Derek Jeter’s cameo in Seinfeld back in 1996 has become a memorable moment for many fans of the show, but it wasn’t without its hiccups.
The iconic New York Yankees shortstop reveals that filming his first official TV gig didn’t go as smoothly as he had hoped, and he actually had to redo a part of the scene.
Jeter, reflecting on the experience, shares that his initial reaction to the scene wasn’t quite suitable for television at the time.
A “Do Over” for Jeter’s Seinfeld Cameo
Jeter, along with fellow Yankees star Bernie Williams, flew to Los Angeles to film the Seinfeld episode titled “The Abstinence.” The episode, which originally aired in November 1996, was part of the show’s eighth season.
It featured George Costanza (played by Jason Alexander) and Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) abstaining from sex, which had some surprising effects on George’s behavior.
In one memorable scene, George shows off his baseball skills at an open-air batting area, hitting home runs while attempting to impress Jeter and Williams, who are also on screen as themselves.
While filming the scene, Jeter recalls his reaction to George hitting a home run, which he initially expressed by mouthing the words “Jesus Christ.” However, the show’s producers weren’t pleased with the choice of words. “No, no, no, no, no. We got to do it over,” Jeter remembers them saying. “You can’t say that, that’s the thing.”
This was Jeter’s first major TV appearance, and the experience left a lasting impression. He admits feeling like he made a big mistake and adds, “I think that’s what stood out for me.”
Cameos Galore in The Abstinence
Jeter and Williams weren’t the only famous faces to make guest appearances in this particular Seinfeld episode. TV legends David Letterman and Alex Trebek also appeared alongside the Yankees stars. This episode marked an important season, as it was the first after Larry David’s departure from the series.
Jeter remembers the experience fondly and says it gave him “much more respect” for actors and actresses, acknowledging how different the process was compared to his athletic career.
Jeter’s Experience with Spike Lee
In addition to his Seinfeld cameo, Jeter also shared another memorable story from 1996 involving famed director Spike Lee. At a Yankee game that year, Jeter met Lee and asked him when he would be given a chance to act in one of Lee’s films. However, Lee’s response was less than what Jeter had expected: “Try acting like a shortstop tonight.”
This encounter, while humorous, was a pivotal moment for Jeter. He recalls taking Lee’s advice seriously and realizing that his focus should remain on his baseball career. It was a lesson that Jeter carried with him as he continued to excel in his sport.
Jeter’s Return to TV with BetMGM
Now retired from baseball, Jeter has returned to television in a different role. As the latest brand ambassador for BetMGM, Jeter stars in the company’s newest “Legendary Plays” ad, which shows him walking the field at Yankee Stadium and reminiscing about the moments that shaped his legendary career.
It’s a far cry from his early TV appearances, but it’s clear that Jeter’s experience in front of the camera has come a long way since his Seinfeld days.
Reflecting on his TV history, Jeter continues to enjoy his role in the spotlight but remains grounded in the lessons learned from both his baseball career and early acting experiences.
