Growing up in Kalamazoo, Mich., New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and his younger sister, Sharlee, witnessed firsthand the value of community service.

Their father, Charles, a Ph.D. in sociology, counseled drug addicts and alcoholics, and their mother, Dorothy, was a fixture at PTA meetings, school functions and sports practices. In addition, Jeter’s favorite ballplayer, former Bronx Bomber Dave Winfield, had his own foundation, which promoted health, literacy and self-esteem among thousands of young people. "When I make it," Jeter told his family, "that’s what I’m going to do."

It didn’t take long for him to keep that promise. In June of 1996, Jeter was halfway through a Rookie of the Year season in which he would hit .314 and help the Yankees to a World Series title. Sharing a pizza in a Detroit hotel room, Jeter, just 22, told his dad he was ready for his own charity. Then and there, they laid plans for the Turn 2 Foundation, which would work to keep kids away from drugs and alcohol.

Charles, well aware of the dangers of chemical dependency through his counseling experience, gave up his private practice to handle the foundation’s day-to-day operations. "I knew I would be helping a greater number of people," he says. Dorothy and Sharlee serve on the Turn 2 board of directors. Derek calls the shots.

The Jeters have raised $1.5 million for a variety of causes in New York City and western Michigan and plan to extend the foundation’s reach to Tampa, Derek’s off-season home, in 2001. And with each flash of his million-dollar smile—whether in public appearances, hospital visits or chats from the on-deck circle with young fans—Jeter influences kids just as Winfield did him.

"You dream as a youngster to play professional sports, and I don’t think you realize the magnitude of the impact you can have on someone’s life," Jeter says. "It can be overwhelming."

Most of Turn 2’s funds have gone to substance abuse prevention programs aimed at high-risk youths. It has made grants to the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, the Outreach Project and Phoenix House, among others. In partnership with The Jackie Robinson Foundation, Turn 2 has distributed $125,000 more for a fully endowed minority college scholarship in Jeter’s name. The Turn 2 After School Program provides arts and education activities for kids in Harlem. And Jeter’s Leaders has rewarded teenagers who are committed to drug- and alcohol-free lives, academic excellence and community service. "They’re wise beyond their years," Jeter says.

Along with donating his own money to projects, Jeter conducts baseball and anti-drug clinics, hosts outings to Yankee games and organizes fundraising dinners that have included his Yankee teammates, baseball’s Tommy Lasorda and Alex Rodriguez, and Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

"Derek wants to set a good example, he wants to be a role model," says Dr. Jeter. "Seeing that, as his father, I’m extremely proud."