Exclusive Interview: Derek Jeter Hosts Charity Golf Tournament at Baha Mar

During a recent weekend at Baha Mar resort in the Caribbean, Baseball Hall of Fame athlete Derek Jeter reunited with his former New York Yankee teammates Jorge Posada, Nick Swisher, CC Sabathia, and more. The players weren't there for a game of pick up baseball, but instead, to golf for a cause.

In partnership with Baha Mar, The Derek Jeter Invitational golf tournament benefitting Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, was held on Sept. 20 and 21. Throughout two days, golf enthusiasts and celebrities —including Chris Tucker, Anthony Anderson and Angie Martinez —played at the resort's Jack Nicklaus signature design Royal Blue Golf Course.

Jeter launched his Turn 2 Foundation in 1996 to motivate youth to live healthy lifestyles and resist drugs and alcohol. In 28 years, the organization has contributed $45 million to fund programs and other organizations that support its mission. During the DJI weekend, it awarded The Baha Mar Resort Foundation with $50,000 to aid community, culture and conservation in The Bahamas.

We sat down with Jeter and his sister Sharlee Jeter, president of Turn 2 Foundation, to hear all about the weekend— and beyond. Derek is tight-lipped about who played terribly on the golf course, but he delved into his wellness regimen in retirement, and love for a specific dessert. Sharlee shares the fun memories she's created with her nieces (three of Derek's four kids with wife Hannah Jeter —the youngest is a toddler boy).

Hilary Sheinbaum: How did everyone play on the golf course?

Derek Jeter: Good. It was fun. I get a kick out of everyone saying how good they are at golf. And then when they show up, everyone's saying they haven't played in forever. There are interesting golf swings, so it's fun to see. It brings a lot of people down to earth. I'll tell you that.

Hilary: Who has the best swing? Who impressed you?

Derek: Fred McGriff, Tino Martinez, Tanyon Sturtze: Those guys play a lot of golf. They're pretty good.

Hilary: Who didn't play so well?

Derek: A lot of people.

Hilary: Who did you play with?

Derek: Most people are so much fun to play with, that play with. I played with Chris Tucker yesterday. Absolute blast. We've had a lot of people that are repeat golfers in our tournament, which is a good thing. They have a great time down here. Anthony Anderson is fun.

Sharlee Jeter: I think it's funny, because when I see everyone come off the golf course I'll say, "So how did you do?" And you know the people that actually did well. But, most people are like, "Oh, we had a blast."

Derek: That's a great thing about golf. Everyone thinks they're good, but no one's really that good.

Hilary: How often do you usually play?

Derek: I don't play much. I didn't play during my career. When I first retired, I became addicted to it. I started having kids. My kids are too young. I'm in a school drop off and pick up every day.

Hilary: Do your little ones play golf?

Derek: I just got a cold plunge a week ago. During my career, I used to get in the cold tank after games from the waist down. Never went neck down. So, I just started this week. It's torturous at first, but I think I'm good at it now. I do it right when I get up. So, 6 a.m. You feel good. It's for 3 minutes, 46 degrees. My wife Hannah can't do it.

Sharlee: They create plays, performances. We have to go and figure out who's gonna say what part and they create an entire story, and then I have to act it out with them.

Derek: They're creative and shy. They only do that in front of us.

Hilary: Off the golf course, are there any wellness trends you're into these days?

Derek: I just got a cold plunge a week ago. During my career, I used to get in the cold tank after games from the waist down. Never went neck down. So, I just started this week ago. It's torturous at first, but I think I'm good at it now. I do it right when I get up. So, 6 a.m. You feel good. It's for 3 minutes, 46 degrees. My wife Hannah can't do it.

Sharlee: I did it once. It's painful. You do it, but then afterwards. It's like: I've never felt that way before!

Derek: It's one of those things, like working out. Some people like working out. I hate working out, but I feel good when I'm finished.

Hilary: Are you into any supplements, like magnesium, or treatments, such as acupuncture?

Derek: We are very healthy, and my kids eat healthy. All organic, not much sugar.

Sharlee: Except for ice cream.

Hilary: Do you have a favorite ice cream?

Derek: We go to a place called Whip 'n Dip in in Miami, which is pretty good. I always loved Baskin-Robbins growing up.

Hilary: Dessert goals. Do you have a fund raising goal for the Derek Jeter Invitational weekend?

Sharlee: We brought in a little over a million dollars in revenue. The goal would be as much as possible!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.