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Do You Remember 2007 When Joe Torre Was Our Hero

Posted by on 24 June 2010, 9:08 pm

It felt like a heat wave in New York City on that October 8th night, back in 2007.

Fans were funneling into Yankee Stadium extra early for Game 4 of the ALDS.

The prior evening, I had watched my Yankees pull out a win to avoid getting swept.

Which, was all thanks to a home run hit by Johnny Damon in the seventh inning. I remember how I jumped on my stadium seat as my Yankees dreams of the post-season were not over yet.

Now, the Cleveland Indians were up 2-1 over the New York Yankees. Losing meant the season would end, but there was a lot more on the line that year for the Yankees.

Fans were just as aware as the players, but no one wanted to believe it. It broke my heart to think of being in the Bronx without Joe Torre, as he had become such an figure and was a father to an entire city.

In my life, I have never been to a baseball game with such tense and ardent fans, which made it difficult to imagine how the players were handling it.

By the end of the seventh inning, the Yankees chances were bleak. The Yankees were playing as hard as they could, but the Indians were the better team and the fans knew it.

As the eighth inning began, low chants of “JOE TORRE, JOE TORRE, JOE TORRE, JOE….” were becoming louder every moment, as fans started to rise and join in like a slow, chaotic wave that took over Yankee Stadium.

It continued well after the last pitch because the team’s loss was incomparable to losing our skipper. For 12 years, Joe Torre leads the Yankees to four World Series titles, six AL Pennants, and a record of 1173-767 in games. More than all the baseball accomplishments, Torre was admired by Yankees fans for his everyday demeanor and were so proud to call him our leader.

As I dried my tears and exited the Stadium, it was hard to let go of never seeing Mr. Torre in pinstripes again. That is why I bought a photo from a stadium vendor of Torre with Mariano Rivera. Early the next morning I had my ticket and the image professionally framed, so I would never have to forget it.

No one knew this would be the last post-season ever played in the Old Yankees Stadium that night, as well. Crazy.The days right after October 8th were filled with Yankees fans fighting for Torre. To describe it as an uproar would be an understatement, as protests, newspaper ads and innumerable letters sent to the Boss all pleading to keep Torre here forever.

Now it is 2010, and numerous adverse events have come between my feelings about Joe Torre. Sadly, it eventually led me to taking down my Joe Torre collage from my wall. Continue reading ‘Do You Remember 2007 When Joe Torre Was Our Hero’ »

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FANTASY TV: WIN PRIZES WITH SPORTS FAN KNOWLEDGE

Posted by on 9 April 2010, 12:23 pm

CALLING ALL NEW YORK SPORTS FANS…….TUESDAY NIGHT FANTASY TV ON MSG NETWORK!

-test your fan-knowledge against sports experts and win-

“The Lineup: New York’s All-Time Best Baseball Players,” a new original series and interactive fantasy game that will determine the best baseball players in the history of New York, premier tonight on MSG Network with “Catchers,” the first of ten weekly episodes. Each 30-minute episode of “The Lineup” will present a number of nominees for consideration at each position, from the Yankees, Mets, New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, with one episode dedicated to the best New York manager of all-time. MSG’s Fran Healy will host a panel, consisting of Hall of Fame Mets catcher Gary Carter, former Yankee bullpen ace Sparky Lyle, New York Magazine contributing editor and baseball aficionado Will Leitch, and executive vice president of the Elias Sports Bureau Steve Hirdt. The panel will whittle down a larger list of players from each position and determine the top five from each spot on the diamond. By the end of each episode, they will crown the top player at each position and name him to the official “Lineup” card.


With an interactive fantasy game launched in conjunction with the on-air program and hosted on , viewers can see how they stack up against The Lineup’s experts. Fans will try to predict the five players who will be nominated each week and ultimately who will be selected as the starter in the final “Lineup.” Participants will receive points for each correct pick and will be eligible for weekly prizes such as signed memorabilia from baseball greats like Don Mattingly, Joe Torre, Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter. At the end of the series, the participant with the most points will win a Grand Prize. The site will also feature chats for fans to interact and debate each position, quizzes about the nominated players, photo and video galleries, and player statistics for fans to comb through before making their picks.

 

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Two Worries Of A Cocky Yankees Fan

Posted by on 24 March 2010, 5:59 am

The world saw the worst collapse in sports history take residence in Shea Stadium, in 2007, the pictures and tears brought city-wide shame. The Mets have been face first since, and the fans hate them for it.

Jump to a few months later, when the scrappy Giants miraculously beat an undefeated Patriots to win the Superbowl. New York went crazy for sports again, and inspired by the proof playing with heart institutes champions.

Are you getting the point here?

New York fans have been emotionally drained, with the ups and downs being so harsh.

Continue reading ‘Two Worries Of A Cocky Yankees Fan’ »

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I’m Going To Mannyland

Posted by on 26 February 2010, 1:43 pm

Manuel Aristides Ramirez Onelcida, also known as ‘Manny’, is a baseball player; who dominates sports headlines as the baggy pants,

English: mannywood banner in downtown LA

Image via Wikipedia

Bob Marley style dreadlocks ex-Red Sox turned LA Dodger outfielder.

As a player, Manny’s stats are staggering, with 500+ home-runs, 21 grand-slams, 9 silver sluggers, 12 time all-star, holds the post-season home run record of 28, has two World Series rings with the Boston Red Sox.

The list goes on about his athletic endeavors, but Manny is also known for just being himself.

‘Mammy being Manny’ is notoriously repeated as the explanation for the well-known antics, of the only MLB player busted for performance-enhancing drugs.

There is no denying that Manny is reckless. He is legendary for his careless statements and prima-dona behavior, but at the same time it is comic relief.

Manny takes bathroom breaks during games and in Fenway Park the Green Monster was also his office as he used his cell phone in between innings.

As a Dodger, Manny got ejected mid-inning of a game. He left the field and the stadium, to go have dinner.

In 2005 and 2008, the Red Sox were invited to the White House by the President to congratulate them on winning the World Series. Manny was a no-show both times.

President Bush even joked around about Manny’s repeated absence and same reason, “I notice Manny Ramirez isn’t here, his Grandmother must have died again”.

To say Manny likes to get his way is an understatement. It’s a consistent theme of being the bad-boy, but Manny’s talent makes him a badass. Continue reading ‘I’m Going To Mannyland’ »

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Sports Fans: You Can Thank Me Later

Posted by on 31 January 2010, 1:21 am

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.

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Oh Roy, Oh Roy Will Be What Team’s Newest Toy

Posted by on 30 November 2009, 4:27 pm

Rumors are swirling around the baseball world; about Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay.

The possibilities of who, where and what it will take to get this stud are endless.

WHO – is in the running? Any GM with a pulse is going to weigh options.

This inevitably becomes Halladay’s decision as he has a no-trade clause. Toronto has limitations in regards to their excitement because if a team is not on Roy’s short list he will play thru his contract thru 2010 and become a free agent for 2011.

Halladay has said whom he won’t be resigning with in 2010; that is the Blue Jays. So, getting players is almost emanating for the team’s future. The Jays know what is possible to expect in return and so it is ideal to get it done.

Everyone knows that Roy wants a ring and a fruitful contract so Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox and Angels are the logical choices.

WHERE – the answer is EVERYWHERE, as all teams are drooling over just the possibility or the dream of Hallady playing in their uniform.

It has been reported that Halladay is a tad jealous of his old teammate’s year-old uniform, blue and white pinstripes. Oh and I am sure AJ Burnett’s World Series ring as a New York Yankee is very appealing.

If not the Yankees, the next best thing would be to shove it in the Bombers face and it has been said that Boston Red Sox made the cut as well. Boston’s GM Theo Epstein is supposedly willing to comply. It’s been heard that December 7th kind-of quickly, as Epstein wants Roy secured in Bean-town before the Winter Meeting that start in a week.Hallady has other “where” possibilities to choose from as both Los Angeles teams are supposedly displaying major interest.

The Angels chances are slim to none on taking John Lackey back, so Halladay would be an above and beyond replacement on the mound.

Joe Torre’s Dodgers need a big time, game winner like Halladay. This was evidently their biggest issue that needs to be addressed after this past post-season.The Dodgers are supposedly scraping together an offer with the hopes the Jays desperation will go into effect, if the big teams offers flop. The Dodgers have some solid prospects, but it will come down to if Chad Billingsly’s included in the mix or not. This makes up for the lack in finances in going up against the endless bank accounts of baseballs richest. Also have to consider if Roy’s idea of playing with Manny will be any kind-of a factor here.
Two other National League teams with big interests are the Mets and Phillies, who are fully joining this hunt too.

The Phillies cannot afford to give any more chances for Cole Hamels because losing the World Series was enough. Pair that with Hamels bad attitude and you can’t rely that he will ever be back to where he was in 2008. With a huge and surprising disappointment now on the team’s shoulders, Halladay would be a perfect solution. Continue reading ‘Oh Roy, Oh Roy Will Be What Team’s Newest Toy’ »

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MLB: The Final Four

Posted by on 14 October 2009, 4:36 am

Unlike past October’s, for the first time in years the final four teams that remain are the top four in baseball. It will something not to miss as any one of the teams has a shot to win. There is no currently hot team making a run of it; all four are hot and loaded with talent.

Each will be fighting to win the American or the National League Championship Series, beginning later this week. The winner of each advances on to play in the World Series, getting the opportunity to possibly be the world champions.

The match-ups go as follows:

ALCS
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim @New York Yankees

NLCS
Philadelphia Phillies @Los Angels Dodgers

Here are some things to keep in about each team:
(no specific order)

1.Los Angles Angels of Anaheim

The Angels play tough baseball. How?
In games, opponents tend to make errors against the Angels because the game pace is set to fast from the start. Angel players only committed 85 errors in the regular season, the least in the majors might give you an idea of the raw talent defensively.

Aggressive base-running is the name of the game in Anaheim. In addition add one of the most powerful line-up, who ended the season with a combined .285 which includes nine guys hitting over .300 each. Bobby Abreau has fit like a glove since joining the club this year and he is notorious at running up the pitch counts and gets walked more than any other player.

Jared Weaver and John Lackey will start the first two games in New York and the two righties will be key in the team’s October success. Lackey has the experience and Weaver has the stats to go all the way but both need to start out throwing strikes from the get-go or it could be the fall of an Angel.

2.Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are champions and want it to stay that way. Ibanez, Howard and Utley are three of the best lefty hitters in the game. The team needs all three to hit because it makes the rest of the line-up thrive too.


The key for the champs is pitching. Cliff Lee is ace who was picked up mid-season. I do not think this club could have made it with out Lee’s additional, CY Young arm. That is because Cole Hamels has been up and down all season. Hamel’s needs to step it up in L.A. And get back to his MVP Championship form if the team’s reign shall continue.

Even more shaky than Hamels is closer Brad Lidge. Lidge was a perfect 48 of 48 last year but he has been far from that this season. He seemed to have that nasty slider back against the Red Sox but his scary season gives him no street credit. Lidge can easily erase his messy numbers by getting back to the old school in October.

3.Los Angles Dodgers

Joe Torre is the manager of the Dodgers and he seems to have a knack for getting to the post-season.

Now Torre and his Dodgers all reside in a place called MANNYWOOD.


As a manager in MANNYWOOD, your job entails keeping Manny from being Manny. Basically, don’t show a hint of any disagreement towards Ramirez or Manny will pout in the corner. L.A. Needs big production from Ramirez who got his swagger back playing against the Cardinals.

The Dodgers have quality left-handed arms which need to offset opposing lefty bats. The team has no certified ace but starters good enough for five or six innings which works due to the depth and talent in the bullpen.

4.New York Yankees

For the Yankees just refer to the above picture. Arod hits the team plays better. It is just a fact and I hope the pressure doesn’t get to the third baseman. Whatever Kate Hudson is doing is working.

The other key performance which the team needs is from starting pitcher A.J. Burnett. He is a star when he throws like a star but Burnett needs to be the biggest star this week against the Angels. Burnett pitched well against the Twins, his first post-season game ever so that is promising. Joba can be thrown in if needed but if Burnett is game on, throwing for strikes he is one of the best in the game.

Four Teams, Two League Championships, One World Series…..WELCOME TO OCTOBER!!!

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