Behind the Bombers New York Yankees Weblog

Hip Hip Jorge!!!!

2012-01-25T07:52:00.000-05:00

Why waste my time writing a tribute to the future Yankee Legend Jorge Posada when BtB's own Dan McCourt (aka Knuckles) did such a fine job. Check it out!!

Help yourselves

2012-01-18T10:21:00.002-05:00

http://sopastrike.com/strike/

Jose Campos The Inside Scoop

2012-01-17T20:35:00.001-05:00

Here is the inside scoop on Jose Campos whom we received from Seattle in the Pineda/Montero deal. I would like to thank our friends at Prospect Instinct.

Looking to unearth a prospect diamond in the minor league baseball rough? Well, then Baseball Instinct has a scoop for you. When the Mariners signed a 16 year old, hard throwing Venezuelan pitcher away from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2009, it was essentially a non-event in the greater baseball landscape. He then remained in the Venezuelan summer league for two years while getting his US visa squared away. So it was difficult to get a read on what kind of talent the Mariners had. To further complicate things, there is some confusion as to his actual name. On some prospect lists you will find him listed as Jose Campos, but on others you may find him as Vincente Campos. This has caused some people to wrongly assume that these were two different players. Up until now he has remained shrouded in obscurity. Please let me introduce you to Jose Vincente Campos, a Northwest League pitcher that needs to be on your radar. ................................... more

Special Guest Blogger Juan Lopez aka Johnnyyankee

2011-12-28T20:10:00.001-05:00

That's the way it is with the Yankees. It's been two years now that we have become more less spenders than we have always been known to be, and all are asking what's is wrong with Brian Cashman's check book, or better yet, the H brother's one. No free agent signings, nothing to improve the ball club as we have always been known to do, just staying passive.

When we were spending left and right, we were often criticized. We were, according to them, buying championships. If Mr. Big was out there, everyone knew that it would not be long before he was a Yankee.Now that we don't get that super player, or top pitcher, they can't understand what's wrong with the Yankees. So if you are aggressive, you are pummeled, and if you are not you still get pummeled.

When Pujols was signed by the Angels for what eventually will be a big mistake by them, there were no complaints, no one wrote anything about the Angels buying a championship, especially by going after C.J. Wilson also and dishing out hundreds of millions on just these two guys. Had the Steinbrenners done anything of the sort, they would still be getting their butts whipped by the critics.

If I was Cashman and for the sake of everyone's sanity, I would go out and sign Prince Fielder. I would put him at First when the pitcher is a righty and DH Mark. With a left handed pitcher on the mound, I would Dh Fielder and put Mark at first. Yeah, I would do just that, thus getting the best hitter in this year's Free agency, for if one looks at his numbers and age, he would be the top man to sign, not Pujols. Albert's numbers have started to dip and as good as he has been, Prince will for the next few years put up as big, if not bigger numbers than Pujols. With the right field porch of YS, the guy dhing and playing first will finish with over 40 homers. Yeah, why not? He would make a nice Three King's Day since it may already be to late for Santa to bring us Mr. Fielder. By the way, we celebrate Three King's Day in Puerto Rico and in all Latin American countries. Don't throw away your Christmas tree on Dec. 26, for you may find a present come January 6, Three King's Day...

Read more: http://btbfansite.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=21919#ixzz1hsinIijw

What Me Worry? Guest Blogger Johnny Lopez aka Johnnyyankee

2011-12-20T13:03:00.001-05:00

I used to read MAD Magazine all the time and one of the things Mr. Newman used to say was precisely that, 'What Me worry?" Well, we should not worry if Brian Cashman has not done any dealings, besides securing his Ace and bringing back Freddy for 2012. That we didn't go after Yu, probably the last guy any Yankee fan would think Cashman for sure would outbid anyone, so what? That he may turn out to be the second coming of Koufax, so what? What if he turns out to be the second coming of Igawa? Can't take a chance on something like that, besides Bobby V. liked him, meaning that the Red sox would go after him, but did they?

Some here are speculating that the Cuban Cespedes, the 5 tool player that everyone is salivating on, will eventually be Brian's target, once he clears his paperwork. If not, who cares?

What we really need is for Alex to have his usual great season. People forget that last season he was hurt, but he's the same guy that since he joined us has had great seasons, so if he should come back healthy, we wouldn't need to worry about not signing Pujols, Fielder, nor Cespedes. Also, if Tex learns the art of hitting to the left side, and if Swisher doesn't jump off the gate like he did in 2011, our offense will be set. Really, I won't mention Cano, because the kid is great. Sure, there's space for him to get better, but for now he will be just fine.

Why worry then that no signings have been made by us? That the Angels did and some other teams like the Marlins? So what? Lets worry then that all of the above concerning our hitters come through, and that we get great pitching from CC and Noesi, good pitching from A.J., Hughes and Freddy(?) and that our bullpen is as great as last year, that we don't commit so many errors, and MLB will be the ones that will worry about the Yankees. For now, what me worry?

Read more: http://btbfansite.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=21881#ixzz1h6C1gOKn

CC Opts In! TRICK "or" TREAT?

2011-10-31T19:36:00.001-05:00

CC Ya Next Year In Da Bronx!

CC Sabathia has decided against opting out of his current contract with the Yankees, a decision that comes as a surprise to many in the industry. However, CC has recently and often expressed his love for New York and the Yankees organization. Sabathia thanked the Steinbrenner family and said, “my goal the whole time was to be able to finish my career as a Yankee…I look forward to seeing everybody out at the ballpark next year.”

In December of 2008 Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract, but had the option to opt out of the last four years of the deal. As a former Cy Young winner and ALCS MVP, Sabathia was a key piece to the Yankees 2009 World Series team, and has been an All-Star each of the last two seasons. Sabathia has clearly established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of the decade.

CC and his wife Amber do a significant amount of charity work in the New York area and together have established the PitCCh In foundation. The foundation aims to aid in the development of inner-city youth by building their self-esteem through education and athletics. The foundation will host the CC Challenge, an exciting team race through Manhattan, on the 12th of November. Visit ccchallenge.com for more details on the event.

DON'T YA KNOW IT'S SWISHILICIOUS AND ROBBIE CANO

2011-10-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

October 29, 2011 – The Yankees exercised their 2012 club options on All-Star second baseman Robinson Cano and right fielder Nick Swisher on Saturday. Cano led the Yankees in average, doubles and hits, while Swisher is coming back for his fourth season in pinstripes.

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER Juan Lopez

2011-10-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

Bronx Bound Papi?

Now Big Papi wants to exit Boston and come play for the Yankees. That should get him in even hotter waters over there, as it is not going to sit well with Sox fans hearing that he wants to play for the Enemy.

Francona is now being cataloged as a lame duck type manager, and U-kill-us as a bad teammate, a selfish one, Josh "Bucket of Beer, " and John Lack-it as drunkards,

Cowardtek as a weak captain, non influential, a participant also, Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, who seem like they were downing the chicken with Dunkin Donut Caramel shakes.

I never realized that eating chicken and drinking beer could cause so much damage, so much trouble, enough to have a manager get fired, a General Mgr. to jump ship, a DH to try and now play for a team that he has hated all along, that just a few weeks ago was pissed at the NY writers for causing CC to plunk him. All of this because they were eating chicken, drinking beer and playing video games? I guess its a volatile combination after all. Maybe there's more to all of this than what's being reported. Stay tuned, for I am sure we will soon hear more of this soap opera. In the mean time, I will stop eating K fried chicken, stop drinking my Coronitas, and stop playing "Pac-Man," which is the only video game I ever learned to play....

Remembering Joe DiMaggio's 56-Game Hitting Streak, 1941

2011-10-12T21:10:00.001-05:00

The Yankee Clipper

By Dr Harvey Frommer

The 1941 Yankees were a loaded team. They would win 101 games, the American League pennant and the world championship. It was a team of stars--solid outfielders Charlie Keller and Tommy Henrich, rookie shortstop Phil Rizzuto, top second baseman Joe Gordon, rounded out by talented pitchers like Rud Ruffing and Lefty Gomez. But the star of stars was the man they called "the Yankee Clipper," age 26, in his sixth season with the Bronx Bombers.

Joseph Paul DiMaggio was one of nine children of a fisherman father who had emigrated from Sicily. It was all planned for Joe to become a fisherman like his father, but Joe could not abide the smell of fish and he often got seasick.

His real passion was playing baseball. He played the game with an almost poetical grace. He played when he was fatigued, when he was hurt, when it mattered a great deal and when it didn't matter at all.

He played in the "house that Ruth built," but it was his park now. Yankee Stadium was the first triple-decked structure of its kind--oval-shaped, a dull green, cathedral-like edifice where autumn's afternoon sun created strange mosaic designs on the center field grass where Joe DiMaggio held forth.

It was a park of pigeons, vast numbers of them, fat from the popcorn and peanuts. They lodged in the beams and rafters and fluttered about when the huge crowd rose to its feet cheering a big hit or a spectacular play. They had cheered countless times for Joseph Paul DiMaggio, their favorite.

That 1941 season, however, the Yankee did not get off to a quick start. Some even claimed he was slumping.

On May 15, a day when the United States was on the brink of war and people were startled to see newspaper photos of a London under siege by Nazi Luftwaffe bombers, Joe DiMaggio managed a single in four at-bats off stubby southpaw Eddie Smith of Chicago.

The hit was little noticed. What was noticed was the 13-1 pounding the White Sox gave the Yankees. The mighty Bronx bombers had now lost eight of their last 10 games and were six-and-a-half games behind league-leaders Cleveland.

Then on May 24 in his final at-bat against the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium, DiMaggio singled in two runs. By then he had a modest 10-game hitting streak.

On May 30 DiMaggio made three errors in the second game of a double header. That was bad news for the sure-handed center fielder. The good news was his fifth inning fly ball to right field was lost in the sun by Boston outfielder Pete Fox. The streak reached 16. DiMag was credited with a hit.

Singles in both games of a road doubleheader on June 1 against Al Milnar and then Mel Harder of the Indians moved the streak to 18. It was at 19 the next day, the day Lou Gehrig died. It was a sad day for the New York Yankees.

The American League record set by George Sisler of the St. Louis Browns of 41 straight seemed unreachable. But there were beginnings of speculation in the newspapers and on the radio. "That's when I became conscious of the streak," he later told friends, "although I didn't think too much about it."

Newspaper and radio coverage began to dramatize what Joe was doing. Most games back then were played in the afternoon, and radio announcers would routinely interrupt programs with the news of the Yankee Clipper's progress. "The streak is alive! The streak is alive!" announcers shouted.

Day and night radio disc jockeys played the Les Brown and his Band of Renown's recording of "Joltin' Joe DiMaggio."

"Who started baseball's famous streak...that's got us all aglow...he's just a man and not a freak...Jolting Joe DiMaggio...Joe, Joe, DiMaggio...we want you on our side...from coast to coast, that's all you hear...of Joe the one-man show...he's glorified the horsehide sphere...we want you on our side...he'll live in baseball's Hall of Fame...he got there blow-by-blow...our kids will tell their kids his name..."

He would step into the batter's box and stub his right toe into the dirt in back of his left heel. It was almost a dance step. His feet were spaced approximately four feet apart, with the weight of his frame on his left leg. Erect, almost in a military position, Joe Dee would hold his bat at the end and poise it on his right shoulder--a rifle at the ready. He would look at the pitcher from deep in the batter's box and assume a stance that almost crowded the plate. He was ready.

On June 17 at Yankee Stadium official scorer Dan Daniel of the New York World-Telegram, a buddy of the Yankee Clipper, credited DiMaggio with a hit when his grounder bounced up and hit Chicago shortstop Luke Appling on the shoulder. There were those who claimed the White Sox infielder could have been charged with an error. Several times during the streak there were questioned of rulings of official scorers. But the streak continued. With DiMaggio having hit in 30 straight games, the George Sisler American League record of 41 now seemed tantalizingly within reach. And so did the "Wee Willie" Keeler major league mark of 44.

The 1941 season moved on. War news was everywhere. So was the drama of Joe DiMaggio's relentless march to the record. At Yankee Stadium, at Comiskey Park, at Briggs Stadium, at all the ballparks in the eight team American League circuit that Joe knew so well, the Yankee Clipper kept it going.

Dom DiMaggio: "Despite their own personal rivalry Ted Williams rooted for my brother Joe. They had great admiration for each other. As a great hitter Ted could appreciate what Joe was doing. It was Ted, playing left field for our team at Fenway Park, who would receive info from the scoreboard operator about the streak. And we would yell out to me in center "Joe's got another hit."

It was Yankees vs. Senators on the 29th of June. A DiMaggio single off Washington knuckle-baller Dutch Leonard in the first game of a doubleheader moved the streak to 41. A seventh-inning single off Walt Masterson in the second game set a new record: 42.

Armed with the new record, the taciturn DiMaggio had become America's most famous athlete. Fame's relentless glare was solidly focused on him. Pestered by the media, ogled by fans, respected even more by teammates and opponents, he tried to take it all in stride, although at times it was painful for the reserved star.

The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, ancient rivals, were at it again on a cloudy July 1 doubleheader at the Stadium before 52,832. DiMag paced a Yankee doubleheader sweep. In the first game he stroked two hits off Mike Ryba.

The first hit was questionable--a grounder in the fourth to Jim Tabor. The third baseman feeling the pressure of the consecutive game hitting streak on the line, rushed his throw to first base and DiMaggio wound up on second base. A hit? An error? Dan Daniel in the crowded stadium press box raised his right arm, signaling "hit." The huge and partisan crowd roared and applauded.

The second game was called because of rain after five innings, but DiMaggio got on the board again stroking a first-inning single, tying Keeler's 43-year-old major league mark of 44.

There were 8,682 in attendance at the Stadium the next day sweltering in the 95 degree heat and horrible humidity. They were there to see their beloved DiMag set the major league record of hitting in the most consecutive games. The starting pitcher for the Red Sox was supposed to have been veteran star Lefty Grove. He was on record as determined to end the streak. The oppressive heat, however, made Boston decide to start talented rookie Heber (Dick) Newsome.

Before the game started the head of American League umpires Tom Connolly met with DiMaggio near the Yankee clubhouse. The lively Irishman had known "Wee Willie" Keeler. "Boy, Joe, I hope you do it," he said. "If you do you will be breaking the record of the finest fellow who ever walked and who never said a mean thing about anyone in his life. Good luck to you."

The smell of cigarette smoke, the sounds of pigeons fluttering their wings scurrying for leftover food, and the hawking cries of vendors were backdrop for DiMaggio's quest that New York summer day at the Stadium.

DiMaggio's first at-bat resulted in a long drive that was run down by outfielder Stan Spence who made a leaping catch. The crowd groaned.

In his second at bat, DiMag got all of the ball, slugging it to deep center field. Off with the crack of his brother's bat, bespectacled Dom DiMaggio racing at top speed snared the ball and robbed his brother of an extra base hit.

"It was a great catch, "Joe recalled after the game. "It was one of the best Dom ever made, but at that moment the only thing on my mind was the temptation to withdraw the dinner invitation I had extended to my brother."

Knowing he could take no chances, Joe stepped into the batter's box for his third at bat. Two Yankee runners were on base. The count 2-1. The pitch. Home run--the 15th of the streak, into the seats in lower left field. Yankee Stadium rocked. Screaming fans yelled his name. Even guys in the press box applauded. Joe savored the moment and the record--hitting in 45 straight baseball games.

It seemed that he took even longer, loping strides longer than usual as he ran out the home run, tipping his cap to cheering fans. He touched home plate and bounded into the dugout where he was swallowed up by swarming teammates, happy for him, realizing they, too, were part of baseball history.

The Yankees won the game, 8-4; Lefty Gomez moved his record to 6-3 and recorded his fifth save. The man of the hour, some would say of the season, sat in front of his locker, sipping a beer, smoking a cigarette. He was sometimes moody, sometimes testy. Now he was relaxed as reporters gathered around.

"I don't know how far I can go," DiMaggio said, "but I'm not going to worry about it now. I'm glad it's over. It got to be quite a strain over the last 10 days. Now I can go back to swinging at good balls. I was swinging at some bad pitches so I wouldn't be walked. The pressure has been tough off the field as on it."

"It was a great tribute to me, and I appreciated it but it had its drawbacks, too. I got so much fan mail. There was some kind of good luck charm in every letter that I had to turn it over to the Yankee front office."

That night the brothers DiMaggio dined on steak and spaghetti.

Dom DiMaggio: "I told him, you know Joe, I could not have gone another inch for the ball you hit that I caught. But I am glad you have the record"

The streak continued when DiMag singled on July 5, making it 46 straight. The next day the honed in Yank racked up six hits in a doubleheader. Forty-eight!

A week later on July 8th, the All-Star Game was played at Detroit's Briggs Stadium. DiMag batted third in the powerful American League lineup ahead of Ted Williams. The Yankee Clipper's bat still had magic in it. "I doubled," he smiled remembering the time, "and (brother) Dom drove me in with a single."

The streak moved to mid-July. Many baseball fans stayed up past their regular bed times to learn if the elegant Yankee was still streaking. Radio announcers described to a sometimes unbelieving audience how Hitler's armies moved deeper and deeper into Russia. They also described the drama of how the great DiMaggio managed to keep the consecutive game hits moving forward.

The 16th of July saw the Yankees in Cleveland for the start of a series with the Indians at League Park II that seated 30,000. This day only 15,000 fans were on hand. Stroking a first-inning single off Al Milnar and two more hits later in the game, Joe Di moved the streak to 56. The sparse partisan Cleveland crowd gave him a thunderous ovation.

The management of the Indians had decided to schedule the next game at night at Municipal Stadium, a mammoth facility that could seat accommodate more than 78,000.

That Thursday July 17, 1941, DiMag and his buddy Lefty Gomez, scheduled to start for the Yankees, headed in a cab to the vast park for the night game. They stopped at a traffic light. The cabby had recognized DiMaggio and turned around: "I've got a feeling that if you don't get a hit your first time up tonight, they're going to stop you," he said.

"Who the hell are you?" an enraged Gomez snapped at the cabby. "What are you trying to do, jinx him?" DiMaggio said nothing.

In the streets outside the Stadium there was a carnival-like atmosphere, a lot of hustle and bustle, hawking of souvenirs. Sidewalks were clogged with Cleveland and Yankees fans anxious for the game to start. A large part of the gigantic crowd of 67,463, the largest night game attendance to that point in time, began filing in to the 10-year-old Stadium. Forty thousand had purchased their tickets long in advance. The bleacher seats were occupied very early. They majority of the huge throng had come see if "Joltin' Joe" could work his magic again.

It had rained earlier in the day. At game time a mist rolled in from Lake Erie. Walking the field, the Yankee star knew that with the ground still wet it might be a tougher run down the first base line. Mud stuck to his spikes.

Wearing his baggy road grays, DiMag stepped into the batter's box for his first at bat against veteran southpaw Al Smith. One man out. The Yankees led 10. Tommy Henrich was on second base. The first pitch was a fastball, high and away. The Yankee slugger slashed the next pitch hard past the third base bag. Playing deep, protecting the line, backhanding the ball, Ken Keltner fired to first. Out on a close play. DiMaggio showed no emotion.

In the fourth inning Smith walked DiMaggio with a curveball that broke inside. The huge crowd booed, displeased.

Honed in, the Yankee star came to bat in the seventh, lusting to extend his streak. Almost deafening was the continuous roar in the huge ballpark. Yet, the shouts of "C'mon, Joe!" and "You can do it!" could be heard over the bedlam. DiMaggio, perhaps over-anxious, lashed out at the first pitch curveball. Another shot to Keltner at third. Another backhanded play. Another close play at first base. Again, Joe showed no emotion.

With one out and the Yankees leading, 4-1, a spent Smith walked Tommy Henrich to load the bases. DiMaggio was next. Smith was done. Right-hander Jim Bagby Jr. took over. He ran the count to two balls, one strike. Some said DiMag swung at ball three, a low fastball. A grounder to shortstop Lou Boudreau that seemed to hit something in the grass and jumped up. Boudreau did not panic. Gloving the ball, he shuffled it to second baseman Ray Mack. The step on second, the throw to first. Double play.

The graceful DiMaggio passed first base and continued his run into shallow center field. In full stride, he bent down, lifted his glove off the grass. Then he calmly assumed his fielding position for the top of the eighth inning. The game still had to be played out.

Joe DiMaggio had faced types of pitchers during the streak. All hungered to be the one to stop him. He faced many top-draw hurlers including four future Hall of Famers: Bob Feller of Cleveland, Hal Newhouser of Detroit, Ted Lyons of the White Sox and Lefty Grove of the Red Sox.

"You'll start another one tomorrow," said Yankee Manager Joe McCarthy, his arm around the center fielder in the visitors' clubhouse.

At game's end Ken Keltner was escorted by police out of the ballpark for his own safety. Joe Di and Phil Rizzuto waited for the crowd to thin out before they walked through the mist back to the Cleveland Hotel. The Yankee shortstop headed to his room. The Yankee Clipper wound up in the bar.

It was remarkable--a hit every game for two months, from May 15 through July 16, 1941 in Yankee wins and defeats, in games played in the daytime and at night. Single games, doubleheaders, unimportant games and ones that counted--Joe DiMaggio was locked in for 56 straight.

Then incredibly, with the streak over, DiMaggio began a new one.

He hit in 16 consecutive games--giving him the distinction of having hit safely in 72 of 73 games that 1941 season.

Joseph Paul DiMaggio would play on until 1951, his 13th seasons as a proud Yankee. He never came close to the record streak again.

There are many who say it is the one baseball record that will never be broken.

Over and Out ....

2011-10-08T08:56:00.000-05:00

After an unexpected early exit the Yankees are hitting the links early this season. The two teams with the best records are surprisingly on their way home.

But what happens now? Will Soriano opt out? Will CC take his option? Will that be bad things? This should prove to be a very interesting off season. Come on over to the BTB Forum and share your views.

Let the Hot Stove begin!

Sad Days at Fenway Park in the 1960s

2011-09-19T19:31:00.000-05:00

(Excerpt from Remembering Fenway Park: An Oral and Narrative History of the Home of the Boston Red Sox/Abrams 2011 - - now available in stores, on-line and direct from the author)

By Harvey Frommer

The joy and passion and full houses (breaking the 700 straight sellout mark and counting) and winning ways now on parade at Fenway Park all are a sharp contrast to the way things once were at the little ballpark in most of the 1960s.

There are still those around who recall that time, some with mixed emotions.

SAM MELE: I came into Fenway a lot when I managed Minnesota from 1961 to 1967. My home was still in Quincy, Mass. So I slept in my own bed. It was funny. I was managing against the team that I loved.

In 1965, we beat Boston 17 out of 18 times, 8 out of the 9 at Fenway. It actually hurt me, to beat them. I felt sorry because in my heart I was a Red Sox fan. I had played for them, I had scouted for them. Tom Yawkey would come in my office. And we would talk a lot. Oh yeah, geez, he had me in his will.

The losing, the miserable attendance, the doom and gloom that pervaded Fenway was on parade big time on the 16th of September. The tiniest crowd of the season made its way into Fenway Park - - just 1,247 paid and 1,123 in on passes. Dave Morehead opposed Luis Tiant of the Cleveland Indians.

Fenway was a ghost town of a ball park in 1965 when the team drew but 652,201, an average of 8,052 a game . The worst came late in the season. On September 28th against California only 461 showed to watch the sad Sox. The next day was even worse against the same team just 409 in the house. Finishing 9th in the ten-team American League, the Sox lost 100 games and won 62. The nadir had been breached.

Managers kept coming and going. Top prospects somehow never made it for one reason or another. Billy Herman was in place as the 1966 season started. Early on Dave Morehead, just 24, regarded as a brilliant future star, suffered an injury to his arm and was never the same. Posting a 1-2 record in a dozen appearances, he symbolized the Red Sox of that era - promise but pathos.

In 1966, the Sox lost 90 games and finished ninth. Attendance at Fenway Park was 811,172, an average attendance per game of 10, 095. It was pitiful.

JIM LONBORG: The 1967 season started off as a typical Red Sox season. There were 8,324 fans on a cold and dreary April 12th, Opening Day. We beat the White Sox 5-4. Petrocelli hit a three-run homer. And I got the win.

The next day there were only 3,607 at the ballpark. And then we went on a road trip. We came back having won 10 straight games. And when our plane landed there were thousands of fans waiting at the airport. That moment was the start of the great relationship between the fans and the players.

BOB SULLIVAN: I went to Dartmouth, and we used to road trip down to Fenway and get standing room without any trouble. It was eight dollars for grandstand seats. But so many seats were empty. You would flip an usher a quarter and you could move down into the seats. Then it changed. What happened was '67.

A noted oral historian and sports journalist, cited in the Congressional Record and the New York State Legislature, Harvey Frommer has written forty one sports books. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, New York Daily News, Newsday, USA Today, Men's Heath, The Sporting News, among other publications.

Dr. Frommer, dubbed "Dartmouth's own Mr. Baseball" by the Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, received his Ph.D. from New York University. Professor Emeritus, City University of New York, he has been a professor in the MALS program at Dartmouth College since 1992, where he has taught courses in oral history and culture and sports journalism.

601 and Counting

2011-09-17T23:25:00.001-05:00

Sandman Saves #600

2011-09-14T06:24:00.000-05:00

PURE CLASS

Gotta Go To Mo

'nuff said

Daily Noose

2011-09-11T14:34:00.002-05:00

Saturday's News

OK Bomber Buddies the New York Daily News is at it again. True the Yankees have been playing like they have been in a coma but despite how lothargic it has been, you really can't plame the pitching least of all Bartolo Colon. He pitched his heart out on Friday night, he gave the team seven strong innings. So tell me why the the new this it was funny to dis him like they did on the back pages?

True his performance went to WASTE. True his is larger than your average pitcher. But was there a need to put the headline as What A Waist? I think not! In reality him and Montero were the only positives in the sloppy game.

You guys want to be covering the flower show come April? Then fine, keep poking fun at your bread and butter. We are suppose to be on the same side. Attack the Red Sox, Phillies or some other New York rival, they are the ones that will take the food off your family's table. As tired as we are we don't need the extra pressure of your stupidity. What should be clever has turned stupid.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

2011-08-29T20:26:00.001-05:00

Well Joe P Jr has outdone himself once again. He actually transformed himself into a Yankee fan for the purpose of writing a song that is not only a tribute to the greatest team in sports history but the greatest fans in the sports world as well.

Simply entitled "I'm A Yankee Fan", not so clever but straight and to the point Harry King belts out the convincing anthem to the Bronx Bomber fans. The only problem is that if Joe transforms himself for more that 20 minutes at a time he may never be able to return to the RSN. The song is really like Joe making a wish!

The song itself is like a cross between the Tractors and Moody Blues with a trace of Hootie in the vocals. Joe has something here to be proud of. Check out the sample on CD Baby and download it. You won't be sorry.

SPECIAL GUEST BLOGGER JOE PICKERING JR.

2011-08-28T18:17:00.005-05:00

I'M A YANKEE FAN SONG (written by a Red Sox fan!)

My late Mom was the world's greatest Red Sox fan and she near worshipped the great hitting teams led by Ted Williams and followed the Red Sox on TV, radio, at Fenway for many decadeseven wrote a song about her. Those great Yankee teams of Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle and beyond always caused her deep pain. When I mentioned Bucky Dent..she "wanted him planted in cement!? Sure, she knew baseball was only a game but the Red Sox were her team. Though she was deeply disapponted by the Yankees winning nearly all the important games with the Sox, she never had any anything but respect for the Yankees. Why? She loved the game of baseball along with all the other sports bit baseball most. She admired quality play the fact was and is the Yankees over the longest period of time have been the best. She would have never used the derogatory terms assigned to the Yankees. It was not in her nature. One of the proudest moments of her life was to go to Yankee Stadium and watch the Yankees play and win the world series in the 1940's.

Maybe, that is why I have that grudging respect for them. Phil Speranza the owner of the oldest Yankee Fan site was somewhat surprised that I could write a song about the old Yankee Stadium. Why not? It was the greatest sports stadium in the world. Not, as pretty as Fenway but the greatest. One of the best if not the best quote I ever got for that song was from Phil. He called my Yankee Stadium an anthemn for an icon. Great great quote. But, let me tell you I am a Red Sox fan. I love my song called Baseball's Mortal Sin too. Guess which team that song is about? I have written many songs about the Red Sox and Yankees Rivalry including the song, "One Strike Away" and that is what Mike Mussina did...just one strike away from the first perfect game in Fenway's near 100 year history. My son Chris and I werer fortunate to witness the greatest pitched game that I ever saw and oh it was so so close. And, quite frankly it was not to be. Carl Everett singled over the head of Derek Jeter's head and one of the Yankee players said, "It felt like we lost the game." Well, they didn't. The Yankees won beating a former Yankee David Cone who pitched a beautiful two hitter and had at one time pitched a perfect game.

Thought I would share with you my very latest song. It is called," I'm a Yankee Fan" sung by Harry King who did a fantastic fast paced, exciting song about being a Yankee Fan.(Harry King has won grammies.) It actually took me months (not full time!) to write the song because I could never figure out how I celebrate Yankee fans and their very long successful history. If I started naming names of famous fans, I would get the Bronx Cheer. Who needs the Bronx cheer? So, I avoided that. I think of my Yankee Stadium song and the I'm a Yankee Fan song as two companion pieces. Anyway, I tried to write a song that would capture the thrill of being a Yankee fan and the pride that you folks have with the most successful sports franchise in the world. Here is the song lyric if you wish to read it:

I'M A YANKEE FAN!

DRUM ROLL! TRUMPETS! STRIKE UP THE BAND!
WHO'S THE GREATEST YANKEE FAN IN THE LAND?
ANY BOY OR GIRL, ANY WOMAN OR MAN
WHO CHEER AND SHOUT I'M A YANKEE FAN!

CALLS ITSELF THE BRONX BOMBER DYNASTY
THE NUMBER ONE SPORTS TEAM IN HISTORY
OUR WINNING TRADITION MAKES US STAND TALL
ALL YANKEE FANS BELONG IN BASEBALLS HALL

CHORUS

I'M A YANKEE FAN FOR ETERNITY
I'M WITH YOU CHEERING EVERY YANKEE
OUR TEAM'S WON MORE TITLES THAN ANYONE
WE'LL WIN MANY MORE CAUSE WE ARE NOT DONE

WE CHEER THEM ON IN THE SPRING THROUGH FALL
DREAM ALL WINTER OF THE FIRST DAY OF BASEBALL
WE LOVE OUR PINSTRIPES LIKE THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE
OUR YANKEES THEY'RE IN OUR BLOOD THEY'RE FAMILY TOO

BABE RUTH AND OUR TEAM BEGAN IN BALTIMORE
NINETEEN THIRTEEN WAS THE START OF YANKEE LORE
THANK YOU BALTIMORE WITHOUT YOU WE WOULDN'T BE
THANK YOU BOSTON THE BABE STARTED OUR DYNASTY

MOST RETIRED NUMBERS, MOST IN THE HALL OF FAME
LET'S CHEER! LET'S SHOUT EACH YANKEE NAME
WE LIVE FOR THAT WORLD SERIES WIN IN THE FALL

OH OUR YANKEES ARE THE YANKEES AFTER ALL!!

COUPLET BELOW AND FADE

ALL YANKEES FANS BELONG IN BASEBALL'S HALL

ALL YANKEE FANS BELONG IN BASEBALL'S HALL!

REPEAT FADE

Joe Pickering Jr. Songwriter King of the Road Music Publisher Harry King Producer, arranger and singer. C 2011

PREVIEW AND/OR BUY I'M A YANKEE FAN AT CD BABY

TOMORROW PHIL SHOOTS BACK AND TELLS YOU WHAT HE THINKS!

YANKS SIGN PROCTOR AND GAMBLE . . .

2011-08-13T20:47:00.000-05:00

Yanks take gamble on Proctor

Scott Proctor that is and they will take the "gamble" and have him report to Scranton Wilkes Barre after he was released by the Atlanta Braves. You remember the deal - July 31, 2007, the Bombers send a worn out Scott Proctor to the Dodgers for one time prospect Wilson Betiment. Well that deal didn't work out but The Yanks later sent Betiment to the Chisox for Nick Swisher. In between Proctor had Tommy John surgery.

Cut with a knife

Freddy Garcia has been scratched from his scheduled start Sunday against the Tampa Bay Rays because of a cut on a finger sustained in a kitchen accident four or five days ago.

A.J. Burnett will start in his place and manager Joe Girardi will be able delay the decision on who gets dropped from New York’s rotation. Girardi has been promising for several days that the team would go back to a five-man rotation after Sunday. Well that's one way to do it.

Just had to share

2011-08-01T13:59:00.000-05:00

I don't know if you saw this but I just found it hilarious.

see more Celeb Look-A-Likes

PUTT PUTT

2011-07-15T06:47:00.000-05:00

Colon

Bartollo Colon, could he be out of gas. He doesn’t exactly have that Jack Lalanne physique. There is no evidence of PED use there for sure. He has had bad outings back to back for the first time all summer. He pitched winter ball so that would make it very long season. As much as I would love to see him make a very long season with a little less than half to go not counting the post season.

Manager Joe Girardi made up a 1000 excuses for the portly righthander but Bartollo would have no part of them. Colon said through an interpreter. "That was my fault. I don't pitch good, and they hit me, and I lost the game." (just why does he “still” need an interpretor?)

The move to to send Ivan Nova to SWB to keep him starting doesn’t look so stupid now. And hopefully Hughes keeps pitching well. Maybe, just maybe it was a burp for Colon. Maybe next outing he comes back OK.

MURPHY'S LAW

2011-07-03T17:14:00.001-05:00

Do the Freddy

Freddy Garcia pitched a gem, David Robinson pitched a light out 8th inning. OK so this is the closest thing the Mets will get to a championship in a few years. True you have to be happy with 2 of 3 but after taking the first two, well you know. Ramiro Pena is suppose to be the sure handed fielder, it took him two errors to finally give away Sunday's extra inning matchup allowing Daniel Murphy to keep the inning alive. But if we cscored 3 runs today the point would be moot.

With every SS error that is made pushes that big head further up Derek's butt. Jason Bay gets the winning hit of the day.

The Captain returns on the late Boss's birthday in Cleveland to resume his hunt for hit # 3000.

Mitrie Returns Home

2011-07-01T11:05:00.000-05:00

Sergio Mitre didn't count out the possibility of reuniting with the Yankees in the future, he just didn't see it happening this year. Nor did he see himself starting against the mets this weekend. After all, the Yankees had traded him in March for outfielder Chris Dickerson.

It's funny sometimes how things can work out.

RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY . . .

2011-06-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

The rain has washed out tonights contestforcing the infamous split admission Double Header!.. It will be Garcia and Gordon going for the Yanks.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

2011-06-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

WE GOT PIE!

2011-05-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

Well a nice come from behind win. We played like a team and hopefully we look back at this game as the one that sent us on the road to #28 this October.

Who's Sori - ano now?

2011-05-24T19:49:00.000-05:00

Maybe Cashman was right all along. Maybe we should hope he takes the player option. Maybe someone else will step up and fill Mo's shoes.

Seems like the Yankees signed damaged merchandise once again. Rafael Soriano has been shut down indefinitely with a balky elbow. So much for taking over for Mariano Rivera.

Soriano was sent for another MRI; and is out indefinitely, in case you didn't hear he is out indefinitely! Rafael Soriano has been sent for another MRI examination as the reliever had to cut short a flat ground throwing session on Monday after feeling more soreness in his pitching elbow. “I’m more concerned now,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I really thought that we would have him getting ready to possibly go out on a rehab assignment shortly and that doesn’t seem to be the case now.” You think so Joe?
Soriano signed a three-year, $35 million contract to serve as Mariano Rivera’s primary setup man. With Soriano out, the Yankees have patched together their late-inning mix by asking more of Dave Robertson and Joba Chamberlain, as well as Luis Ayala. Since he contributed nothing I don't if we should view it as a loss if he goes under the knife ending his season.

Jorge Head Still Clearing

2011-05-15T18:56:00.000-05:00

Happier Times

Here is tonights line up and as you see Posada is still absent.

Derek Jeter SS

Curtis Granderson CF

Mark Teixeira 1B

Alex Rodriguez 3B

Robinson Cano 2B

Nick Swisher RF

Andruw Jones DH

Russell Martin C

Brett Gardner LF

Don't hang his spikes up quite yet. What if Jones gets hot?

Happy Birthday Yogi Berra!!!

2011-05-12T12:12:00.000-05:00

Yogi Berra turns 86 years young today.

Happy BtBirthday

Still a very famous face of the franchise, Yogi Berra, the fans and the New York Yankees are bonded for eternity. Just as popular today with the Yankees as he was during his playing days, maybe more. Yogi Berra is New York, and he is a Yankee for life.

CAPTAIN CRUNCHES TWO

2011-05-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

Finally showing some spunk. Look for the team to follow.

It has a long way to go before I am happy with Jeter's ABs but he took a step in the right direction Sunday as the Yankees beat the Texas Rangers 12-5. The Yankees leave the Longhorn State taking two of three from Texas. "Everybody needs a day like this, regardless if you're swinging well or you're not swinging well," Jeter said. "I just want to be comfortable. ... It's pretty difficult to hit when you're sitting around trying to think of too many things, and I found myself thinking of things early on."

Under a microscope all season as he started slowly following a 2010 drop-off, the 36-year-old Jeter also had three RBIs and his first stolen base of the year while raising his batting average from .256 to .276.

Andruw Jones is playing LF like he is wearing cement shoes. No pop in his bat. Unless he doubles up on the Geritol he'll be gone this month.

Buddy Can You Spare A Hit?

2011-05-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

The starting pitching has been good beyond expectations. Now if the bats will wake up, we can be OK. To add insult to injury Eric Chavez broke a bone in his foot today as well so it scramble time to find a replacement for the super sub.

I think I like it better when we lose the first game and sweep the rest of the series. This Detroit Series was da pits.

It off to the scene of last fall's crime as the Bombers go into Texas to take on the first place Rangers over the weekend. This time they won't have Cliff Lee on their side as he signed with the Phillies.

Derek Sanderson Jeter was rested today due to some hip stiffness. He does not look comfortable out there at all, but look for Jeter to rise to the occasion.

ROTATION OF THE YANKEE NATION

2011-04-28T20:11:00.000-05:00

If you were to take a photo of the Yankees starting rotation now you would no doubt need a wide angle lens. . . . Phil Hughes had a setback on his rehab program and is seeing one doctor after another. . . . Teixeira hurt the shoulder when he dove for a ball Tuesday, and he aggravated the injury on another dive Wednesday. He was replaced by Eric Chavez late in the game. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said no tests were planned at this time, so it sounds like this is a day-to-day thing.

MY FAVORITE MARTIN....BUT NOT BUCK'S

2011-04-23T23:05:00.001-05:00

Muscle from Russell

Russell Martin went deep twice tonight but didn't get a chance to park the next one due to the fact the the Oriole pitcher drilled him in the upper back.

AJ Burrnet was ready to storm the field with his team behind in defnese of his favorite battery mate. Oh yeah, the Yankees beat the Birds 15-3.

The HBP in Russell Martin's last AB may or not have been intentional, and nobody is sure if Buck Showalter issued the command. But there may be retribution tomorrow or when the Yankees return to Kramdan Yards latter this season.

Orioles reliever Josh Rupe knows what it looked like. So did manager Buck Showalter. But Rupe said after Saturday's lopsided 15-3 loss to the Yankees that the pitch that hit New York catcher Russell Martin in the back was not intended to send any kind of message.

TEXAS TWO STEP?

2011-04-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

Garcia 1-0

For a while there it was looking like Deja Vu all over again, I was even looking for a place to hide Rafael Soriano.

Freddy Garcia looked great for his first start in pinstipes and his first start in 17 days in spring training. Let's hope he doesn't need 17 games rest in between.

The Yanks DLed Phil Hughes with a dead arm after days of swearing that he isn't hurt. We can get fined on this one. Funny in August our rotation could be CC, AJ, Bartollo, Garcia and Carlos Silva.

Note to Brian Cashman, keep you mouth shut. Mr Torre is a league executive now he can get you in trouble.

ON THE MARK

2011-04-11T12:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to Mark Teixiera! Now start hitting.

THE BOONE LOGAN EXPERIMENT IS OVER

2011-04-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

Boone Logan once again came into a close game and began to put out fires with gasoline. Hey Boone a lefty releif specialist is suppose to get out lefties. There goes the last bit of saving grace from the Vasquez deal last season. Got to be someone in SWB that can do that. Makes you long for Bob Shirley.

OK Phil the season has started it is time to be up to speed. I would love to tell my boss I am taking it light and not up to speed yet. Got to be something there call the pitching guru ASAP.

Bartolo Colon says that his new role has him feeling like "a rookie" again, and the Yankees might have found a useful piece for their bullpen mix. He pitched very well in the typical Fenway Park game.

YANKIN IT IN BEANTOWN

2011-04-07T21:03:00.000-05:00

Phil Hughes

0-1, 11.25 ERA

Last appearance:

4/03 vs DET

4.0 IP, 5 ER

To borrow a phrase from a really big Yankees fan who actually lives in the area this marks the first trip for our Bombers to Boston in 2011. And one thing I never expected or wanted for that matter was to go up there when the cast of Bosox are winless.

Carl Crawford has been under the proverbial microscope as the newspaper watch his every move as he mutters to himself, "I should have been an Angel."

The team that everone handed them the 2011 World Series Trophy has yet to win a game. Plus Friday is their home opener.

Billy Martin always said "I rather play a hot team than a cold team, because sooner or later the cold team will win by accident." The is nothing I would like more than to continue the streak but lets hope for our best. GO YANKS!

Courtesy Of Shakey Giambino:

2011-04-07T09:14:00.000-05:00

Soriano says he’s sorry

Rafael Soriano was so upset after blowing what seemed like a sure win for CC Sabathia on Tuesday that he stormed out of the clubhouse and went home, the Yankees reliever said on Wednesday afternoon.

“I don’t know what happened,” said Soriano, who walked three batters and was charged with four runs in New York’s 5-4 loss to the Twins. “I threw a couple of pitches and I feel like I don’t have balance. I don’t think that’s happened before – that’s the first time.”

Soriano said that his agent, Scott Boras, called him on Wednesday and reminded him that he needs to be accountable for his actions and make himself available to the media after games. Instead, his teammates – particularly catcher Russell Martin – were left to answer for Soriano’s performance.

“The reason I didn’t do it, I got mad because I think that’s a game CC is supposed to win,” Soriano said. “It didn’t happen and that’s why I got mad. I don’t feel comfortable to talk.”

It wasn’t just the media that kept Soriano silent. He said he also screened a couple of calls from his mom, who watched the game on television from the Dominican Republic, but finally called her back on Wednesday.

“My mom, she called me and I didn’t answer my phone,” Soriano said. “I don’t feel comfortable to talk to her. I feel like that. I said, ‘All right, let me go home and be relaxed and ready for today.’”

Soriano said that while he is fine with his role setting up for closer Mariano Rivera, he sometimes struggles when coming into games with a larger lead. The Yankees led 4-0 when Soriano took the ball for the eighth.

“To me, it’s different when I’m in that situation like that,” Soriano said. “I don’t know why. It’s usually a lot closer. When it’s a situation like that, sometimes the [opposing] team gets a couple runs. I don’t know why it happens like that. The last three years, that’s what happens. I tried to do the best I can last night, but nothing happens.”

Joe Girardi said that there is no issue in the clubhouse with Soriano, who also stopped by the manager’s office today to apologize.

“He understands that he has a responsibility to the media, and he knows that,” Girardi said. “There are days after games where you just don’t feel like talking. It can be difficult and you feel like you’re not going to say the right things in a situation like that, and you step away. But he understands that he has a responsibility. I think he knows what he’s supposed to do.

“It happens. Players sometimes need to blow off a little steam. He was upset that CC didn’t get the win. And we didn’t get the win. We move on.”

Read more: http://btbfansite.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=19823#ixzz1IqXaYjdH

SO SORRY-ANO

2011-04-05T21:37:00.000-05:00

Didn't Quite Have It

Hey it's a long season and this was our first ugly loss. Soriano's fastball just wasn't finding it's spots. When releiver like Rafael walks 3 it is bad news. His high pitch count gives him the day off tomorrow. Boone Logan who didn't look good all year took the loss.

It is our old friend Crazy Carl Pavano facing Freddy Garcia tomorrow.

Twins 5 Yankees 4 in 10 innings

AS EASY AS 1 - 2 - 3

2011-04-04T21:58:00.000-05:00

A-Rod Goes Deep in the first

The Yankees beat the Twins tonight by a score of 4-3. And it was as easy as 1-2-3.

1: Nova got win #1 while Joba got hold #1.
2: Jorge and Alex hit "2" run homers and Soriano got Hold #2.
3: Mariano got Save #3.

Tuesday CC Sabathia is on the mound for the Yanks while Freddy Garcia makes his Pinstriped debut on Wednesday, AJ Burnett will pitch the getaway game Thursday afternoon to wrap up the home stand.

IN THE WORDS OF MEATLOAF . . .

2011-04-03T20:10:00.001-05:00

Not So Philty Today

Two out of three ain't bad. Of course when you win the first two you want the broom.

The Yankees are now on a pace to win 108 games. Mark Texiera is on pace for 159 homers. Bartolo Colon made his pinstriped debut, no they are not slimming. As the Tigers finish (yes finish) 2011 at Yankee Stadium 1-2 it is time to gear up to play the Twins. We do play them in Detroit in May for four games.

The Tigers battered Phil Hughes for five runs and five hits over four innings, including a pair of two-run homers by Miguel Cabrera. Bartolo Colon was putting out fire with gasoline, in his Yankees debut. The 37-year-old former Cy Young Award winner gave up four runs and five hits in his four-inning stint. The homers were flying as Jorge had a pair of 2-run dingers for the good guys as well. The Tigers salvaged one game 10-7.

Also what is with Brian Cashman blaming the Mets for abusing Jose Feliciano? Don't you give a guy a physical before signing him?

OFF DAY!

2011-04-01T23:47:00.001-05:00

AJ Burnett

I hate off days especially when you win the game before it. Today would have been even nastier to sit through. Should be dry this weekend. Good luck yo AJ and Phil to wrap up the first series of the season.

Need something interesting to read try The Yankee Analyst. Condolences go out to the Pride of the Yankees Blog over at NJ.com. They have been auditioning writers for over a year.

GAME 1: YANKEES 6 TIGERS 3

2011-04-01T10:04:00.002-05:00

Sabathia goes 6 but Joba picks up the win in relief

Game one went as the doctor ordered. One of CC's best Opening Day Starts in his eight chances, although not at his CC best. Joba Chamberlain came in and shut the Tigers down in the seveth until the new tag team of Soriano and Mariano nailed down the Yankees first victory. Tex and Grandy went long for the Bombers and A-Rod hit a double off the Yankee bullpen wall.

It was cold as a bat's @$$ but just great game nonetheless.

BOINNNNNGGGG!!!!!

2011-03-30T20:45:00.001-05:00

Spring has sprung Bomber buddies and now it is for real. With the lingering sour taste from the early exit in 2010 we enter 2011 on the road to 28.

The slates are clean everyone is tied for first place. The Yankees came up short in the Cliff Lee conquest but 4 out of 5 experts agree that may be a blessing is disquise. Both the Yankees and Mets finshed their exibition season against the same team they are meeting on Opening Day. Who's idea was that?

It will be Justin Verlander vs CC Sabathia for the opener in Da Bronx, Friday is an off day for the teams. The rest of the rotation rounds out to Burnett, Hughes, Nova and Freddy Garcia. Many though that Bartolo Colone should have won the fifth spot but he will be hanging on in the pen in case Freddy or anyone else needs a fill in.

CC Sabathia leads the way but he can't do it alone. He surely needs help from both Phil Hughes and AJ Burnett. Hughes needs to bring more of consistency to the mound. Nova and Garcia just need to be solid.
AJ Burnett’s career is being counted out by most experts since he is now 34. He still throw hard, but his fastball was crushed for a career worst 25 HR’s (back to back years) given up last year. He looks to rebound this year in his "year on".

Anyway it is 162 game season and a lot can happen but come October (actually November) and the dust settles we should be Marching down Broadway.

IT IS SPRING ON MAPLE STREET

2011-03-24T20:41:00.003-05:00

The New York Yankees are in Tampa, The Maple Street Press Yankee Annual 2011 is on the newsstand and Spring is in the air. That could only mean that Opening Day is upon us.

Cecilia Tan once again has collected some of the best Bomber writers she could find and gathered them together to look into the Yanks 2011 season. Ms Tan is the publisher of the Website Why I Like Baseball. She bats lead off in this great publication giving you the inside look at the potential Bomber squad using a batbag of stats, some you may not ever heard of. Don't ya know that the cover has a picture of Robbie Cano?

Dan Graziano of the Star Ledger follows her up with a 2010 review. In MSP Dan shows just how talented he is talking nothing but baseball. Mark C Healy tells us if he feel Robbie Cano is for real. There is just so much about the 2011 team the book could be called Yankees 101.

What Yankees publication would be complete without delving int their historic past. And who better to lead the way than Dan McCourt who can give you chills with his keyboard. Dan looks back at the Yankees 13 MVP winners. Dan can be found at his site giving you his daily Yankees peek as he Takes Him Downtown. He can also be found quite often on the Behind the Bombers Forum.

This issue has some of the best peeks into our minor league system out there.

A plethora of writers cover the multitude of topics listed below:

Spring Ahead: A Look at the 2011 New York Yankees (Player Profiles)

Near Miss: 2010 in Review

Home Grown: Robinson Cano Comes Into His Own

Hit Or Miss: The 2010 Yankees Rotation By The Numbers

I Don't Feel That I've Arrived: An Interview with Phil Hughes

Headed For The Hall: Who Will be the Next Yankee in Cooperstown?

Secret Weapon: Kevin Long is the Most Dangerous Man in the Yankee Offensive Arsenal

Big Boss Man: A Look Back On the Last Lion of Baseball

Two By Two: The Yankees' Top 10 Prospects

A Good Harvest: 2010 On The Yankees Farm

Switch-Pitcher: Pat Venditte From All Sides

Spreading The Wealth: The 2010 Yankees Draft

The Pride Of Brooklyn: Dellin Betances is Ready To Live Up to the Hype

Bombers' Dozen: A Look Back At All 13 Yankees MVPs

The Greatest Game Ever Played: Seizing The 1921 Pennant

Keller Is King: Remembering 1941

The Tape Measure Shot: The Real Story of Mantle's Griffith Stadium Homer

Yankee Road Trip: Places Every Yankees Fan Should See

Keep the kleenex handy as the article on The Boss digs deep into your memories.

So run out to you nearest bookstore or magazine stand and pick up a couple of copies. You will be glad you did. This is a must buy.

THE "MOURNING" AFTER

2010-10-23T11:04:00.001-05:00

The New York Post has proven once again what a classless rag it is with both their front and back page after the Yankees have been eliminated. They even ask Derek Jeter about is contract plans. Well I am 99.9999% sure Derek didn't srrive at the Stadium in Arlington planning to lose and ready make his new future plans. Plus don't the realise that without the Yankees they have nothing to write about? If the World Series was the Rangers and Giants, Long Islanders aren't going to care that they won't have Channel 5.

Phil Hughes pitched a good game. He had no support and we only got three hits off a pitcher who was playing in Japan the last couple of years.

One thing I did notice Saturday morning fans were still wearing their Yankee garb, unlike several of our rivals. Now is thes time we need to think about Jeter and Mo, should they stay or should they go? Let the Hot Stove Begin!

Freddy 'Sez' Schuman May 23, 1928 to October 17, 2010

2010-10-17T20:32:00.002-05:00

For the last 22 year in the ballyard in the Bronx if you heard as spoon being hit against a frying pan you know that Freddy 'Sez' Schuman wasn't far away. Kids of all ages flock the die hard Yankee fan with the hope of getting to tap his traditional pan and read his colorful words of wisdom.

Freddy had become more popular than Max Patkin in New York, better loved than Dancin Harry, who came to NYC in the 70's with Earl Monroe from Baltimore. A fixture bigger than Uncle Willie or Disco Stu. I won't even mention the short lived official mascot "Dandy".

Freddy was everybody's friend, then Mayor Rudy Guilianne flew Freddy to Arizona at the request of his son Andrew in the 2001 World Series to try to bring the team luck. Freddy was as much of Yankee Lore as anyone outside the lines.

Schuman died at Lenox Hill Hospital on Sunday afternoon after suffering a heart attack on Friday night, according to longtime friend Chuck Frantz. A hospital official confirmed Schuman's death. "It's a sad day for Yankee fans and for anyone who knew Freddy," Frantz said. This was the second heart attack Freddy has suffered in under a year.

Freddy was born on May 23, 1928, and was a resident of The Bronx for most of his life. When he was 9 years old, he suffered an accident during a stickball game, in which he lost the use of his right eye. From about 1988, until his death, he was an unofficial promoter for the Yankees and other local sports teams.

You will be missed Freddy. Bob and the Boss are waiting on you Freddy.

CREEPY THEORY

2010-09-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

By Dan McCourt
TakeHimDowntown.Com

I'm already sorry for typing this, but I really do think most people are basically insane and that the real motivations behind what we do are far from the honorable and reasonable ones we tell ourselves. Here goes:

Javy hit three guys in a row, or at least threw pitches where that outcome was possible if not likely, on purpose. But the purpose was not to hurt guys on the opposition.

Javy watched Joe hand a key one-run game over to Dustin Moseley and Chad Gaudin on Wednesday. Then he responded when told to warm and then to pitch the night after. He was brought into this game down 8-3. The guy knows he has talent. Sure, he's not throwing as hard as he and the Yanks would have liked, but he put together a three-month string of quality starts this year.

Who's to say he's not standing on the mound fuming, "THOSE guys get handed the ball with the game on the line, while I sit there and finally get the chance when the game is in mopup mode." He's gripping the ball tighter and tighter as the thought just pounds through his head.

I know. He pitched an inning Tuesday. Sorry, I don't believe that rules him out for Wednesday, and I don't think he thinks it either.

I'll never forget hearing young Australian righty Mark Hutton being interviewed after being traded away during the 1996 season. He was depressed about going away sure. He was a Yankee. And now he'd be a Marlin. But the thing is, in the interview he wasn't talking about going from first to worst. He looked across the diamond at the guy he was being traded for, David Weathers, and said, "They couldn't get more for me than THAT!"

Injuries had Hutton out of the game in a year (though he bounced around the Independents for a while). And Weathers actually had a nice postseason for us that magical year, before reverting to form and being shipped out in '97. That doesn't change Mark's perception.

Last point: It would be a horrible to accuse a ballplayer of what I'm saying may have been in the back of the mind of Vazquez. BUt I'll give him this. He is 1,000 times a better pitcher than Moseley and Gaudin. I hope he was just a little off. But I also hope he knows that.

YANKEE BASEBALL!!!

GEORGE M STEINBRENNER III

2010-09-20T19:58:00.000-05:00

Mariano lags behind and checks out the newly dedicated plaque

If you would have told me in the late 70s that I would have had misty eyes when The Boss passed away I would not have believed you. But maturing as George learned the game you could see George was the best owner in sports history. Mr Steinbrenner knew how to make his money grow as well as putting a winning product on display for his Yankee family, which I am proud to be part of.

Well keeping with the Yankee tradition the Yankees honored their own by dedicating a plaque in Monument Park II to The Boss. A feat I wished that they would have done while George was still with us but George would have nixed that in a second.

On hand with the Steinbrenner Family were former family members Reggie Jackson, Yogi Berra, Tino Martinez, Gene Michael, Roy (who dressed you?) White and David Wells. Flown across country at the request of Lonn Trost were Don Mattingly and Joe Torre who came back to the Bronx for the first time since Joe Girardi was named manager. George's buddy Bud Selig was on hand as well.

Overall is was very nicely and tastefully done and a fitting tribute to a great man. We will miss you George!!!

DEREK CHEATER????

2010-09-16T19:34:00.002-05:00

In his 15 year career with the Yankees Derek Jeter has never caused so much controversy. I can't believe they are making such a big deal about him faking getting hit by a pitch. His biggest crime before this was laughing when he struck out. So now just because he pretends to get hit by a pitch in an important game in a pennant race some people and press are crying about it.

With one out in the top of the seventh, Rays reliever Chad Qualls appeared to hit Jeter in the elbow. The Yankee shortstop grabbed his elbow and acted like he was in pain. However, the replay clearly showed the ball clearly hit the end of the bat. It's BS. It's not like he took performance enhancing drugs. Four Major League umpires couldn't catch it? Or maybe just believe it? It's because his image is squeaky clean that it's being made such a big deal. When a football player goes for a catch and it hits the ground and he catches it, he plays it off like he caught it so what's the difference? The same goes for an outfielder when he traps a ball.

Many feel Jeter made a grave mistake in admitting the fact that he was not hit with the pitch; now the world knows he was 'lying, fibbing, acting, no matter what you wish to call it,...but a lot of folks will merely call it cheating, and nothing less. Derek was always so careful in his past interviews, and I believe did the wrong thing by his admission!

I can't believe he actually done that, A-Rod maybe Jeter no way. Maybe he was trying to use it as a tool to break his slump. Maybe this slump just has him so frustrated that he will try anything to get on base. One thing I know for sure the press aren't going to let go of this anytime soon.

Lisa Swan over at Subway Squawkers ponders what the reaction would have been if it was Alex Rodriguez.

Bill Douglas contributed to this BtBlog

Our Bomber Buddy Gets Help In Enemy Territory

2010-09-14T20:06:00.000-05:00

Long time BTB member was vacationing in Boston ( dunno why?) a few weeks ago and ran into a great ordeal. Fortunately he ran into some angels of mercy (one which he travels with).

A funny thing happened on MarkUK's way back from Boston. Back from Boston two weeks late from facebook: - thanks to all the surgeons and doctors of the Boston Vascular unit for saving my life - I will never forget these guys esp Dr Gregg and Dr Tony. Thank God for the wonderful USA medical system. And what a woman my Tanya is - by my side for every minute of my nightmare.

I just got really ill really fast - had a double aneurysm in my Aorta. 5 hour operation - just in time, I was dying. Those Bostonians saved me but I still HATE THE RED SOX!!!!!!! Go Yankees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

I am ever grateful to those Boston Doctors and shout across the Atlantic "Get Well Soon Mark" You must be doing something right.

I just got chills my friend thinking 7Reggie was with you helping you through this one.

Cano Makes it Hard to Miss A-Rod

2010-08-23T17:31:00.000-05:00

Posted on August 23, 2010 by Pat Nestor

by Pat Nestor

The news over the weekend that Alex Rodriguez was going on the DL would worry a number of teams, but for the Yankees it seemed almost like a “Hhhm? What? Oh yeah, ok.” sort of reaction.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure the team would much rather have their slugging 3rd Baseman -playing everyday, but in his absence, their 2nd baseman has picked up any slack and continues a spectacular season.

Robinson Cano has put together the type of season the Yankees have envisioned over the last couple of years. Reports of Cano’s lack of focus and maturity issues seemed to dog the young 2nd baseman and a number of people wondered if the trade of Melkey Cabrara was partly to ensure the removal of Cano’s “partner in crime” which would in tourn help him be more consistant and baseball minded.

Perhaps the absence of Cabrara has played a part, perhaps not. In any case, Cano’s numbers have lifted his stature from a solid player in the upper percentage of the league’s Second Basemen, to perhaps the best player at the position in all of Major League Baseball.

His number are sweet: .325 batting average, 25 home runs, 86 rbi, 45 walkss and 58 strike outs in 477 at-bats. Even his errors are down. He’s already tied his 2009 final number in home runs and actually has one more rbi than all of last year. His strike outs are a little above past seasons but not by a lot and his overall production is very elevated to the point that Cano will get some MVP consideration.

The Yankees are known for being a slugging team, with A-Rod and Mark Teixeria being the main names on the big bopper list and Jorge Posada, Curtis Granderson and Nick Swisher being the next ones in line in a lot of fans’ minds. Posada’s age, health and decrease in production and Granderson’s weak season play a factor in a change here, but even if they were putting up numbers like in the past, I think Cano really has to be looked at as one of the most dangerous hitters on the team, perhaps only really behind Teixeria at this point.

It will be interesting to see how Cano handles the role of big bat once the playoff crunch gets here, but so far his season has given the Yankees reason to believe they have a powerhouse in the lineup for years to come.

600th A-Bomb from A-Rod

2010-08-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

August 4, 2010

Alex Rodriguez is the seventh player in Major League history to reach 600 home runs.

ALEX RODRIGUEZ HITS HOME RUN NUMBER 600!

Three years to the day that Rodriguez hit his 500th home run, he became the seventh player in Major League history to hit 600 home runs in his career with a first-inning blast off Toronto's Shaun Marcum at Yankee Stadium.

THE MAC ATTACK: ANGELS IN THE MOUTH FIELD

2010-07-23T20:13:00.003-05:00

By Joan McLoughlin

If silence is golden, what does that mean to sound? Some sounds can be golden, too. Like the voice of our beloved and departed Bob Sheppard. Or the crack of the bat when the ball is going deep…when it is high…when it is far…when it is gone. But then there are the sounds that are punishing. Like the sounds of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim broadcasters that I was subjected to this past week for the Yankees 2 games series in the Bronx. Now don’t get me wrong, living out of one’s team’s local market can be fun. There is something to be said for attending the game in the away grays and taking smack from the home team fans. As a Yankee fan, you know we’re going to get it. And of course, the banter between rival fans can bring as much joy and entertainment as that of a walk off win.

So that being said, why am I on a rant against the Angels’ broadcasters? I don’t expect them to root for the Yankees. I don’t expect them to be unbiased. But I do expect professionalism and some evidence of intelligent life form.

Wednesday’s day game while in the car, game on the radio, I’m thankful I didn’t get in an accident…because they were driving me crazy. I truly couldn’t believe what I was hearing, including remarks that the New York fans are not as into the game anymore in the new stadium. EXCUSE ME? OK, maybe I didn’t hear right. Oh, no, they repeated the sediment. Conversation continued to explain how the New York fans also get defensive if you state a homerun ball may not be a homerun in other stadiums. To quote, “318 in left, 314 in right. Come on!” Surprise, did anyone compare the dimensions of the park to the House That Ruth Built in 1923? And was this really the talk of two unbiased broadcasters on a major league broadcast? Or was it Jimmy and Eddie, 7th graders arguing ‘my team is better than your team’?

I involuntary shut the radio off a couple of times to ease myself of the torture but then it was killing me not knowing what was going on. Needless to say, I kept turning it back on. A couple of times upon returning to the car in between errands, I thought the Angels had scored the go ahead run listening to Heckle and Jeckle….Note to self. Please have husband figure out the XM radio attachment for car.

Later that evening, I sat down to enjoy game on TV. Heck with the American Express Card, I never leave home without setting the DVR to record the game. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse, the TV announcers start in! After Derek Jeter hits an infield single knocked down by Erick Aybar, the brainiac TV broadcasters surmise that Jeter will definitely pass Pete Rose’s all time hits record with calls like that. After Gardner’s late inning ejection, the comment was ‘Well, Gardner’s been arguing the whole game’. Really? Were we watching the same game? I know I’m nick picking but this goes on the whole game and being I live in the Angels local market, my MLB Extra Innings broadcasts are blacked out…but I do love my mute button.

I’d venture to bet that every mother has preached ‘if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all’. While I don’t believe this applies here, I do believe if you don’t have anything intelligent to say, don’t say anything at all. And unless your broadcasting contract is word based on the number of words spoken, spare us a few please. After all, silence can truly be golden.

…Names have been left out to protect the idiots…

WANNTING & WAVING AT WAST

2010-07-18T17:01:00.001-05:00

With Andy Pettitte on the DL, who is going to take his sport in the rotation? We might wind up giving Montero up for a lesser caliper player. . . . Why was Brian Cashman the only Yankees representative at Bob Sheppard's funeral? . . . Were that lacerations on AJ Burkett's hand from throwing the cutter? . . . Nice ceremony Friday night for the Boss and the voice! . . . Steinner Sports tried to sell me 2 suite tickets Friday night for a suite which included food, open bar and meet and greet with Dwight Gooden. Who would put Dwight Gooden in a room with an Open Bar? . . . Is Jeter making out on purpose because he doesn't want "pie"?

WE SALUTE YOU GEORGE!

2010-07-13T09:19:00.002-05:00

The news of the passing of Bob Sheppard is barely cold and we now have news of the loss of the patriarch of the Yankee and Steinbrenner family, George M. Steinbrenner has suffered a massive heart attack. Originally My9 in NYC reported that he passed away. Steinbrenner who turned 80 was rushed to St. Joseph's hospital in Tampa, Florida, and his condition is now confirmed that he has left us for that big ballyard in the sky..

Love him or hate him he brought winning back to the Bronx when he purchased the team back in 1973. He originally bid on the Cleveland Indians and was turned down. Imagine how baseball would have changed if he had bought the Indians instead of the Yankees!

He opened up a whole new world to adult team apparel. Look around any stadium or arena today and see everyone wearing their team colors no matter what age, which was the work of George. Before George the only place I could get a Yankee cap to fit my head was the famed Manny’s Baseball Land across from the old stadium.

George although drastic at times showed what it was like to have Yankee Pride. He brought 7 more trophies to the Bronx as well as 11 American League pennants. If you worked for George you had a job for life.

Steinbrenner is the longest-tenured owner in Major League Baseball, having served as principal owner since purchasing the club on Jan.3, 1973 for $10 million.
Steinbrenner has been in failing health in recent years and his sons Hal and Hank running baseball operations.

Steinbrenner bought the Yankees for $10 million and under his ownership they have become the most valuable team in U.S. professional sports, with Forbes.com estimated its value at over one-billion dollars.

We will miss you George thank you for everything, but your sons will do you proud.

YANKEEMANIA RUNS RAMPART

2010-05-23T14:32:00.003-05:00

Nick Johnson is out for wrist surgery again. He can't shake hands without getting hurt. Imagine if he was on the same teams with Shelley Duncan? We could nickname him stumpy because after one of Duncan's high-fives he wouldn't have any hands anymore.

Did you see Marcus Thames trip over his own bat? I never saw that before at any level. I wonder is that is an unwritten law of baseball? He is also a horror show in the outfield but he makes Randy Winn look like a gold glover. Look for it to settle down after the Grandy-Man returns. Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson is set to test his injured left groin in a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Saturday Granderson took the collar in 4 ABs as DH. He did pick up a hit on Sunday.

In other SWB News The New York Yankees are pleased to announce the extension through the 2014 season of their Player Development Contract (PDC) with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, their Triple-A affiliate in the International League. In addition, SWB Yankees LLC, a joint venture between the New York Yankees and Mandalay Baseball, renewed their management agreement to operate the franchise for the next four seasons as well.

Javier Vazquez was removed after six brilliant innings against the New York Mets on Friday because of a bruised right index finger. He got the injury while successfully bunting. Another reason to use the DH everywhere.

Remember Duane Staats who use to do play by play for the Yankees on MSG? No he is not coming back. He is now working for the Rays in Tampa. Here is what he had to say about Mariano Rivera.

Dwayne Staats was taking viewer's questions regarding Mariano. He stated that Rivera is now a vulnerable reliever and get this: scouts have told him that he is losing his cutter and age has caught up with him. I do not know whose scouts told him this, but he was in agreement with it.

Duane Staats had a very professional voice and that was it, he and Tony Kubek were a couple of Bozos when they teamed with the Yankees, with my apologies to the clown union.

NOT SO BAD AFTER ALL ...

2010-05-22T10:49:00.004-05:00

Hey just got this email from BTB's own John Manaco. It proves Alex (and the Yankees) are so bad at all.

From: Ward, Jeff

Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 9:51 PM

To: Monaco, John

Subject: THought you might like this.....

John,
Do you recognize this guy? J The guy in the white shirt taking the picture on the left is a good friend of mine. He’s Director of Operations for Make A Wish in Southern California. The kid with the hat on is one of the Wish Kids. My friend Bruce is not a sports fan at all. He has done this several times with the Angels and Wish Kids but he said he has a real appreciation for the Yankees. He said the Angels organization was nice and all but the Yankees were total class. They were in the dugout a couple of hrs before game time at Angel Stadium and just about every Yankee came up and talked with this kid. Jeter, A-Rod everyone. This kid’s wish was to meet A-Rod. Apparently he took the kid out to the field with him while he did warm ups. He took the kid (without Bruce or anyone) down into the clubhouse and met a bunch of the guys. Bruce said the Yankee’s PR organization was top notch. They had a uniform for this kid, A-Rod pulled a bat out of his bat bag, signed it and gave it to the kid. There were several baseballs that got signed right there by the players and gave them to the kid. It was funny because one of the Angels Stadium officials (the girl in the right picture with the red strap around her neck) told Bruce “uh-oh” when A-Rod gave him the bat because fans aren’t allowed to take bats into the stands as they are considered weapons. Bruce said that shouldn’t be a problem….just give to one of the Angels Stadium PR people and have them give it to the kid after the game. She said normally that would work but she said she didn’t trust ANYONE with a bat signed by A-Rod – the kid might never see it again. So, here’s how much of a sports fan my friend is. Bruce offered to take it home with him and bring it back after the game. HE HAD NO INTENTION OF STAYING FOR THE GAME!!! EVEN THOUGH HE COULD HAVE HAD VIP SEATS!!!!! So Bruce goes home, does his putzing around the house, turns the game on around the 8th inning so he’d know when to leave to go to the stadium with the bat. (He lives close to the stadium). What did he see when he turned it one? They were in between innings and he basically saw this scene below with himself on TV. They were talking about the wish kid. I forgot to mention that they let the kid take the starting lineup out to the umpire at the beginning of the game. Class act for sure!

Jeff Ward Area Manager Field Operations - Canada and Western US

YANKEES ANNUAL 2010

2010-03-29T23:04:00.009-05:00

Each Spring I look forward to the warm summers, Spring Training, Opening Day and a new Yankee team. Over the last couple of years one additional thing I look forward to is the Maple Street Press Yankees Annual (formerly Bombers Broadside). When I see the YA on the shelves I know Opening Day is not far away.

It is a great publication that paves they way for the upcoming Bombers season in a way no "one" publication has done before. It is full of analysis by some of the greatest Yankees minds you can find. Chock full of writers that don't pull punches and leave no stone unturned. It stresses the current and upcoming team without forgetting the past season or the vast history that has paved its way through the Bronx.

The writers range from some of the best known Yankee beat writers to the renown webmasters on the Internet. Webmasters and publishers of the web are today unsung heroes, many of them do it for the love of the team. Writer and editor Cecilia Tan, who once again has put together another fine collection, got the proverbial ball rolling with a roster/2010 preview which you will want to keep by your remote control once the season starts. It is loaded with stats, charts and photos in addition to her fine writing style. It has some of my favorite writers in it as well as some of the writers that I love to hate. But here they can say no wrong! What YA would be complete without a contribution form Take Him Downtown's Dan McCourt.

This publication is for the die hard fan, the casual fan or just the rookie that wants to learn the game. Just reading this publication will prepare you for any office water cooler conversation that can be dished out. It would make you smarter than the guy that sits behind you during the game, you know the one I mean. So I couldn't recommend it more. Buy two copies someone is bound to borrow it and not return it. Pick up your copy at your local bookstore or newstand or order it here.

Hughes Named #5 Starter

2010-03-25T13:19:00.003-05:00

As reported on BehindtheBombers.Com Tuesday the Yankees manager Joe Girardi officially announced Thursday that Phil Hughes will serve as the club's fifth starter in 2010. that mean that Joba Chamberlain will be joining the Yankees bullpen in a move that many people felt he was stronger in.

In sadder news Dwight Gooden, who once held the heart of New York by his right arm, was arrested on Tuesday for the umpteenth time for essentially the same crime. For too many years, he has spent as much time on the police blotter as on the pitcher’s mound, because of the influence of drugs and his inability to stop taking them.

Summers in the Bronx: Attila the Hun and Other Yankee Stories

2010-03-06T10:28:00.005-05:00

by Ira Berkow

ISBN: 978-1-60078-392-0256

This book could have easily been called The Best Of Ira Berkow, and it really is. It is Mr Berkow's finest Yankee articles from his illustrious career. You can read it from cove to cover ( I bet you will) or you can read whatever tickles your fancy first and make the tough decision what to read next.

As a NY Daily News reader myself this collection on Berkow's NY Times articles was entirely new to me. But you couldn't make a better scrapbook if you clipped them all yourself.

Ira Berkow warms up the way-back machine and takes you with him into the clubhouse and onto the field as he observes, interviews and comments on America's team over his long and distinguished career writing and reporting on them.

He takes you through the lives of the Mantles and DiMaggios throughout the Steinbrenner Era. He paints a picture with his words that no fan should do without. So warm up for the 2010 season and put this book on your "To Read" list.

We Will Miss You Bob. . . .

2009-11-27T10:55:00.004-05:00

By Special Guest Blogger Juan Lopez

Everybody knew it was coming, that it would be any day that Bob Sheppard would announce his retirement, but we kinda refused to "look that way," for we somehow expected to listen to his famous godly voice, at least until we all instead had passed away. Even Derek felt that way by having his name announced by a Sheppard recording during every home game. I guess Sheppard has meant so much since he started being the Yankee's Public Address Announcer in 1951, that he became part of what the Yankees have meant since.

You talk about the Yankees, be it Mantle, Maris, Berra, Jackson, Donnie, Murcer, Jeter, just to name a few, and besides the name Steinbrenner, you have to also mention his name. You can't have one without the other.Bob Sheppard is an old man these days, ill, but you can bet that if he could make a run at it once more, he would not hesitate. He simply physically, cannot do it. I bet that he would have given anything to have announced that last game last year at the Cathedral, and the Opening Day one at the Stadium this year. His heart, his spirit, were there, even if his body wasn't. I bet that also that he must have felt a tremendous thrill, much like George did, when the Yankees won the WS this past season.

Yes, it's been quite a ride for Bob Sheppard these last 57 years. His memories must be many, and I am sure that if he had to do it all over again, he would not think twice.To Bob, I personally want to wish him better health, more years of life, a few more Championships, and I don't know if there is such a thing as a HOF for Public Address Announcers, but if not, now is the time to start one. They have the Ford Frick Award for Baseball Broadcasters for "Major contributions to Baseball."

Bob Sheppard has done more than that for almost 60 years.God bless Bob Sheppard and thanks for being the "Voice of God," as you have come to be known. I am sure that Derek understands this and in your honor, would have nobody else to announce his name at the Stadium. It just wouldn't sound the same...

BASEBALL SONGS, SPORTS HEROES 3

2009-11-13T20:33:00.005-05:00

What better way to overcome the post World Series mortem than by listen to Phil Coley's fourth Joe Pickering Jr. collaboration Baseball Songs, Sports Heroes 3.

That's right he's back and brings his magical lyrics to your CD player or MP3 device. And in this edition once again he takes no prisoners. No team nor sport is safe from the wit and wisdom of Pickering Junior. Of course like all other volumes the Yankees are his biggest target.

He takes shot at the Yankees in "The Yankees aren't The Yankees Any More". Not sure they are but after the World Series victory I will take them. As a matter of fact he uses the Yankees as a measuring stick in many of his compositions. But the Yankees aren't the only target on the CD. Joe Pickering Jr. ake a shot at our cross town neighbors the Mets in the Frankie the Sportsguy inspired "My Father Cursed Me( He Made Me A Mets Fan)". It is clearly the jewel on the album.

He also goes on to explore the baseball lore of the Indians, Dodgers, his beloved Red Sox, Cubbies, the dethroned AL champion Tampa Bay Rays and more. It is done in his usual, witty, laughable style.

Danny Mack brings a breathe of fresh air to the stylings of Phil Coley to a point where I was ready to stand up and applaud. If I had to critical I would just say that the liner notes are much too small for my 53 year old eyes. The good news is they should be on www.kingoftheroadmusic.com website by the time you read this. I may sound like a cliche but it is just in time for the Holidays and guess what Joe included not one but two Christmas songs on the CD, although our President may have preferred that the last cut be called Happy Holidays used in the title "President Obama Merry Christmas to You". Intentional, you be the judge.

Go out and buy it for the baseball fans on your ...er Holiday List.

Jeter and Tex Bring Home The Gold

2009-11-10T21:17:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, two Yankees were lauded for their individual defensive achievements. Shortstop Derek Jeter and first baseman Mark Teixeira were named to the Rawlings American League Gold Glove team, taking home the awards for the fourth and third times in their Major League careers, respectively.

Jeter's Gold Glove is the first since the last of his three consecutive berths in 2006 and represents no small accomplishment for the 35-year-old, who rededicated himself to defensive improvement after turning a cold shoulder to some criticism in recent years.

Teixeira's first Gold Glove since 2006 was accredited to him for an aspect of his game that proved every bit as vital to the Yankees' drive to a World Series title as his AL-leading 39 home runs and 122 RBIs. Making only four errors in 1,275 chances, Teixeira also saved numerous errors by other infielders with his wide-ranging scoops of errant throws. Adding Teixeira's Gold Glove defense to the mix created a ripple effect that helped Jeter as well as second baseman Robinson Cano and third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

AROUND THE INTERNET DIAL

2009-10-31T08:44:00.001-05:00

Look for a great show this Sunday on AM 1240 WGBB brought to you by the Sports Radio NY network. Dana Brand ( The Last Days Of Shea and Mets Fan author ), but also former Yankee Charlie Hayes. The show airs from 10-11 PM ET . It can be heard on the radio at AM 1240 WGBB (if you are on Long Island) if not it is streamed live on the web at: www.am1240wgbb,com and www.sportsradiony.com

Here is the official info for the show:

Sports Talk Live With Frankie The Sports Guy: Frank Maniscalco hosts.
Guests on the program will include author Dana Brand, who will be followed by Adam Bernacchio of The Ghost of Moonlight Graham baseball blog.
Then former Yankees 3B Charlie Hayes will close out the show talking Yankee baseball.
Be sure to tune in. It will be archived at the site below incase you are watcing something on FOX.

www.frankiethesportsguy.com

GAME 2 DOODLES

2009-10-30T09:12:00.001-05:00

Game two of the 2009 World Series is now under our belts and we are off to Philadelphia for three games on enemy turf.
Pedro returned to the stadium for the first time since he played for the Mets. He put on quite a show. The Yanks won this round in the Who’s Your Daddy? Sweepstakes. Petey pitched well but AJ did him one better as the Yankees won 3-1 with Mariano Rivera getting a six out save. "After yesterday, getting a win today was big," (Mark) Teixeira said. A night after getting stopped by Cliff Lee in the opener 6-1, the Yanks bounced back from an early deficit, sparked by a pickoff throw from backup catcher Jose “the Panda” Molina.
Derek Jeter has won the Roberto Clemente Award partially due to his Turn 2 Foundation. The Yankee captain was presented with the award Thursday before the start of yesterday’s game.

BIG MOUTH DEPARTMENT Jimmy Rollins was quoted in saying:
Thank goodness the World Series is leaving New York so we can get a little atmosphere.
"Our ballpark is so loud and rowdy, I was really expecting some of that here," Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins said. "It was very tame and civil."
Rollins flashed that devilish smile of his, the one that all but says, "Put it on the back page."
From mystique and aura to tame and civil.
What has the Bronx come to?
I wonder what Pedro thinks. I think Jimmy should get his ears checked.

Like a wise man once said "It's not who wins the first game, it is who wins the last."

Nuff Said

2009-10-26T08:11:00.001-05:00

GO YANKS

Dear Joey G,

2009-10-23T13:33:00.001-05:00

Why do you feel like you need to do something all the time. How can you pinch run for A-Rod with anyone? Alex is not slow by any stretch of the imagination. Then to add insult to injury he didn’t even try to steal! Pinch run for Posada, Molina or Matsui but not A-Rod! Joey this series should have ended twice already! Not only are you over managing you are alienating your team. You may leave the Steinbrenner boys no choice but to can you. Talk it over with your bench coach he’s there to help you not to be your Spanish translator. Stop and think or we’ll be going home early again. Also if you get us to the World Series bring Hinski and leave Guzman behind.

LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT

2009-10-22T12:11:00.003-05:00

Well it's AJ Burnett against John Lackey at the Big A tonight in Game 5 of the ALCS. The Phillies put the Dodgers away in 5 games and repeat as NL Champions for the second time in as many years.

Jorge Posada is pencilled in at DH while Jose Molina will be catching Burnett. So if we need defense in the late innings look for Frankie Cervelli to get the nod. Hideki Matsui will be relegated to pinch hitting duties. And we got to hit big and hit early just to keep Skipper Joe in the dugout.

The team chemistry is GREAT, people especially fans of other teams claim the Yankees have no team chemistry, but this year we got the all-time record for most consecutive games without an error! Girardi is did a fine job all year, really at this point in time what more can you ask for? We beat Boston in the most important games after going 0-8, you cant win them all but its better to win down the stretch now then in the beginning when it doesn't matter as much.

During Girardi's entire tenure as coach of the Yankees he has had numerous injuries to his players, especially early on this season. Girardi lost Chein Ming Wang last season and still doesn't have him.
And everyday this season don't forget he had to rely on Nick Swisher who helped make this a team effort. A-Rod you say? Well Al has performed much better with Joey G as he has shown much more confidence in his third baseman than Mr Torre did.

Keep you fingers crossed and let have the pennant in had when we get back to Da Bronx.

HEADING WEST

2009-10-18T12:03:00.004-05:00

Well the Bombers can put their ski masks and ear muffs away for a couple of days as the head out to Anaheim for the matinee on Monday afternoon.
It will be Andy Pettitte against Spicoli's brother Jarad Weaver in the first of three games at the Big A, or is it the Big LA of A now? 4 O'Clock start on FOX with Dumb and Dumber at the mike.
Two pretty sloppy games in NY but we came out with two victories and would be great to take two of three on the left coast. That however will be no easy task.
Pie last night was on Jerry Hairston Jr. in a typical A.J. Burrnett game. We will by AJ is no where in sight until pie time.
Can't take these games lightly as the Angels are a tough team. Travel day today and due to the late finish Joe Girardi gave the guys off Sunday.

SIT DOWN YOU ARE ROCKIN THE BOAT

2009-10-08T18:36:00.003-05:00

Dear Jorge,
It's time to take a cue from your buddy Derek. Know when to say the right thing and know when to shut up!
In the aftermath of Joe Girardi gambling by naming Jose Molina starter for game 2 of the 2009 ALDS, your performance last night both on and off the field almost made me wish he named him starter to game one as well.
Your throws were perfect, if Derek Jeter was 14 foot tall and you allowed two pass balls and were a bit lackadaisical in the field. OK one of the PBs were admittedly CC's fault because he admits you got crossed up. But even so you don't throw your teammate under the bus in the post game press conference. It wasn't that long ago Andy Pettitte preferred you over Joe Girardi. He actually preferred Jimmy Leyritz over both of you.
OK regardless of if AJ Burrnett is a primadona or not you have to sit back and accept your manager's decision and don't second guess him to the press or on Centerstage or anything. Sure you were disappointed, I wouldn't want you on my team if you weren't. If it helps AJ at all I am all for it.
You behaved like a sour old man all year, it's time to sit back and enjoy the game. If Joe says jump ask him how high?
This is the closest knit team you had since 1999 so relax and enjoy it and you will do better. Show some support for The Panda as well. Think of it as pay back for when Molina filled in for you when you were hurt this year. Lead us Jorgy!...

ONE IS THE LONELIEST NUMBER....

2009-09-27T10:25:00.003-05:00

...well maybe not in this case but CC Sabathia pitched the Yankees to a 3-0 shutout of the Red Sox and he didn't need any ketchup on his sock to do it. And guess what? The Rangers are still alive!!. Chances are slim but that would cap the season off just fine.

One isn't the only number to be proud of here are some other numbers courtesy of BTB's John Monaco

46-19 since the All-Star break,
84-41 .672 since 5/8, the day Alex returned
48 Come From Behind Wins,
14 by Walk-off
Yanks outhit opponent: 80-13
ML leading 35-17 against Left-handed Starters
Yanks hit a HR: 85-34

Remember when the Yankees were 0-8 against the Red Sox? That seems like a lifetime ago, doesn’t it?

YANKS TAKE SERIES IN LA of A

2009-09-23T18:16:00.003-05:00

The Yankees have won their first series in Anaheim for the first time since May 2004 by a score of 3-2. AJ Burrnett pitched 6 2/3 innings allowing only 2 runs. IPK (Ian Kennedy) returned to the mound for the first time since his aneurysm surgery. He had been pitching for Scranton Willes Barre. Mariano Rivera picked up his 42nd save. The captain was ohfer.

The Yankees magic number is now at 5 to clinch the AL East after cementing a playoff spot last night.

LA of A Here We Come

2009-09-20T19:39:00.002-05:00

OK, maybe we were looking too far ahead to the Angels but after dropping 2 of three to the M's we have to take 2 of 3 from the LA of A Angels.

Joba (Chamerlain) proved once again the Yankees screwed his mind up 100%. There is nothing he has done this year that told me he can pitch dominating from the pen or as a starter. He just can't get that peak velocity.

Time for Andy Pettitte to step up and put us on the right track tomorrow.

The Bluest Skies You Ever Seen .....

2009-09-19T08:18:00.004-05:00

Well last night it was the best against the best. The best reliever of all times, Mariano Rivera, was up against one of the best hitters in baseball, Ichiro. Ichiro was a bit embarrassed by getting picked off earlier in the game so he had some extra incentive in the ninth.

The results Mariano's consecutive save streak came to an end.

I feel we will see this same scenario later this series with different results.

OH WHATTA NIGHT!

2009-08-08T08:28:00.005-05:00

That was a great game to watch if you didn't care who won but it was even better if you rooted for the New York Yankees. After taking 2 games so far of this 4 game series, everything else is gravy.

Sure we could still win the AL East without beating the Red Sox or the LAA Angels but taking those games just gives you a boost.

It was all pie for A-Rod as Alex hit a walk off homer in the bottom of the 15th.

Ramiro Pena is back and ready to play some OF as well as infield. Now if he can only relieve.

Saturday is a FOX game, let's see if we can overcome that jinx.

It is also reported that due to the steroid factor the 1918 chant will be reinstated immediately.

CALIFORNIA OR BUST

2009-07-11T20:48:00.002-05:00

Did anyone notice any strange odors coming out of Anaheim? If you did it was probably in the visitor's dugout at the Big A or the Big LA of A or whatever they are calling it these days!

How can we let a beat up team like that beat us? A team with no bullpen, and missing three regulars. Joba where are you? you don't seem to be working anything out. Coincidence that we looked so bad after Francisco Cervelli was demoted? You tell me. All of a sudden Jorge Posada can't block a wild pitch and keep it in front of himself???? Heck you learn that in Spring Training.

Last game before the All Star Game tomorrow. Yanks wind up with four off days so everyone except Pettitte is available. We must salvage this one!

Review Munson: The Life and Death of a Yankee Captain

2009-07-06T21:08:00.012-05:00

Who better than former Yankee Public Relations Director Marty Appel could write a book on the Yankees most dominant Captain? Marty just doesn't pick up right where he left off in Thurman's Official Biography 30 years ago, he fills in the holes and answers all the questions that the original book had you asking for 30 years.

I know I am sounding cliche but once I picked this book up I just had to finish it. Yes it does help that Thurman Munson is my favorite Yankee of all time but any Yankee fan would love it just as much. Marty Appel pays tribute to the short lived legend like only a friend can.

For those that know Munson Appel builds the man up from ground zero, but he leaves you yearning for more through the entire book by telling us things that we never knew existed. He goes deep into the man, his life and his family including members of his family that you never heard talk of. From his teammates to the Plane crash in 1979 and Appel brings you George Steinbrenner how you would want to remember him.

You know I am a Munson fan but this book is getting top ratings from writers and in periodicals all over the country. Including the official BTB Book reviewer Harvey Frommer.

Photo from 1972 Yankees High School Sports Editor Day, Thurman and Marty.

....

BUY YOUR COPY HERE

Random Thoughts

2009-06-20T23:54:00.003-05:00

By Guest Blogger Mike Hallmark

Okay, Josh Johnson is a stud but the National's pitchers weren't. A question has been turning over in my mind: Are the Yankees a bunch of "guess" hitters. I'm pretty sure AROD is and Posada. But we sure get caught looking at fastballs down the middle a lot. Maybe that's the secret explanation as to why we can't seem to hit pitchers we've never loved or seen before. It seems nobody except Robinson Cano is a see the ball, hit the ball player. I only say this because we're sure scuffling against some bad pitchers. Yet, we jumped all over Johan Santana, who even with diminished stuff has more than we saw against the Nationals.

Also, in my day to day weird ruminations I'm wondering if our pitchers are lining up to pitch on the road. I know Andy Pettitte would be first in that line considering his home and away splits. I understand our pitchers' reluctance to throw strikes. Everytime a ball is hit in the air by an opposing player I hold my breath 1000 miles away. We need to fix the right center power alley this winter. Our glittering jewel has an achilles heel.

REAL YANKS DON'T WEAR RED

2009-05-25T10:43:00.003-05:00

MLB and the Yanks are scheduled to wear the Red Caps with the flag logo on Memorial Day, July 4th and 9-11 this year. It is surely a break in the Yankee Tradition. Here is what the forum at Behind the Bombers had to say.

The Yanks are being forced by Bud to wear red capsover Memorial Day weekend. All MLB teams willbe wearing red caps.The NY Yankees have never worn red caps in their history.Once again, the Friar hates what Bud is doing. ....Good Friar

Don't do it. Pay the fine. George Steinbrenner would've ...Asburry Boss

I would think that some our esteemed conservative members would be up in arms over this. Sounds like a communist plot to me. ... Rags

Ridiculous.....Bud should also make everyone wear all red uniforms.....like the Cuban team......to honor the troops of course.I guess a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem....plus God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch is just not enough. ...BBT

I hate Bud and most everything he does....but this weekend think of ALL the veterans and the sacrifices they have made for ALL of us.Forget about the politics of war...remember the instruments that carry out the wars.The Veterans who selflessly gave up all their tomorrow's so we could have ours.I will ....Bernz-a-matic

It's for the Veteran's. Give it a break, boys. Some things, dare I say, are more important than the Yankees. ...effjay

Sorry Bernz. I think you're being duped. The veterans WILL BE FETED those days. It happens every year, as it should. I was totally OK with the Yanks doing this one time, and that was for the game with Virginia Tech. Those poor kids. I'm so proud of my team.I refuse to believe it's about respect for vets when they're going to be $37 apiece. The marketing wheels are turning. I have no intention to disparage the military, my views about war notwithstanding. One of my favorite days ever was the 2001 ALCS game where you were down there on the outfield partaking in flag duty in front of the right center field fence where Soriano would win the game with an opposite field jack later that night.Remember a couple of years back when they started selling and wearing the Spring Training caps with the white line on either side?Every OTHER team in mlb has multiple unis home and away. ...Knuckles

Knuckles, I'm with you on the fleecing of the consumer in the name of the holiday, absolutely. My day in Right Center (under the Armitron sign) is still my greatest time in the ball park and one of the highlights of my military career, and one I look at every day when I fire up my work laptop (I think of you and Sue every time I fire this baby up and the picture appears ) and, yes the Vet will be feted over the weekend, but it's premature to do so this weekend. There is a difference that a lot (especially the media and consumer machine) forget.Memorial day is to remember the Vets that gave all, to memorialize the fallen.Veterans day is for all vets to be feted both living and deceased.Big difference in this crusty old retired MSgt's eyes. ...Bernz-a-matic

I don't have no problem either, I would have liked it better if a certain perecentage of the profits went to the Vet. Hey last year it was a royal blue. It will look weird but a cap doesn't make or break the team. When someone asks why are all the teams wearing red caps, you can answer to honor out Veterans. ... Phil

Phil, according to the article, ALL proceed from the sale of these caps will go to the Welcome Home soldier fund. I don't particuarly like the red hat, but it is for a great cause. We owe alot to the soldier who are sacrificing now, and those who did so in the past. God bless the USA! ..Tarhealbomber

yankees don't wear red!!!! ... Jimbue

I can't argue with the vets here, but I don't like it. If we have to do it, we do it! GOFERIT-Yanks ...RJPinstripes

Honor the Vets, absolutely.MLB marketing ploy to make Bud look good - bah, humbug.How about MLB, as immensely profitable as they've been for years now, just making a donation to the Welcome Home fund (or any other worthy, appropriate charity) without sucking more $$$ out of the fans. ... DavidL

Fred Wilpon, Mets owner started the program last year aimed at creating job opportunities as well as addressing continuing health-care needs of returning veterans. ... JohnM

Dis and Dat

2009-05-11T07:32:00.003-05:00

OK so maybe Joba (Chamberlain) should pitch out of the pen. We just need to bring him in during the second inning. Why does he tend to have such a bad first? Nobody knows!

Don’t leave in a Huff, just leave. I for one can’t wait for the next Aubry Huff – Joba match up where nothing is on the line. After Huff made an @$$ of himself doing the Joba pump twice after his three run dinger in the first inning I wouldn't want to be on that side of the Joba fastball.

Melky Cabrera can cover a lot of ground in centerfield, but he throws to the correct base as well as Jorge Posada blocks the plate. Maybe we can fit him with one of those audio earplugs and they can send him instructions from the dugout. Or just tune him to John Sterling.

The Cisco Kid is a friend of mine. Francisco Cervelli legging out the infield squeaker was just as important as Johnny Damon’s homer yesterday in Baltimore. If it wasn’t for him and Jeter’s legs there would have been no AB in the inning for Johnny. Cervelli is not even considered a prospect. One would have thought the Yankees would have promoted the hot hitting PJ Pillatare. What’s one more guy with initials?

ONE LAST WORD ON CURRENT BOOKS

2009-05-08T19:00:00.008-05:00

'Yogi Berra: Eternal Yankee' by Allen Barra Norton ($27.95)

How can you go wrong writing a book on Yankee Icon Yogi Berra? Allan Barra presents the fact that Yogi Berra was the driving force of the Yankee Championship teams of his era. The author contends that year after year the Yankees had the best pitching in the league without the best pitchers because Yogi had the magic and know-how to handle the Bob Grims, Art Ditmars, and Ryne Durens along with the Allie Reynolds and Whitey Fords.

Barra is down about Yogi's talent as a big-league manager. Although his 1964 Yankees and 1973 Mets won pennants. And the fact that he understood the intricacies of the game. Yogi as his mentor, Bill Dickey predicted, biggest problem was in "managing men."

You won't find a lot of Yogisms in this book as it is more on the serious side of Yogi. Even so "True Yogi fans," the author insists, must distinguish between as he puts it "real Yogisms," distilled pieces of folk wisdom, and mere malapropisms. Barra even provides an appendix, with a "comparative study" of quotations from Yogi and world history's "great minds."

The Yankee Years by Joe Torre and Tom Verducci Doubleday

I know a lot has been said about this book already but I finally brought myself to read it. You can't attribute everything to Joe and most of the anti A-Rod propaganda was contributed by Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci. The bottom line is Torre had final say what was in and what was left out. He could have said no to anything. Makes you wonder about the Manny (Ramirez) chapters to Joe's next book "The Dodger Years".

Overall a Yankee fan should read it but take it for what it is. Even more now that it is available for under $10.

George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built the Yankee Empire by Peter Golenbock John Wiley & Sons

Long over due this book is a tribute to a man who brought the winning tradition back to the Pinstripes. None other than George Steinbrenner, one of the most controversial figures in sports, the owner of the New York Yankees.

Boss Steinbrenner for 34 years, he berated his players and tormented his managers and employees. He played fast and loose with the rules and made them his own, and twice could have gone to jail. He was banned from baseball for life–but was allowed back in the game. Yet George Steinbrenner also built the New York Yankees from a mediocre team into the greatest sports franchise in America.

This book pays tribute to that George we all know and love without pulling any punches and does it in detail. There is one problem nobody seemed to check out the facts. There were more errors in this book than Horace Clarke made in his career. Given the authors track record this proved to be very disappointing.

The range of the book includes love-hate relationship between George and his Father... the lies... to almost everyone that crossed his path, his hiring's and firings, his legal problems included, but not limited to illegal campaign contributions and lying to the federal government and more lies. You have to hope this isn't the last book we see or that he makes up for it in the paperback.

The Daily Snooze

2009-04-19T13:36:00.004-05:00

OK! What is with the NY Daily Snooze? It is one thing to report the news and put down a team or player but today's headlines were just insulting.

Chein Ming Wang is probably one of the nicest kids in baseball and he has been having more than his fair share of problems. I can understand a fans frustration with his performance as I am sure he is his own worse critic. But today's back page was just uncalled for.

With the homers flying out of the new cathedral in the Bronx, once Wang gets his velocity and sinker working he may be our best weapon. Until then the Yankees will be looking for answers. This may have been one of the worse games I ever have seen but it was not excuse for that back page.

As far as the press goes, if the Yankees it will keep you working into November this year. I am not asking you to sugar coat anything but treat a player like a human being. Call a bad outing a bad outing but don't be cruel and worry about what goes on between the lines. But that my Bomber Buddy is a different storey.

BTB OPENING DAY MINUTE

2009-04-05T17:49:00.001-05:00

Some first impressions: The New Yankee Stadium

2009-04-02T18:45:00.003-05:00

By John Monaco

New Stadium is a spectacular addition to the neighborhood. The newly constructed Metro North Station is due to open 3rd week of May. A new Shopping Mall is also under construction. First real investments in this area in quite some time. Surprised you scan your own ticket. Plenty of entrances. I was the 3rd person-in through the gate I entered.

You enter into the Great Hall. Yankee Team Store and Hard Rock on one end and the Martini Bar is on the other end up 1 level. 16 Elevators in the Stadium. All have an Operator. One you enter the Great Hall you are on the street level. The playing field is actually below street level. If you make a left in front of the Team Store you can begin to see the playing field.

Concourses are huge.

Every type of food available. Prices are similar or slightly below last years pricing for similar items. Also have some value menus.Made one restroom visit. Had about 40 Urinals and a dozen stalls. You can only enter via a single door and must leave via the exit door. Plenty of water fountains with ice-cold NYC tap water.For the first day everything seemed to be operational. I expected more obvious signs of unfinished work but the Stadium looks 99+% complete in my eyes.

I've been to about 30 big league parks. The sitelines I observed in my walkabouts represent the best I've seen todate. I checked out Section 134 LF Field Level $85/seats. Those were the first seats Yanks offered me that I rejected. Those seats are better than I ever imagined. They spent a lot of dollars on Monument Park. That blue-tint stone must cost a fortune. MP is more cramped than across the street. 200 or so people at one time is about all its suited for. You have to walk down two short flights of stairs to enter Monument Park.I should have mentioned this earlier, every Yankee employee was friendly and greated you will a hello. I didn't recognize any of the concession stands workers. All appear to be new. I also couldn't find a tip jar.

The food - well they have everything you can want. Yankee combo Staff/Usher in every Section across all Stadium Levels.I sit up in the highest level (Grandstand) Section 424 which is inside 3rd base. Nice view.

As Knux pointed out we no longer sit on a steep angle that gives you the feel you are right on top of the action but overall the Yankees did a great job with the sightlines.

I took the escalator up to the Main Level then the ramps to the Grandstand. Those ramps were challenging for an overweight guy like me. 6 ramps in total with a slight incline. I was winded when I made it to the top. If I made that walk one hour a day for a month I think I could lose 30 pounds.

The Terrance Suite Seats which were Knux old seats are "sweet" They are worth the $100. Wow, what a view.

See for yourself at John's photo album and here too!

OPENING DAY WORKOUT AT THE NEW YANKEE STADIUM

2009-04-02T13:55:00.005-05:00

A LIVE REPORT FROM BTB's OWN JOHN MONACO aka JohnM

Dateline Da Bronx 4/2/09

I've arrived at YS for the 1pm workout. Stadium looks amazing from the outside. Gates open at 11am. Will post pix tonight.

Just completed a walk around the entire YS block. The complex from the outside is huge. Subway EL on River Ave. Has been repainted. It looks sparkling. Tookpix of Yankee vendors waiting to enter YS. Looks like they have 2000 or so workers.

Media ceremony going on in Great Hall. Sterling MC. Bernie is playing his guitar "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"

They just smashed guitars to open the Hard Rock

Beautiful sunny day in the Bronx. Visited Monument Park first. Completely walked first two levels. Ran into the Roadtrippers Season 2. Somewhat speechless. Not used to leg room and wide seats. The CF Bleacher Cafe is amazing. I'm not upstairs on my seat sec 424 row 10 Seat 24.

Infield being watered. Never seen the grass so green at this time of year. Some Yankees are on the field led by Andy Pettitte. Andy is throwing off the mound.

Forgot to mention you scan your own ticket to enter the Stadium. Very quick to enter.

Joba now pitching from the mound. Sound system rocks. Crystal clear and doesn't blast your ears.

Yanks have all left the field at 12:50pm. Just noticed their are no pigeons flying around.

1,000s of kids here on school trips. They're having a ball. Yanks also gave them coupons for free food and drink.

The CF Video Board is amazing. Yanks have been showing fan shots from all over the complex. I was on the video board when I was online to buy a hotdog. Players seem blown away by the HD quality. Yanks jogging and stretching. Nice video of all Yankees talking about the Stadium.

Yankee pitchers taking fielding practice. They are fielding bunts and throwing to 1B . Players often wave when they see themselves on the videoboard. Chien Ming Wang has been very active during the fielding drills. (Brett) Gardner and Melky (Cabrera) appear to be talking to another in CF.

1:45pm and still no pigeons. Must have setup some electronics. Derek batted first. Damon put one on the seats. Derek puts one in the Visitors bullpen. Crowd estimate 20,000

Texiera puts on in the LF Bleachers. Don't expect many Upper Deck HRs. Will be as rare as reaching the Black

AROD Makes The Right Move

2009-03-08T12:36:00.003-05:00

Alex Rodriguez has opted to go for surgery right now which may cause him to miss 6 to 9 weeks. With this surgery he may need a full surgery later on down the road. The target for his return would be around May 1.

According Dr. Marc Philippon this is a partial surgery by inserting a tube in the hip repairing the damged portion of the labrium. Philippon is confident in the "85-90 pecent range" that Rodriguez will be able to play through the remainder of the 2009 regular season. He may then require surgery which may keep him on crutches for up to four months.

During the procedure, Philippon will shave down the bone at the hip, which has become rough through time. This should reduce the fraying. Also, the labrum will be set in such a way that it's more snug against the bone, making it much less likely to fray.

Philippon added an athlete can play an additional one to three years without the more invasive procedure. The Yankees need to find a third baseman now who can spell and/or fill in for Alex during the duration. Maybe Aaron Boone is available?