Derek Jeter the Scholar: The Captain Poised to Accept Honorary Degree from Siena

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter will receive any honorary degree from Siena College during its commencement on May 13th (via Wall Street Journal Online).

Jeter, who is hitting the cover off the ball so far this season (.378, 3, 7), never had an opportunity to attend college. He was drafted right out of his high school in Kalamazoo, Mich.

He nearly attended the University of Michigan, but instead decided to pass up college to play baseball. Needless to say, Yankees fans are grateful that he made that decision.

Siena will be honoring Jeter with a "Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his leadership, accomplishments on the baseball field and dedication to improving the lives of young people through his Turn 2 Foundation."

The Turn 2 Foundation was founded in 1996, and has since awarded upwards of $16 million in grants to support programs and activities that motivate young people to live healthier lifestyles.

It will be Jeter's first honorary degree.

Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the ceremony. Because the Yankees are playing the Seattle Mariners that day in the Bronx, Jeter's sister, Sharlee, will accept the award on his behalf.

Sharlee is the president of his Turn 2 Foundation.

Jeter's presence will be felt at the commencement, though, as he plans to submit a personalized video message that will be played at the event.

The award may not be baseball-related, but it's just another award for Jeter to add to his trophy case.