2002-2003: The Younger the Better

By this point, Jeter’s process had become pretty routine – meet a girl, date for a year. At least that’s what the evidence suggested. His 2002 leading lady became actress Jordana Brewster, but she hardly fit the mold and his numbers showed that she was a plague on his talent. In 2002, Jeter struck out 114 times, a regression from his previous two seasons, and while their relationship seemed to have simply fizzled on its own, I believe she was removed for the better of the team.

In 2003, Brewster was a forgotten memory and if you were worried about Jeter, then you were a fool. Standing out from a stable of perfect Victoria’s Secret Angels, Adriana Lima caught Jeter’s eye and the two were seen dining together. You could assume that they just grabbed a bite to eat and parted ways, that nothing sexual happened. But at this point you have to assume that’s wrong and just cheer the guy on.

Jeter eventually settled down with Total Request Live hostess Vanessa Minnillo, after a few extra sightings at Scores, of course. While Jeter missed 43 games during the 2003 season, his average was back above .300 and his pop appeared to be back. Minnillo ended up sticking around, too, but she wouldn’t be alone.