We Will Miss You Bob. . . .

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

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

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

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

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

GO YANKS

Dear Joey G,

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

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

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

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....

...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

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

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 .....

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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?