Forget where he ranks among shortstops, Derek Jeter is taking on the world.
In a new list published by Fortune, the Yankees captain is ranked 11th among the world’s best leaders. The list includes Pope Francis (1), German Chancellor Angela Merkel (2), Warren Buffett (4), Bill Clinton (5), Bono (8), the Dalai Lama (9), Michael Bloomberg (15), Angelina Jolie (21) and many other powerful names from politics, business and entertainment. (President Obama did not make the list.)
Jeter is entering his 12th year as Yankees captain and has been championed for his role in the clubhouse. The 39-year-old plans on retiring at the end of this season.
Here’s what Fortune said about Jeter in explaining his place on the list:
“As he begins his 20th and final season in pinstripes, Jeter remains the type of role-model player that even a Red Sox fan must grudgingly respect. It’s not the five World Series rings he’s won or his team record for career hits. In a steroid-tainted, reality-TV era, Jeter, the son of two Army veterans, continues to stand out because of his old-school approach: Never offer excuses or give less than maximum effort.”
The other sports figures on the list were Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley. That trio tied for 20th on the list. In addition, Johns Hopkins University swim teams coach George Kennedy came in 36th.