http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania Another Nifty Geeklog Site quartermasterq@hotmail.com quartermasterq@hotmail.com Copyright 2010 YankeeMania.com GeekLog Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:22:13 -0500 en-gb http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100716182134754 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100716182134754 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 18:21:34 -0500 Yankeemania.com The Yankee Way has become one of class and dignity- tonight prior to the first pitch George M. Steinbrenner III and Bob Shepperd were honored. All flags around the Stadium are at half mast; wreaths have been placed at the statute of Mr. Steinbrenner at the executive entrance another in Monument Park where Mr. Shepperd has a plaque. A video in memory of The Boss showed many clips of his past along with messages from Yankee Family members -players, Manager Joe Girardi and GM Brian Cashman. Mariano Riveria then placed two red roses on homeplate; Captain Derek Jeter took the mic an honored both men and called a moment of silence; West Point honor guard presented the colors as taps were played and the National Anthem sung. Cameras spanned the signs echoing tributes to both icons - one even came from the Bleacher Creatures stating tonight's roll call will be silenced to honor the memory of Bob Shepperd. Paul Olden who replaced Mr. Shepperd during his illness and retirement last fall then silenced the mic for tonight in honor of The Voice of Yankee Stadium. The patches adorn the our uniforms: one to honor The Boss above the interlocking and heart, and one to honor The Voice on the left sleeve. The mood of crowd is somber and subdued as the fans are torn between mouring our losses and cheering our Team - expect that to swing a little when the Yankee bats come alive. Tonights' tributes to our beloved, George & Bob, are just another reason that make me proud to be a Yankee. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100716182134754 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100714092900331 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100714092900331 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:29:00 -0500 Yankeemania.com Big George arrives in Heaven.... The Boss arrives in Heaven and what do you know, he right away hears Bob Sheppard's voice, which He himself has chosen to be Heaven's Announcer, utter "Angels and Saints, all Souls in Heaven, welcome Mr. George Steinbrenner, Boss of all bosses, Mr. Steinbrenner!" George could not believe how great this reception was, for although he had given many retired Yankees their Day at the Stadium, this was the ultimate. He looked around and the first soul he sees is that O Billy himself. Next to him, the Scooter was saying, "Holy Cow, if it isn't the Boss himself! We have all been waiting for you, but we needed Mr. Sheppard to welcome you, and so God so fit that he got Mr. Sheppard to be the one who fittingly so, welcome you to join this Celestial Festivity. So George, welcome to Heaven. Baseball is surely played here. Just look around and you'll see St. Ruth, St. Gehrig, St. JoeD., St Murcer, St. Mickey. St. Maris, and all the other greats, mostly Yankees. They already have their Uniforms on today and will play against others who also played down there with other ML clubs. This game will be dedicated to you, George, only that you won't be able to "touch" anything, "move" anything, sign anyone. Here you will rest from all that, enjoy this for eternity, as this is your gift for all that you did, all those that you helped. Welcome, George!" With that, even though one is not supposed to cry in Heaven, for all is joy, this soul named George Steinbrenner, weeped. He was always quite sentimental while he lived on Earth, even if he tried not to by sometimes acting tough, to others, rude. It was his nature on Earth, now all this was too much and so he cried, but they were tears of joy. With that, the festivity began, the game was played to a full crowd of a zillion fans. Big George was the happiest soul in Heaven. He was again a winner, as he always was on Earth..... http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100714092900331 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100713154337405 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100713154337405 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 15:43:37 -0500 Yankeemania.com Within a 48 hour period, the Yankee family has lost two icons - and neither of them donned pinstripes with bat or glove. Sunday the Voice of Yankee Stadium passed - funeral services are Thursday (I think) on Long Island. While we still adjust to the loss of Bob Shepperd, the news we have dreaded for the past several years - the passing of George M. Steinbrenner III. Mr Steinbrenner meant different things to many people:husband, father, grandfather, businessman/entrepeneur, partner, Boss, and those lucky enough to count him as a Friend. As a Yankee fan since 1950, I have many memories - some of the greatest are courtesy of The Boss. It was little things about him that endeared him to me. True George could be a controversial figure but he always had the best interest of the Yankees and their fans at heart. He had no qualms about investing and reinvesting to field a winning team - he enforced a dress code shirt & tie on planes; haircuts neat & trim; no beards; mustaches were trimmed. The Yankees exuded class and that tradition was carried on through George. We know the success, the history that George Steinbrenner created with his purchase of the New York Yankees in 1973. Following the tragic death of Thurman, he flew the entire team to Canton for the funeral; he provided whatever or whomever Diana needed for guidance and support; he was willing if necessary to forfeit the game with Baltimore that Monday - the game that Bobby Murcer dedicated to the Captain. He met a young boy during the playoffs in Cleveland and considered the boy a lucky charm-that boy became a Yankee bat boy through the entire playoff season courtesy of George. The charitible side of Mr. Steinbrenner was not always made public - he was a humble man, a man of culture and class. We have seen the YES network developed - giving Yankee fans the opportunity to see 162 games plus playoffs. The completion of the New Cathedral of Baseball under his guidance and direction - he was able to attend the grand opening in 2009 and Game 1 of the World Series, though he returned home to Tampa and was unable to make it back for Game 6. George Steinbrenner was able to see his team win its 27th World Championship, the 7th under his owernship. YES is covering a tribute to Mr. Steinbrenner with a GEORGE STEINBRENNER REMEMERED at 6 PM - My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his wife, Joan; children Hal, Hank, Jessica and Jennifer; the grandchildren and the entire Yankee family. THANK YOU GEORGE STEINBRENNER for all the memories, the championships and belief you brought to the Yankees and their fans. We will miss you - RIP Boss http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100713154337405 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100713113825190 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100713113825190 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:38:25 -0500 Yankeemania.com It is so hard writing about your passing, which I sadly heard an hour ago, but there are a few things out of many that I would like to express. First of all, thank you for everything that you did to make the Yankees the Franchise of franchises, for all the success it has had since you took it away from CBS before any more damage could be inflicted on the most famous team, not only in Baseball but in any sport. That you were rude, sure, but could you have gotten the same positive results if you hadn't? You were instrumental in bringing respectability to the Yankees and no matter what has been said about how you went about running the Yankees, you always put aside the money factor just as long as it meant winning. That is what separated you from all of the other owners. You preffered to win, even if it took your last penny. Winning was always more important to you, that's why you brought the best talent. It's amazing how time has elapsed, for it was just the other day that you were having your famous battles with Billy the Kid, were winning all those championships, and now you are gone. The passing of Bob Sheppard must have been a giant of a shock to your already weak heart, I imagine. You will be with him, Mickey, Billy, Roger, Bobby, Elston, and I am sure that you will have the last word, as you always had, for that's the way it always was. Take care Boss and maybe one day we will meet. In the mean time, I and all the Yankee fans and players will always be greatful, will always have you in our hearts. One last thing; it's sad that MLB did not induct you into its Hall of Fame before your eternal trip. I hope that it does soon, for nobody deserved it more. Thanks, George, Boss! http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100713113825190 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100711102137411 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100711102137411 Sun, 11 Jul 2010 10:21:37 -0500 Yankeemania.com It is being reported that Bob Sheppard, 99, has passed away. May he rest in peace this giant of a broadcaster and although he was not active due to his age and health, he will always be in our hearts as we "listen" to his "now batting, number 7, Mickey Mantle, no. 7." I have problems remembering any other name he may have mentioned, and they were thousands, but the announcement of the Mick and today, Jeter, will always be in my head, in my thoughts. As long as Jeter is still active, we wil still hear his name being announced by Sheppard, but once Jeter has retired, it will go off. Sad, but true, but we were expecting this any moment. That is why we must make every effort to have our other great one, George Steinbrenner, get elected into the HOF. They have been two icons, especially Yankee ones, and now that Bob has left us, never to be replaced with another one like him, we must also appreciate in full what George has meant to us. Rest in peace Bob Sheppard, as I hope one day to hear you announce the players names "up there," for I am sure that Baseball must be played in Heaven. Only that He needed a mortal Voice, and has called you up. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100711102137411 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100710170124248 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100710170124248 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:01:24 -0500 Yankeemania.com Yes, Andy has made it look easy so far this season. He is 11-2 with an E.R.A. of 2.70 and right now has got to be considered the top candidate for the Cy Young, even if there are others that have won as many, including his teammates CC and Hughes. He has looked like a young Andy despite being 38 years old this past June. He twice has won 21 games in his career (21-8 in both cases) and this year appears to be another 20 game winner. He has the club to do it with as the Yankees are the most talented team in the Majors, but it is his pitching that has won his games. If he had the record that he has with an E.R.A of over 4 runs, you could say that the Yankee offense has picked him up, but by his E.R.A. you can say that he has been stingy, that it has been mainly his pitching that has gotten him to where he is right now. I say that he is making it hard and by that I mean, retiring? How can you think about hanging it up, go out a winner, as did Moose, when you are pitching great and not embarrasing yourself nor your teammates? He is making it hard for the Yankees not to re-sign him to another year, maybe two, and if he goes out and wins the Cy, there is no way in the world that he will retire. Sure, the Yankees will by all means try to bring him back, but Andy will have the final say. I would hate to see Andy leave after this season. He still has plenty to offer, more games to win, because right now there are people questioning whether what he has accomplished so far is good enough to be elected to the HOF. Let there be no doubt that his record as it stands right now, is good enough for him to be considered. His playoff accomplishments say so. No one has ever won more playoffs games than Andy. He is 240 and 137, 103 more games won than what he has lost and that is very impressing. He should hang around for a couple of more seasons and by then he will have won another 30 or so games. He still has what it takes to win and as long as he keeps pitching like he has this season, why should he go out after 2010? Kudos to this great Yankee pitcher that is Andy Pettite! http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100710170124248 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100708154050236 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100708154050236 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:40:50 -0500 Yankeemania.com The day Mo retires, with him will go a living legend, a once in a lifetime player, a once in a lifetime man. He has never won a Cy Young, although he should have, but sometimes the best award comes not from a group of "selectors," but from players, coaches, opposing batters, and above all, the fans. I know that even in Red Sox Land, or Nation as they call it, even there those "Enemy" fans have nothing but praise for this specimen of a reliever, this man who has no enemies. Sure, in the heat of the battle, of the eternal Sox-Yankee confrontations, they must have hated when he came in, probably booed him, but at the same time they know that Mo is Royalty, he is class, he has been who all others have made him out to be, simply the best of the best. Mariano, being human, is already feeling the aches and pains that are the signs that the end may be near. He is already 40 years old, although the hitters he faces will tell you that's a lie, only that in his case he is not saying he is younger, they are the ones who say he probably is about 32 by the way he still pitches, but the reality is that he being the greatest closer, is himself being closed by Father Time. I will forever miss this man, this #42, when he hangs it up. It will have to be one of the saddest days in my Yankee life as well as that of any Yankee fan or player out there. It will be tough not having Mo come in and shut down whatever threat there may be, even if the names of the batters he is facing are those are are the best in the game. Mariano always makes sure that he is the boss on the hill, as great a hitter he may be facing. His cutter will put an accent, an exclamation point, a signature, that says "Mariano Rivera." That is enough to get the message accross. That day, when he retires, we will not only lose him, but Baseball as well. MLB needs more men, more players like Mo, only that there are not many nor will there ever will. They come once in a lifetime. I am happy and honored that I have seen him..in my lifetime. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100708154050236 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100628081646323 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100628081646323 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:16:46 -0500 Yankeemania.com We say farewell to interleague play on a good note - taking 2/3 against Joe Torre and the Dodgers. We did get to see some good young talent in the NL but also when left on his own, Joe T still "abuses" his relievers. Jonathan Broxton has become a solid powerhouse closer -. This weekend his talent was overused to the Yankee benefit. Closing Saturday night on 19 pitches, he was brought in last night with a 4 run lead (not a save) - after whiffing Tex, Broxton's velocity or location faltered. Alex, Robbie, Jorge, Curtis followed by youngsters Chad Hoffman and Colin Curtis took full advantage to tie the game - Grandy scoring the tying run on a grounder which Loney made the wrong play by getting the out at first then throwing home-unable to beat the Speedy Grandy. Why Torre left Jonathan in the game - except because he thought the game that important-to throw 48 pitches in one inning (that's 4 innings worth for some starters). And then the greatest closer took center stage in LA near the Hollywood Hills - as he has done so many times, Mariano held the Dodgers in check sending the game to OT/extra innings/free play. With a runner on MLB's leading hitter came to the plate - going with the odds, Torre brought in lefty George Sherrill. Robbie had been 0/11 but some of his biggest hits in 2010 have been off lefties. Last night he provided 2-run, 8-6, lead going deep off Sherrill. Mariano told Joe G he was good to go and wrapped up the win-his second 2 inning game this week. With today being an off day, not a horrible decision; besides in two innings, Mariano's pitch count was 34 - a manager who protects his ace closer. Won't talk about the fiasco fielding off bunts earlier in the game - that was discussed in another thread. Clayton Kershaw hit Brett Gardner in the wrist - Gardy was taken out of the game as the area began to swell; he will see the Yankee doctors today for further tests. Thus ended another year of interleague play-at least the Yankees survived with no serious injuries and a 2-game lead in the AL East. Tomorrow night at home Phil Hughes will face Cliff Lee and the Ms. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100628081646323 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100626082112752 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100626082112752 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:21:12 -0500 Yankeemania.com The Yankees/Dodgers, a rivalry separated by an entire country. To those who experienced the the Bronx/Brooklyn version with constant Subway Series for the WS before the Walter O'Malley packed up his team for sunny California, it's not the same. Last night game 1 in this interleague series lived up to the media hype-a classic pitching duel between CC and Vicente Padilla. CC struggled a bit during the first three innings before he found his groove and really took charge. In the first inning he gave up an rbi hit to Manny giving the Dodgers an early lea, one of only four in his eight innings. In top of the 2nd Alex led off with a double to right, scoring on Jorge's rbi single. The score remained tied until the 6th when ALex went yard with what was to be the game winner. Yankee fans remember Padilla for hitting our batters-last night was no different as he hit Robbie. Only this time there was a slight twist -playing in the NL city pitchers have to bat-CC was ready to defend his teammates as he gently hit Padilla below the waist with a pitch. Naturally the warning was issued but at least we had a chance for revenge without losing pitcher or manager. Padilla was not happy about being hit - maybe he learned a lesson. After 115 pitches, Joe G brought Mariano in to close and preserve the slim lead. Mariano did not fail-he was brilliant in throwing just 13 pitches and striking out Manny, Mattie Kemp and James Loney. The whiff of Loney brought tirades from Torre and Mattingly on the Dodger bench as well as James who were not enamored with hpu, Phil Cuzzi's calls. Maybe if Loney had taken the bat off his shoulder, he would have had a chance - but to stand there and watch the ball with Mariano out there. Well there is a reputation that goes with the Legend of MoTime - Joe and Donnie have now experienced it from both sides of the diamond. Game one goes to the Yankees against their former Manager-game two takes place 4 pm PST on FOX with AJ facing Hiroki Kurodo. http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100626082112752 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100625082458802 http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/article.php?story=20100625082458802 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 08:24:58 -0500 Yankeemania.com Having the MLB Extra Innings Package has allowed me to listen to other broadcasters besides our YES ones. Not one of them has not had nice things to say about our Robbie Cano. All you hear is how great he is, how he will win this year's Gold Glove, how he should have won it last year, and how great he is, always making sure to say how he will win batting titles, especially this year. I have been watching baseball since 1960 and one guy I always enjoyed watching hit was Rod Carew. Well, Robbie has always been compared to him, by the way he goes with the pitch, only that he is a stronger Carew, with more power. Much has been said, written about Cano, but I tell you he is a beautiful "thing" to watch. You just enjoy his fielding and when he comes up to hit, even his practice swings, those that he has before stepping to the plate. It is just perfect, a beauty of swing and when he goes to Left Field with an outside pitch, simply undescribable, elegancy at its best. It is often said that there are sometimes trades that are great, others that are great because they are not carried out. A couple of years back when he had that tough season in 2008, many teams asked for Cano in trades, but for some reason, he stayed put. It would have been one of the sorriest, worse trades we ever would have made, for he is proving that he is right now the best second baseman in Baseball, not only by spraying all fields with hits, many of them power hits, but by also playing a second base with an ease and beauty that makes you remember the days of another Robbie, Alomar. Nobody makes the pivot like Cano does, nobody has the arm that he has. Again, much has been written, much has been said about Cano, but there is still a lot about him to be written and said, for he is still quite young. Robbie Cano is the closest thing to Poetry In Motion. He is some player. Let us enjoy his play for years to come... http://www.baseballfans.net/yankeemania/trackback.php?id=20100625082458802