Monday night opened a four game set against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Before the start of the game, the Yankees honored owner George Steinbrenner, who passed away on July 13th, which ironically was the same day of the All-Star Game.
A tribute played on the center field screen that brought fans to tears. Mr. Steinbrenner was not just the Yankees boss; he was New York’s boss.
A man who lived to give to others but held the personal motto that “the greatest form of charity is anonymity.”
Watching the current Yankees walk in a united group out to center field was perfect.
Seeing Torre and Mattingly was overwhelming for both the fans and the two ex-Yankees. There were only cheers, as an entire stadium was chanting the loudest “Let’s Go Yankees” ever heard.
It was perfect start, followed by the only appropriate ending, a Yankee win.
Winning on Monday night wasn’t for the playoffs, or to stay in first place it was for the Boss who made winning the Yankee way.
Here are some pictures from the memorable ceremony for the greatest Yankee ever, Mr. George Steinbrenner III:
Tonight marks the first of four games, between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays in the Bronx.
Rookie pitcher Ivan Nova takes the mound for the pinstripes, as the Rays counter with Matt Garza in a rematch from last week’s slug-fest.
Nova is only making his sixth big-league start, but second in two weeks against the Rays. In their last meeting, Nova kept the Rays at bay for four innings, before imploding in the fifth allowing six runs.
Before that, Nova had only given up three earned runs total in his first four starts. He is 1-0 after five starts, with a 4.30 ERA, giving up 14 earned runs, nine walks and four homeruns over a total of 29.1 innings pitched. Nova has struck-out a season total of 19 which is a solid showing.
Nova needs to keep control on the mound and trust his stuff more. Nova can get the strikeouts when confident, especially if his fastball is on target. Nova is not afraid of the Rays or any other team, which he needs to show when he throws.
Rays Matt Garza is a workhorse, who thrives in hostile environments and Yankee stadium promises to be just that.
Garza can throw hard but as a right-handed pitcher, Garza struggles with lefty bats. So expect the Yankees to be stacked from the left side of the plate.
Garza is known to fall apart mentally and usually no turning back after that happens. He has hit seven batters on the season.
When Garza is in total concentration-mode he has an arsenal of pitches, throws very hard and can shutdown opposing teams bats completely.
In 2010 Garza is 14-8, with a 3.88 ERA and already pitched 185.2 innings on the season. He has allowed 80 earned runs to score, walked 58, with 27 homeruns against him and has struck-out 138.
MY PREDICTION:
Garza’s last two starts he couldn’t get passed the fifth inning, giving up 12 earned runs, walking 4 and allowing six balls go yard. It left him with a 12.00 ERA, with only five strikeouts in the two losses.
Nova blew a 6-0 lead in the fifth inning, but looked better the first four innings than Garza by far.
With the tribute to George Steinbrenner before this game, the Yankees owe the Boss a win because that is what he would want more than anything.
Los Angeles, CA—July 20, 2010—THIS TV, the free broadcast movie network from MGM Studios and Weigel Broadcasting, will honor “The Boss” of baseball, the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, with a special programming lineup on Saturday, July 24. Kicking off at 7:00 pm ET the tribute will include “The Pride of the Yankees,” the Academy Award® winning film starring Gary Cooper followed by four back-to-back episodes of the 1960 television series “Home Run Derby,” with Yankees legend Mickey Mantle. An encore presentation of the tribute will air Sunday July, 25 at 11:00 pm ET.
Leading off the tribute will be the premiere of the newly-remastered version of the classic baseball movie, “The Pride of the Yankees,” which hasn’t been seen on broadcast TV in nearly a decade. The 1942 biographical film stars Gary Cooper as Yankees first baseman Lou Gehrig, who had his career cut short at 37 years of age when he was stricken with the fatal disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (later to become known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”). The Academy Award® winning film follows the ‘Iron Horse’ from his childhood in New York to his famous ‘Luckiest Man’ speech at Gehrig’s farewell day in 1939. Yankees teammates Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, Bill Dickey and sportscaster Bill Stern portray themselves.
“George Steinbrenner was a visionary who built the New York Yankees from the ground up. His passing marks the end of an era,” said John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM. “We are fortunate to have some great Yankees content in our library, and we could not think of a better way to honor “The Boss” of baseball than to share them with THIS TV’s viewers.”
Following the film will be four back-to-back episodes of the 1960 television show “Home Run Derby,” which helped inspire today’s Home Run Derby event, held annually before each MLB All-Star Game. The series pitted top sluggers of baseball including Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks and Willie Mays, against each other in a nine-inning home run contest. THIS TV will broadcast the first four episodes of “Home Run Derby,” which features Yankees’ Hall-of-Famer Mickey Mantle, in Steinbrenner’s honor.
Widely known as “The Boss” of baseball, George Steinbrenner, New York Yankees principal owner and chairperson, passed away last week at the age of 80. At the time of his passing, Steinbrenner was celebrating his 37th anniversary as principal owner of the team. During his tenure, the Yankees posted a Major League-best .566 winning percentage (3,364-2,583-3 record) while winning 11 American League pennants and seven World Championships (also the most in the Majors). And under his leadership, the New York Yankees became the leading sports franchise and the most highly recognized sports brand in the world. Continue reading ‘A Special Tribute To Honor ‘The Boss’ New York Yankees Owner George Steinnbrenner’ »
As most baseball fans know already, New York Yankees owner died this morning at 6:30am in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Steinbrenner was 80 years old.
The Boss was one of my idols. Many disagree with me because of his winning-only motto and demanding ways.
Find me someone who does not want to win? I know I sure do.
Winning is demanding, in any aspect of life because if it was easy it would not define people as much as it does.
Mr. Steinbrenner was the architect for free agency that changed the future of not only baseball, but of sports forever.
Not only was he the Boss of the Yankees, but he was beyond generous to the less fortunate. The Boss would beat you to the punch by asking, “What do you need?” Just fly down to Tampa, FL and ask anyone what he has done for the city.
Being able to make fun of yourself is what defines an extraordinary man, this makes a man authentic and enables people to relate. This was signature of the Boss.
It makes his passing so surreal on the day of the All-Star Game, as George Steinbrenner was an All-Star of sports and he will be sorely missed by all of New York City and especially his Yankee fans.
It’s almost time for baseball fans to get back to work, as the season is right around the corner. If you want something to pass your time with below is a website of spoof sports articles. Trust this fan that this is worth checking out. Please click on link below or read the humorous article mocking the Yankees below.
Serious Sports News Network
Here is an article from their classics section to give you an idea:
Yankees buy title
NEW YORK, NY — Despite the fact that George Steinbrenner’s Yankee organization has outspent most of the third world combined, they haven’t made it to the World Series in more than three years. With all else failing, the eccentric owner decided that enough was enough – instead of buying players to win a World Series, he has decided to simply buy the World Series Championship itself, leaving nothing to chance.
On Wednesday, Major League Baseball officials confirmed the sale of the 2007 World Series title to the Yankees for a reported $1.5 billion, with an option to purchase the 2008 title for an additional $2.5 billion. “It’s a great day for Yankees fans everywhere, and we feel that we got one hell of a bargain from the MLB. Top THAT Boston!” Steinbrenner hollered from TV screens around the country.
Specifics of the deal are still sketchy at the moment, but it seems the season will go on as planned. The Yankees will play their regular schedule this year; however, they will be given a 55 run lead at the start of every game and will set the starting lineup of their opposition. If that wasn’t enough, pitchers cannot throw over seventy miles per hour and must throw it directly down the middle of the plate.
Manager Joe Torre is letting the fans know that despite this obvious advantage, the team will face some challenges this season. “Owning the championship ahead of time will benefit us; I’m not going to lie about that. But one thing we can’t control is the weather, and everyone knows that can dictate the outcome of any game – even if you are winning by 55,” the skipper warned with a self-important smirk.
The Yankees will now be the first franchise in history to have a realistic shot at a perfect season, and will undoubtedly rewrite the record book as they progress through the year. The deal also allows the Yankees to name the World Series MVP now, and Steinbrenner decided to bestow the honor upon team captain Derek Jeter. “I’d like to thank Mr. Steinbrenner and MLB for this honor, and also my teammates for giving everything they- er, for everything they are going to give this season. It just goes to show you hard work does pay off,” Jeter told reporters in the locker room as he bounced a supermodel on his knee.
According to league sources, Alex Rodriguez was the runner up in MVP voting – with Steinbrenner predicting he will finish an astounding 24-24 at the plate with 22 home runs and 55 RBI – thereby vindicating himself for years of post-season failure. “Even though some fans have doubted me all these years, and screamed for the team to get rid of me, I knew that it wouldn’t be long before I proved the kind of player I am. It’s going to be a very rewarding experience; one that I’ll cherish forever,” A-Rod said, wiping away tears of joy with hundred-dollar bills.
MLB also made an exception for first baseman Jason Giambi at the request of Steinbrenner: they will no longer test him for performance enhancing drugs and will allow Jose Canseco in the locker room as his personal trainer. “It’s about time the league wizened up and realized that fans love the raw Italian power that my natural supplements bring,” the pimply-faced slugger said as Jose plunged a syringe deep into his posterior.
Fans will have the opportunity to purchase Yankees 2007 World Series Championship merchandise starting on opening day at Yankee Stadium, or on MLB.com.
When the honorable opportunity to wear Yankee pinstripes as a player, it is more than just a career uniform.
It is part of sports history that associates with distinction due to outstanding accomplishments.
On top of that, to represent New York City; a platform that comes with strong expectations. Everyone wants to make it and nobody wants to leave it.
Am I conceited?
Of course, I am a Yankee fan.
So to all the haters out there, I believe I owe you one. You help my Yankees remain in the main stream. As the saying goes, press is press, and you consistently deliver your time to my team.
In NY, the city and the players are immensely proud in pinstripes. Mainly, so are the fans and without that a team is not complete.
Who did our captain thank first?
The fans.
It is time to dismiss the petty attitudes, which reek of jealousy.
Why?
Reality is you are not changing anything that has happened in the past, but you still have the future.
The Yankees work just as hard as any other team. Mr. Steinbrenner would allow the shirt off his back if it could help in any way. The Boss is so proud and noble.
My advice to all Yankee haters:Altogether or separately the energy you spend on the Yankees (press is press) should and could be re-focused positively, on your team.
Obviously every team needs assistance to win their own World Series ring and it starts with the fans. Just look at the Red Sox fans since 1918 or the Cubs fans who show-up despite the outcome.
The anti-Yankee fans cannot give so much airtime and effort to a team they hate.
Try and imagine the only time your home ballpark is packed, is when certain visiting teams come to town. It must be tough to rise-up as a player.
Spirit is a huge pick-up but you have to show-up and thats half the battle won.
To defend the Yankee players, who pitch with the same balls and hit with the same bats, as every other MLB club. If the Yanks baseballs or gloves were made better because of their higher paychecks, then it is a valid argument. In reality, that’s just not the case.
It is teamwork and total focus on the purpose. Winning the World Series takes undeniable output from every direction of an organization and that is a fact.
The anti-yankee fans favorite topic is about how the Yankees buy teams, spend so much more money then everyone and how it’s bad for baseball.
FYI, no one is stopping any other MLB team from spending whatever amount of money for players, stadiums etc. Boycott your owners for not spending the cash or if you are serious, just go look in the mirror.
Why spend when it doesn’t bring more fans; best to just pray your schedule has the Yanks, Red Sox, Mets visiting more each season.
The fans generate the revenue. In turn, money gets made, owners see potential from the rising fan-ship totals. Look, it’s never to late to buy a
few regular season tickets, because it has to start from somewhere.
(this picture is from after the game ended at old stadium’s last week in 2008; Yanks were already out of the playoffs)
Go to a game and help cheer on your ball-club, without seeing who their playing. Thats what fans do because you can’t just jump on the band-wagon last minute.
A true fan is sincere.Terrible or marvelous, the Yankee fans still appear in the Bronx.They might be yelling or booing but they are there each game, no matter what.
Go ahead and blame yourselves for giving the Yankees so much free advertisement. Again, I will refer to the saying, press is press.The ones most affected and who hurt the most, are the teams you pledge loyalty to as fans.
How is that possible?
ESPN: BBTN Yankees’ World Series Analysis
It is possible because the Yankees still win. And you anti-fans make the Yanks players are household names across the country, even if it is out of complete hate and anger.
Without the action from you, the haters, the Yanks would not be the most popular team in sports. Popular, of course, but not the headline and Sports Center hogs which you complain about non-stop. You help create the buzz and I thank you.
Finally, just go give your team a shot by bitching about their problems and make them the news. Focus your energy on the team whose hat you had since you were 15 years old. Be the leader and people will follow by example, I promise you that.
Let the Yankee fans deal with their Yankees, and now we are the Champs. So stop trying to take that away from us and please, just leave my Yankees alone.
In just a few hours, the Yankees host Phillies in the first game of the 2009 World Series.
Here is the pre-series preview:
LITTLE RED ENGINE VS. LUCKY #27
The Phillies are the reining champs from 2008. For the franchise, winning back to back would be a first but the Phillies would be only the second National League team in the history to accomplish this feat.
The Cincinnati Reds of 75′-76′ earned the label”The Big Red Machine”. Phillies would finally give them some company in the NL record books.
Jimmy Rollins said it better as to the teams goal, “Hopefully, they’ll be calling us the Little Red Machine.”
The Yankees know number 27 proceeds number 26. 26, is currently, the number of titles the New York franchise has won. It is about time to get the Universe a Yankee once again.
Yankee skipper Joe Girardi choose #27 to don his pinstripes, so the goal is no secret. The team wants to give importance to this act for one man. Someone who has given everything and anything to this franchise.
Truly, ‘The Boss’ is like no other. He has rules which are law, he involves himself in all set aspects; no ones job is ever considered safe; and a slogan of nothing other then winning, winning, winning.
Since 1973, critics call it a dictatorship, and in Yankee Universe you are damn right it is. Oddly, at the same time, no one can deny that the ailing owner has served this team from the heart.
The Yankees would not be the most optimal franchise in sports if it were not for Mr. Steinbrenner. The truth is The Boss’s Yankees win and demands respect which is constant.
Mr. Steinbrenner time is taking its toll but certainly not his glory, as The Boss is making the difficult journey from Tampa to the Bronx to support the players.
This would be a beautiful testimony from the team and a well deserved honor for The Boss.
THE CONCLUSION
The 2009 World Series has two teams, with more to win for then just merely being the elite athletically.
Both the Yankees and the Phillies truly respect the game, love the game and play the game.
The fans can all only thank them, for bringing the passion back to the game.
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