Growing up in Kalamazoo, Mich., New York Yankees short-stop 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 practive 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.

Since then, the Jeters have raised $1.5 million for a variety of causes in New York City and western Michigan. 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 like Winfield did him.

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

The majority 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 in New York and Kalamazoo Foundation in Michigan, Turn 2 has distributed thousands more in college scholarships. And Jeter's Leaders has recognized and rewarded teenagers committed to academic excellence, community service and drug and alcohol-free lives. "They're wise beyond their years," Jeter says. "I enjoy meeting them."

Along with donating his own money to foundation projects, Jeter has conducted baseball and anti-drug clinics, hosted outings to Yankee games and organized fundraising dinners that included various Yankee teammates, Seattle Mariners shortstop Alex Rodriquez 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 a father, I'm extremely proud."