Mark Teixeira: Retired Major League Baseball Player

Draft and College Decision

• After a Red Sox offer to draft him 12th overall in 2004 with pre-draft contract terms (which were illegal), the team withdrew their offer and drafted Mark DeShera in the ninth round the following day.
• DeShera chose to attend Georgia Tech over signing immediately, citing a desire for education and family influence (father: Naval Academy; mother: teacher).
• The Red Sox's action taught DeShera at age 18 that players are "commodities" and "expendable" within the business of baseball.
• DeShera was drafted fifth overall in 2005 by the Texas Rangers after graduating from college, launching a 14-season MLB career.
• He held a grudge against the Red Sox until his rookie debut at age 22 with Texas, and later clarified that his 2009 signing with the Yankees had no relation to his history with Boston.

2009 New York Yankees Season and Performance

• DeShera signed an $180 million contract with the New York Yankees in 2009, facing intense media pressure with 100 reporters per game compared to 5–10 in previous markets.
• In his inaugural season with New York, DeShera led the league in home runs and RBIs, won a Gold Glove, and contributed to a World Series championship—the 27th in franchise history.
• The 2009 infield (DeShera, Robinson Canó, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodríguez, Jorge Posada) is described by DeShera as potentially the best five-player group of the generation.
• DeShera states that winning the World Series in 2009 completed his career, validating GM Brian Cashman's off-season strategy of signing multiple key players rather than one superstar.
• He is among only four switch-hitters in history to hit more home runs than him, with three of the other switch-hitters already in the Hall of Fame.

Current Yankees Team Analysis (2024 Season)

• DeShera attributes the Yankees' strong start despite 17 injuries to high payroll ($200 million) and roster depth rather than analytics, which he views as a standardized industry practice with no sustainable edge.
• He cites the acquisition of Luke Voit as a specific "luck" factor where the analytics department identified a player with high barrel percentage who continues to improve with at-bats.
• Cashman is credited for prioritizing five quality role players (including re-signings of CC Sabathia, Brett Gardner, and J.A. Happ) over pursuing high-cost free agents like Bryce Harper.

Steroids and Legacy

• DeShera declined performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) throughout his career due to personal values and family integrity, stating he could not face his children or father if he had cheated.
• He views PED use as "wrong" and illegal, though he believes the public must decide how it impacts the legacies of players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens.
• DeShera notes that the exclusion of Bonds and Clemens from the Hall of Fame despite their statistical dominance highlights the lasting impact of the steroid era on player legacies.

Post-Career Pursuits and Philosophy

• ESPN Analysis: DeShera gained appreciation for the media industry, recognizing the difficulty of generating entertainment content daily and understanding the pressure of New York's 50+ outlets.
• DREAM (formerly Harlem RBI): He is heavily involved with this education-based organization serving 2,000+ youth in East Harlem, the South Bronx, and Newark.
  • The program boasts a 99% college matriculation rate.
  • It operates as a full-day, year-round commitment, including three charter schools and a new high school in the South Bronx.
  • DeShera emphasizes the success of graduates returning to the organization as interns or board members.

Lightning Round Highlights

• Best non-baseball sport: Golf.
• Favorite baseball movie: Bull Durham (over Major League).
• Go-to karaoke songs: "Radio Gaga" and "Cracklin' Rosie."
• Reason for high hit-by-pitch total: Long arms and a swing style that required extending, inviting pitchers to target him; he was pummeled in knees, elbows, shoulders, and backs.
• If drafting a team today: Mike Trout.
• Quirkiest superstition: Strictly repeating daily routines (batting practice, uniform, food) immediately following a good game.
• Favorite play: Les Misérables; claims he could play Javert and sing the entire soundtrack a cappella.

Advice and Reflection

• DeShera identifies his uncle Pete's advice as the best he ever received: "The minor leagues are no fun unless you are 100% committed."
• He credits this advice for his decision to attend college, which he calls the "best decision" of his life, allowing him to enjoy his youth and build lifelong relationships.