Tanaka Joins Bullet Bob and Rags With Number 19

Masahiro Tanaka / MASAHIRO TANAKA

@ T_masahiro18

Masahiro Tanaka has made his second most important choice. He'll wear #19 as a member of the New York Yankees. It's a fine number with some excellent pitching tradition.

"Bullet Bob" Turley wore #19 when he starred in the 1958 World Series (Click here to see some great home movie footage on youtube.. Down three games to one to the Milwaukee Braves, Turley took the mound in Game 5 hoping to stave off elimination. At the very least he wanted to greatly improve on his Game 2 performance when he lasted one-third of an inning and gave up four earned runs. The Braves breezed to a 13-5 victory to take a 2-0 lead in games.

Turley not only stopped the Braves in Game 5, he dominated them. A complete game five-hit shutout spurred the Yankees on to a 7-0 win over Lew Burdette and forced a Game 6.

Whitey Ford had lost Games 1 and 4, so manager Casey Stengel gave a quick hook to the Yankees ace when the Bronx Bombers fell behind 2-1 in the 2nd inning. Yogi Berra's sac fly against fellow future Hall of Famer Warren Spahn tied the game in the 6th inning and it remained tied after nine innings.

The Yankees scored twice in the top of the 10th, with one of the runs crossing home plate courtesy of a Gil McDougald home run. The Braves rallied for a run against Ryne Duren in the bottom of the 10th and had runners on the corners with two outs. Stengel called on Turley just two days after his Game 5 win. Pinch-hitter Frank Torre hit the ball on the nose, but McDougald snared it at second base to preserve the win.

Game 7 was played the next day and the Yankees and Braves were again knotted 2-2. Starter Don Larsen, who two years earlier threw the only perfect game in World Series history, lasted just 2.1 innings. Stengel sent for #19 once again. Turley would pitch 6.2 innings - 16 innings total over three days - and emerge the winner when Moose Skowron blasted a 3-run home run to highlight a four run 8th inning.

Turley, the obvious choice for series MVP, allowed a single run on two hits to finish with two wins and a save in the final three games of the series.

Dave Righetti was part of one of the best deals the Yankees ever made in the George Steinbrenner ERA. He was acquired as part of a nine player swap with the Texas Rangers after the 1978 season with Sparky Lyle (Graig Nettles: "He went from Cy Young to Sayonara") the best known player of the five that left the Bronx.

"Rags" burst on to the scene in the strike shortened 1981 season when he captured the AL Rookie of the Year award. He finished 8-4 in 15 starts with a 2.05 ERA, 7.6 K/9 IP and one home run allowed in 105.1 innings pitched.

His success continued in the post season when he earned two wins (13 K's in 9 IP) in the special strike necessitated division series with the Milwaukee Brewers and earned another victory in the ALCS against Oakland. His good luck streak ran out in the World Series when the Dodgers rallied from a 2-0 deficit in games to win four straight to take the title. Righetti lasted just two innings in Game 3, but didn't figure in the decision.

Two years later, snubbed in the All-Star pitcher selection process, Righetti took the mound against the Boston Red Sox in the final game before the break. It was Sunday, July 4, a blistering hot day of not only the nation's birthday, but George Steinbrenner's as well.

Righetti made baseball history that day when he became the first Yankee since Larsen to throw a no-hitter. He struck out Wade Boggs three times, including the final out of the game. Boggs struck out only 44 times all year. He got a big defensive play from right fielder Steve Kemp who leapt with outstretched glove over the right field wall in foul territory to snag Dwight Evans' fly ball.

So much would change from that day when Righetti collapsed in his catcher Butch Wyengar's arms after the final out. Despite a 14-8 record with a 3.44 ERA, the Yankees decided that Righetti's future was as the team's closer, not a starter. Righetti wasn't happy, the fans weren't happy and to this day you have to wonder what kind of career Righetti could have had, had he remained a starter.

That being said, Righetti adapted well to the closer role. After he saved 60 games combined in 1984-1985, Righetti broke the Major League record with 46 saves. He finished his Yankees career with 224 saves, second only to Mariano Rivera in franchise history.

After 10-plus seasons in the bigs with the Yankees, the lefty signed a free agent contract with San Francisco Giants (where he's been pitching coach since 2000) prior to the 1991 season. He saved 24 games his first year on the west coast, but things started to spiral downward from there. He did get to start four games in 1992 and another nine in his final season (1995) with the Chicago White Sox.  His first victory back in the American League came at the expense of the Yankees in his first AL start since 1983.

Let's hope this all means that every 25-30 years the #19 is very good for a Yankees' pitcher. The Yankees and Tanaka are counting on it.

Two Days Later Mariano's Day Still Fantastic

It was a long day in the Bronx Sunday afternoon. It was very hot if you were on the third base side, cool if you were seated in the shade along first day, but a gorgeous day all in all. It was a very perfect day to honor the one and only Mariano Rivera.

The game itself, a 2-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants, could not diminish the remarkable ceremony prior to the game nor the emotion and love expressed by the fans towards Mariano and the humility and grace displayed by #42.

With Mariano being the last active player to wear #42, the day began with the Yankees closer, his wife Clara and sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, joined in Monument Park by the Steinbrenner extended family and Randy Levine to present Jackie Robinson's widow Rachel and their daughter Sharon, with a special plaque commemorating the late, great Jackie Robinson. A circle with the #42 inside in Dodgers blue and white was also set aside from the other numbers inside of Monument Park.

Then it was time for the unveiling of Mariano's #42 in the row alongside all of the Yankees retired numbers, right next to Ron Guidry's #49. Mariano was blown away by the fan's response throughout the day and it began with the announcement that his number was retired while he was still an active player.

Emcees John Sterling and Michael Kay then introduced a number of Yankees luminaries. The man who was the Yankees savior, who kept the prospects and avoided the poor trades during George Steinbrenner's second suspension, Gene Michael, was the first to come out. There was Mo's manager from 1996 - 2008, Joe Torre. Former teammates Jorge Posada, David Cone, John Wetteland, Jeff Nelson, Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neill, Bernie Williams (who received the largest ovation and should have a day of his own already), and Hideki Matsui (what a great surprise that was), and former trainer Gene Monahan. They were re-joined by the Steinbrenner family and front office members, and the Robinsons.

When it was time for Mo to make his way in from the bullpen to a live version of Metallica's "Enter Sandman". James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo rocked from a stage in front of Monument Park. Mo didn't take his usual run in from the pen, that would take place in the 8th inning of the game, but a casual walk that enabled him to soak up the moment and all of the cheers. It also was one of the many moments that Mariano raised his arms in overwhelmed thanks and disbelief. The current Yankees team then joined him when he reached the infield.

Next came the gifts, and there were many.

Four former Yankees that are now part of the visiting San Francisco Giants coaching staff were first. Pitching coach Dave Righetti, the Yankees saves leader until Mo came along, hitting coach Hensley "Bam Bam" Meulens, first base coach Roberto Kelly, and assistant hitting coach Joe Lefebvre. They presented Mariano with a guitar that Hammett helped design, emblazoned with the number 42 on it and signed by Hall of Famer Willie Mays.

There was also a watercolor painting of Mariano's June, 2007 appearance against the Giants in their AT&;T Park.

Metallica presented an autographed speaker that had #42 on it.

The New York Yankees Foundation presented Mariano with a $100,000 check for his foundation and Hal Steinbrenner gave his closer a beautiful Waterford crystal version of his glove. Of course, he also received a #42 jersey encased in glass.

Long time teammate Derek Jeter and his current manager/former teammate Joe Girardi brought out a rocking chair made from baseball bats, complete with leather seat. The honoree immediately tried it out and laughed.

Then it was time for the speech. Surrounded by everyone near the pitcher's mound, Mariano first expressed his faith in thanking God for the opportunity he was given in life and for the very special day that was taking place.

He thanked his wife Clara for her love, kindness, and patience. He thanked his sons Mariano Jr., Jafet, and Jaziel, who giggled when his Dad said, "thanks for your support man."

He thanked his native country of Panama and spoke for a few minutes in Spanish.

He thanked his parents for having him, his former and current teammates, the fans, the organization, and George Steinbrenner, of whom he said he loved and missed.

He thanked the Robinson family and said how grateful and honored he was to be the last Major Leaguer to wear 42.

He wrapped it up by saying "..so let's play ball guys, we gotta go. I love you guys!"

Throughout the day there video tributes on the Yankee Stadium scoreboard, ranging from Vin Scully to Magic Johnson to Jason Kidd to Mel Stottelmyre

It was an emotional ceremony, followed by an emotional game. Andy Pettitte, who had announced his retirement just a few days earlier, pitched marvelously. He was perfect for 4.2 innings until he walked Pablo Sandoval and had a no-hitter for 5.1 innings until Ehire Adrianza homered to left to tie the game at 1-1. (Mark Reynolds had hit one out for the Yankees in the 3rd inning.

Pettitte hadn't gone very far in games this season, but after 101 pitches and seven full innings, Girardi sent him out to start the 8th inning. Sandoval reached on a double that caused Pettitte, always his own biggest critic, to slam his glove on his thigh. When Girardi came out to pull him in favor of David Robertson the crowd erupted in applause and chants of "An-dy Pett-ite". Pettitte tipped his capped before he ducked into the dugout, but then came back on the field and acknowledged the love the fans were showering down upon him.

Unfortunately, Robertson gave up an RBI single to Tony Abreu that broke the tie and saddled Pettitte with a loss in his final home game. Robertson than departed and again the Stadium roared as #42 jogged in from the bullpen to the sounds of "Enter Sandman" for the last time on a Yankee Stadium Sunday afternoon.

He broke a couple of bats before it was over and got an inning ending double play to shut down a Giants threat in the 9th, but it wasn't enough as the Yankees lineup couldn't get push a run across the board.

99% of the fans stayed in their seats until the end, and though disappointed and frustrated by the score, went home with smiles on their faces and a great memory in their hearts and heads.

I know this fan did.

Mariano's speech
 
#42 Retired
 Mariano reflects on the day
 
 Joe Torre, Jorge Posada, and Bernie Williamd Discuss Mariano's Career
 

July 4, 1983: Rags to Riches

Written for BaseballDigest.com

Dave Righetti had his All-Star break plans all set when he arrived at Yankee Stadium on July 4, 1983. The man known as Rags would have liked to have been heading to the All-Star game in Chicago the next day, but wasn't selected despite a 9-3 record. Instead, he and teammate Graig Nettles were headed to Atlantic City for a good time. First though, Righetti had a game to pitch against the Boston Red Sox on the Nation's birthday.

The Yankees-Red Sox rivalry had rekindled in the late 1970's, culminating with the one game playoff in 1978. The Yankees entered the holiday 2.5 games behind first place Toronto while the Red Sox sat 4 games back.

All no-hitters are accomplished with solid defense. The Yankees had a bit of an unusual alignment behind Righetti on the 4th. Dave Winfield, who mainly played the corner outfield positions in his career, was in center. Nettles had the day off and was replaced at third base by veteran shortstop Bert Campenaris. The result was seamless.

Except for a walk, Righetti breezed through the first three innings, recording seven of the nine outs by strikeout. Rod Nichols drew a one out walk in the 5th, but Righetti picked him off with his patented snap move to first. A Jim Rice walk in the 7th was erased by an inning ending double play.

The Yankees meanwhile had built a 2-0 lead off Red Sox starter John Tudor as the Sox came to bat in the 8th. Right fielder Steve Kemp's time in the Bronx was not a favorable one, but he became a hero for a day when he leaped over the wall in foul territory to snare Dwight Evans pop up to star the inning and contributed some insurance in the bottom of the 8th with a 2-run single.

Righetti had to appreciate the breathing room of a 4-0 lead, especially after he walked Jeff Newman to start the 9th. But the lefty bounced back to retire Glen Hoffman and Jerry Remy on ground outs. That left things up to Wade Boggs.

The future Hall of Famer was leading the league with a sizzling .361 average entering play, but had gone for the collar against Righetti thus far. Moments later Boggs flailed at a strike three slider for the final out of the game. Dave Righetti had become the first Yankees pitcher to throw a no-hitter since Don Larsen tossed a perfect game in the 1956 World Series.

Righetti hugged his catcher Butch Wynegar and soaked in the applause of the 41,077 fans. It created a great holiday memory and a fantastic birthday present for one George Steinbrenner.

Righetti wouldn't have too many more big games as a starter. After finishing the season 14-8, 3.44, the Yankees moved the promising young pitcher to the closer role. He wasn't happy at first, but Righetti would flourish in his new position. At one time he held the major league record with 46 saves.

After retiring in 1995, Righetti moved into coaching and has been the pitching coach for the San Francisco Giants since 2000. But every July 4 he can smile and think back to one memorable holiday.

Is Hughes the Next Righetti?

Both were labeled as can’t miss. Both had/have tremendous ability as a starting pitcher. Both went to the bullpen, one stayed there. Is is the bullpen destiny of the second one as well?

Dave Righetti was a hard throwing left-hander who was destined for great things as a starter for the Yankees in the 1980’s. But the Yankees needed a closer with the departure of Goose Gossage and turned to Righetti, who was having his ups and downs as a starter. He would go on to record a then American League record 46 saves in 1986. Rags finished his 16 year career with 252 saves, good enough for 27th place all time.

I remember being upset that the Yankees made the move with Righetti. He had been 14-8 in 1983 and had no-hit the Red Sox. He had also topped the 200 mark in innings for the first time (217) and recorded 169 strikeouts. He was on the verge of being a superstar.

After 1983, Righetti would make only four more starts, all in 1992, for the San Francisco Giants. (He’s been the Giants pitching coach since 2000, quite an achievement in this day and age.) Would he have had a very successful career as a starter? Probably so. But we do know he was very successful as a closer.

Like Righetti, who made his debut as a 19-yr old in 1979, Phil Hughes has heard the hoopla, praise, and expectations. So far as a starter, he has shown flashes of brilliance, but has been oft injured and ineffective.

The one thing word that would sum up Hughes’ major league career is inconsistent. That is until the Yankees needed to get Chien-Ming Wang back in the starting rotation and Hughes moved, at first thought to be temporarily, to the bullpen. He’s been nothing short of outstanding since the switch.

Joe Girardi seemed reluctant to use Hughes at first, especially in big spots (we can understand that to some degree), but Hughes has supplanted a struggling Brian Bruney as the Yankees’ go-to guy in the 8th inning.

Hughes made his pen debut on June 8th and has appeared in 13 games. He’s allowed an earned run (two to be exact) in just one of those games. His numbers are outstanding - 18.1 IP 7 H 2 ER 5 BB 19 K - and his fastball, which was usually in the 91-92 mph range as a starter, is regularly popping the catcher’s mitt at 95.

Hughes is also showing a confidence and aggressiveness that hadn’t come through when he was starting. So while we believe Hughes will still make a fine starter, we’re also beginning to think the Yankees may have the heir apparent to Mariano Rivera, and his name is not Joba.

Since Hughes hasn’t firmly established himself as a starter, I wouldn’t mind if he were groomed for Mo’s role. I’m just glad I’m not the one who has to make that decision.

The Empty Weekend

It's the weekend prior to the Super Bowl- possibly the most boring weekend ever. No football. The NHL is on break, and though we like the skills competition, the game itself is boring. (We would go baseball, basketball, hockey, football in ranking of least boring to most, though they all pretty much stink). The NBA regular season is pretty dull, though not as dull as the NCAA baseketball regular season. Spring training is still just a glimmer on the horizon.

There are plenty of good movies out there to see- we still can't understand how "Paul Blart, Mall Cop" made the most money last weekend.

In the Brooklyn area? You can go on the "A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour". Sounds delicious.

19 more days until Spring Training

Our Top 10 Stadium Moments

We'll say from 1968 - forward since that's when we started to become cognizant of what was going on. This was not easy and some of these are interchangeable.

10. June 17, 1978 - Ron Guidry strikes out 18 California Angels. The beginning of fans clapping when an opponent had 2 strikes.

9. ALCS Game 3 - Yankees ruin another Red Sox post-season. Aaron Boone becomes aligned with Bucky Dent.

8. September 24, 2001 - Yankee Stadium is the site of an inter-faith memorial for the tragic occurrences of 9/11.

7. July 4, 1983 - Dave Righetti throws a 4th of July no-hitter against the Red Sox. It's also George Steinbrenner's birthday. Game ends when Rags strikes out Wade Boggs for the third time.

6. August 6, 1979 - Bobby Murcer drives in 5 runs for his fallen brother Thurman Munson on the day of the Captain's funeral.

5. May 25, 1998 and July 18, 1999 - Perfect games by David Wells and David Cone.

4. 2001 Games 4 and 5 of the World Series - Unbelievable 9th inning comebacks on home runs by Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius.

3. 1996 World Series Game 6 - We finally had attained a World Series championship after 18 years.

2. 1977 World Series Game 6 - Reggie Jackson takes 3 swings and hits 3 home runs. The Yankees win their first World Series in 15 years.

1. 1976 ALCS Game 5 - Chris Chambliss finally gets us to the promised land with a dramatic home run.

Our Top 10 Stadium Moments

We'll say from 1968 - forward since that's when we started to become cognizant of what was going on. This was not easy and some of these are interchangeable.

10. June 17, 1978 - Ron Guidry strikes out 18 California Angels. The beginning of fans clapping when an opponent had 2 strikes.

9. ALCS Game 3 - Yankees ruin another Red Sox post-season. Aaron Boone becomes aligned with Bucky Dent.

8. September 24, 2001 - Yankee Stadium is the site of an inter-faith memorial for the tragic occurrences of 9/11.

7. July 4, 1983 - Dave Righetti throws a 4th of July no-hitter against the Red Sox. It's also George Steinbrenner's birthday. Game ends when Rags strikes out Wade Boggs for the third time.

6. August 6, 1979 - Bobby Murcer drives in 5 runs for his fallen brother Thurman Munson on the day of the Captain's funeral.

5. May 25, 1998 and July 18, 1999 - Perfect games by David Wells and David Cone.

4. 2001 Games 4 and 5 of the World Series - Unbelievable 9th inning comebacks on home runs by Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius.

3. 1996 World Series Game 6 - We finally had attained a World Series championship after 18 years.

2. 1977 World Series Game 6 - Reggie Jackson takes 3 swings and hits 3 home runs. The Yankees win their first World Series in 15 years.

1. 1976 ALCS Game 5 - Chris Chambliss finally gets us to the promised land with a dramatic home run.

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Yankees vs. Red Sox

Don't Buy That #65 Jersey Just Yet

After originally stating that he would keep his #65 this season, Phil Hughes has had a change of heart. He revealed his intentions on his website, though he hasn't selected (been given) a new number just yet.

Our suggestion? #19 to follow in the footsteps of previous successful Yankees hurlers, Bob Turley, Dick Tidrow, and Dave Righetti.

Don't Buy That #65 Jersey Just Yet

After originally stating that he would keep his #65 this season, Phil Hughes has had a change of heart. He revealed his intentions on his website, though he hasn't selected (been given) a new number just yet.

Our suggestion? #19 to follow in the footsteps of previous successful Yankees hurlers, Bob Turley, Dick Tidrow, and Dave Righetti.

Rags and Gator

The Yankees visit to San Fran this past weekend gave old friends Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti a chance to catch up. YES' Michael Kay got the chance to talk to the great lefthanders turned pitching coaches. Righetti and Guidry

Rags and Gator

The Yankees visit to San Fran this past weekend gave old friends Ron Guidry and Dave Righetti a chance to catch up. YES' Michael Kay got the chance to talk to the great lefthanders turned pitching coaches. Righetti and Guidry