Mickey Klutts (and others) expected for Old Timers’ Day on Saturday at the Stadium
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- August
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This press release from the Yankees:
The New York Yankees announced that more than 70 Old-Timers, including 18 first-time Old-Timers, are scheduled to attend the 62nd annual Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 2. This season marks the final time that Old-Timers’ Day festivities will take place at the current Yankee Stadium, as the club will move into the new Yankee Stadium across 161st Street in 2009.
Gates will open to the public at 12:30 p.m. and introductions are scheduled to begin at 1:45 p.m. with the traditional Old-Timers’ game to follow. The Yankees will then host the Los Angeles Angels at 3:55 p.m.
The Old-Timers are headlined by Hall of Famers Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Dave Winfield and 2008 inductee Rich “Goose†Gossage. Joining the celebration are the widows of five legendary Yankees — Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard; Helen Hunter, widow of Jim “Catfish†Hunter; Jill Martin, widow of Billy Martin; Diana Munson, widow of Thurman Munson; and Cora Rizzuto, widow of Phil Rizzuto.
Recently added to the Old-Timers roster are former Yankees Aaron Small, Mike Stanley and David Wells. The newcomers also include seven members of the 1996 World Championship club, including Yankees Special Assistant to the General Manager Tino Martinez, Pat Kelly, Jimmy Key, Graeme Lloyd, Ramiro Mendoza, Jeff Nelson and Tim Raines. Baseball’s all-time stolen base leader Rickey Henderson will make his first Old-Timers’ Day appearance at Yankee Stadium, along with current pitching coach Dave Eiland, former manager Buck Showalter and former coach Jeff Torborg. The first-timers are rounded out by Don Baylor, Tony Fernandez, Wayne Tolleson and current YES Network broadcaster Al Leiter.
Joining the rookie Old-Timers on the baselines will be over 50 additional former Yankees, including at least one player from each of the last 16 Yankees World Championship teams since 1947. This year’s ceremonies will mark the largest number of Yankees alumni in uniform for Old-Timers’ Day in the history of the event.
Current List of those Scheduled to Attend
(*Denotes First-Time Old-Timer; HOF=Hall of Famer)
Jim Abbott
Luis Arroyo
Steve Balboni
Jesse Barfield
*Don Baylor
Yogi Berra (HOF)
Paul Blair
Johnny Blanchard
Ron Blomberg
Wade Boggs (HOF)
Scott Bradley
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
Andy Carey
Chris Chambliss
Horace Clarke
Jerry Coleman
David Cone
Ron Davis
Bucky Dent
Al Downing
Brian Doyle
*Dave Eiland
*Tony Fernandez
Ed Figueroa
Whitey Ford (HOF)
Oscar Gamble
Joe Girardi
Rich “Goose†Gossage (HOF)
Eli Grba
Ken Griffey, Sr.
Ron Guidry
*Rickey Henderson
Arlene Howard (widow of Elston)
Helen Hunter (widow of Jim)
Reggie Jackson (HOF)
Tommy John
*Pat Kelly
*Jimmy Key
Gene “Mickey†Klutts
Johnny Kucks
Don Larsen
*Al Leiter
*Graeme Lloyd
Hector Lopez
Kevin Maas
Jill Martin (widow of Billy)
*Tino Martinez
Bobby Meacham
*Ramiro Mendoza
Gene Michael
Rich Monteleone
Diana Munson (widow of Thurman)
*Jeff Nelson
Graig Nettles
Paul O’Neill
Gil Patterson
Joe Pepitone
*Tim Raines
Bobby Richardson
Mickey Rivers
Cora Rizzuto (widow of Phil)
*Buck Showalter
Charlie Silvera
Bill “Moose†Skowron
*Aaron Small
Luis Sojo
*Mike Stanley
Darryl Strawberry
*Wayne Tolleson
*Jeff Torborg
Mike Torrez
Tom Tresh
Bob Turley
*David Wells
Dave Winfield (HOF)
——————
Where is Willie Randolph? No Bernie Williams, either. It would be shame if there wasn’t some sort of recognition of Bernie before they move into the new Stadium.
Seriously, Mickey Klutts? He played in eight games over three seasons and had 20 AB. So in 30 years we can expect a release announcing that Chris Basak will be coming back?
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on Friday, August 1st, 2008 at 4:18 am by Peter Abraham.
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Who needs Bernie? Steve Balboni will be there. How come they didn’t book Hensley “Bam Bam” Meulens?
Umm….great list but Willie Randolph certainly has got to be added.
David Wells? On Old Timers Day? My god it was literally about 6 weeks ago I was hoping the Yanks would give him a chance to join the rotation. Seriously!
Actually I still feel that way. Yo Boomer. Grab a ball and strike out some of the current guys.
Forget the friggin old timers game. We need a guy tomorrow night!
Yeah Pete but come on. Mickey Klutts…it’s all in the name.
Can Whitey Ford stick around and pitch in the 3:55 pm game?
No Enrique “joe camel” Wilson, or Karim Garcia. Man those guys would make old timers day great
Not that I’m wanting him there but… No Roger?
Willie and Bernie do need to be there.
I think all the pitchers on this list would do a better job of starting against the Angels than Rasner and Ponson.
If it’s all in the name, bring back Bubba Crosby!
I’m sure they invited Bernie. He doesn’t seem ready to admit he’s retired yet.
I think Karim Garcia is playing in Korea. He’s not retired yet.
Pete, thanks for this list. I’ve been looking for a list of the players who will be at Old-Timers Day.
Karim Garcia is an All-Star in Korea:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/07/136_27954.html
He was the top vote-getter – the first foreign player to achieve that.
Kevin Maas is going to be there? Waht about the other half of the new M & M brothers. Hensley Meulens? What about the great Andy Hawkins????
In a nutshell, this is why I’ve stopped getting tickets for the Old Timer’s Day: it’s about quantity, not quality.
I would assume that the Yankees invited a number of players who, for whatever reason, are unable or disinclined to attend. That would not be the fault of the Yankees.
Anyway, it should still be a fun day, though Bobby Murcer will most certainly be missed.
Good for Aaron small.
You guys have short memories. Old Timer’s Day has been known for its surprises (think Billy Martin in ‘79). I would not be shocked one bit if both Bernie and Willie were there on Saturday.
Hey hey, better put a (HOF) next to Jerry Coleman too… The Frick award has to count for something. And no Brosious? That stinks.
What about the ticket takers, club house boys, and caterers?
Where is Pags?
i cannot believe i came here with the intention of making a Hensley “Bam Bam” Muelens crack and that it was already done by the FIRST POSTER.
Muelens was like one of those 1980’s pro wrestlers like Outback Jack for whom, you saw all these videos and stuff that said “he’s coming! he’s coming!” and you thought, “wow, this guy is going to be GREAT” and then, yeah, he really sucked.
Where are all my great Yankee pitching “prospects” like Ray Fontenot (Lafayette, LA’s OTHER pitcher), Sam Militello, Dave Eiland…..oh, wait…..
I just sent my mother-in-law an email telling her David Wells was pitching for the Yankees on Sunday. Let’s see how long it takes her to figure it out….
I actually saw Karim play here in SK a few weeks ago. He didn’t look great. But then, the league is about the equivalent of AA. So I guess you don’t have to look that great. (And there are only eight teams; of course, that’s like having eight teams in Virginia, so it’s enough considering the size).
Also, no one boos. And the tickets are (the equivalent of) a few dollars. It’s extremely hot here though.
Just an update from over here.
Isn’t the game on Saturday though?
Which one is the oldest? Which is the youngest?
And, where the heck is Ron Hassey???
Someone mentioned it earlier but what a great internet rumor to start that Bernie and Willie will both be surprise guests.
Since he works for YES, I would have O’Neill carry on Bobby Murcer’s tradition of being “miked up” during the festivities.
My youth was going to the stadium to watch that legendary infield combination of Horace Clarke at second and Jerry Kenney at short.
Then, we got excited about the addition of the late, “great” Celerino Sanchez to play third base. Ah, those were the days.
Old Timers Day was THE day to look forward to back then. That’s when we got to see Mantle, DiMaggio, etc.
Sadly, even though those guys were retired, they were still better than some of the guys the Yankees had in their everyday lineup.
I always wonder what it would be like today if the Yankees were that bad. Folks whine over bad innings now. Can you imagine the Yankees being bad for 10 years? I honestly think some of the nutjobs who now post in the game threads would commit suicide if that ever happened.
Danny Cater must still be angry about being traded to the Sawx (for Sparky Lyle).
SJ,
I too remember Celerino Sanchez. As I remember he came out of the Mexican league, had a couple of good games, and then he regressed to his mean and hit like .220 for the season.
Murcer and Roy White were my favorites on that team. I have had the pleasure of chatting with Roy a couple of times over the years and he is a really nice guy.
Rumor has it the ‘09 Old Timers Day will feature longtime fans and season ticket holders that were priced out of their seats in the new ballpark. They will be introduced by players like Ross Moschitto, Frank Tepedino, Hal Reniff and Jerry Kenney.
The Yankees asked Bernie to attend, but he is taking his family on a vacation. My guess is that Willie doesn’t want to be out so soon after losing his Met job.
Yanksrule57,
Unfortunately, Roy White recently said he’s done with the Yankees. He’s apparently bitter over twice being fired from coaching jobs with them. Iy’s a shame because he was one on my favorite players too.
LOL…Hal Reniff of Warren, Ohio.
I memorized my 1963 Yankees yearbook. It ended up literally falling apart.
I just thought of this, but shouldn’t they have Torre there? Considering that this is the last year in the stadium and he was the one that brought them the 4 World Series.
“I just thought of this, but shouldn’t they have Torre there?”
I’m a 100% sure that Joe Torre’s responsibilities as Dodgers manager is more important to him right now. He probably feels it’s best if he manages their game in person.
Torre will be managing the Dodgers in a big series with the D’Backs on Saturday. Even if things between he and the Steinbrenners were hunky dory, there is no way he would have be at Old Timers Day and away from his team on Saturday.
I really think that the person who said quantity rather than quality was important this year is right. Willie and Bernie not being there spoils it for me. They are the heart of the Yankees from the “Good old days” of winning! Miss them!
Beverly
My favorite Old Timer’s Day that I attended was in 1970. OTD was held in honor of Casey Stengel on his 80th birthday and they retired his number. I still have the poster they handed out that day.
Plus,the opponent that day was the great Baltimore Orioles team that eventually won the World Seires and featured the Robinson boys, Boog Powell,and three 20 game winners ( Mike Cuellar, Jim Palmer and Dave McNally). Yanks lost 4 -2,but the Yanks got on the board with a solo shot by Bobby Murcer that landed about 20 rows from our seats.
Its the last year of Yankee Stadium. Of course there is going to be quantity this year.
The Yankees have had many winning eras. Not just the 90’s. Why not honor all the eras in the final Old Timers Day?
Seems to me to be the appropriate way to do it this year.
He played in 8 games for the Yanks n different stints. Ladies and gentlemen, Mickey Kluts!
Lyle must be busy managing his team over in Jersey. But where, everyone, is Tony Kubek?!
I read somewhere, not too long ago, that Tony had decided to drop out of baseball entirely and in effect has relegated his previous existence to the dustbin.It’s a darn shame because he was a key player on a number of Yankee championship teams, as well as a very good baseball commentator. Funny, isn’t it, how some guys (a few anyway) can just walk away from it and not look back with even a small amount of nostalgia. I believe “Bullet” Bob Turley also refused any contact with his baseball past for quite a number of years. But then I think a few years ago the memories finally caught up with him and he’s started coming to the Old Timer’s Day events. I hope that happens to Tony before too long as well.
Sidney Ponson is clearly on the hot seat tonight. He has to throw a quality start or his time has expired as a Yankee. The Yankees can’t afford to be showing the Angels that they’ll be easy prey in the postseason.
The Angels were dead meat against Boston for the longest time and they showed in the last month with 2 sweeps that it no longer applies.
It’s time for the Yankees to deliver that same message to the Angels.
SJ44,
Your right. These Yankee teams have been disappointing, but at least they have been competitive.
Those of us who were die hard fans in the very lean years, we can fully appreciate the fact the George Steinbrenner made the Yanees the Yankees again. We didnt always appreciate how he carried himself, but there’s no doubt he brought the franchise all the way back to what it used to be.
Yanks61,
Love Kubek I read in a recent Tyler Kpener blog you can go the the link on the right and check it out but he totally has dropped out of baseball seems very very uninvolved.
I will be there on Saturday and if just the intros take an hour I will be happy. The Yankees are the only team that still has Old Timers Day and it is a great tradition no matter who is there.
Last year I took my uncle and it was his first time to the STadium and he literally cried during the introductions as it made him think about his youth and baseball and how much a part the players that were on the field not necessarily the big names but all of them played in his youth.
That is what baseball is all about. Not the winners and losers but how the game affects us and moves us.
FYI MO will be on MIke an MIke in about 40 minutes (ESPN Radio and it is airing today on ESPN News)
gayle,
Very well said. Enjoy the game!
Drive,
No doubt. I always laugh when I read folks post on here how “this is the 80’s” or “these are the lean years”.
Its comedy at its finest. Its not even CLOSE to the real lean years they had in the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.
They are basically rebuilding the team and going to the playoffs (or at least are in the playoff hunt) every year.
You don’t see them blowing up the farm system for over the hill veterans or any of the other junk we saw when we were kids.
You are seeing a team in transition while still being competitive. There are a helluva worse times in Yankee History than this one.
Shameful that the Yankees still have not recognized Bernie in any way and he spent his entire career with the Yankee team starting as a teenager.
In 2001 I was fortunate enough to lead a group from the youth baseball league that I run and attend OTD as Jim Bouton’s guests. Jim pitched that game and I’m sorry to see he’s not on the list of attendees this year. Like his books or not, Jim is a great guy and did his best to promote the game in his retirement.
The saddest thing about Old Timers’ Day now is that some of the Old Timers are around my age, give or take a few!
“Can you imagine the Yankees being bad for 10 years?”
1983-1993 were some tough times. They were legit competitors for the division in a couple of those years, specifically 1983 and 1985 (imagine this blog in mid September of 1985, when the Yankees, a game and half back of Toronto at the time, lost three straight to the Jays in the Bronx to pretty much end the season?). But they were flat out awful for 4 straight years from 1989 thru 1992.
SJ44,
At least now there is an expectaion to win. The lean years were the decades where the Yankees were not expected to win and everyone celebrated them even being competitive.
I can’t see the Yankees winning this year, but I certainly expect to see them win again in the near future. There’s a big difference.
It should be very interesting to see who they have pull the switch on OTD that shows the number of games left at the Stadium. Any guesses?
“It should be very interesting to see who they have pull the switch on OTD that shows the number of games left at the Stadium. Any guesses?”
Mrs. Munson???
Drive I will guess the widows of Elston, Bily, Catfish and Thurmon.
I hedge by bet on that because Arlene Howard has already pulled the handle but I think it would be a nice gesture to have them all to do it together.
where is randy?
“There are strong indications that the Twins will cut loose righthander Livan Hernandez in order to make room for lefthander Francisco Liriano.”
randy may get his dream after all. who would be surprised to see the Yankees pick him up for 3 weeks while Hughes/Kennedy/Pavano/etc. continue to rehab/whatever?
Homer Bush?
Hopefully, the Yankees will upgrade their #4 and #5 starters ASAP….like today would be nice ( wink )...the sooner they do that…the more wins they will have going into the playoffs. ...oh..and I don’t buy into this ” we have 10 games against the Angels and that kills our chances at the post season ” crapola. The Rays are a fold just waiting to happen. The BoSux just blew any chance they had at the division lead…...The AL East title is ours for the taking and there is now enough talent on this team to actually ride the “wave” of “this is the last year in Yankee Stadium” through the playoffs to one last championship, before the walls they come a tumblin’ down. We could really use Wang back by the playoffs, but can’t count on that. We need to be actively seeking a GOOD number 4 starter RIGHT NOW…and get Aceves or ANYONE else up to take Pontoon and Razz out of that rotation…LIKE NOW ! The only way either of those slugs is going to win another game is if the Yankees put up a 10 spot OR they catch lightning again and actually pitch a complete 6 good innings in a row ( and if you know ANYTHING about the law of averages,,,,both of those pitchers are an accident waiting to happen EVERY time they toe the rubber ) Just my 2 cents ( likely worth less than that, right ? )
Fedo and gayle,
If you’re right, there probably wont be a dry eye in the place.
Aaron Small? Seriously?
“Aaron Small? Seriously?”
They don’t make the 2005 postseason without his 10-0.
why not IPK tonight? or anyone else for that matter, if we’re gonna lose, it might as well be with a young arm gaining mlb experience then ponson getting lit up for the billionth time.
“why not IPK tonight?”
They probably don’t want IPK starting against the best team in baseball on two days rest.
hence the “or anyone else”
I don’t think there is anyone else at this point.
Drive—
Unfortunately the pulling of the handle and the way they do it doesnt really give you time to get emotional. It really almost seem a little matter of fact and if you blink your eyes it is over.
When the VET was closing they had the counter on the outfield wall and what would happen is that the person would actually go on the field and lift the curtain I liked it better than the lever thing.
Can I just say I LOVE Mo he is a special special person
Bernie is acting like a child who did not get his cokkie from his parents. There is no doubt Yankees invited him and lobbied heavily. Enough of this. If he does not want to come so be it.
gayle,
Youre right. I’ve been to about 20 games this year and it’s easy to see how they could have done a better job with it.
I wonder what the reaction would be if George or any of the Steinbrenner family pulled it. A lot of folks don’t want to see the Stadium go,regardless of how antiquated the place now is.
.... typo.. it is cookie not cokkie
I’m proud to say that I was at Yankee Stadium for Mickey Klutz’s first game. I didn’t know that his mane was Gene. I learn so much from visiting this blog.
If Bernie is there, I would imagine that it would be a surprise.
when olney asked who mo didnt want to see i immediately thought ‘edgar’ and Mo was right there with me!
what a great interview, he expresses himself in english really well now!
LOVE that guy!
Drive George pulled it opening day there was little or no reaction it got lost in the shuffle. Another example of how they could have done it better.
Ok Mo on ESPN obviously very happy with the trades the team made, on Manny he says it is good for the American League as they dont have to see him again BUT in terms of Mo he says he looks at all players equally when they goup.
Best closer for him is Trevor Hoffman not only because of what he has done on the field but the way he carries himself and how much he respects the game.
The toughest hitter for him the one he wouldnt want to see in a tight spot is Edgar Martinez says he is happy that he doesnt have to see him again.
“Bernie is acting like a child who did not get his cokkie from his parents. There is no doubt Yankees invited him and lobbied heavily. Enough of this. If he does not want to come so be it.”
I’m on the fence on this one. I can understand both sides of the issue. I lean to Bernie’s side only because I know the answer to the following question is NO:
Would the Yankees handle the end of Derek Jeter’s career in the same manner they treated Bernie’s?
IMO, Bernie was the best player on those championship teams. He was an outstanding player, a professional, a good teammate, and guy who gave his heart, soul, and ultimatley his body to the game. I felt a half-ass invitation to Spring Traning to try and “make the team” was a little weak. I know Bernie’s skills had deteriorated a great deal, but they organization probably could have handled that better.
Y’s guy you are right it goes to show you like he has said and tries to instill in the younge Hispanic players it is very important for you to learn English and be able to talk to the media as you represent not only your team, but your heritage and can really make an impression.
No Rueben Sierra for Old Timers Day I really liked him as well. Used to love when he did interviews. I bet he could still hit one out during the Old Timers Day lol.
“Bernie was an outstanding player, a professional, a good teammate, and guy who gave his heart, soul, and ultimatley his body to the game.”
Are you saying Bernie is the anti-Manny? lol
Drive 4-5,
Maybe they invited Jim Bouton, but he couldn’t make it.
Was 2001 Bouton’s first time back for OTD? If yes, I was at that game too. He must have been touched, he received quite the ovation.
FWIW, Ball Four rocked!
I’m glad he got his life back in order & was able to regain the job he had to step down from as Dodgers hitting coach, but not having Donnie Baseball there is going to suck.
If there going with the 96 theme, would’ve loved to have see Charlie Hayes & Big Cecil make an appearance as well.
“All they care about is winning” – Ruben Sierra
He kind of lost me with that quote. I know the Yankees brought him back years later, but I never liked him.
“Are you saying Bernie is the anti-Manny? lol”
That’s about right, yeah. Though I’d say about 98% of the players are the anti-Manny so far as being a professional goes.
“If there going with the 96 theme, would’ve loved to have see Charlie Hayes & Big Cecil make an appearance as well.”
Wouldn’t be complete without Leyritz. It is, afterall, his homerun off Wohlers that turned everything around. Is he in jail? Never heard how that drunk driving episode panned out.
back, at the track, at the wall, we are TIED!
I want to see Bob Sheppard on Saturday.
Will the Yanks Sign Manny when he is a free-agent at the end of the season?
hmmm-
peter a. didn’t appreciate me pointing out that at least most of us on the blog can see their feet when he said fans have blind spots.
the blind spot comment was his response to the flack he received from many on the blog when he said that arod deserved to be hit by hansen last week.
we had, shall we say, a little email skirmish.
peter a. is now in the process of trading me to another blog. but after reading my comments, the other blogs keep sending me back. it’s kind of like a “rule 5” transaction.
... and oh. yeah, livan is going to help get the yankees into the playoffs.
the blog will have a collective stroke watching him do it though.
“Wouldn’t be complete without Leyritz. It is, afterall, his homerun off Wohlers that turned everything around. Is he in jail? Never heard how that drunk driving episode panned out.”
He’s not in jail yet. I thought I read that he was at the All-Star Game (not as a guest of the Yankees, though).
He would never be invited to OTD this Saturday.
Clay Buchholz stole my laptop (aka Joe)
Bouton’s return was in ‘98, but we could tell it still meant a lot to him to be there in ‘01. He loved every minute of it.
Not only did he host our little group by getting us tickets, but he met us at the Press gate, brought us through the visitor’s locker room and dugout. He then took us through the bowels of the Stadium and we ended up coming out of a door below the left field stands next to Monument Park. With him in unifom, he gave us a tour of Monument Park and sent each of us a personalized autographed copy on the hard cover re-issue of “Ball Four”. It was a great day.
Randy L,
Why would you choose to personally insult someone? I don’t get it?
Drive 4-5,
That’s so awesome! What a special memory. He seems like a very bright and interesting guy.
“peter a. didn’t appreciate me pointing out that at least most of us on the blog can see their feet when he said fans have blind spots.”
Ouch! That’s some cold stuff. Hard to believe Peter took umbrage. (:
“the blind spot comment was his response to the flack he received from many on the blog when he said that arod deserved to be hit by hansen last week.”
Arod didn’t deserve to be hit, but somebody did. I’d guess that was his point.
Fredo OTM re: Bernie upthread.
Management needs to cut him some slack on not taking his retirement well. The guy was a Yankee from the age of 15. It was all he knew — that outfield grass his only home, his introduction to a new country, etc.
Cashman should be a little more forgiving on this one, take the high road. #51 needs to be retired, period. We’re not talking about a merely very good Yankee here, or even “a classy guy.” Bernie was the centerpiece of 4 Championship teams, and factually, statistically, one of the GREATEST YANKEES OF ALL TIME. You can look it up.
Hank, Hal, Cash, Levine et al: get it done already.
instead of having him show up for OTD, they should have a bernie williams day and retire his #.
I wish there was an answer as to why the Yankees seldom win on Old Timer’s Day and for that matter on Saturdays in general.
“All they care about is winning†– Ruben Sierra
I always considered this to be one of the stupidest things every said by a baseball player. That being said, I did like Sierra and over the years, he came up with some big hits for us. I wish we had a player like him coming off the bench for us now.
For those who care, Manny will wear No. 28 in L.A.
http://bronx-bomberz.blogspot.com/
Randy,
There are fights worth having on this blog. Going after the stalkers, morons, and other assorted boobs that post nonsense here being one.
Going after Pete? Not necessary.
Like all of us on this blog, Pete isn’t perfect. But, he’s a good guy and this forum, even with its flaws (like no registration) is still the best forum to discuss Yankee Baseball (in the non-game threads) anywhere.
My friendly advice to you is to patch things up with Pete and keep posting here. You are a good poster.
Hell, how can you get banned now when Livan is thisclose from making his Pinstripe debut? lol
Hopefully, you guys work things out.
heres the piece buster just quoted from sean mcadam of the providence journal:
General manager Theo Epstein was working with a mandate from within his own clubhouse. After his team’s dispiriting loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday night, Epstein met with a handful of Red Sox veterans, all of whom delivered the same message: Manny had to go.
Celerino Sanchez?
Rich McKinney?
guess they voted manny off the nation!
How about Eric Soderholm? He’s the answer to a trivia question.
He’s the second Yankee (aside from Lou Gehrig) to have a disease named after him. Its called, “Soderholm Disease”.
Soderholm Disease is when a player comes to NY and loses all of his skill to play the game because of the wrath of George.
I believe it was Cliff Johnson who coined the phrase after Soderholm had an awful game one day. George went in the locker room and tore him up in front of the entire team, and the guy couldn’t play a lick anymore after the incident.
For many years after that incident, anytime a Yankee failed bigtime in NY, he was told that he came down with “Soderholm Disease”.
“Hell, how can you get banned now when Livan is thisclose from making his Pinstripe debut? lol”
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Seriously though, is he any better than Ponson/Rasner? NO!
He’s better than Ponson. He’s not better than Rasner.
Who knows what’s really going to happen though.
This season is so wacky, could we really be surprised if Ponson ends up delivering the best pitched game of the weekend for the Yankees?
Its been that kind of year.
Think Manny will one day be invited as a guest opponent on OTD? lol At 55 he’d still probably be able to take one deep. I know I wont miss him hitting in Yankee Stadium. He was one of the toughest oppossing hitters in Yankee history. I’m very glad he’s gone (for now).
It might not matter if the Yanks don’t pitch better, but the Red Sox are a far weaker lineup without him.
randy –
In these difficult times where innings eaters are on the ropes – the blog needs you to help us through a very bumpy patch for the bandwagon.
Chris Britton was in the game last night to eat innings and you weren’t even here to give the rotund righty any love!
Does anyone know why Elliott Maddox will not be there? I know he loved being a Yankee and loved the fans in New York. I think he is living in Florida now.
Really would like to see Bernie at the game. He needs to be there. Tough to understand him not being there (even with the way things ended). I’m happy Rickey’s going to be there. He was my favorite player growing up, I collected all of his baseball cards until the hobby destroyed itself in the late 90s by having waaaaaaaaay too many sets and making collecting a player impossible. /digression…
Anyway, should be a good day even without Bernie. I love the touch of bringing back the widows of some of the Yankees greats. Oh, another thought I had….anyone with me in renaming it Bobby Murcer Old Timer’s Day in his honor this year? I know they had them much before Bobby’s time but I think he embodied everything the day meant. Just a thought I had.
Hensley Muelens has been the hitting coach for the Indianapolis Indians (Pittsburgh’s AAA club) for the past 4 years. No joke required.
As others have pointed out; Karim Garcia is still playing in South Korea.
Alberto Castillo; Todd Williams; Juan Padilla; Butch Hobson (manager); Dave LaPoint (pitching coach) among others are busy in the Atlantic League.
Tim Foli is the field coordinator for the Washington Nationals.
Not sure why Phil Linz isn’t listed. He still hangs around the Stadium and even has season tickets. In fact, I sat in his seats last Opening Day, to continue my streak of being there every Opening Day since I was 9. (1984)
“He’s better than Ponson. He’s not better than Rasner.”
Ok I’ll buy that, Livan is better than Ponson. He still stinks though, I’d rather try Kennedy, Aceves, Hughes, etc. Maybe Horne can pitch himself into consideration.
Who is going to be the 3rd basecoah when Wave Em Home Bobby is rounding 3rd?
Patrick –
I am with you on trying someone in house rather than going outside.
I really don’t want Washburn near the Yankees next year.
BTW – Horne is headed to Tampa with a ‘dead arm’ – not an option sadly.
I posted this earlier: Bernie has a vacation planned with his family that he can’t cancel.
If he gets healthy he’s an option. I’d take Washburn but no Livan.
we may go into the pennant race like we went into the season, needing contributions from kennedy and hughes. hopefully they can come through like they did last year.
The next 13 games could define the Yankees season, 10 of which will be on the road. They will play 6 against the Angels and 3 against the resurgent Twins with the heavy hitting Rangers in the middle.
It’s scary to even think about Ponson and Rasner starting 5 of these games.
Why will Yanks get Livan? Doesn’t he have to clear waivers?
“It might not matter if the Yanks don’t pitch better, but the Red Sox are a far weaker lineup without him.”
Weaker lineup, but better team IMO. I worry about them more now than I did before. Lot of parralels to that Garciaparra situation in ‘04 as I see it. Not saying they’ll win the Series again, but Bay’s offense was 4% off of Ramirez’s over the past few seasons and by default, he’s a better presence in the clubhouse. They may not have the talent to win the division, but I envision a more focused team going forward.
Laura- Far be it from me to tell someone how to spend their money, but Bernie earned over $100M from the Yankees over his career. I think he can afford the rebooking fee or penalty or whatever it is that JetBlue and Motel 8 might charge him.
“could we really be surprised if Ponson ends up delivering the best pitched game of the weekend for the Yankees?
Its been that kind of year.”
Nope. Can’t do much worse than Pettitte.
“Laura- Far be it from me to tell someone how to spend their money, but Bernie earned over $100M from the Yankees over his career. I think he can afford the rebooking fee or penalty or whatever it is that JetBlue and Motel 8 might charge him.”
I doubt that money is the issue. He has kids; perhaps he doesn’t want to disappoint them. I don’t know why he feels he can’t cancel the trip. But for people to rag on him by saying that he’s still bitter is incorrect. The last interview I saw with him proved to me that he was ready to bury the hatchet.
If u think the current 14 game stretch is bad. Then wait until we get that 16 game stretch in 16 days starting with Boston series is just brutal. 3 Vs Sox, 3 vs Jay. These 6 games are at home. From there they go to Detroit for 1 GAME. 3 at Tampa. 3 at Seattle & finishing of with 3 at LA.
So the travel goes like this NY->Detoit->Tampa>Seattle->LA.
And guess what the get away game with Tampa is a night game.
That’s BRUTAL stretch. That Detroit game postponement will really hurt the Yanks as it takes a day off away in between that brutal stretch.
“The next 13 games could define the Yankees season, 10 of which will be on the road. They will play 6 against the Angels and 3 against the resurgent Twins with the heavy hitting Rangers in the middle.”
Twins looked awfully bad at the Stadium but they are a different lot at that crap box they play in. That’s a nasty schedule.
I remember watching Bernie at the Albany-Colonie Yankees, lanky kid with horned rim glasses. Bernie was my favorite.
I felt Bernie should have answered Torre’s phone calls and reported to camp.
It seems to me Bernie acted exactly like some of the other great athletes over time who refused to accept that their best years had passed, Emmitt Smith, Franco Harris to name a few.
The Yankees could have let Bernie slip away to the Red Sox or not let him return the year prior for a 1-year deal, at some point after all the years I feel some loyalty is also due back to the organization and this was a good example.
Yesterday’s game was extremely unfortunate. We really needed Pettite to come up big there. He seemed quite upset with himself in his post game interview. Not sure how much Pudge had to do with the game sucking, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Pettite joins Moose in only wanting Molina to catch him.
It’s been said before…but HOMER BUSH?!!!
Literally, my earliest childhood baseball memory was watching the ‘79 Yankees, or whatever year it was, on my grandma’s TV and watching Eric Solderholm come to the plate. it’s his name on the screen that lets me know I was a Yankee fan from the very beginning.
It also makes me a bit younger than SJ.
Laura,
I’m sorry but that’s a BS excuse from Bernie. What did he do, book this trip a year ago. He’s known Saturday was going to be OTD for at LEAST six months, probably more. Just a BS excuse for not showing up because he was hurt by the way things were handled at the end. He should be there. Last one at the stadium, everything he meant to the 90s dynasty, the crazy crazy crazy ovation he’d get. He should be there.
Fredo Corleone
August 1st, 2008 at 10:43 am
“The next 13 games could define the Yankees season, 10 of which will be on the road. They will play 6 against the Angels and 3 against the resurgent Twins with the heavy hitting Rangers in the middle.â€
Twins looked awfully bad at the Stadium but they are a different lot at that crap box they play in. That’s a nasty schedule.
If u think the current 14 game stretch is bad. Then wait until we get that 16 game stretch in 16 days starting with Boston series is just brutal. 3 Vs Sox, 3 vs Jay. These 6 games are at home. From there they go to Detroit for 1 GAME. 3 at Tampa. 3 at Seattle & finishing of with 3 at LA.
So the travel goes like this NY->Detoit->Tampa>Seattle->LA.
And guess what the get away game with Tampa is a night game.
That’s BRUTAL stretch. That Detroit game postponement will really hurt the Yanks as it takes a day off away in between that brutal stretch.
where IS Bob Shirley?
they should trot out Steve Trout and Ed Whitson, just for kicks.
Huh? This blog has probably the worst comment section of all the major Yankee blogs. It’s not even close. If you want real discussion and analysis check out RLYW or Bronx Banter.
It’s not all doom and gloom:
I still feel we can win the next 3 games, even with Sid on the mound.
Andy just had a bad night, but giving the angels the extra out’s, probably would have prvented the 6 run inning, was it my eye’s or did Andy’s pitch’s were high in the zone, unusually high in the zone for him. IMO
“The Yankees could have let Bernie slip away to the Red Sox or not let him return the year prior for a 1-year deal, at some point after all the years I feel some loyalty is also due back to the organization and this was a good example.”
When he got his big free agent pay day, he took less to stay with the Yankees than Boston offered him. I see know issue with his loyalties.
“I’m sorry but that’s a BS excuse from Bernie. What did he do, book this trip a year ago. He’s known Saturday was going to be OTD for at LEAST six months, probably more. Just a BS excuse for not showing up because he was hurt by the way things were handled at the end. He should be there. Last one at the stadium, everything he meant to the 90s dynasty, the crazy crazy crazy ovation he’d get. He should be there.”
I totally agree he should be there, but I’m not sure that he’s not coming out of bitterness. He was at the All Star Fan Fest and said some things that made it seem to me that he was over his anger about how he left the Yankees.
At any rate, if he doesn’t come tomorrow, I hope that the Yankees do find a day where they can give him the recognition that he deserves.
Know issues??? I’m a dumbass.
I meant I see NO issues with Bernie’s loyalties.
I have a basball question. I’m pretty certain about the answer, but someone is insisting I’m wrong. Anyhow:
Would, or do, CC Sabathia’s season totals count in the CY Young voting, or are his AL stats void in any NL CY Young award consideration?
I’ve been scouring Google for some concrete answers. I personally believe his AL stats are not considered. That he can only win on his individual league performance, and not his total.
I wonder if Bernie would take a 3rd base coaching job?
” After his team’s dispiriting loss to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Wednesday night, Epstein met with a handful of Red Sox veterans, all of whom delivered the same message: Manny had to go.”
I wonder if that included David Ortiz.
“I personally believe his AL stats are not considered. That he can only win on his individual league performance, and not his total”
I believe you are correct.
“When he got his big free agent pay day, he took less to stay with the Yankees than Boston offered him. I see know issue with his loyalties.”
Yeah, and if he signed that long term with Boston he would have been tossed out like all the others at the end of the contract.
And then looking to return to NY.
“I wonder if that included David Ortiz.”
I’d say there is about a 100% chance that the meeting included Ortiz.
Is Zach McAllister the Yankees #1 prospect right now? He has been dominant on two levels this year. Why not move him up to Trenton for a few starts and let him get his feet wet?
No one knows the personal schedules of the Williams family. Perhaps this is window in the summer activities where all of them are available to go on vacation together, and IMO, as much as we look forward to OTD as fans, cancelling an entire vacation for one day’s activities doesn’t make much sense and is not fair to one’s family as a whole.
Don’t jump to conclusions. Also, I havealso heard/read that Bernie and the Yankees have been in contact with each other in a good way.
“Yeah, and if he signed that long term with Boston he would have been tossed out like all the others at the end of the contract.”
I suppose. Of course, as it ended up, he didn’t have to go to Boston to get tossed out at the end of his contract, did he??
Has there been any news on Bob Sheppard? i doubt he’ll make it but itd be great to have him at old timers day.
“I suppose. Of course, as it ended up, he didn’t have to go to Boston to get tossed out at the end of his contract, did he??”
No he didn’t and why a little bit of loyalty is due to the Yankee organization and the fans!!
I think so too Fredo. Some dude in another forum is insisting that CC’s totals from both leagues will be considered at seasons end.
They’ve got Nelson, Lloyd and Mendoza, but no Stanton? Somehow that doesn’t seem right.
There is no Chili Davis either.
Chris V:
I believe most scouts would tell Austin Jackson holds the title of the Yankees’ top prospect right now.
Cashman had said earlier in the year that McAllister would spend the entire season in Charleston. Didn’t end up that way, and he’s done well in Tampa. However, I’d be stunned to see him go up another level this year. Cashman probably learned a thing or two on moving a guy too quickly thru the system with IPK.
Breaking News
AP August 1, 2008
Beginning August 1st 2008, the New York Yankees have submitted a request to the commissioners office to change the team name the New York C.ock Teases.
Is Zach McAllister the Yankees #1 prospect right now? He has been dominant on two levels this year. Why not move him up to Trenton for a few starts and let him get his feet wet?
Nope it’s Austin Jackson and then Jesus
“… and oh. yeah, livan is going to help get the yankees into the playoffs.
the blog will have a collective stroke watching him do it though.”
Randy,
I just lost feeling in my right arm just thinking about it.
Old timers day is lame
k-
RLYW?
Manny had to go.. He quit on his teammates and that is deplorable but my question is why is every or most stars of the red sux always run out of town?
Some examples are nomar, manny, damon, pedro, clemens, vaughn. etc… I mean do any of these stars finish there career in boston?
AM I imagining things or does this happen all the time to the sux?
I get what your saying Fredo but he figures to start the year in Trenton next year anyway. Why not let him get a few starts up there so he can struggle a little bit and see what he has to improve upon. I hate how the yankees baby prospects so that they never face difficulty. Especially there pitchers.
their*
enough with Livan Hernande.. look at his #’s they are Ponson like.. He will be removed from the Twins rotation within a week..
he stinks, it is like jeff keppinger talk, these guys are nothing.. It is like wanting or demanding your team gets Miguel Cairo…...
For those who have a better memory tan nme question.
if you listened to yesterday’s Cashman audio someone asked a question about waiver wire trades and he joked about a big one that came back and bit someone and was very sarcastic and lauging about it. Made it seem like it was something he wished he had done or hadnt done.
Anyone know what he was referring to??
stuart did you just insult Jeff Keppinger ?
“I think so too Fredo. Some dude in another forum is insisting that CC’s totals from both leagues will be considered at seasons end.”
Closest parallel I can come up with is Rick Sutcliffe who started 1984 with Cleveland before being traded to the Cubs in June. Once with the Cubs, he went 16-1 with a 2.70 ERA (His total numbers were 20-6 with a 3.65) and won the NL CY unanimously (19 year old Doc Godden wad 2nd). They counted only his NL numbers.
Steve philips took another shot at the yankees but then said “joba chamberlin is the next roger clemems”
gayle,
Jose Canseco perhaps? The Yanks claimed him off waivers in 2000.
gayle:
Probably David Ortiz.
gayle-
jose canseco, perhaps.
Buzz what about the 8th inning !
gayle:
When the Twins released, George wanted him, I believe Cash said there was no room at 1st(Giambi), so he passed and Boston got him. this may be the one.
Still think Joe should have lifted Petitte sooner and tried to stay in that game.
umm Timmy that’s not 100 % true on Ortiz.
“Some examples are nomar, manny, damon, pedro, clemens, vaughn. etc… I mean do any of these stars finish there career in boston?
AM I imagining things or does this happen all the time to the sux?”
Not your imagination. Clemens and Vaughn fall under a different category because they were let go under a different ownership team. They were right on Vaughn. They were wrong on Clemens.
For my money, their current ownership group was right on Garciaparra, Martinez and Ramirez. I think they missed on Damon, though I understand what their concerns were about him.
They don’t fall in love with their players and that’s probably a good thing.
“gayle:
When the Twins released, George wanted him, I believe Cash said there was no room at 1st(Giambi), so he passed and Boston got him. this may be the one.”
Ortiz wasn’t on the waiver wire as far as I know. I believe the Twins didn’t offer him a contract and he became a free agent. Has to be the Jose Canseco pickup.
That just doesn’t add up Doreen. The vacation excuse is BS. Believe it if you want, but there’s no way that taking one day out of the schedule would have ruined his vacation plans. Sorry, not buying it. I do hope he’s buried the hatchet with the Yanks and I hope they give him a Bernie Williams day either at the end of this year or next year to open the new stadium. But he needs to be at this OTD. Needs to. No other way around it.
“Still think Joe should have lifted Petitte sooner and tried to stay in that game.”
When, right after the 1st 3 run homerun? Or after the second when the Angels already had 6 runs anyway?
Brandon:
I know they had a chance at Ortiz, if you have more fill me in. I know Cash has answered that question before, not sure on his whole response it was a couple of years ago. I’m not sure that was what Cash was referring to yesterday, thought it was one he could have been..
Keep in mind, while we wait for the uncertainty of Hughes, Kennedy to join us in late August, the Twins and Rays will be fortifying their rotations with what will surely be the newest of LHP Yankee Killers: Liriano and Price.
Just in time for multiple crucial series with both teams through August and September – both teams that we need to catch.
Gayle,
Cash could be referring to the Padres claiming Randy Meyers off waivers in the late 90s then being saddled with his ridiculous contract for the next couple years when he sucked. That, or as others pointed out, the Canseco claim but that was just one year wasn’t it. Not a big deal.
“umm Timmy that’s not 100 % true on Ortiz.”
Funny thing with the Red Sox and Ortiz is that he was an afterthought (Martinez apparently lobbied the Sox to sign him). They initially signed Jeremy Giambi to fill the role that Ortiz ultimately filled. Only took Grady Little two months to figure out Giambi wasn’t up to the job and maybe Ortiz should get a look.
Rob Dibble was talking about (I think yesterday) about how the Red Sox treat their players and specifically brought up how it took Ted Williams YEARS to go back to Fenway because of how he was treated up there. (I don’t personally know the truth of this, but just relaying what I heard.)
Manny was not incorrect when he said that the Red Sox have a history of edging star players out. They are certainly not sentimental. (Paraphrasing, of course, and that does not excuse the way Manny was acting; he could have risen above it, no?)
Now, it’s never easy to let a person go, but the Red Sox seem to have a particular penchant with p-ing people off for whatever reason. No team is without it’s similar situations, however.
I thought the story about George wanting Ortiz was when he was a free agent, not when (if he ever was) placed on waivers.
Sorry Ray was right.
He was released by the Twins after the 2002 season and signed by the Red Sox as a free agent prior to the 2003 season.
No he was talking about something after during the 2001 season or after. he talks about is around 11:49 in the audio. he says that back when he first started 1998, 1999, 2000,2001 you were not getting anything through waivers then a couple of GM’s took some hits he said he got one but referred to a GM who took a huge lump so now people know it is russian roulette out there.
perhaps he is talking about Ortiz but if you listen perhaps you will know right away what he was referring to.
Or Pete since the writers were all laughing perhaps you can tell us what he was referring to.
“Rob Dibble was talking about (I think yesterday) about how the Red Sox treat their players and specifically brought up how it took Ted Williams YEARS to go back to Fenway because of how he was treated up there. (I don’t personally know the truth of this, but just relaying what I heard.)”
My understanding on Williams was that it was a stormy relationship with the fans moreso than the organization.
oh how the tone of this board with change, when the Yankees SHOCK THE WORLD and take the next 3 in a row from LAA. They are NOT unbeatable and our team MASHES ALL WEEKEND !
I haven’t listened to the audio, I’m pretty sure he’s refering to something else , when I get my headphones I’ll listen to it at work although Pete could save us the trouble
Price hasn’t even started a game in the majors yet, you can’t be dreading playing the Rays because the Yankees will have to face him. Worry about their other guys that have been tough on the Yankees this year.
Liriano I will give you, but the Twins are a team that the Yankees should beat—their starting pitching is not great and their offense is two players.
Really, though, it’s the trend across baseball, except for the Cubs and Brewers. Teams in the race would rather fortify from their system rather than trade any prospects for marginally-helpful veterans. That’s why I don’t really understand all the venom people spew about “didn’t you see these guys in April, they stink, they’re not ready!!!!” and “this is not the time to give rookies a chance!!!!”. It’s not really a useless, unorthodox move for the Yankees to plug Kennedy or Hughes into the rotation to take the places of BP-quality arms.
But, then again, I must not have been watching their starts in April, those guys are never going to cut it, no way can they be better than Ponson and/or Rasner.
I dont understand how Ted Williams and the fans didnt get along…wasnt william caucasian and a drunk?
My folks are going to this with friends who have season tickets and they heard there’s a great brunch there. Anyone confirm/deny?
With Jason Bay replacing Manny its looks awful white on the field. Its unusual as they have very few latino or players of color. Variteck, Youkolis, Pedroia, Lowery, Drew, Bay, Lowell, Ellsbury. Really odd
Del From Heiroglyphics:
Ted was Half Mexican so maybe the Fenway fans only 50% liked him.Thats why it took so long to like him:)
Is Ponson still pitching????
i almost got tickets to this
bummed when i found out that i didn’t get them…
Isn’t Lowell puerto rican?
Rally
great brunch?? Where are you talking about
“if you listened to yesterday’s Cashman audio someone asked a question about waiver wire trades and he joked about a big one that came back and bit someone and was very sarcastic and lauging about it. Made it seem like it was something he wished he had done or hadnt done.”
I believe Cashman was referring to Randy Myers. If my memory serves me correct, he had a year and a half with alot of money owed on his contract. He was put on waivers by the Jays and the Padres claimed him.
Lowell is a lone nut boricua
Scraping the bottom of the barrel with small and bush arent they?
A few Red Sox fans (3 to be exact) told me that they took a vote on whether or not Manny should be traded. They said the result was 23-1, with Ortiz being the only one saying that he should stay. Now, not sure if this is true or not, but I did hear it from 3 of them.
DvAb-
Like the optimism… But that ish will NOT happen, hah.
good lord… looks like the jason bay love fest @ espn is in full force already…
No Bernie but Aaron Small will be there!? LOL that’s funny.
...Ramiro Mendoza…
“Now, not sure if this is true or not, but I did hear it from 3 of them.”
Doubt it’s true. Every source I’ve read said Epstein consulted with a handful of veterans and they unanimously wanted him gone. Ortiz was almost certainly one of those.
“Isn’t Lowell puerto rican?”
I read a story on Lowell and it said his parents were from Cuba but got off the island and settled in Puerto Rico which is where he was born before moving to Florida.
“Now, not sure if this is true or not, but I did hear it from 3 of them.â€
Chris Carlin said it on WFAN this morning and said a local Boston paper did a poll of the players and the results were 23-1 against him staying with Ortiz being the 1.
pat:
I think it’s just the media, doing damage control. Let’s face a Boston ICON, is gone…
I guess Kevin Brown couldn’t make it??!!
Sorry should have put “it” after face.
i heard youks was the only one who wanted him to stay..
Say what you will but Mickey Klutts’s rookie card is worth quite a bit of money.
I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact that he shares it with Paul Molitor and Allen Trammell.
What? No Paul Zuvella? Someone needs to get fired for that oversight
What about Roy White for OT Day? Along with Bernie & Willie Randolph—all 3 are very high on lots of NYY lists, including G, AB, H, R, etc.
Where’s “Chilli” Davis? lol
No Claudell Washington? I will never forget when he hit a HR off of Eric King on July 4. My local rag had the headline:
WASHINGTON HOMERS OFF KING ON INDEPENDENCE DAY
I’m writing a letter….
Why in the name of Billy Martin wasn’t Ed Whitson invited ??
I hope O’Neill dons the microphone, ala Murcer. I always loved that, and I think he’d be the perfect one to pull it off.
Aaron Small? Really? Where’s Shawn Chacon?!
Chad Moeller just DFAed – maybe he can play in the OTG too. Maybe he will even get a hit
gayle – I don’t know, their friends said they serve brunch? I could have mistaken what they heard.
Klutts, what a great name! We can also try to get Fritzie Brickel (from the 1950s) too.
whoops, sorry about that, Fritz Brickell passed away in 1965:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/b/brickfr02.shtml
Wow, that list has some names I haven’t seen in some time. Like Steve “Bye Bye” Balboni. I used to play softball on the same team as my father in the 80’s. My dad had tremendous power, but was pretty out of shape. He hit a lot of homers, but was slow running the bases. Anything that stayed in the park was an out. Hence, we called him our own Bye Bye Balboni!
Will Pepitone be there with toupee or without toupee?
I just cancelled my ticket because Chuck Cary won’t be pitching and as somebody pointed out, there will be no Mike Pagliarulo.
I have a kind of weird but cool idea for how the Yanks can incorporate Bernie into the final year of Yankee Stadium.
He is a talented musician- why can’t he perform pre-game, either for a regular season game towards the end of the year, or if it looks like we’ll make the playoffs, then for a playoff game.
It would give the fans to really show Bernie some appreciation for the last time in a stadium where he helped provide us with amazing memories.
I agree with Jordan’s idea to honor Bernie. It’s an absolute shame that he hasn’t been honored already. Please, please, please Yankee management… find a way to patch up this Bernie rift.
Ron Hassey should be there. I don’t know why but he hit the my most memorable home run in Yankee history. It was a big late season season game against Toronto in the 80’s when they were competing for the NL East crown. He annihilated the ball into the upper deck and the way he swung and looked at the ball just reminded me of how it might have been to watch Ruth knock one out.
Bernie is just pulling a Yogi. He’ll stay away for 5-8 years and make a big comeback and everything will be good again in Yankee-ville.
Of Course they’re inviting Mickey Klutts1 He was a favorite of Billy Martin…and also was traded for the legendary outfielder Gary Thomasson!
Too bad that Jack Reed or Ross Moschito haven’t been invited yet.
So, Willie was a surprise guest. Very classy.
You realyy can’t criticize Bernie or the Yankees regarding him being at OTD when you don’t know what happened behind the scenes. Also, remember Bernie was not the perfect Yankee. He came very close to leaving for the Red Sox until the Yankees caved on his last contract. Can you imagine Jeter doing that?
what about Doc Gooden?