Report: Derek Jeter to become part-owner of Yankees

The Steinbrenner family and Derek Jeter are to meet Monday morning in Tampa to discuss a joint-ownership of the most storied franchise in all of sports.  Although the details of the arrangement are currently under wraps, Jeter is rumored to partner in ownership with the family that cultivated him in the minors.  As a projected minority owner (for now), the Steinbrenner Family will certainly mentor him in ownership, as well.

It is no secret that Jeter wants to become part of an ownership group of an MLB team. The former Yankees shortstop, and the most beloved man in baseball, told the YES Network's Jack Curry "not only that he'd like to own a Major League Baseball team someday, but that he'd like to run it like George Steinbrenner.”  Perpetuated and ignited with his recent trip to watch the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Cuban national team in Cuba, Jeter again reiterated his intense desire to own a Major League Baseball team.  Although the Rays seemed to be the front-runners, there is no way Jeter will turn down Hal Steinbrenner's invitation to own the Yankees. "I have to make sure that I'm fully prepared before I would [own a team]," Jeter said. Well, who better than with the New York Yankees?  It would be a monumental homecoming for the Captain, for the Bronx faithful, and for all of baseball.  One day, in addition to having his number retired in Monument Park, Jeter may have his own bronze plaque in the right field bleachers- next to The Boss, himself.  How is that for Re2pect, Yankee fans? "Captain Boss", anyone?  Trademark the saying now, because sources close to the situation say it is as good as a "done-deal".

Jeter's All-Star Smile; photo credit: nydailynews.com

Also, Yankees fans, you've been April Fooled!