He committed 56 errors in his third season during single-A with the Greensboro Hornets.

He booted, bobbled, and bumbled just about every ball that was hit his way, setting an inauspicious South Atlantic League record.

Scouts considered him a long shot to ever be a big leaguer – or even find success in the minors.

After all, he struggled with just about every aspect of his game, including at the plate. In his second full year of the minors – and first with the Yankees’ affiliate – he hit only .203.

By all metrics, Derek just couldn’t find it.

But he kept going to work every day.

He took extra batting practice. Showed up early and worked tirelessly after practice. He took more ground balls than any other player.

Somehow, against all odds, he improved enough to get called up to the majors in 1995, making his debut.

Just two years later, Derek Jeter led all Major League shortstops with 457 assists.

And he kept working. Kept getting better.

By 2004, “The Captain” led all shortstops in putouts with 273.

Jeter kept working.

In 2009 and 2010, he led the league in fielding percentage and had the highest fielding percentage (.989) in one season by a shortstop.

He kept working.

Including the post season, Jeter played more innings than any other shortstop all-time, one of the winningest and most clutch players and postseason legends of all time. He led his Yankees to the World Series trophy a miraculous five times, in 996, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2009.

Today, Derek Jeter is top 20 all-time in put outs as a shortstop and top 10 in assists. Over his career, he recorded fewer errors than Ozzie Smith, who is widely considered the greatest defensive shortstop in history. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and won five gold gloves over his career.

From long shot to baseball immortal, what was the secret to Jeter’s success?

He never stopped working.

-J.D.