Yes, you read that headline right. New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter wore a gold thong to snap out of a slump a month into the 2004 season.
Jeter shared the story on Fox’s pregame show before Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, explaining how the gold thong came from teammate Jason Giambi, who brought the tradition from his Oakland Athletics days.
The Gold Thong Ritual That Ended Jeter’s Slump
“Took me a little time to get to know Jason, but every day I walked in, I saw this gold thong hanging from his locker,” Jeter said. “And I don’t know him that well, I don’t want to ask him what the gold thong is there for. One day I say, ‘Jason, what is that?’ He says, ‘Anytime you slump, you wear the gold thong, you’re guaranteed to get a hit.’
“I went 0-for-32. Every time I walked in the clubhouse, Jason’s pointing at the gold thong. Finally, listen, I have shorts on, I put the thong on top. First pitch, home run off Barry Zito.
“I have never in my career run around the bases that fast because I thought everyone in Yankee Stadium could see that gold thong.”
"I went 0 for 32… I have shorts on, I put the thong on top. First pitch home run off Barry Zito." @derekjeter reluctantly shares the 'gold thong' story 🤣 pic.twitter.com/FDB23n9tab
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) October 31, 2025
Jeter finished 1-for-4 in that April 29, 2004, game against the Athletics, snapping his slump with the leadoff homer. He didn’t say whether he wore the gold thong the entire game or ditched it immediately after rounding the bases.
