Category Archives: Steiner Sports

Jokers? Or Do Jets Have Ace Up Sleeve?

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 1/5/11

The New York Jets pushed all their chips to the center of the table this season.

It’s time for them to show their hand.

One year ago, a 5th seeded, 9-7 Jets team was playing with house money, only thirty minutes away from the Super Bowl.  Unable to protect a halftime lead, against the Colts, in the AFC Championship Game, the Jets were sent home to ponder what might have been and begin preparation for another run in 2010.

Ever since the blue and white confetti rained on their parade in Indianapolis last January, the Jets have done whatever it takes to get another shot in 2010.  With nothing in the NFL guaranteed, and a win-now mentality, the Jets decided to go all in.

For twelve months, Head Coach, Rex Ryan, told anyone who would listen about their pending Super Bowl plans.  He insisted his talented roster was better than the other 31 clubs.  Now it’s time to ante up.

Viewed as a bunch of jokers by others around the league, they solidified their secondary with aces like Antonio Cromartie and Brodney Poole, upgraded their pass rush with Jason Taylor, and added offensive sparks like Santonio Holmes and Ladianian Tomlinson.

With a bulls-eye on their backs, the team appeared on HBO’s Hard Knocks all summer long, and made headlines as often for their off-field shenanigans as they did for their on-field play this season.  At times, their performance in both places was not for the faint of heart.

Despite the drama, and non-stop chattiness, the rollercoaster ride netted them an impressive 11-5 record during the regular season – this time, good for a 6-seed in the AFC tournament, and the tall task of winning three straight road games to reach Super Bowl XLV.

Fittingly, the Jets open up the playoffs in the same place their last hand folded, Lucas Oil Stadium, against Indianapolis, the defending AFC king.  They will get the rematch they so greatly desired.  Will they be able to hold’em this time?

The Jets are going to have to get through a Murderer’s Row of quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and, more than likely, Ben Roethlisberger in the AFC if they want a shot to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.  The Jets believe they have their own stud quarterback in Mark Sanchez.

The Jets must do whatever it takes to cash in on this latest opportunity.  With an aging roster and a potential work stoppage in 2011 there is no guarantee they will have this chance again.  Now is the time for these Jets.

It’s been 42 years since Joe Namath guaranteed a Super Bowl Victory.  Rex Ryan’s been guaranteeing one for two straight years now.

The chips are in the center of the table.

Time to show their hand.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

Steiner Sports Did it Again in Twenty-Ten!

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 12/22/10

The 2010 Steiner Sports year moved faster than Brett Gardner beating out an infield single.

After an historic 2009 at Steiner Sports, the company had a lot to live up to in the first year of the new decade.  The previous year saw Steiner Sports move to a new facility, make available artifacts from the original Yankee Stadium, and develop a new line of exclusive product to commemorate the 27th World Series Title in Yankees history.  How would 2010 stack up in an encore performance?

New Partnerships

The New Year began with a “Giant” announcement.  In January, Steiner Sports informed collectors and sports historians of their plans to offer a new line of collectibles from the soon-to-be demolished Giants Stadium.  The 2010 NFL season would see the Jets and the Giants move into the New Meadowlands Stadium, vacating their previous home across the parking lot.  Similar to their efforts at the original Yankee Stadium, Steiner Sports offered one-of-a-kind artifacts from the old Meadowlands, including seats, seatbacks, stadium signage, sod from the field, and pieces of the goal posts from each end zone.  Both Jets and Giants fans relished the opportunity, snatching up Meadowlands memorabilia at a record pace.

Meadowlands Seats

2010 also saw the World’s Most Famous Collectible Company partner up with the World’s Most Famous Arena: Madison Square Garden.  With MSG set to undergo renovations over the next few years, Steiner Sports began offering unique pieces of the building for fans to add to their collections.  In addition to physical pieces of the building hitting the market, including pieces of the court and arena signage, game used items from the Knicks,Rangers & Liberty also became available.  Fans were able to scoop up game used uniforms, basketballs, pucks, sticks, and clippings from the basketball nets and hockey goals.  These unbelievable items are all available on the Steiner Sports website and inside MSG during Knicks and Rangers home games.

The Dirt

In previous seasons, Steiner Sports had developed a line of product offering actual infield dirt from Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field.  In 2010, Steiner Sports got down and dirty with all 30 Major League Baseball Stadiums.  A team of Steiner Sports Product Development specialists created an entire line of memorabilia, released in April 2010, that incorporated Certified Authentic, game used field dirt from every stadium in baseball, giving fans of all teams a “field pass.”

The new line, approved and authenticated by Major League Baseball, included team logo crystals, key chains, stadium and player plaques, ceramic coasters, and 11×14 collages – all containing a capsule of field dirt.  A line of “In the Game” collages were also developed – a unique 20×24 player collage with actual stadium dirt sprinkled on the photo.

Due to favorable pricing, the MLB dirt collection was a popular choice for holiday gifts, and in corporate incentive programs around the country.

The Padded Seats

In an unprecedented move, Steiner Sports temporarily adjusted the price on a pair of padded, championship-level Yankee Stadium Seats, giving fans the opportunity to “Take a Seat in History” at an exclusive price.  The comfy blue seats had listed for $1,750 at their original release, but were discounted, for a limited time, at a price of just $999.

The response was overwhelming.  Yankees fans, and baseball historians alike, reserved their piece of history, for display within their sports rooms or office.  This rare collectible currently remains at the reduced price of $999, and will remain there through the holiday season.  All other pairs of authentic Yankee Stadium seats remain at their original retail price.

The Events

Steiner Sports Clients were treated to a wide array of athlete Meet & Greet opportunities in 2010, both within the confines of their Corporate Offices, and their retail and Last Licks locations.  Fans got up close, and personal with an impressive “who’s who” list of athletes including Eli Manning, Amar’e Stoudemire, David Wells, members of the 1977/1978 Yankees,Vinny Testaverde, Joba Chamberlain, Dustin Keller, Jim Leonhard, Jay Feely, Magic Johnson, Brian Cashman, Hakeem Nicks, Mark Teixeira, and Nick Swisher, among others.

Jets Event With Leonhard, Feely & Keller

Live Meet & Greets, and the ability for customers to interact with athletes, is a trend that is sure to continue in 2011.

More Digital Interaction

2010 saw the world become more connected through the use of popular social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter.  As they so often do, Steiner Sports led the way in the sports memorabilia industry, connecting with thousands of new fans.

Through the popular websites, Steiner Sports found a new and unique avenue to connect with customers and sports fans, publicizing upcoming events and signings, running daily contests, promoting new product, and even sparking heated and passionate sports debates.  It also gave fans a new forum to speak directly to the company, often expressing their interest in the industry or requesting information about athlete signings or products listed on SteinerSports.com.

Individual Steiner Sports Sales Representatives also joined the party, creating their own Facebook and Twitter accounts, giving their clients a new means to increase communication and interact on a more personal level. (Friend Jason on Facebook.  Follow Jason on Twitter).

Moving Forward

In the first year of the new decade, Steiner Sports proved, once again, that the future is bright for the leader in authentic, hand signed and game used collectibles.  There is no doubt that 2011 will prove to be more of the same.  In the New Year, Steiner Sports figures to further revolutionize the sports collectibles industry with new and exciting product and events, in an effort to bring fans closer to their heroes than ever thought possible.  If it’s happening on the field, it’s happening within the Steiner Sports corporate offices in New Rochelle, NY.

Just don’t blink.  It’s a fast-paced, ever-changing industry, moving quicker than number 11 in pinstripes.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

 

“5 Questions” With Bucky Dent

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 12/15/10

His home run propelled the New York Yankees into the post season and helped preserve “The Curse of the Bambino.”  It also changed his life.

Bucky Dent During Answering My “5 Questions”

There’s no telling how Bucky Dent’s life would be different in 2010 had he never hit that mythical home run at Fenway Park in 1978.  During his recent visit to the Steiner Sports Corporate Offices in New Rochelle, NY, Dent addressed this topic, among others, after signing some great new collectibles for the Steiner Sports inventory.

Jason Klein: Obviously, your HR in 78 brings back a lot of good memories for Yankees fans…what goes through your head when you think about that day at Fenway?

Bucky Dent: Oh, just how important the game was, and it was just a classic game, and something that you’ll never forget because of the importance of it.  What we did in 78, as a team, coming back, to get to that situation, just the impact of the game.

JK: How many times a day does someone ask you about that home run?

BD: Probably once or twice a day someone comes up to me to talk about it.  I like to talk about it.  I think it’s fun.  It just shows you, the game itself, the impact it has.  People remembering it, that it was a one-game playoff between Boston and New York, it doesn’t happen very often.  I love to hear the stories. Confidence

JK: If you had never hit that HR, how would your life be different today?

BD: I probably wouldn’t be talking about the 78 Playoff game.  Maybe in a different way.  It’s something, as a kid, you always dream of doing, you know, hitting the big home run, and doing it in the World Series or in a big game, and you know, it all happened for me, it all came true.  I got a chance to hit a big home run and also win MVP of the World Series.  It’s just special.

JK: Which of the following, in your opinion, is the biggest home run in Yankees history?  Dent?  Chambliss?  Boone?

BD: That’s hard to say.  I always tease Chambliss about his home run.  I tell him, “I was a kid, driving down the highway, listening on the radio when you hit yours,” and he tells me, “oh, get out of here!”  I don’t know which one was the biggest.  They were all very important and they all impacted different years and different situations.

JK: How special is it to re-unite with all of your old teammates at an event like this?

BD: It’s a lot of fun, a lot of fun.  You don’t get to see these guys all the time.  When you can gather with them and be around them, and kind of, just look back at the memories.  You get flashbacks of the games that you play in and all the special moments.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

 

“5 Questions” With Lou Piniella

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 12/9/10

During his managing days, “Sweet”

Lou Piniella was brash, animated, and at times, heated.  While visiting with fans at the Steiner Sports 1977-1978 Yankees Reunion Event, “Sweet” Lou was just sweet.

A slimmed down Piniella was excited, full of energy, and at complete peace with his decision to leave the dugout for the final time as a manager.  After signing some great new collectibles for the Steiner Sports inventory, Piniella discussed his retirement plans and addressed the possibility of a return to baseball in the future.

Lou Piniella During My Interview

Jason Klein: The 77-78 Yankees are often referred to as the Bronx Zoo.  Based on what went on those years, is that a fair nickname?

Lou Piniella: It was a very professional team.  We had our problems, off the field from time to time, maybe in the clubhouse, but when the game started, guys were very professional and played very, very well.  It was during the time when we had a lot of new characters, a lot of new players, and a lot of change.  Sometimes, it takes a while for things to settle down.  Look, one thing is for certain, the ‘76, ‘77, and ‘78 Yankees teams, especially the ‘77 and ‘78 teams, were really, really good teams.  1977 was our first World Championship and ‘78 was a repeat as World Champions, and that was the team that overcame a lot of obstacles.

JK: Who was the largest personality on those teams?

LP: We had a lot of them.  Look, we had a 1977 team that won a World Championship and we added two Hall of Famers: Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage.  That’s quite an addition for a team over the winter.  I think, going into Spring Training, because of that, the team was probably a little over confident, had some injuries early in the year, and by the All-Star break, we were 14 and a half games back behind the Red Sox.  We had to battle out of that to repeat as World Champions.  I mean, we had Thurman [Munson], Willie Randolph, Sparky Lyle, he was a character for you, Ron Guidry, what a great pitcher, Donny Gullet, who is here, [Graig] Nettles, what a great player he was, on and on.  I can name a heck of a lot more but no, we were really professional people.  You know, did we all get along a hundred percent?  No.  But when the umpires said, “Play Ball,” We got along great, and that’s why the team won.

JK: You have been in baseball since 1964.  With your recent retirement from the Cubs, what will you miss the most about being in the game?

LP: The competition.  Putting on the uniform.  I’ve done it since 1962 on the professional level, and in 1964 I got a “cup of coffee,” I got back in 1967, 1968 and in 1969 I was up for good.  I played for 17-plus years and I managed for 23-plus years.  That’s a long time with it being part of my life.  Now, I’m going to enjoy my retirement.  Yeah, I’m going to miss the uniform, I will miss the competition, but at the same time, I’m going to really enjoy my post-playing days, enjoy my grandkids.  I’m going to be able to do things I haven’t been able to do.  Spring Training starts in February, then you go onto the baseball season which goes into October, especially when you get into the World Series and the post season, and, I haven’t had any summers.  I’m looking forward to doing things that I’ve always wanted to do.  This spring, I’ll start doing some of those things, and then into the summer, and then we’ll see, we’ll see.  My first year I think I’m going to be fine.

JK: What role could you see yourself in if you decided to come back at some point?

LP: I won’t manage again.  A consulting job for an organization, you know, I think I would have some good thoughts and some good ideas to lend, and help out any way that would be needed.  It wouldn’t be on a uniform basis at all. That part of my life is behind me.

JK: How special is it to re-unite with all of your old teammates at an event like this?

LP: You know, it’s amazing.  I played in New York for twelve years, almost thirteen, and I played with a lot of great guys.  A lot of wonderful, wonderful people.  I got to know their families, I got to know their kids, and I remember the guys on the teams that we won with a lot more than when we had not as good a team.  So, is winning important?  I think so.  But it’s great coming here, seeing all these guys, it’s been a long time.  I basically have been working, so the guys that are here, they do these shows, and have these gatherings like Old Timer’s Day, so they get a chance to see each other a lot more.  For me, it’s more of a treat because I haven’t been able to do these things because I’ve been in uniform.

According to “Sweet” Lou, putting on that uniform will no longer be an issue.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584


 

“5 Questions” With Mark Teixeira

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 12/3/10

Mark Teixeira is thirsty.

After a magical 2009 season, his first in pinstripes, his 2010 season ended abruptly, without any champagne to drink.  He suffered a season-ending hamstring injury running out a ground ball during Game 4 of the ALCS, and the New York Yankees eventually lost to the Texas Rangers in 6 games.

With Teixeira After Our Interview

This week,Teixeira walked into the Steiner Sports Corporate Offices, seemingly pain free and without any limp, ready to move forward and focus on the upcoming 2011 season.  After signing a new collection of items for the Steiner Sports inventory,Teixeira discussed a number of interesting topics including Cliff Lee’s potential future in pinstripes, Derek Jeter’s importance to the Yankees, and his thirst for another World Series championship.

Jason Klein: How has this off season been different so far, compared to 2009, coming off a championship?

Mark Teixeira: It’s been a little disappointing, you know?  When you win a World Series, every single year, that’s what you want to accomplish again.  This year we came up a little short and so this off-season is all about getting back to the World Series next year.

JK: In your first season with the Yankees, you won a World Series title.  How did the experience compare to what you expected?

MT: It was everything and more.  Being a Yankee, winning the World Series in the first year of the new stadium, my first year as a Yankee, it couldn’t get much better than that.  It was just an incredible place to be last year and hopefully these next couple of years we’ll have a few more rings.

JK: Based off your experience as a free agent in 2009, what would you tell a current free agent about the Yankees?  What would your sales pitch be?

MT: My sales pitch is that it’s the greatest place to play in the world.  The stadium, the city, putting on those pinstripes every day is magical.  I think every baseball player should be able to put on the pinstripes for just one day.  I get to do it, you know, 162 games a year, so if I was a free agent coming to New York right now, it would be such an easy, easy decision.

JK: In 2009 you beat Cliff Lee’s team, in 2010, you didn’t.  Is it more fun to compete against someone like Lee, or have him on your team?

MT: It works both ways, you know?  You want to compete against the best and you want to beat the best, but unfortunately if you lose against them, you’d rather have them on your team.

JK: You’ve only been teammates for 2 years now, but what does a guy like Derek Jeter mean inside your locker room?

MT: Derek Jeter is such a great person for our clubhouse.  He’s been there, he’s been a part of 5 Championships, he’s our captain.  Any time there’s a question, or something that needs to be addressed, Derek’s the guy to do it and he’s been doing it for years.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

 


Derek Jeter Will Return To The Yankees. Won’t He?

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 12/1/10

Attention, ladies and gentleman.  Now batting for the Rays…number 2…Derek Jeter…shortstop…number 2.

It won’t happen…will it?

When the New York Yankees take the field in 2011, in search of their 28th World Series Championship, Derek Jeter will be in the line up.  Whose line up he’s actually in remains in question.

Now batting for the Tigers…

Despite the daily jabs being thrown in the papers each day, an inconceivable approach by both parties, a deal between Derek Jeter and the Yankees will get done.  No other outcome makes any sense for either side.  It will eventually get rectified.  Right?

Now batting for the Giants…

The Yankees have reportedly offered Jeter a 3-year deal, worth $45 million – an annual salary of $15 million.  It’s also been reported thatJeter is seeking more years and more dollars, perhaps something in the 5-year range at $23 million per.  The discrepancy is large, but not large enough to keep the Captain from returning to his pinstriped kingdom.  Is it?

Now batting for the Dodgers…

Derek Jeter has a long history with the Yankees, and potentially an even longer future.  In addition to everything his on-field play and pristine reputation have meant to the Yankees organization in the past, he is the natural successor to Yogi Berra as the ceremonial ambassador of the Yankees.  Need a first pitch thrown?  Call Derek.  Want recruiting help for future free agents?  Call Derek.  How about a spring training instructor or special advisor?  Call Derek.

There is also the possibility Jeter could pursue a future with the Yankees in a coaching, managing or a front office role.  These are all nice, warm and fuzzy ideas…assuming Jeter wants to maintain his relationship with the Bombers and leverage the immaculate image he has so carefully crafted over the years.  Leaving the Yankees could potentially tarnish his legacy with the club and alienate fans the way Brett Favre did in Green Bay.  He wouldn’t be foolish enough to do that…would he?

Now batting for the Angels…

Derek Jeter has seemingly never been about the money.  He has always been about winning.  He is the face of the Yankees, and their YES Network.  He relishes his role as the Big Apple’s King, and the opportunity to play under the bright lights of New York…but on which side of the river?

Now batting for the Mets…

Derek Jeter has been irreplaceable for the Yankees, a leader on the field and a true gentleman off it.  He is Mr. Intangible, Mr. November, and Mr. Yankee.  He is consistently productive and revered within his clubhouse.  He breaks records on a nightly basis and is on the verge of collecting his 3,000th career hit.  He is also 36 years-old.

Unfortunately, the track record for 36 year-old athletes signing multi-year deals is not good.  For this reason, the Yankees asked Jeter to “drink the reality potion” in November 2010.

However, the Yankees should know that with Derek Jeter wearing pinstripes, they have their best chance to drink champagne in November 2011.

Derek Jeter has stated, on numerous occasions, his desire to hear Bob Sheppard’s voice every time he steps to the plate throughout the rest of his career.  That request won’t fly anywhere else but in the Bronx.  The two sides will have to ultimately compromise and get this deal done.

Won’t they?

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

New York Jets Fans Thankful, Hopeful This Holiday Season

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 11/24/10

Jets fans, be thankful, not satisfied.

There is a lot for Jets fans to be grateful for this Thanksgiving.  Gang Green is sitting atop the NFL with an 8-2 record, 3-0 in the AFC East, and possesses a never-say-die attitude.  Their quarterback is proving to be a trustworthy leader, their wide receivers can single-handedly change the outcome of a game, and their head coach has the bravado to lead this team to their first Super Bowl since 1969.

As the New York Jets get ready to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night, there is certainly a lot for Jets fans to be thankful for, but now is not the time for complacency.

Two short seasons ago, the Jets took a similar 8-3 record into the final five weeks of the regular season.  They won only one of those contests, finishing 9-7 and out of the playoff picture.  Last year, a 9-7 record got them all the way to the AFC Championship Game in Indianapolis.  It was an unexpected journey that ended one game prematurely, a missed opportunity.

The National Football League can be sobering for teams enjoying success one season, and fall flat the next.  So many factors affect a team’s ability to win games – injuries, scheduling, weather, off-the-field distractions, etc.  There are no promises a team on the rise will continue ascending towards greatness.

Teams have to take advantage of every situation that presents itself. With nothing guaranteed in the future, the 2010 Jets have an opportunity to make history over the next 2 months…the pieces are all in place.

Not since Joe Namath waggled his finger in the air have the Jets had a quarterback with this much moxie, and this much confidence.  In his sophomore year, Mark Sanchez has earned his “Sanchize” nickname, along with the trust of his teammates and coaches to lead, rather than just manage the offense.

Surrounding Sanchez is a suddenly explosive offense with enough weapons to set off a metal detector.  Imported receivers Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards have been dominating for the Jets, carving up opposing defenses like a Thanksgiving turkey each week.  A two-pronged rushing attack, comprised of Shonn Greene and the legendary Ladainian Tomlinson, has been among the most effective in the league, running behind the most solid offensive line in football.

This holiday season, be thankful for the Jets’ aforementioned offensive talents.  Appreciate their consistently dominant defensive unit and confident head coach.  Be grateful for their last-minute heroics, week after week, producing the kind of heart-pounding adrenaline to snap anyone out of the deepest of tryptophan comas on Turkey Day.

But ask any player on that roster, and they will admit, they haven’t accomplished anything yet.  Players, along with long-suffering Jets fans, dream of the day when green and white confetti will rain from the sky, showering a newly-crowned World Champion Jets team.

The pieces are in place for 2010 to be that special season.  An 8-2 record after ten games is certainly something to be proud of, but don’t be satisfied.  An opportunity like the one that presents itself right now may never come around again.

If the Jets can capitalize, it would truly be something to be thankful for.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

Members of “Bronx Zoo” Yankees To Run Wild at Steiner Sports

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 11/11/10

Deep in the heart of the ever-changing sports landscape, the Steiner Sports Corporate Office can get chaotic from time-to-time.  On Saturday, December 4, it will be a complete Zoo!

That’s when members of the 1977 and 1978 World Champion New York Yankees, affectionately referred to as the “Bronx Zoo,” will be making their way up to New Rochelle, NY to meet and greet fans at Steiner Sports.  Touting some of the biggest and boldest personalities ever to sport the pinstripes, this group of players draws a crowd wherever they go, holding a special place in the hearts of Yankees fans everywhere.

Rightfully so.  This distinctive collection of Bombers captured imaginations in the late 1970’s, winning back-to-back Titles, the first Championships of the George Steinbrenner era.  While their World Series rings secured their place in baseball history, it was, perhaps, their colorful personalities that created lasting power with their fans, even inspiring a 2007 ESPN Drama, The Bronx is Burning.

There is no doubt, fans in attendance on December 4th will be treated to a wide-range of behind-the-scenes stories, as told by the men who lived them during the summers of 1977 and 1978.  Among those in attendance at Steiner Sports will be Ron Guidry, Sparky Lyle, Chris Chambliss, Bucky Dent, Graig Nettles, Paul Blair, Roy White, Willie Randolph and Lou Piniella.

The event will be catered, Yankee Stadium-style, including the World Famous Lobel’s Steak, peanuts & Cracker Jack.  Fans can take photos with the players, participate in question & answer sessions, raffles, giveaways, and a silent auction.  In addition, special activities will be set up for children.

Those in attendance will get the unique opportunity to re-live historic moments like Reggie Jackson’s 3 home run performance in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series and Bucky Dent’s curse-preserving blast at Fenway Park during the one-game playoff in 1978.

It’s just the latest meet & greet event offered by Steiner Sports, the leader in authentic sports gifts and collectibles.  With so many great Yankees on-hand, this particular event figures to take on a Zoo-like atmosphere…minus the giraffes and elephants, of course.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584

 

Amar’e Stoudemire To Meet & Greet Fans at Steiner Sports

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 10/27/10

Madison Square Garden is the hot place to be again.  Amar’e Stoudemire is a big reason why.

With the New York Knicks 2010/2011 season staring tonight, the newly acquired Stoudemire looks to make Madison Square Garden the hottest spot in the NBA, a distinction the “World’s Most Famous Arena” once held.

On Monday, November 1, 2010, he’ll do the same for the Steiner Sports Corporate Offices in New Rochelle, NY.  On Monday, Steiner Sports will be the place to be asStoudemire will appear, live and in person, as part of a Private Meet & Greet with local Knicks fans.  The event is being organized by Steiner Sports, the leader in authentic sports memorabilia.

Knicks fans will engage the superstar during a Question & Answer session, and have the unique opportunity to take photos with the 6’10’’ forward.  In addition, they will have the chance to go behind the Steiner Sports scenes, taking an exclusive tour of the facilities, and granted access to some of the most coveted sports collectibles in the industry.

Light food and beverages will be served throughout the evening, and fans will get to take home a piece of the actual Championship Court the Knicksplayed on during their 1973 Title Run, an artifact provided by MSG-Steiner Collectibles, a division of Steiner Sports.  In addition, Amar’e will sign one autograph per person, on their collectible of choice.

Stoudemire, a 7-year veteran and perennial All-Star, was the prized free agent the star-hungry Knicks coveted over the summer, and will be a major part of the resonance to take place on the corner of 32nd & 7th Avenue.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584


 

Cashman, Yankees Look Forward to Spring Training…Already.

Posted on by
Reply

By Jason Klein

Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 10/23/10

The words on his hat were sobering.

Just a half hour after the New York Yankees stunningly lost to theTexas Rangers in Game 6 of the 2010 ALCS, General Manager, Brian Cashman was seen sporting a cap that read, “Spring Training,” and featured a Yankees logo.

Symbolically, the hat represented a positive look forward to the 2011 season and the franchise’s next opportunity to capture their 28th World Series Championship.  But where did the hat come from so quickly?  It was a curious, pre-meditated decision to have that hat on-hand, to wear at that particular moment – a choice that had some Yankees fans wondering if their team was mentally into last night’s elimination game, or had already waived the white flag and were ready for a vacation.

It’s a moot point now.  The 2010 Yankees season came to an end last night, deep in the heart of Texas.  There will be no parade down the Canyon of Heroes this year.  To ensure the Yankees are back in the hunt in 2011, Cashman will have to remove his controversial Spring Training headgear and put on his General Manager’s hat for the next 3 months in order to re-stock his pinstriped roster with younger, and hungrier talent.

For sure, the Yankees will look to sign Cliff Lee away from the Rangers, and possibly woo the speedy Carl Crawford away from the Tampa Bay Rays, but interesting decisions will have to be made internally as well.

It will start with the future of Manager, Joe Girardi.  Cashman acknowledged he wants the skipper back in 2011, but admitted he had not confirmed the sentiment with ownership yet.

The future of the “Core 4” is in question too.  Captain, Derek Jeter is at the end of his 10-year deal, and will no doubt command a big contract to end his career with the Bombers.  Likewise, Closer, Mariano Rivera is a free agent, and at the age of 40, is still pitching as well as he ever has.  Standing at his locker last night, Andy Pettitte was indecisive about his plans for next season, admitting his desire to spend more time with his family.  Finally, Catcher, Jorge Posada is likely to be pushed for playing time by top catching prospect, Jesus Montero.

The 2011 Yankees will no doubt look different from the team that came just 6 victories away from a World Series title in 2010.  One thing is certain, whatever combination of superstars take the field in the Bronx next year, Cashman will make sure they contend for a title.

World Series hats tend to be more fashionable than Spring Training caps anyway.

Connect With Jason

https://byjasonklein.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/instagram-circle.jpg?w=584