words // Brandon Richard
As MJ walked away from a dynasty in 1999, Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees were forming one of their own.
The '99 Bombers defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-0 in the World Series, the team's second-straight championship and third in four seasons. That year, Derek led the AL in hits with 219, finished second in batting average (.349) and runs scored (134) and appeared in his second All-Star game. In the postseason, he batted .455 in the ALDS, .350 in the ALCS, and .353 in the World Series, displaying the fall greatness he's still known for today.
Baseball fan and CEO Michael Jordan handpicked Jeter to be the Jordan Brand's first baseball athlete in 1999. As part of the multi-year agreement, Jeter wore Jordan cleats on the diamond, including a Player Exclusive make-up of the Air Jordan XIV. Similar to MJ's "Last Shot" basketball model, Jeter's cleats featured a black and red colorway with a personalized number '2' on the heel.
The partnership between Jordan Brand and Jeter is still going strong today and will most likely last beyond the Yankee Captain's playing career.
As part of the Jordan Brand's XX8 Days of Flight celebration, a look back at Jeter wearing the Air Jordan XIV in 1999.
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