And we’re off …
Posted by: Sam Borden - Posted in Misc on Sep 30, 2009 
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One of the things I’ve always liked about the Yankees is that they don’t have names on the backs of their jerseys. Not at home, not on the road, not anywhere. It’s a small detail but a meaningful one: No one is bigger than the team. Ever.
The Yankees are the draw. The players, managers and coaches may change, but the pinstripes and the logo stay the same. So does the love from the fans. So does the passion.
Pete did a fantastic job with this blog, no doubt about it. He created it, built it and made it into a wonderful community for people all over the world. He did unbelievable work and he’s going to be missed by everyone, me (very much) included.
But he’d also be the first to tell you that this blog wasn’t about him. It’s about the Yankees. And it’s about you. Always will be.
The Yankees are about to begin (what they hope will be) an exciting month. I’ll be with you the entire way, doing many of the things you’re used to and bringing my own style as well; Chad Jennings, our new beat writer, will be starting next week and will jump right in, too.
Know this: there will be plenty of Yankees coverage from us and the rest of the LoHud staff during the playoffs and beyond. The one thing that’s been made very clear to me during this transition is that this blog is a top priority at the paper, and we’re going to treat it that way. Along those lines:
• In a LoHud Yankees Blog exclusive, former Yankees catcher and YES Network analyst John Flaherty has agreed to break down the pitching match-up for our readers before every Yankees playoff game. John is a terrific baseball mind and I’ll have his insights up on the blog in the afternoon, as a way to get you ready for each night of the postseason.
• We’re going to have more live chats than ever before, giving all of you the chance to ask questions of Chad and me throughout the playoffs. Count on at least one per series, probably more — and we’ll continue it throughout the offseason.
• Baseball coverage in The Journal News, and on this blog, isn’t decreasing – it’s actually going up. Chad will easing into his role as the beat writer over the next month so you’ll get both of us throughout the playoffs; we’ll be covering the postseason all the way through the World Series (even if the Yankees shouldn’t make it); we’ll be at the offseason meetings during the winter to give you all the hot-stove news; and Chad, I and others will be updating on here constantly.
Short story long? This blog been home base for Yankees fans for many years now and, just like the uniforms and the logo, that isn’t changing.
If you have any questions about me, what’s happening with the blog, the Yankees or anything else, you can feel free to e-mail. Now let’s get going.
Sounds great, Sam!
Welcome Sam! Cheers to your efforts and, of course, the Yankees’ in October. Great news about Johnny Baseball of Rockland County analyzing the pitching matchups. Looking forward to October.
this is great news
Can’t wait for some change
I’m for it!
Thanks Sam! Sounds great. Looking forward to your coverage.
Hey Sam! Sounds great, can’t wait!
Looking forward to a hopefully exciting October.
Good Luck guys, looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table. Big shoes to fill though
Great first post Sam. Welcome aboard! Looking forward to seeing yours and Chad’s work. This blog has become the go-to place for real Yankee chat. I’m glad to see it’s in good hands.
Great start guys, GO Yankees should be a great post season.
Remember, Van Halen had thier biggest hits after David Lee Roth left…
good riddance pete!
WOO HOO!!
Good morning Sam. Glad to see you finally got up.
j/k
Sounds like you’re going to be a clutch hitter like Jeter. Looking forward to your work.
Sam,
Best of luck with the blog. You guys have huge shoes to fill and I wish you all the best in continuing what Pete started.
Nice to have October to work out the “kinks” and begin to develop your own voice.
Should be a fun month and I’m glad the newspaper decided to keep the blog going and have you and Chad run it. Its a great community and you guys will find that out in short order.
Again, best of luck.
Welcome back Sam. I know the last time you spent some time with us the theme of the week was holidays around the globe. What will be the theme you base your blogging around this time?
Now this is what I’m talking about!
YEah Baby!
Pete who?
Welcome Sam. Lets all enjoy this ride while our team wins #27. Lets Roll!
Welcome Sam. I look forward to your posts!!!
Great first post sam!!! welcome!
Welcome aboard Sam. To be honest there were things I liked about the previous regime and things I didn’t care for but on balance the Blog was a good thing. Looking forward to continuing to follow. Go Yanks.
Welcome aboard!
Welcome Sam. Let’s celebrate with… Pancakes for the table!
It may take awile to people to post because we’re a shy bunch.
Especially Erica.
Tom…you may be right, based on sales or what, but “Have you seen junior’s grades?”
Sam/Chad,
Good luck!
Welcome Sam.
You’re already my 2nd all-time favorite Sam (Sam the Butcher from The Brady Bunch is first). Do a good job this postseason and you just might take the top spot. Good luck.
SJ…are you sure you are not Pete???
That was am impressive introduction. Good luck and I look forward to your analysis going forward.
The chats would be a great way to fill the many, many off-days during the run.
And I mean really, everyone has seen this team, we’re looking at the ALDS, ALCS, and the World Series. It’s gonna be a long run.
Hi Sam – Welcome. Great intro.
I look forward to this blog and read it daily – Looking forward to the future of the blog – sounds like some great things are lined up.
Welcome Sam I AM!
While the majority of us – myself included – are mourning the loss of Pete Abe (his pic and bio are already gone!), I am going to look on the bright side, because there’s so much to look forward to.
In order to keep us going, The Journal News honchos are giving us Sam Borden. Sam’s writing is truly a cut above. And then newsy Chad Jennings will take over the helm. It’ll be like adjusting after the departure of Joe Torre, but if this season is any guide, we’re going all the way with the new Lohud team.
Thank you, lohud bosses. And godspeed, Pete. We’ll check in on you in Boston, just to keep you honest (Honest Abe?)
Sam, I’ve long reckoned that this blog is the Yankees equivalent to that Sam Horn thing that the Boo Sox flock to. This is our on-line community for the best baseball fans in the world. I’m sorry that Pete has gone but if you and Chad can continue the format and develop it, you’ll be doing a very good thing……
Welcome, Sam.
Your first post this morning was very encouraging. If you are familiar with this blog’s regular comment posters, you’ll notice that the one thing that all of us loved about the blog under Pete was the constant/frequent updating on a daily basis. Pete was rather tireless in this regard.
I’m looking forward to see how you and Chad put your own personal stamp on Lohud, and I hope you post as often as we’re accustomed to.
Best of luck!!
Welcome Sam (and eventually Chad.)
I tell you what … there is no other blog for any other sports team (not just baseball) that provides the coverage you guys do (at least that I’m a fan of.) We need this type of hard work on a NYGiants blog somewhere.
welcome sam-
looking forward to a great month and great lohoud coverage. Anyone who saw sam’s posts when pete was on furlogh knows sam is a great writer and great eater of breakfast foods.
Looking forward to many anti A-rod pieces in the coming month!
Just kidding…
Sam, you are the man! Very talented writer and we are lucky to have you manning the blog for the next month+
Chad was also an awesome pick to take up the reins. Kind of funny how about a month ago (maybe more) Pete mentioned that a paper looking for a new beat reporter should look at Chad. I’m not sure if Pete knew then that he’d be moving on but regardless, he was correct. Chad did an amazing job covering Scranton and I expect he’ll do a great job with the big club.
Welcome Sam
Glad to hear Flash will be breaking down the pitching matchups. It’s ashame he sounds so bland on the air, cause he provides some really indepth analysis for the fans. Last night his explanation of why Robertson’s curveball was not sharp (due to his shoulder flying ahead of his body)was amazing, but because he has such a straight line monotone voice its just hard to pay attention to the guy.
Welcome back Sam!
Looking forward to all the incite you, Chad and others will provide.
Well that’s a relief!
I woke up this morning and immediately checked the blog. Cautiously, I looked up in the blog’s right corner with an uneasy anticipation not knowing what I would find……
YES! YES !! The Lace and Stiletto girls are still there!!
I always assumed Pete had an exclusive exchange for services ad contract with them….
Nice how the post came around full circle at the end. Classy way to start. Can’t wait for Chad!
RiverAveBlues RT: @bkabak: Congrats to the Red Sox. Nothing like losing 5 in a row and 7 of 9 to clinch the Wild Card.
Love it!
Sam, welcome. Thanks so much for your commitment to keeping this blog the success that it is. On your watch, the blog will inevitably be different than it was with Pete. Although I have loved what it has been and already miss Pete, I am hoping to also love what it will be with you and with Chad. I wish you the best and hope for your success. After all, your success is also our success.
Welcome Sam and Chad – I am a fairly new reader of this blog and have come to depend on it for up-to-the-minute Yankee news – especially the lineups….Good luck to both of you in this endeavor and look forward to reading all things Yankee on here.
incite = insight
although I’m sure a little incite will happen too
Now that Pete’s gone, did he really sell out and go to the hated Red Sox? Anybody but them Pete! Thats unbelievable.
I guess we should have all saw this coming from a Patriot fan.
All great news….Wish you all the best of luck!!!!….This blog and people are the best in the business
DT – (OPPC member)
The Lace and Stiletto girls are best, aren’t they !
I echo RMEL’s sentiments…this blog and the people who contribute to it really are the best in the business.
The King is dead…..long live the King!!
so when is pete getting his number retired?
Is Sam a Patriots fan?
Congrats Sam! Check out Brett Gardner today answering fan questions via video on the Steiner Sports Fan Page http://tinyurl.com/yeedebt. You can post questions until noon. How many Yankees do you think would actually do that without being paid 80 billion dollars?
speaking of which, why do the yankees sell t-shirts and jerseys with the number and name on it. i think they look tacky..
And away we go……,
Welcome Sam.
Glad to hear about the upcoming Flash pitching analysis, I like the way he and Leiter explain things.
What an exciting end to the game last night. Such a confidence booster that anyone can come thru anytime. I liked him putting Robbie in w/ RISP. AJ pitched great, I was happy he didn’t get a loss, he should have gotten the win.
No maaas. org had a nice tribute to pete
Welcome aboard Sam! looking forward to your posts.
Thanks Sam,
Really sounds great. Looking forward to the insight from Flash.
Evan…”How many Yankees do you think would actually do that without being paid 80 billion dollars?”
As you can see up in the top righthand corner, three guys named CC, Joba, and Yogi did.
Sam,
Welcome aboard. I am a daily reader and look forward to the new regime. I had my differences with Pete as did many others who dared to disagree with his opinion. I am hoping that our opinions will mean more to you than they did to Pete. I have read Chad’s work almost daily and I know he will do a good job with this as will you. I respected Pete’s work for the most part, but he tended to be a bit self righteous for my taste.
Flash is coming on strong, like Coney. They are both developing their own styles and letting their own personalities coming through. While both are great baseball minds, Coney is goofy and Flash is a little dry. But Flaherty’s knifework on Michael Kay can be priceless.
I’ll always love Flash for his walk-off double in that Bsotn game in 2004 where Jeter broke his face in the stands. But more than that I will always love Flash for one other moment.
Flash was catching Randy Johnson in a game, I forget when, and there was a verbal exchange between Flash and The Big Unit and suddenly, between batters, Flash started walking toward the mound in way that can only be described as “I am going to kick your …” I can only imagine that Flash was a great teammate and allround decent guy. His willingness to take apart Jonhson in the middle of the game if necessary was a great, great moment. I think all Flash said later was that he was having trouble hearing Johnson. Sure
The paper did a great service to the members of this blog with Sam and Chad. I suspect we’ll see a wider variety of things and would like to recommend for 2010 weekly prospect progress reports.
Welcome Sam!
I love the fact that Boston, had to wait for Texas to lose 3 games to clinch. 7 out 9, way to roar into the Post season….but they are just resting players….
Wow, Sam! You are off to a great start with all you are planning to do here so far!
I admit to being more of a reader/lurker than a poster, but I have to tell you that despite having such big shoes to fill, it looks like you and Chad are going to be doing some new and exciting stuff — the Flash Report in particular sounds tremendous!
To me, what has always been so great about the Lohud blog is its personal touch, as well as its currency and timeliness. As a reader, it’s as if you have your own friend who is inside the “circle of trust” with the team. Pete was ALL OVER the Yanks in way that the writers for the bigger NYC papers either couldn’t be or refused to be. Pete’s leaving also appears to be making those guys realize that they have an opportunity – and they are stepping up their games now too (especially the News’ Feinsand).
With what they are doing and what you are promising, how can we diehards lose?
Good luck Sam and Chad! I’m rooting for you guys.
Welcome aboard Sam!!
Sam, good morning! It sounds like exciting changes are afoot…..Good job getting Flaherty; I look forward to reading his breakdowns of the pitching matchups. This has become a little community – I end up hanging out on here even when there aren’t any games, just to chat with my friends – and I’m glad that nothing is going to happen to break that up.
the unanswered question is the impact of Pete’s move on the annual Boston / Yankees beat writers game. Is this like Damon switching teams?
Golly, Fenway was rocking last night after the Sox Clinched:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....r_embedded
Coney, had one of the greatest lines of the year talking about doing a game with Singleton:
Cone: “Well, glad to have you here, Singy.”
Singleton: “Thank you, I appreciate it. Got up at 5:30 in the morning to join you.”
Cone: “Nice, very nice . . . You got up at 5:30 to come here, Singy?”
Singleton: “Well, I took the train up [from the Baltimore area]. I don’t live next to the train station.”
Cone: “Did you see the sun come up?”
Singleton: “Actually, I did.”
Cone: “So did me and Boomer.”
I for one would love to have a beer with David Cone.
Thanks, Sam. This sounds great!
Welcome Chad.
sam/chad…looking forward to this change since i first read/heard bout it…while your opinions are appreciated, please understand the main reason people come to this blog or any blog regarding their team: updates, player status, news regarding the team. this includes lineups, roster moves, injury updates, tid bits from the locker room etc…once that no longer is the focus or it gets lost slightly, and it moves towards what the last person made it, its no good. thanks and looking forward to october
Woohoo!!.. Wow! Fantastic!
Geez… can’t you guys get it together!?! [(-tongue in cheek-)]
.. and to think I was worried about the transition!
….
One thing- I think the boss or bosses at LoHud deserve a huge word of thanks and tons of praise! I know they have a business to run. We are happy that they have seen the value of this blog and related baseball coverage to keep it going, and even to add to it. Congrats to them!!
Great first post. Welcome!
Now..
Sam’s the man!
No relation to Elsie right?
another reader who posts seldom but reads avidly
Nice to see we aren’t going to lose any of the regular posters And Betty’s being positive!
stoke
Welcome Sam and good work so far
“I for one would love to have a beer with David Cone.”
Methinks there’s no such thing as “a” beer with David Cone
But I know what you mean.
Ready to roll into October….sounds great Sam!!! Let’s keep this train going towards our 27th title…
MaineYankee
September 30th, 2009 at 9:18 am
It may take awile to people to post because we’re a shy bunch.
Especially Erica.
****
I am working on coming out of my shell a little
murph…ok a few. LOL
I for one welcome our new insect overlords
Well done. On with it…
Wow, I still cant believe Pete’s gone but I’m so glad the blog is so popular and such a priority for the paper!!
The whole breakdown with John Flaherty sounds incredible! I know for me personally, the days of the playoff games are the longest. It seems like 7 or 8pm will never come and having such great insight to read during those times will be fantastic. Especially with a guy like Flash that really knows his stuff.
Good luck Sam and Chad!! I know you guys will be great… because if you arent you’ll definitely be hearing about it in the comments sections.
I’m pumped….can’t wait till next week. Feel like I kid a week before Xmas.
Hey Sam —-
when you are talking with Flaherty see if he knows the balk rule. Kay, Leiter, Sterling and Waldman don’t. They all claim a balk call makes it a dead ball. It does not.
Jim from Dalton September 30th, 2009 at 9:57 am
Now..
Sam’s the man!
No relation to Elsie right?
==================================
hopefully, no relation to Lizzy Borden
One of the things I’ve always liked about the Yankees is that they don’t have names on the backs of their jerseys. Not at home, not on the road, not anywhere. It’s a small detail but a meaningful one: No one is bigger than the team. Ever.
——————————
Ever so true Sam and all the best to you in your new assignment.
Other teams may keep changing and have variety in colors and logos but the Yankees remain constant all these years. Real Yankee fans know players and their mannerisms well enough not to need names on the backs of uniforms.
The interlocking NY, the home pinstripes, and the road grays with “NEW YORK” in front are the most recognized uniforms in the entire world.
Tunnel Man…I actually did a job at the house in Fall River, MA, which is now a bed and breakfast.
betsy
stay positive and I’ll get your name right eventually
Welcome Sam! The Flaherty stuff sounds very cool.
welcome sammy.. great news that John is going to breakup the playoff matchups..
great start man.
It’s a testament to Pete that the paper is going to need two guys to cover this blog. His work here was phenomenal. I, for one, enjoyed his candor and very honest opinion of baseball and his life in general while covering the Yanks. Whether it was his all night romps in Boston trying not to miss an early flight to his greetings from “famous” gates throughout the country.
It sounds like we are in great hands with Sam and the young phenom from Scranton. I’m very excited to see what’s in store for us here and look forward to each of your posts.
I subscribed to the Journal News 7 days a week because of this blog and the work Pete did. I’m going to continue to support my local Westchester paper, so keep up the great work guys.
Great News on the Blog today.
We get 2 for 1.
Good Luck to Sam and Chad!
Wow – great to hear about all the increasing features/coverage!
Well said Sam, I like the way you’re getting this ball rolling. What a win last night for Pete to go out on and what a great first post for you to start on. At first I figured the quality of this blog had to decrease simply because of the immaculate job Pete did, however with you guys already bringing in some celebrity insight from Flash and incorporating more modern technology into the blog with video feeds, it sounds like this thing is about to take off.
Good Luck and we’ll all be loyally following.
-BG#11
Welcome Sam and Chad. Anyone have any idea what is up with the post season ticket sale? I thought they were supposed to be released to the public today?
Welcome Sam!
I’m another longtime avid reader/lurker who very rarely posts. It sounds like you and Chad are going to do a fantastic job taking over the blog, and I’m thrilled that the regulars are sticking around. Even though I’m a lurker, I feel like I know some of you!
So, Sam, are you a Yankees fan?????
(I know, that’s baaaad.)
Pete,
Best wishes for your future endeavors; thanks for the great Yankee coverage over the past few years. Looking forward to keeping up with your work from Boston!
Looking forward to some change, I’ve really enjoyed Chad’s previous work.
It is sad to see Pete go, but a new voice will bring a fresh perspective. Who knows, it could improve the blog even. Only time will tell.
Good morning Sam! I hope you have a great month here on the blog… and here’s hoping the Yankees have a great month as well.
Great post for a new start, Sam! Welcome aboard to you and Chad. I’m here everyday, just don’t talk much. It’s great to hear that the great and up-to-the-minute Yankees coverage will continue! It’s natural that we’ll miss Pete a lot, but there’s always room for more friends!
It is great to have you blogging full time Sam. Best of luck and please do all you can to keep our extreme thirst for everything Yankees quenched.
Do you validate parking?
WELCOME SAM AND CHAD! Good to have you on board. Let’s all get back to normal and start arguing!
Anyone willing to talk about his favorite breakfast foods can’t be all bad!
Great to have you back Sam. It is because of you that many of us spent a memorable night enjoying a resounding Yankee victory while discussing our favorite french fry condiments. (mine are ketchup and vinegar).
Anyway, you will be a sweet accompaniment to the Yankees road to number 27! Welcome back!!
Excellent first post, Sam! Great job to get off and running.
Welcome Sam – I have always enjoyed your witty writing style and look forward to your influence here…you have always filled in for Pete well. Pete will be missed for sure but it sounds like he has left the blog in good hands. Welcome again.
A very nice post, Sam. I have often wondered about the missing names on the team jerseys but never have received an answer. Thank you. See you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Welcome to a very exciting month – the Yankee march to the WS.
Welcome and good luck Sam. Great first post. Glad to have you back!!!!
Thanks Sam!
welcome aboard -great way to start the new regime–still feels like home. glad the paper is committed to keeping this as the premiere yankee info clearinghouse.
Pete? Pete who?
On the other hand it was the Yankees who were the first to have numbers on the players’ backs. So I think your theory wrong, Sam. If the team was more important than the individual player you’d have to numbers at all. Every player would wear the same uniform.
The reason why the Yankees don’t put names on their backs? In my opinion it’s because everyone knows who wears which number. You don’t have to put “Jeter” on top of the “2″ because everyone knows it’s Jeter with the #2.
That being said – good luck to you Sam and especially to Chad who has been doing a great job covering the SWB Yankees. A “promotion” well deserved.
Peter who?
Welcome Sam and Chad..look forward to reading your blog..it makes our day!
OMG I MISS PETE ALREADY
Great first post, Sam! Long live this blog.
Sam, a few tips to take from Pete’s style handbook:
· Short punchy bulleted style
· Bold headers where possible
· Let your opinions/humor show through
· Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the quick – get posts up quickly and regularly.
Just one readers opinion of why we come back and back again multiple times a day. Long stories don’t allow a quick hit; take too much of your time (and mine); and by definition, prevent you doing short quick analysis/updates (and dissuade me from coming back 3-5 times/day).
Can’t believe Gannett let Pete walk…good luck to you guys!
Welcome Sam and best of luck. I love the uniforms. Its nice how a giambi jersey turns into a tex jersey so quickly. saves from having to re-buy them.
Nice, we traded Pete for Sam, Chad, and Journal News staff to be named later.
Awesome to hear Sam. Looking forward to it.
Sam/Chad
Are you Yankee Fans???????