By Jason Klein
Originally Written For IN New York Magazine – June 2004 Issue
Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in the August 2011 Issue of IN New York Magazine:
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Guestbook NY – Legendary Moments in Sports
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For Guestbook NY – 2008 Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in Guestbook NY 2008: 
Lockout Casts Bizarre Shadow over NFL Draft
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For IN New York Magazine – 5/2/11
This weekend’s NFL Draft was more awkward than Prince William and Kate’s Royal Kiss. Both were public spectacles with millions of viewers, and both just seemed a little weird.
With the ugly Lockout serving as a backdrop, all eyes were on New York City as the NFL kicked off its 2011 Draft on Thursday night at Radio City Music Hall. Traditionally a positive celebration of the league’s bright future, this year’s Draft was marred by greed and uncertainty.
When negotiations failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement in mid-March, the NFL owners locked out its players, effectively ceasing operation of the nation’s most popular sport. Since that point, owners and players have not been allowed to communicate with each other, negotiate contracts, sign free agents, execute trades, or prepare for the upcoming season in any capacity. Players who showed up to team facilities have been turned away by security.
Yet, strangely enough, the show went on as scheduled Thursday at Radio City…sort of. As expected, NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell stepped to the podium to announce that the Carolina Panthers, owners of the first overall selection, were “on the clock.” Typically greeted with cheers, frustrated fans instead booed and bombarded him with “we want football” chants. He acknowledged the crowd’s pleas with a Tweet:
“I agree with the fans here at Radio City,” he posted on Twitter Thursday night. “We want football. I’m with you, I get it.”
Does he, though? Football fans can only hope so. The longer the NFL is doing battle in the courtroom instead of on the gridiron, the greater the possibility that the upcoming 2011 season could be in jeopardy – a disaster the owners and players should seek to avoid at all costs.
That grim possibility seemed to be ignored at the draft. Commissioner Goodell was all smiles – though it seemed like he was just going through the motions – as he ceremoniously welcomed each collegiate prospect into the same player’s union he is currently battling in court. Very odd.
Welcome to the NFL! Now you’re locked out! Go home!
Should the owners and players come to an agreement in time to salvage the 2011 season in its entirety, fans will forgive and forget. However, if this dispute lingers through the summer, cancelling games, the NFL could start to lose its loyal fan base.
It’s potentially a Royal mess.
Under the circumstances, it might seem awkward, but it’s time to kiss and make up.
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Bald Vinny Leads Roll Call, Passionate Bleacher Creatures
By Jason Klein
Originally Written ForIN New York Magazine – 4/12/11
Bald Vinny comes to play every night.
A staple within the hallowed walls of Yankee Stadium, like pinstripes and Sinatra, “Bald” Vinny Milano can be seen, and definitely heard, sitting in section 203 during every home game in the Bronx. It’s obvious that Milano is a passionate and dedicated Yankees fan. He is also the most prominent member of the Yankee Stadium Bleacher Creatures.
Although Milano is not the official leader of the Bleacher Creatures – that distinction goes to Tina “The Queen Bee” Lewis, a regular in the bleachers since 1983 – he became known as the face of the Creatures in 2005 after being featured on the YES Network’s “Ultimate Roadtrip.”
With his cult-like following comes a unique responsibility. Prior to the first pitch of every home game, Milano rallies the rest of the creatures to their feet, and works them into a pinstriped frenzy. As the first pitch crosses home plate, Milano gazes into centerfield, through his signature Oakley sunglasses, cups his hands around his mouth, and goes to work.
“Yooooooooo…Curtis!”
The Roll Call is underway.
Starting with the Centerfielder – Curtis Granderson has the honor in 2011 – Milano and the rest of the Creatures work their way around the Yankees defense, chanting the player’s name until they receive acknowledgement (typically a waive) from the player.
“Brett Gard-ner…Brett Gard-ner…”
A tradition in the Bronx since 1997, the Roll Call only takes place during home games. According to Milano, “it disrespects the other team” if done on the road. It’s also extremely difficult to rally enough troops to be heard while in enemy territory – not something the Creatures struggle with on East 161st Street and River Avenue.
“The Bleacher Creatures are the heart, soul, and passion of Yankee Stadium,” says Milano. We represent the most dedicated and passionate of Yankees fans, and we always show up in full force to do whatever we can to help the team win.”
“Swish-er…Swish-er…”
According to Milano, the Bleacher Creatures are a different breed of fan. They believe their proactive approach to cheering benefits the Yankees on the field. With the Bronx Bombers in contention for a World Series almost every year, it’s difficult to argue with the results.
“Most baseball fans around the country only cheer when something happens,” says Milano. “Yankees fans cheer in order to make something happen. In the bleachers, it’s our job to make noise when there needs to be noise. We are always the first on our feet when we need a big hit. We’ll do whatever we can to give our team an advantage.”
“Mark Teix-eira…Mark Teix-eira…”
However, for Milano, it’s not just about peanuts and Cracker Jack at the old ballgame. Attending every single home game as a fan is a time-consuming task in itself – he’s missed only 7 games since 2004. For Milano, it’s also his livelihood.
Before and after each game, Milano is stationed on River Avenue, selling official Bleacher Creature T-Shirts, a business he developed in 2001. In essence, he’s truly just doing his job everyday at the Stadium, getting to enjoy a ball game during his lunch break
“Rob-in-son…Rob-in-son…”
He often gets the question, “how do I become a Bleacher Creature?” According to Milano, there are only three simple rules to follow. First, a fan must willingly choose to sit in the bleachers. An everlasting passion for the Yankees is the second requirement. Finally, complete dedication is necessary. Milano is quick to point out that it’s easy to sit in the bleachers for a few games each year and claim to be one of them. That just won’t cut it.
“[Bleacher Creatures] attend 40-50 home games a year,” says Milano. “It’s about being there in person and supporting your team, day in and day out.
“Der-ek Jet-er…Der-ek Jet-er…”
Perhaps no one was as consistently devoted to supporting the Yankees as Freddy Schuman, the legendary super fan, better known as “Freddy Sez.” Schuman would walk around Yankee Stadium each night with a frying pan, urging fans to hit it with a spoon for luck. Schuman passed away in October 2010, during yet another Yankees postseason run, perhaps leaving Milano as the “next generation” face of the Yankees fan.
“That’s incredibly flattering to hear,” says Milano. “Freddy was such an iconic presence. I remember him when I was a kid. His longevity is really admirable.”
“A-Rod…A-Rod…”
Rather than compare himself to someone like Schuman, Milano remains humble, just happy to be associated with a great group of fans, and the premier franchise in professional sports.
“I’m proud that I get to represent the creatures, and I appreciate all the support I’ve gotten from Yankees fans,” he says. “I’ve gotten to live out quite a few ‘Yankees fantasies’ over the years and I enjoy sharing those experiences with other fans.”
He gets to do just that, when he shows up to play, every night.
To view Bald Vinny’s Line of Bleacher Creature Apparel, visit www.baldvinny.com
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First Pitch
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For IN New York Magazine – 3/31/11
Time for a fresh start.
A pen rests peacefully on the desk, nestled next to a clean, white, crisp piece of paper. Together, they will transcribe history.
There are no guidelines or limitations for what’s about to be written. No guarantees either. Only hope.
Time to pick up the pen and script a new beginning.
It’s Opening Day.
Regarded as a pseudo National holiday, the celebration grants all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs a clean slate, and takes place today, and tomorrow, within stadiums across the country. It’s one of the most anticipated events on the sports calendar. After a miserably long, cold winter here in the New York area, baseball fans are eager to trade in their snow shovels for Louisville Sluggers and get cracking!
Legendary Yankees Centerfielder, Joe DiMaggio, once said, “You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”
“Joltin’ Joe” couldn’t have spoken truer words.
Everyone’s a kid on Opening Day. Children of all ages play hooky from school, and work, properly commemorating the day and basking in its excitement. It’s an opportunity, as a fan, to believe in the impossible. Today, everyone’s in first place, and everyone has a chance to achieve greatness.
Even the Mets.
In Queens, Opening Day 2011 is truly the dawn of a new era. New Manager, Terry Collins and General Manager, Sandy Alderson, replace Jerry Manuel and Omar Minaya, respectively. New leadership and focus at the top will help a team that looked lost much of 2010.
The 2011 Mets are looking to improve on a paltry 79-83 record, good for 4th place in the National League East last year. They will have their hands full in a very difficult division. For the Mets to capture the flag, they will have to go through their long-time rivals, the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies – a team stacked with the most dominant pitching staff in the sport. If the Phillies were playing poker, they’d confidently go “all in” with their four aces, Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cole Hamels, and the newly re-acquired, Cliff Lee.
A successful 2011 season for the Mets will depend on their ability to stay healthy. Johan Santana, the jewel of the pitching staff, is already in danger of missing the entire season as he recovers from elbow surgery. Question marks in the outfield could cause problems as well. Carlos Beltran continues to battle the same knee problems that plagued his 2010 and Jason Bay pulled a rib cage muscle this week, an injury that could send him to the Disabled List to start the season.
If key members of their offense can spend more time in the lineup than the infirmary, this club could contend. They will have no trouble scoring runs with stars like Jose Reyes and David Wright at the top of their order again this year. Add a healthy Beltran and Bay to the mix, and the Mets could potentially compete.
Across the river, in the Bronx, a new season brings the same expectations: an October date with the jeweler. That’s when the Yankees hope to be fitted for World Series rings commemorating another championship, the 28th in franchise history.
Like the Mets, the Bronx Bombers will have no trouble scoring runs in 2011. Superstars like Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira and Robinson Cano round out the heart of a devastating lineup and will do most of the damage for the Yankees. Expect a big offensive year from Curtis Granderson as well, as he looks to rebound from a subpar inaugural season in pinstripes.
The face of the franchise, Derek Jeter, will also try to improve upon a statistically poor offensive 2010 season. Now 36 years-old, The Captain will look to silence critics by still producing at a superstar level. Jeter will make history this summer, becoming the first Yankee to collect 3,000 hits in pinstripes. He enters the season only 74 hits shy of the mark –he should get there by mid-June.
The key to the entire Yankees season is an unlikely one: A.J. Burnett. With Andy Pettitte’s retirement, and Cliff Lee’s decision to take his talents to Philly instead of the Bronx, Burnett’s shoulders might get sore carrying the added expectations. CC Sabathia will be solid at the top of the rotation, as usual, but he’ll need help. Burnett must carry his weight and turn the page on a disastrous 2010 season, recapturing the magic on the mound that helped bring the Yankees a Title in 2009.
Should the train go off the track early on, look for General Manager, Brian Cashman, to make some moves and shore up the rotation before the trading deadline. With two stud catching prospects in Jesus Montero and Austin Romine, the Yanks might have the chips to land a top starter via trade. Promoting the young, and highly regarded pitching prospect, Manuel Banuelos, is another option.
The acquisition of Rafael Soriano should compliment the legendary, Mariano Rivera, joining forces to form a dominant backend of the bullpen. With those two, the Yankees will certainly have no problem finishing games.
Before they can finish though, everyone has to start. It begins this afternoon, in the Bronx, with the Yankees and Tigers. It continues tomorrow night with the Mets and Marlins in Miami. Time to pick up the pen and begin documenting history.
It’s a fresh start. It’s Opening Day.
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Hello Melo, Goodbye Complacency
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 2/25/11
It was an opportunity for the New York Knicks to honor their past, but instead, Legends Night was all about their future.
Chants of “Me-lo…Me-lo…Me-lo” rained down from above on Wednesday night at the World’s Most Famous Arena. With team icons like Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, and John Starks in attendance for scheduled halftime ceremonies, Carmelo Anthony made his debut in a Knicks uniform.
After an electrifying video tribute, and a dramatic introduction, the prodigal son dropped 27 points, pulled down 10 boards, and put the buzz back into Madison Square Garden.
He came home.
Less than twenty-four hours after officially being acquired by the Knicks, the Brooklyn-born, and Syracuse Alum, Anthony joined forces with Amar’e Stoudemire to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-108, and in the process, give Knicks fans hope.
The NBA in 2011 is all about power alliances – top players hand-picking their landing spots to play alongside other superstars. With STAT and ‘Melo, the Knicks now have their two stars. For suffering Knicks fans, this development couldn’t be any more comforting.
The Batman and Robin-like union brings new expectations to the orange and blue. Over the last nine seasons, the Knicks have averaged 31 wins. That futile result is no longer acceptable. It will take time for this team to gel, but they are now in a position to compete for a title every season. No more excuses.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Knicks Owner, James Dolan confirmed Wednesday that Donnie Walsh – not Isiah Thomas – is responsible for this turnaround and for Anthony’s acquisition. It took three seasons, but Walsh has managed to dig New York out of the dark hole Thomas left them in when he departed in 2008.
Wednesday night was not about the past though. It was about a bright future, on the brightest of stages…Broadway. The Knicks certainly paid a hefty price to land Anthony, but the players they parted with were nice role players at best. Carmelo is a legitimate superstar – a top 5 talent in the NBA. They are better equipped to compete with teams like Miami and Boston with ‘Melo. Without him, they were just an above average team. With him, they can be great.
Together, Stoudemire and Anthony will attract a lot of attention, and future big-name free agents, back to Madison Square Garden, setting the Knicks up to compete for a championship in the coming years.
Yes, like the history they honored Wednesday night, the future appears bright for the New York Knickerbockers. Stoudemire was the first piece to the puzzle, but Anthony’s acquisition has put the sizzle back in MSG. The Knicks are relevant, exciting, and capable of achieving greatness.
All because, he came home.
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Shonn Greene & Ray Rice Meet & Greet Scheduled for March 7
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 2/16/11
Are you ready for some football…in March?
Why wait until September to talk football? Pitchers and catchers may be reporting to camp this week, but Steiner Sports is preparing for an unforgettable evening featuring two of the bright, young runners in the NFL today.
On Monday, March 7, a limited group of people will be talking football and enjoying time withShonn Greene of the New York Jets, and Ray Riceof the Baltimore Ravens. The event will take place in New Rochelle, NY at the Steiner Sports Corporate Headquarters.
Greene’s tough, bruising running style and Rice’s quick, elusive feet have made these two studs invaluable parts of their respective teams, keeping them on top of the competitive AFC. These two backs figure to be among the league’s elite for the foreseeable future – this is an opportunity to pick their brains and hear their stories.
This event will be limited to just 100 people (50 total packages of 2) and each package will take home mini helmets or photos signed by each athlete. Plus, fans in attendance will have the chance to take pictures with both players, enjoy food and beverages, and tour the world famous, Steiner Sports facility.
In 2011, the Jets and Ravens will no doubt be competing for a spot in Super Bowl XLVI. Before they begin that journey, they’ll be headed to New Rochelle on March 7th for an unforgettable “chalk talk” with fans.
Are you ready?
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Believe it. Pettitte One Of Most Reliable Yankees Pitchers Ever.
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 2/3/11
Trust Andy Pettitte.
For sixteen seasons, he dramatically stared down opposing batters and came up big in the biggest of spots. More times than not, Pettitte delivered, earning the trust of his teammates and his fans alike. Tomorrow afternoon, Pettitte will stare down a throng of media at Yankee Stadium to announce his retirement. When he does, trust him when he says, he’s thrown his final pitch in baseball.
Pettitte will not pull a “Brett Favre” and un-retire. He gave the game of baseball, and the New York Yankees specifically, everything he had. Joe Namath once said, “If you aren’t going all the way, why go at all?” Pettitte, a workhorse, and a perfectionist on the mound, must have asked himself this very question. Most likely, the answer wasn’t up to his standard of excellence and he decided to move on rather than perform at a level below what he expects.
So Andy Pettitte will call it a career. One of the most beloved and reliable players in Yankees history, he will retire a 3-Time All-Star and a 5-Time World Series Champion. He is the all-time leader in Postseason victories (19), finishes with a 240-138 career regular season mark, and a 3.88 ERA.
Along with teammates Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera, Pettitte helped make up the “Core 4” of longest-tenured Yankees, despite playing three seasons in the middle of his career for the Houston Astros.
Perhaps his most memorable moment in pinstripes came during his second season in baseball. It was Game 5 of the 1996 World Series, and the Yankees and Braves were tied at 2 games each. The Yankees called on their young lefty to win a pivotal game in Atlanta, squaring off with John Smoltz. Pettitte threw 8.1 innings allowing 0 runs on just 5 hits. That night, his reputation as a big-game pitcher would be born.
Over the next 14 years, Pettitte would appear in 7 more World Series (once with Houston in 2005) and would consistently answer the bell when called upon. Whenever the Yankees were in need of a big win after a Game 1 series loss, Pettitte could be trusted with the ball.
In 2007, Andy Pettitte confronted the allegations of his HGH use with the same class he displayed throughout his tenure in the big leagues. His admission to wrongdoing restored faith among fans and his sincerity allowed him to turn a dark page that other offenders never could.
With his retirement, Pettitte will most likely settle back down in Texas, with his family, and leave behind a legion of adoring fans and a suspect pitching rotation in the Bronx. The 38-year-old Yankees legend will depart as an iconic figure in franchise history and a fan-favorite.
Tomorrow, when Andy Pettitte tells the world he’s retiring, trust him. He will not be making any comebacks, not if he doesn’t believe he can pitch at the level he expects. While his final statistics place him in the Hall of Fame discussion, there is no guarantee he will ever find himself enshrined in Cooperstown.
Monument Park is a different story. Andy Pettitte Day at Yankee Stadium will happen one day soon and his #46 will be removed from pinstriped circulation. He’ll be honored for his remarkable body of work, his class, and for the way he represented the Yankees.
The game of baseball says goodbye to one of its greats. Yankees fans will miss him and his reliability on the mound will be nearly impossible to replace.
That you can trust.
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Mariano Rivera Meet & Greet Scheduled for February 7
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 2/1/11
Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” might not be playing, but everyone will know when Mariano Rivera enters the room.
On Monday, February 7, the greatest closer in the history of baseball will be meeting and greeting fans at the Steiner Sports Corporate Headquarters in New Rochelle, NY. Rivera commands a room just as well as his cut fastball, and will have the lucky audience captivated with his pinstriped stories.
Want to Meet Mariano Rivera?
A 5-Time World Series Champion and 10-Time All-Star, Rivera’s legendary career with the Yankees is mind-blowing. At age 41, he has shown no signs of slowing down, and has remained at the top of his craft for over 15 years. He is currently just 42 saves behind Trevor Hoffman on the all-time saves list, a number he could potentially pass in 2011.
During the hour-long event, Rivera plans to recount his past successes and entertain questions from fans. After posing for photos with those in attendance, fans will receive a special limited edition photograph, signed and inscribed specifically for the event. Restricted to just one hundred total people, this unique opportunity to spend time with the future Hall of Famer is not to be missed.
Among the most intimidating pitchers of all-time, Rivera is warm and respectful in person, reinforcing his place in the hearts of Yankees fans.
Raucous crowds welcome him nightly in the Bronx. When the Sandman enters the room on February 7, he will have the audience silent, in awe, hanging on his every word.
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Hard Knock Jets Get Knocked Out in AFC Title Game…Again.
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 1/25/11
His eyes were bleary. His voice was filled with uncertainty. The New York Jets had just fallen to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game and Jason Taylor was addressing the media.
Taylor and his Jets teammates had the rug pulled out from under their magic carpet ride towards a Super Bowl appearance, and he was discussing the harsh reality that awaited them in the offseason.
“This team as you see it tonight will never be together again,” he said. “Whether Jason Taylor’s back, or anybody else is back, it will not be the same football team again. It just can’t be. It’s sad in its own right.”
It’s sad, but that’s life in today’s National Football League. Teams looking to maintain a certain level of success each year must contend with factors like expiring contracts, salary caps, injuries, and age – all of which play a role in shaping a roster.
The 2010 Jets were built to win now. They acquired veterans entering the final year of their contract, and although their hand was stacked, they folded in Pittsburgh. Now they must deal with the ramifications after pushing all their chips to the center of the table.
Tough decisions will have to be made on key free agents like Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, Brad Smith, Shaun Ellis, and David Harris, among others. Both kicker Nick Folk and punter Steve Weatherford are free agents too. Gang Green will also have to reach a verdict on the futures of aging superstars Ladainian Tomlinson and the aforementioned Taylor.
The Jets were presented with an opportunity in 2010, a once-in-a-lifetime shot to play for a Lombardi trophy. So what will it take for the Jets to get this chance again? It starts with another draft, mini camp, and grueling training camp two-a-days. They must endure another four-game pre-season and sixteen-game regular season. Along the way, they have to avoid potential pitfalls like key injuries, treacherous weather conditions, and any off-the-field issues that could prevent a player from performing.
If they manage to surface with a playoff-worthy record in January 2012, they’ll have to win at least one postseason game (at most two) just to get back to the same exact position they already had on Sunday morning.
It’s possible. After all, they’ve now done it two years in a row. They have a young, and now experienced quarterback in Mark Sanchez, and a passionate Head Coach in Ryan. One would have to believe they are set up well in those two key areas for years to come. As long as Ryan is leading the Jets, the mission statement won’t change either. He expects the Jets to be chasing a Super Bowl every season, starting with 2011.
In truth though, chances like the one the Jets just had are rare. Just ask Taylor. It took him fourteen seasons to get to this point, and he had to join the hated rival of his former Dolphins to do so. Taylor gave it everything he had, invested in Rex Ryan’s scheme, and believed his career would come to an end with him hoisting the Lombardi trophy in a green and white uniform.
Long-time suffering Jets fans also had dreams of green and white confetti raining from above. It will be 43 years and counting since Joe Namath led the Jets to glory in Super Bowl III, the franchise’s only appearance on the big stage. After all the hype, the free agent additions, Hard Knocks, Ryan’s bluster, the 11-5 record, and road playoff victories over Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, the fans believed this 2010 Jets team would be the one special enough to end the drought.
The Steelers had other ideas. The sobering reality left Taylor, his teammates, his head coach, and all fans bleary-eyed, filled with uncertainty, and forced to accept that this team, as constituted, will never be together again. It just can’t be.
A missed opportunity. It’s sad, in its own right.
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Jason Klein 