In his younger days: Derek Jeter and ex-girlfriend, actress Jordana Brewster in 2002 at a Nets game. (New York Post)
Matt Harvey envies Derek Jeter – especially when it comes to the ladies.
The Mets pitching phenom told Men’s Journal that he wants the kind of love life Jeter has had for years in New York City, complete with the gorgeous celebrities and uncanny privacy.
“That guy is the model,” Harvey said. “I mean, first off, let’s just look at the women he’s dated. Obviously, he goes out – he’s meeting these girls somewhere – but you never hear about it. That’s where I want to be.”
Harvey isn’t doing too badly in that department — he’s currently dating Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Anne Vyalitsyna. Though he hasn’t exactly kept things as quiet as Jeter with Anne V joining Harvey on his All-Star Parade on Tuesday. Also, Jeter never posed nude for ESPN’s “Body Issue,” like the Mets ace did.
Harvey, who lives in the East Village, is enjoying the Manhattan lifestyle with plenty of fancy restaurants, clubs, bars and parties. The 24-year-old does say he doesn’t drink 48 hours before a start.
“But those other days? Yes, I’m gonna go out,” he said. “If I was locked up in my house all week, I don’t know what I’d be like on the baseball field.”
Harvey, originally from Connecticut, is still on his rookie contract, but he’s likely to sign a lucrative extension with the Mets some time soon. The team would be crazy to let go of the fireballing right-hander, who started Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at Citi Field and threw 2 1/3 shutout innings.
“No matter what, New York is now my home,” he says, finishing the night’s last drink. “I could buy a place now, but I’ve gotta wait for that $200 million contract. If I’m going to buy an apartment, it has to be the best apartment in the city.”
That competitiveness certainly extends off the field. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Harvey has befriended Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, noted for his stylish clothing, and high-end John Varvatos has become one of Harvey’s favorite stores.
“He always makes the best-dressed lists,” Harvey said of Lundqvist. “Well, I want to be on those lists.”
The list of baseball’s best pitchers is not enough. Along with Rangers like Lundqvist and Brian Boyle, Harvey hangs out in the city with finance and marketing 20-somethings.
“Baseball is my job, and I love it,” Harvey said. “But it can’t be the only thing I’ve got going on.”