Well, of course Derek Jeter had a plan after deciding to retire from the kind of baseball career that will no doubt lead him into the Hall of Fame.

After successfully dominating the hearts of baseball fans, he is now looking to do the same as a media mogul. This morning, Jeter has confirmed that he is going to be the founding publisher of The Players' Tribune, a website that promises to hand popular athletes the correct tools to "share their unfiltered, honest and unique perspectives, bringing fans closer to the games they love."

Jeter's new venture is partnered with Legendary Entertainment, which will be funding the venture and providing creative guidance. Gary Hoenig, formerly of ESPN, will serve as publishing editorial director. As for the new venture, Jeter explained his vision for The Players' Tribunesaying:

"I do think fans deserve more than 'no comments' or 'I don't know's. Those simple answers have always stemmed from a genuine concern that any statement, any opinion or detail, might be distorted. I have a unique perspective. Many of you saw me after that final home game, when the enormity of the moment hit me.

"I'm not a robot. Neither are the other athletes who at times might seem unapproachable. We all have emotions. We just need to be sure our thoughts will come across the way we intend. We want to have a way to connect directly with our fans, with no filter."

Are you surprised to see Jeter moving in this direction? He was quoted as saying he is an old man in baseball but a young man in life and that he is only now beginning to realize the possibilities around him. It is pretty cool that rather than contemplating taking a corporate position in baseball he is instead doing something to help bridge players with the fans needed for a successful sporting career. Will The Players' Tribune be a hit with sports fans? Is this just one more reason for everyone to love Jeter? Comment below.

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