Derek Jeter named most marketable player in baseball by Sports Business Daily
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Derek Jeter is by far the most marketable player in baseball, according to a survey of 49 sports business executives and media personalities conducted by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Daily.
The New York Yankees shortstop earned 39 first-place votes, outpacing runner-up Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and third-place Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, each of whom received two first-place votes.
Jeter also topped the publication’s last two most-marketable lists (in 2003 and 2005). With 15 endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Gatorade, Gillette, Delta, Upper Deck and 24 Hour Fitness, his reign may not end any time soon.
But when it does, Washington Nationals rookie pitcher Stephen Strasburg might be next in line as the most marketable player. He has only appeared in eight major league games, but he received more first-place votes (three) than anyone other than Jeter and finished fourth overall in the survey.
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Ryan Howard rounds out the top five, with Long Beach State product Evan Longoria of the Tampa Bay Rays right behind him at No. 6.
The top local player on the list is Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, who is tied with Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia at No. 10. The Dodgers are represented in the top 25 by outfielders Andre Ethier (No. 13) and Manny Ramirez (No. 21).
In analyzing the survey, the Sports Business Daily surmised that businesses want to avoid players linked in any way to performance- enhancing drugs: Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez dropped from No. 2 in 2005 to No. 9 this year; Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz dropped from No. 10 to No. 16 and was named on only two ballots; Ramirez appeared on only one ballot.
-- Chuck Schilken
Upper photo: Derek Jeter. Credit: Jim McIsaac / Getty Images
Lower photo: Torii Hunter. Credit: Kirby Lee / US Presswire
