By Jason Klein
Originally Written For New York Yankee Legacy Magazine – October 2010
Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in New York Yankee Legacy Magazine:
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For New York Yankee Legacy Magazine – October 2010
Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in New York Yankee Legacy Magazine:
Connect With Jason
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For New York Yankee Legacy Magazine – October 2010
Click each individual thumbnail below to read the feature story, exactly as it appeared in New York Yankee Legacy Magazine:
Connect With Jason
By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/29/10
No surprise. Another year, another playoff appearance for the Yankees.
Last night, the New York Yankees clinched a playoff berth for the fifteenth time in sixteen seasons, defeating Toronto 6-1. A subdued, business-like on-field celebration was followed by a reserved, yet champagne-soaked party in the clubhouse at Rogers Centre.
The low-key festivities came as no surprise; the Yankees always act like they’ve been there before…because, well, they have.
It also should come as no surprise when CC Sabathia is the man called upon to toe the rubber for Game 1 of the 2010 American League Division Series next week. Sabathia has been a horse for the Yankees in 2010, posting a 21-7 record and a 3.18 ERA. More importantly, he has won every big game he’s been asked to win this season.
“CC’s pretty much been doing that the whole year,” said Derek Jeter. “When we need him to step up for a big game, he’s been coming through for us. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Well, perhaps there is one other thing they could ask of him.
Sabathia helped lead the Yankees to their 27th World Series Championship in 2009, his first season with the club. Another October brings the same hefty expectations. The Yankees will rely heavily on their ace to navigate them through a potentially turbulent post season, anchoring an otherwise shaky pitching staff along the way.
He played the part well on Tuesday night, going 8 2/3 and only surrendering 1 run on 3 hits. He will be asked to give more of the same over the next four weeks, deep into October and early November.
If CC Sabathia can deliver, the Yankees have a shot to be the last team standing, celebrating their franchise’s 28th World Series Title, acting like they’ve been there before.
It’s a scenario that would surprise no one.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/9/10
This past July, Nick Swisher, the happy-go-lucky outfielder for the New York Yankees, was both happy and lucky to have the opportunity to represent the American League in the All-Star Game.
Voted in by the fans, he beat out Kevin Youkilis of the Red Sox in a separate vote for the final spot on the AL roster. The honor was as much a testament to his ability on the baseball field, as it was to his overwhelming popularity among the Yankees faithful.
In just two seasons with the Yankees,Nick Swisher has achieved “fan-favorite” status. His #33 uniform is prevalent in the stands each night at Yankee Stadium as thousands look to honor the ever-smiling right fielder from Columbus, OH.
It’s perhaps fitting that Swisher was voted in by the fans who adore him. He has truly become a “man of the people” in the Bronx, executing a “Swisher Salute” for his supporters each night during roll call. His personality is infectious and his passion for the game he plays is very evident – two traits fans find very appealing.
In addition, his on-field contributions and stats have been eerily consistent over the last two seasons too. On September 8, 2009, Swisher hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to defeat the Rays 3-2. Then, this past week, on the one-year anniversary of that dramatic moment, Swisher did it again, smashing another walk-off home run, again in the bottom of the ninth, to defeat the Orioles by the same score – 3-2. Both home runs were capped off with a face full of pie, courtesy of A.J. Burnett.
Although Nick Swisher struggled in the 2009 post season, his efforts throughout the regular season, and his ability to keep the clubhouse relaxed, yet focused, were instrumental in the team’s World Series Championship run.
An achievement Swisher would be both happy, and lucky to duplicate in 2010.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/7/09
Many legends have played Centerfield at Yankee Stadium. Next week, it’s Jay-Z’s turn.
In his smash hit, “Empire State of Mind,” hip hop mogul, Jay-Z claims he can “make a Yankees hat more famous than a Yankee can.” He’ll get his shot to prove it when he takes center stage, in centerfield, to perform at the first concert in new Yankee Stadium’s history.
For two nights, September 13 and 14, Jay-Z will headline the historic concert series, and will no doubt be doing it with “that new, blue Yankee [hat]” on. Adding to the excitement, fans will be entertained by a “double play” combination rivaling that of Jeter and Cano. Jay-Z will “turn two” with his partner for the event, the legendary, Eminem.
This historic concert is part of an unprecedented “Home-and-Home” concert series, taking place with Jay-Z in a Yankees hat, on his home turf, New York City, and Eminem’s child-hood digs, Detroit. The pair completed their Detroit portion of the schedule earlier this month, and USA Today referred to the result as a “milestone for hip hop.”
The two dates in New York will, no doubt, be more of the same. Cameos from many of today’s biggest hip hop stars is expected, as is a wide sampling of songs, spanning the careers of both iconic performers. Fans should also expect to hear a lot of tracks from their most recent albums: Jay-Z’s “Blueprint 3” and Eminem’s “Recovery.”
In many respects, this concert series is a celebration of hip hop, and a return to glory for Eminem, who has battled personal demons in recent years. New Yorkers love come back stories, and will no doubt welcome Eminem to the party accordingly.
However, the two-night event in the Bronx will be all about the home-grown Jay-Z. Many legends have played Centerfield at Yankee Stadium. Next week, Jay-Z will attempt to sport his “Yankees fitted” [hat] with the best of them.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 9/1/10
On June 10, 2002, Marcus Thames had Yankees fans buzzing. The little-known rookie outfielder had just sent the first pitch of his Major League career deep into the Bronx sky, stunningly smashing a home run in his first pro at bat. To add to the drama, the blast came at the expense of the legendary Randy Johnson.
Welcome to the big leagues kid.
Eight years later,Thames has Yankees fans buzzing again with his bat. With Alex Rodriguez on the shelf, nursing a strained calf,Marcus Thameshas filled in admirably of late, smashing six home runs in five games. During the outburst, he’s padded his season stats, now hitting .310 with 10 home runs and 28 RBI – not bad for a part-time player.
Hitting home runs in bunches is nothing new for Thames. Over his nine-year career, he is averaging 1 home run every 15.32 at bats. The mark places him 22nd on the all-time list for best ratio of home runs per at bat.
His recent production has been key for a Yankees team that is struggling of late. Just one game up on the second place Rays, and with several key members of the club not performing, or on the disabled list, Thames could be a major part of a team with World Series aspirations over the next two months.
With Alex Rodriguez targeting a return this week, and Lance Berkman scheduled to come off the DL shortly, Marcus Thames may find himself in a platoon situation at DH.
If history is any indication, Thames will continue to produce at a record clip, and keep the Bronx buzzing.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/13/10
“The Boss” did it again, one last time.
As the baseball world prepares for tonight’s 81st All-Star Game in Anaheim, George M. Steinbrenner III grabbed the headlines for the final time. He passed away, early this morning, at his Tampa home. He had just turned 80 years-old on the fourth of July.
Bob Sheppard, the legendary Yankees Public Address Announcer, died this past Sunday. “The Voice of God” never wanted to be the story, he just wanted to introduce it before it happened.
By contrast, Steinbrenner relished the spotlight. He was bombastic, relentless, and focused. He took great pleasure in owning the back pages. After all, he often had the best product, in the biggest city, and wanted everyone to know it.
Reporters would wait for him and hang on his every word. A colorful quote from George Steinbrenner was priceless, and he knew just what people wanted to hear.
His 37-year reign atop the Yankees organization saw his club win 11 American League Championships and 7 World Series, including the final one played during his remarkable life, this past season. In 1973, he headed a group of investors who purchased the franchise for just $10 million. He proceeded to build the team into a billion dollar operation over the next four decades.
It wasn’t always champagne and championship rings along the way for Steinbrenner. His fickle personality created tremendous tension around his employees, including his managers who always seemed to be on notice. He changed managers 20 times in his first 23 years as owner, including five separate stints for Billy Martin. He also fired Yogi Berra just three weeks into the 1985 season, creating animosity that kept Berra away from the Bronx for 14 years.
He was suspended from baseball twice, once in 1974 for his involvement in a President Nixon campaign finance scandal, and again in 1990 when he paid a man named Howard Spira for “dirt” on his own player, Dave Winfield.
Upon his return to baseball in the mid-nineties, a calmer Steinbrenner helped stabilize the franchise. He hired Joe Torre as manager, developed young, home-grown stars in Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte, and won 4 World Series titles in 5 years from 1996-2000.
At all times, Steinbrenner’s passion for winning superseded everything. He was once, famously quoted as saying, “Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next.”
“The Boss” had tremendous financial resources that teams in other markets didn’t enjoy, but he routinely pumped that money back into his team. Many chastised Steinbrenner for his free spending, but ultimately, he operated within the rules of the sport and raised the competitive bar throughout baseball.
As his health declined in recent years, and the power shifted to his sons, Hal and Hank, the winning mantra remained strong. Steinbrenner demanded perfection from his players, and considered anything short of a championship to be failure. In 2009, for the final time on Steinbrenner’s watch, the Yankees captured the 27th World Series in franchise history.
It was one last Title for a man who devoted all his energy to winning.
He went out a winner.
“The Boss” did it again, one last time.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 7/13/10
Bob Sheppard carved out his legendary career speaking softly. It was the batters who carried the big stick. Mr. Sheppard simply introduced them on their way to swing it.
Sheppard is honored in Monument Park
In an industry saturated with big, booming voices, Sheppard preferred to quietly stick to his timeless method of “Clear, Concise, Correct” while acting as Yankees Public Address Announcer for nearly 60 years. Yelling, screaming, and over-embellishment were never part of Sheppard’s repertoire. Instead, he took pride in his ability to speak the English language, and properly pronounce every word he so eloquently spoke.
On Sunday, July 11, the voice Reggie Jackson once dubbed as “the Voice of God,” was silenced. Sheppard passed away, surrounded by family, at his home in Baldwin, NY. He was 99 years-old, just a few months short of reaching the century mark.
Sheppard’s voice was mythical, giving players and fans goose bumps with every syllable. Though he also spent time announcing other New York area sporting events, his voice was synonymous with the House That Ruth Built.
To honor the now late, but always great Sheppard, Yankees Captain, Derek Jeter will continue to be introduced by the “Voice of God” for as long as he plays. Since Sheppard’s final game in the booth, back in 2007, a recording has been played prior to each Jeter at bat.
It’s a simple, classy move to pay tribute to a classy individual – in other words, the clear, concise, and correct thing to do.
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By Jason Klein
Originally Written For The Official Steiner Sports Blog – 3/23/10
Want the dirt? Steiner Sports has all the dirt!
Looking for the juicy details on who’s dating who from around baseball? Want to know which players can’t stand each other, or which managers and owners are at odds?
If those scandalous details are of interest, keep looking! Steiner Sports doesn’t have that dirt…they have THE dirt!
In 2010, Steiner Sports, an official licensee of Major League Baseball, will offer fans of all thirty clubs the opportunity to own actual dirt from their team’s home ballpark. Buckets of game used soil will be unearthed following each team’s first home game of the 2010 season, delivered to Steiner Sports corporate headquarters, and made available for fans to own.
This is nothing new for Steiner Sports, the leader in game used collectibles, who already enjoys relationships with the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, andChicago Cubs. However, in 2010, capsules of authentic stadium dirt will be available for all thirty teams, and will be available in a variety of formats, including team coasters, crystals,plaques and collages.
So what? What’s the big deal? It’s just dirt, right?
After all, players spit on it, dig their cleats into it and managers kick it in disgust, as if their earthly abuse will somehow prove a point or win an argument (see Chicago Cubs Manager, Lou Piniella).
Yet, stadium grounds crews treat it like gold, constantly grooming and raking it, hosing it off, and decorating it with white lime powder around the batter’s box and foul lines. They make sure it’s perfectly manicured at all times.
With that said, is there any value in owning dirt?
Let’s judge the significance of Major League dirt by its role in the game’s history. The filthy truth is, since the beginning of time, where there’s baseball, there’s dirt…ever watch “The Sandlot?” Even in MLB stadiums featuring artificial turf, dirt can always be found somewhere on the field: on the base paths, on the mound, and in the batter’s box.
The dirt has even been a part of some of the most historical, and memorable plays of all-time. Jackie Robinson kicked up Yankee Stadium dirt on Yogi Berra as he slid into home plate during Game 1 of the 1955 World Series. Though the Dodgers lost the game 6-5 to the Yankees that day, they went on to win the series in 7 games. To this day, Berra insists Robinson was out.
During the 1970 All-Star Game, American League Catcher, Ray Fosse was close lined to the Riverfront Stadium dirt in a collision with Pete Rose at the plate. The famous altercation gave the National League a dramatic 5-4 victory, and permanently damaged Fosse’s left shoulder, and his career.
Dirt from the Oakland Coliseum covered the front of Rickey Henderson’s jersey on May 1, 1991 after he collected his 939th career stolen base, passing Lou Brock for first place all time. Throughout his career, Henderson made a habit of getting dirty, perfecting the head-first slide and totaling 1,406 career stolen bases.
Dave Roberts turned himself into a New England folk hero when he slid head-first in the Fenway Park dirt, past Derek Jeter’s tag at second base, during Game 4 of the 2004 American League Championship Series. The legendary stolen base, coming with the Sox down 3 games to 0 and on the brink of elimination, changed the momentum and the history of the rivalry. The Red Sox went on to win the series in 7 games, and won their first Championship in 86 years.
Stadium dirt played, perhaps, its most prominent role in a game’s outcome during Game 6 of the 1986 World Series. A dribbler up the first baseline, off Mookie Wilson’s bat, skipped off the Shea Stadium dirt, and under the glove of first baseman Bill Buckner. The legendary gaffe allowed Ray Knight to score the winning run, and sent the series to a pivotal Game 7, where the Mets prevailed.
Imagine owning some MLB Authenticated Shea Stadium dirt taken from the field after Game 6 in 1986? What if a capsule of that dirt was framed up with an 8×10 photograph of the ball bouncing through Buckner’s legs?
That’s the kind of opportunity that awaits baseball fans of all teams in 2010. Great moments happen every day in baseball. Commemorate those moments by owning an actual piece of the field they occur on.
Steiner Sports is just the company to make this revolutionary collectible possible.
It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
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Jason Klein 