Jeter expects to be more involved next season after gaining familiarity with the team's issues GETTY IMAGES
Marlins CEO Derek Jeter said that he "did more observing and assessing in his first season at the helm," according to a profile by Andre Fernandez of THE ATHLETIC. The future HOFer has been "directly involved in all personnel decisions regarding trades" and this year's MLB Draft. Jeter expects to be "more involved next season after gaining familiarity with the team and issues he wants to address." Jeter said he "knew it was going to be a lot of hard work," as the team had "a lot of things we needed to improve on." Jeter: "Sometimes you have to get into an organization and start looking under the hood before you actually realize what needs to be improved upon, but we're going to get there as soon as possible." Fernandez notes Jeter also "talked about other priorities, including continuing the efforts to attract more fans" to Marlins Park, a "constant struggle throughout the team's history." The Marlins, who "began counting only actual tickets sold in their attendance figure this season," have drawn a total of 773,479 fans so far, with three home games remaining. Jeter said that nearly 60% of the team's "season-ticket holders have renewed for next season," which he said is "more than they had in late September last year." Fernandez notes the Marlins have "planned numerous initiatives to improve fan experience in and around the ballpark," including the recently announced "Communidad 305" section in the outfield for next season, where fans can "bring everything from noise-makers to musical instruments to create a festive atmosphere during the game." Jeter said that "ultimately successes will be judged by the team's wins and losses," but he also said that the organization's "commitment to their plan will not waver even if it takes a prolonged amount of time" (THEATHLETIC.com, 9/21).
