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Lions and tigers and rookies … oh my!

Peter Abraham
September
24

captf73c864a07f549508db9f862a328fb46blue_jays_yankees_baseball_nyy116.jpgIn case you missed it, the Yankees had their rookies dress up as characters from The Wizard of Oz today before the road trip.

As rookie hazing goes, these guys got off easy. You may recall Robbie Cano and Chien-Ming Wang were in cheerleader outfits back in 2005.

That’s Joba Chamberlain as the Cowardly Lion, Ian Kennedy as Dorothy, Shelley Duncan as the Scarecrow and Phil Hughes as the Tin Man.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 24th, 2007 at 8:02 pm by Peter Abraham.
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107 Responses to “Lions and tigers and rookies … oh my!”

  1. Dr. Acula

    *Trendynation: 2007 Baby Bomber Hazing*

    http://tinyurl.com/26z9rw

    15 Picture SlideShow of the kids.

  2. Dr. Acula

    The Ghosts of Hazing’s Past

    http://tinyurl.com/yp9×2p

    Robbie makes a very cute cheerleader!

  3. Sherri

    Dr. Acula – Thanks for doing that! These pictures are great!

  4. Drew

    That’s a riot. My favorite was the pimp outfits that Contreras and Matsui wore.

  5. Rob

    In the name of all that is holy I wish they would stop this hazing stuff – it’s embarassing to see veterans like Matsui dressed as pimps because he was a rookie here in the U.S. You can argue that it fosters a healthy humility and establishes a pecking order of respect for veterans. If so – I wonder if A-Rod had to go through this and how long he absorbed that lesson.
    I remember not so long ago the rookie hazing meant carrying the other guys luggage – now there are costumed theatricals! where’s the dignity? How are Joba and Hughes supposed to impose themselves on the opposition as second-class citizens in their own locker room?
    Is it just me?? Probably.

  6. jennifer 27 in 07

    Can the Twins give Carlos some run suppport? GEEZ

  7. Lori

    How did the rest of them get by without any pictures? Where’s Ramirez aka the wicked witch of the west??

  8. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Only a team as awesome as this can do something as awesome as that.

  9. jennifer 27 in 07

    Rob it is just you.

  10. jennifer 27 in 07

    Lori, they aren’t the “popular” ones, hense no pictures. lol

    I would love to see video of this. I’m searching trying to find something.

  11. Liz

    These are so funny, much better than last year’s

    Pimpsui is still my favorite hazing, though

  12. Ranting Guy

    Yeah Drew I forgot the pimps. Matsui was hysterical.
    Wang looked like a 6′5″ flat chested chick in his get up.
    This year’s kids should have had to take off the sunglasses.

  13. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Rob: If you think wearing costumes is bad, you are WAY too far removed from high school!

    This is brilliant, and the best part is that all the rookies seem to have enjoyed it!

  14. jennifer 27 in 07

    Thats cause we know what a pimp sui is. LOL

  15. Lori

    Rob – sounds like you had a real bad experience in college. Let it go and relax. Deep breath . . .

  16. jennifer 27 in 07

    found some i had to save them on my computer, I just don’t know how to post them here. I don’t want to post my personal photbucket. any help? I can’t post the link, because you need a password to view it. It is on nyyfans.com if anyone has an account there.

  17. jennifer 27 in 07

    Damn we really need an edit button. Talk about something that makes no sense. LOL

  18. Ranting Guy

    Sorry Rob, it is just you. It’s all good fun for the guys. At least they don’t have to pork a farm animal, vandalize something, sing naked in public, face physical torture or eat some sickening stuff like some college frat hazings have been known (or rumored) to included.

  19. Rob

    HAHAHA I’m just being a bit of a provocateur. I’m not an old man – I just play one on message boards. But I DO think this is undignified – these are the Yankees after all. Try getting Jeter out of his Movado sports watch and into a Snow White costume see what happens!

  20. michele_ct

    Which veteran oraganizes this every year?

  21. MJL

    Rob-

    Lighten up.

  22. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Rob–Jeter was hazed as much as any of them.

    This is what makes it so great…the Yankees aren’t g-ds, they’re human.

    It’s nice to see that side of them sometimes :)

  23. jennifer 27 in 07

    I think it is Jeter, Posada, Mo. et al.

  24. jennifer 27 in 07

    I just read Jeter didn’t have to go thru it, they were going thru a pennent race at the time.

  25. Ranting Guy

    Anyone remember/know what Jeter had to do in his rookie hazing? A-Rod? I’m sure they had to do something …

    I’m sure even Torre did something way way waaaay (sorry Joe) back in his rookie year, even if he didn’t have to dress up in some costume. Although he might have made a cool Elvis impersonator back then with a good pair of muttonchops glued to his cheeks.

  26. Rob

    A-HA!

  27. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Guh.

    Detroit has two on, no one out…

    C’mon Minnesota! Don’t mail it in, it’ll be a great win!

  28. Liz

    jennifer 27,

    You are correct, Jeter was never hazed. Lucky guy

  29. Sherri

    Good DP by Twins! need one more out in bottom of 6th.

  30. jennifer 27 in 07

    Yeah Gary!! Thank you!! You and your lofty 260 avg.

  31. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Bobby >>>>> Gary

  32. Will

    Uhhh… not for nothing, but Shawn Chacon wasn’t a rookie so why is he in a baby outfit complete with diapers?

  33. Rob

    From Yankees notes:

    “Bit players included Kei Igawa (flying monkey) and his translator, Yumi Watanabe (talking tree); Tyler Clippard, Matt DeSalvo and Alberto Gonzalez (lollipop munchkins); Bronson Sardinha and Ross Ohlendorf (guards); and strength coach Dana Cavalea (the mayor of Emerald City).”

    The Translator as a talking tree is pretty inspired.

  34. Darrin

    No Jeter wasn’t hazed, but I do recall him having a good time playing a girl on Saturday Night Live.

  35. Andrea - 27 in 07

    jennifer: if you want, you can email the pictures to me, and I’ll post them on my blog, and then post a link here? Would that work, that way your personal photobucket won’t be linked? Not sure if that makes any sense…

  36. MattNC

    Melky as Steinbrenner is still the funniest.

    Notice how all the big guys get the non-female costumes? There may have been a tussle…

  37. Rusty

    yeah man, for the money these kids are gonna get paid… i’d wear pretty much anything they wanted me to wear. and smile doing it. not like they have to wear that crap just to get into some lame frat, its the damn Yankees.

    i hear Joba does a mean Bert Lahr impression.

  38. Andrea - 27 in 07

    or maybe the big guys wouldn’t fit in the female costumes…

  39. Dr. Acula

    Eleven Yankees rookies, plus pitcher Kei Igawa’s translator, were climbing into ridiculous outfits casting them as various characters from the Wizard of Oz (while a soundtrack from the movie was piped into the postgame clubhouse), and none would admit to being embarrassed or insulted by the “traditional” baseball hazing ritual.

    Pitcher Ian Kennedy, asking for help with a white-buttoned blouse and blue-and-white checked Dorothy jumper, acknowledged that he “definitely got the worst of this

    There were no protests (as when Jeff Kent refused to participate in a similar routine as a Mets rookie years ago, getting into a clubhouse fight over the matter-what a jerk).

    When pitcher Chase Wright arrived at his post-shower locker, he found, taped to his folding chair, the formal-looking note left for each rookie — “You are ‘invited’ to a mandatory dinner in Tampa, hosted by Jason Giambi. Enjoy!” and, in his locker, a flowing pink dress and a blonde wig.

    “I love it,” Wright insisted. “I think it’s a blast. I’m supposed to be the Good Witch. What’s her name? Glenda? Don’t ask me why I know that.”

    *”Hey,” Chamberlain called from within his Lion’s garb to Wright in his gown, “can I get your number?”*

    He also understood that the rookies would be required to remain “in uniform” throughout the flight to Florida and during the team dinner there.

  40. Sherri

    Maybe Ian got Dorothy for planning his wedding during the playoffs!!

  41. Andrea - 27 in 07

    well, in all fairness to Ian Kennedy, he probably didn’t anticipate being in the majors this year, and the minor leagues are done on Oct. 6.

  42. This Year 27 in '07

    Guess that explains why they were all 1st pitch swinging today. Don’t want to be late for the team dinner.

  43. Sherri

    Andrea – oh, I know. I was just giving him grief. I just think the whole thing’s funny!

  44. Jen

    Since I was too short to see over the crowd, my taller friend took my camera and was able to get some good shots of the boys.

    http://tinyurl.com/yt2su4

  45. Sherri

    Jen – Great! Thanks so much!

  46. DMan

    Wow still 1-0 in the Tigers game I see..

  47. Dr. Acula

    Here’s some more:

    http://tinyurl.com/32qk92

    Jeter on SNL

    Melky as Da Boss

    and more pimping!

  48. Sherri

    Tigers in top of 8th – still 1-0…go TWINS!

  49. Rusty

    I think Shelley should take it the whole nine and change his walkup music to “If I Only Had a Brain”.

  50. Sherri

    Dr. Acula – Jeter is definitely a prettier man than he is a woman!!!

  51. jennifer 27 in 07

    Andrea where do I email you? Couldn’t find an email address.

  52. Dr. Acula

    Hey Jen!!

    I’m glad you dropped by!

    Everyone, Jen always snaps some really snazzy pictures from her perch in right field.

  53. jennifer 27 in 07

    Jen that is great!! THANKS

  54. Dr. Acula

    Sherri-

    Jete is a hottie

    http://tinyurl.com/33rbjv

    Open question to everyon, who’s the best look’n Yankee?

    *In No Particular Order*

    1. Jeter

    2. ARod

    3. Moose

    4. Jaba

    5. Damon

    6. Robbie

    7. Abreu

    8. Pettitte

    9. Andy Phillips

    10. Farnsy

  55. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    I do not rate players hotness.

    It does not promote team spirit.

    (wise, wise nod).

  56. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    If Minnesota wanted to score one or two runs here, it’d be pretty cool.

  57. Andrea - 27 in 07

    sorry about that jennifer! it’s al14766@gmail.com

    anyone know who the mayor is? (in the pictures)

  58. jennifer 27 in 07

    That would be nice. Is Nathan available?

  59. Sherri

    C’MON TWINS!!!

    Dr. Acula – I’m kinda with Rebecca on this. It just doesn’t seem right to rate them on their looks. Obviously, some are prettier than others. :) But, their skillz are what matter!

  60. Sherri

    Jen – I’m loving all these pictures on your Flickr account. I’m far removed from NY, and it’s always nice to see pics that make you feel like you’re there! Thanks again!

  61. jennifer 27 in 07

    Okay just sent an email your way.

  62. Andrea - 27 in 07

    ok, now I just have to figure out how to post things in my blog that I have only ever posted one picture in….

    I still have yet to see a picture of Edwar as wicked witch and Matt DeSalvo!

  63. Sherri

    Andrea, if it’s HTML, I can tell you how.

  64. Sherri

    TWINS SCORE!! 2-0

  65. pat

    —“You are ‘invited’ to a mandatory dinner in Tampa, hosted by Jason Giambi. Enjoy!�

    One of the veterans (Jeter as Captain but more likely to do it Damon) should show up for dinner dressed as the Wizard.

  66. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    MINNESOTA INSURANCE RUN!

  67. jennifer 27 in 07

    Desalvo is there. At least I think he is.

  68. pat

    The mayor is their strength and conditioning coach.

  69. jennifer 27 in 07

    Well 2 runs better be enought for Joe.

  70. Andrea - 27 in 07

    jennifer, I suck. I typed my email wrong. It’s al147966@gmail.com

    I was wondering why I hadn’t gotten anything yet. Sorry!

  71. jennifer 27 in 07

    Just resent it.

    They aren’t great quality, I don’t know how they took the pictures.

  72. jennifer 27 in 07

    1 gone, gary up.

  73. gayle

    I totally forgot that Jose Veras was up last year

  74. Sherri

    gary out

  75. Brandon

    LMAO thanks Pete… thanks Dr. Acula theses pics are so worth it :D

    I know Melky, Alex, Robbie, Georgy and Jetes were giving them hell today :)

  76. jennifer 27 in 07

    Damn can Drew throw a pass, or hand it off to Reggie? I am 9 points away from winning my week. I need Reggie to have a good game!!

    2 gone. Get out shaggy hair dude.

  77. Sherri

    Shagglio…. one more strike and he’s out!

  78. Brandon

    P.S. I guess Ian Kennedy drew the short straw :D

  79. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    …and they walk Magglio

    COME ON MINNESOTA!

  80. Sherri

    dangit – walked. just need one more out!

  81. jennifer 27 in 07

    OH DAMIT!! don’t walk him!!
    Guillen up one on two out.

  82. Sherri

    Rebecca – can’t you will them to win??? :)

  83. jennifer 27 in 07

    1st and 3rd 2 out. steriod boy up to bat. :(

  84. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    Sherri: I’m trying girl!

    *I HEREBY WILL MINNESOTA TO WIN THIS GAME*

  85. jennifer 27 in 07

    make that second and third 2 out.

  86. Sherri

    just one more strike, pleeeeeeze!!!!!

  87. jennifer 27 in 07

    YES WOO HOO

    Magic number 1!!

  88. Sherri

    TWINS DID IT!!!!!! TWINS WIN!!!

  89. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    *ONE*

  90. jennifer 27 in 07

    wow, everyone see the new tos agreement.

  91. Sherri

    ONE !!!!! HELL YEAH!!!!

  92. jennifer 27 in 07

    Shows that Pete is hitting the big time, that he needs this posted.

  93. Sherri

    Jennifer – yes, I just noticed that, too! :) I guess that’s so he can take care of guys like that troll posting porn the other night.

  94. BBB

    Phew! Thank you Twinkies!

    And Pete, thanks for the pic, love it! Although I am a bit bummed that Edwar didn’t dress up, I know his ERA is over 7 but like I said the other day, he is skinny enough where he would have made one sexy chick! :D

  95. Andrea - 27 in 07

    who was it that said they could help me post pictures in html? :)

  96. Rebecca--27 in 07! Nothing beats Optimism!

    BBB–He did! He was the Wicked Witch!

  97. Brandon

    down to 1 :)

    WHERE IS GARY :D WHERE IS GARY :D WHERE IS GARY :D (MOCK CHANT)

  98. Tim

    Where’s Toto?

    Peter/Lohudblogs: It is on YOU if anything forbidden as described is posted because YOU provided the forum for it. You’d be in just as much trouble as the poster if not more because you provided the forum in the first place. Also you’d have zero proof as to who exactly posted anything from anywhere. It’s hypocriticial to have that warning above yet you’re partly responsible for the criminality (if there even is any). Also, the terms are too broadly interpretable (what is “indecent”?)

    What’s the big deal with registration required? Real deal posters who don’t post garbage will register. They have email addresses don’t they? People have to register to post on the official Yankees website messageboard which is 100X worse than any of the cr ap posted on here. People post line-crossing stuff on there REGISTERED, ‘thing is over there you can ban their i.p.s or shut down their accounts. Also people have to wait 24 hours from the moment of registration before they can post. Some sites don’t allow free email accounts like hotmail, yahoo, and gmail et.al. so people can’t just create an account to post cr ap then delete it and/ or post from multiple accounts.

  99. Jen

    Will,

    re: Chacon and the baby outfit picture, that’s from his Colorado days.

  100. mel

    Great pix. Joba looks…small. But he’s plenty of “courage”.

  101. Sherri

    Andrea – That was me that said I could help with HTML, but I had already signed out last night. I checked out your blog and it looks like you figured it out! Great pics! Thanks to you and Jennifer!

  102. LAS

    Edwar was the Wicked Witch:
    http://www.nydailynews.com/img.....zard_2.jpg

    And Doc: Don’t even get me started on that good-looking list. You know good and well that I could write a thesis on the looks of the Yanks. To keep things simple, I’d take Alex for an affair, Moose for the long haul and then I’d gladly volunteer to sharpen up Robbie and Melky’s English-speaking skills.

  103. LAS

    On a totally side note, one thing for sure, registration will NOT eliminate trolls. They’ll still come ’round though maybe because they’re registered, it’ll make it easier to eliminate them.

  104. Dr. Acula

    Las-

    check this out

    http://tinyurl.com/3y5t2m

  105. Dr. Acula

    Las-

    this new one is pretty nifty

    http://tinyurl.com/2xhwya

  106. saucy

    thanks to everyone who posted more pictures. i couldn’t find a lot of them.

    the flying monkey/talking tree combos is definately my favorite…

  107. PokySyday

    You don’t really need or want that lifestyle, it might hurt y’all slowly more…….Just tell him you
    don’t wanna repeat something your not too proud of z7uas.

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About the authors
Chad JenningsChad Jennings joined the The Journal News in October 2009, having spent the better part of seven years covering baseball in Scranton, PA. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and an award-winning beat reporter and features writer. E-mail me at cjennings@lohud.com
READ MORE ABOUT CHAD

Sam BordenSam Borden is an award-winning journalist who joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in January 2008. He covered the Yankees for the New York Daily News from 2004-06, and has also worked as a columnist for the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. E-mail me at sborden@lohud.com
READ MORE ABOUT SAM

Sam BordenJosh Thomson has done some of everything since joining The Journal News in March 2003. He began working for the Gannett weeklies during the winter of 2002 as a freelance writer. He joined the daily staff soon after and has since covered various high school and pro sports. E-mail me at jthomson@lohud.com
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