Randall Beach - October 30, 2002

(Unconfirmed news source)
Jeter falls for a Yale and New Haven's abuzz

Yankee fans of the Elm City area, take heart. We may not have made it to the World Series this year, but we've got Derek Jeter, right here in New Haven. Over the past week, there has been a flurry of Jeter sightings all over town.

What's luring the famed shortstop to our city? He's in love. The object of his affection, our sources tell us, is Jordana Brewster, a 22-year-old Yale senior and movie actress. (Jeter is 28.)

Brewster is the granddaughter of former Yale University President Kingman Brewster. Her movie credits include "The Fast and the Furious," "The Faculty" and "The '60s."

Last Wednesday night the glamorous couple was spotted at Toad's Place, which was having a dance party (no live band).

"She (Brewster) was trying to get him to dance, without a lot of luck," said Yale student Steven Gilbert, who relayed an eyewitness report from another Yalie.

"He was recognized by basically every sports fan in the club, so it wasn't any secret he was there," Gilbert said. "This was the first, and to my knowledge, the only time they've been out around here, at least in public."

Toad's president Brian Phelps confirmed Jeter and Brewster were on his premises.

"Yeah, they were here," Phelps said casually. "They just stopped in late. No big deal."

Right. Maybe it's "no big deal" if you run a club that has hosted the Rolling Stones, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen. But it was a very big deal to the people who were in the club last Wednesday.

"Everybody who was there came back to tell their friends that Derek Jeter was at Toad's," Gilbert said.

There were other Derek moments here last week. A lawyer friend of mine reported, "I saw a blue BMW with a 'Jeter' license plate on Grove Street last Thursday afternoon. I didn't look to see who was driving because it never occurred to me it was him."

He said an associate subsequently told of seeing Jeter walking down Chapel Street that same day with a stylish-looking young woman.

I was unable to even leave a phone message with Brewster. Guess what - her number is unlisted.

In order to do research for this breaking news story, I have spent an unhealthy amount of time splashing around on Internet fan sites for Jeter and Brewster.

Here are some of the fascinating tidbits I have uncovered: His previous girlfriends include singer Mariah Carey and Miss Universe Lara Dutta. Brewster's previous beau was actor Mark Wahlberg ("Boogie Nights"), who is nine years older than Brewster.

"I always liked people who were older than me," she told the Montreal Gazette last year. "I just can't imagine dating a 20-year-old boy."

Jeter and Brewster have been together for several months. The New York Daily News reported they danced the night away at his 28th birthday party June 26 at a club in Manhattan.

"They were kissing and holding hands," a "spy" told the News. "It definitely looks like the game is on."

The News reporter pointed out their differing backgrounds. He grew up in "humble Kalamazoo, Mich.

and never made it to college," the reporter said.

But Brewster was raised in Rio de Janiero, London and New York City. Her father, Alden Brewster, from Yale's class of 1977, is an investment banker. Her mother, Maria Joao Brewster, is a Brazilian model.

Maybe these two young lovers just talk baseball. Love is a beautiful thing.

Anyway, there is mounting excitement around here among Yankee followers. After a soccer practice at East Shore Park, I heard an 11- year-old girl squealing with excitement over the prospect of encountering Jeter.

My 10-year-old daughter was cooler about the whole thing, but she said, "I hope they get married."

When I asked her why, she replied, "So Derek will live in New Haven."

I had to tell her that most Yale students, especially actresses, do not settle here. But you never know.