in protest. “Dad, that ump needs glasses.” “Now, Derek, that was a borderline pitch,” Mr. Jeter replied, gazing at the TV screen as the dejected Tigers batter headed back to the dugout. “Give the umps a little slack. It’s a hard job.” “I think the hitter should have swung,” said Derek’s little sister, Sharlee. Over the winter she’d become obsessed with baseball, and hitting in particular, mostly because their dad had started taking her along when he and Derek went to the indoor batting cages to practice. “Who was that batter, anyway? I never saw him before,” Derek said. “Jim Faye,” said Mr. Jeter. “He was in the minors last year.” “There are so many new guys on the team,” Derek complained, sinking back down into his seat. “I barely know who’s who now. Where are all the guys from last year?” “Well, they traded some away, let others go to free agency. The Tigers are rebuilding, Derek.” “Why? They had a great team a couple of seasons ago.” “Well, things change, Son. It’s a new season. New players, and a nice clean slate, too. Everyone’s in first place on opening day. Speaking of which, are you two excited for your leagues to start up next weekend?” “Yes!” Sharlee exulted, bouncing up and down in her chair. “I can’t wait. I’m going to hit a home run every game this year!” “She does have a mean swing,” Mr. Jeter said, glancing at Derek with a wink. Derek laughed. “Hey, I’m just glad to get on the field again after all this time. It feels like years.” Derek really was feeling jazzed about the new season. First and foremost he was now on the travel team. And unlike last fall, when practically all they’d done was practice, this spring would bring a whole slew of games against the stiffest competition in the region. It made Derek feel like he was an elite player—at least in Kalamazoo. Of course, his dreams were much bigger. He wanted to be the best, not just in Kalamazoo but in the whole country. On top of travel baseball, Derek would also be playing his final season in Junior League. Next year, in eighth grade, he’d move up to the Senior League, where the players were older, bigger, taller, faster, and stronger. Derek himself had grown four inches over the past winter. If he kept it up, he might even get to be six feet tall, which would be really cool. Onward and upward, that was how he looked at it. Every day brought a new challenge, and he would work as hard as necessary to be ready. “Derek!” his mom called from the kitchen. “Sharlee! Anyone going to clean up in here?” Derek and Sharlee hopped up and went to help. Their chores around the house were all laid out in the contracts they’d signed with their parents. In exchange for privileges, they had clear responsibilities, and doing dishes after meals was one of them. “There are so many leftovers,” Sharlee complained as she and Derek packed them up for later. “Easter Sunday lunch,” their mom remarked, shrugging. “Should I have just made peanut butter sandwiches?” “No!” Derek and Sharlee said at once, and they all laughed. Their mom had made a heaping feast, and Derek couldn’t imagine eating again till at least Tuesday. “You guys ready to go back to school tomorrow?” Mrs. Jeter asked. “Yes!” said Derek. “No,” said Sharlee at the same time. “What’s wrong?” Derek asked his sister. “You just had ten days off, didn’t you?” “But it’s springtime,” Sharlee explained. “Finally. I want to be outside. Why can’t we have classes out on the lawn?” “When you’re in charge of the schools, you can make those decisions,” Mrs. Jeter said, patting Sharlee on the shoulder. “And don’t forget to dry the frying pan.” Sharlee moaned, but did as she was told. Derek had had the same ten d