[The Contract 01] • The Contract

As a young boy, Derek Jeter dreams of being the shortstop for the New York Yankees. He even imagines himself in the World Series. But on the day of Little League assignments, Derek starts at second base instead of shortstop and is given jersey number 2, not the number 13 he has always had and that his father wore.

He tries to make the most of the situations while wishing and dreaming for that shortstop spot, but then he realizes there is one way to get there- always play his best. And to make sure he stays focused on school, too, his parents make him sign a contract- with keeping his grades up a requirement for getting to play baseball. As the season progresses and his team experiences ups and downs, Derek learns the importance of being a great teammate and friend...and comes to realize that there are specific steps he can take to make his dream com true!

Inspired by Derek Jeter's childhood, The Contract launches Derek Jeter's middle-grade baseball series, an important part of the Jeter Publishing program, which will encompass adult nonfiction titles, children's picture books, middle-grade fiction, ready-to-read children's books, and children's nonfiction.