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: 
Guestbook NY – Legendary Moments in Sports
Reply
Tag Archives: Yankees
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
Connect With Jason
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.
Connect With Jason
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.
Connect With Jason
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.
Connect With Jason
Steiner Sports Did it Again in Twenty-Ten!
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
“5 Questions” With Bucky Dent
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
“5 Questions” With Lou Piniella
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
“5 Questions” With Mark Teixeira
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
Derek Jeter Will Return To The Yankees. Won’t He?
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
Jason Klein 