One Final Gift From Thurman

Birthdays can be good, bad, or a little of both. It often depends on your age, if the important people in your life remember, and sometimes it's about the gifts, particular if you're a kid.

For my 17th birthday I got a great gift courtesy of the New York Yankees. It was 1978 and the Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers met in the Fall Classic for the second straight year. The Yankees had a year of comebacks; down 14 games to Boston in July, they charged to the end and finished in a tie with the Red Sox for first place in the AL East.

The Yankees won the one game playoff in Fenway Park and Bucky Dent earned a new "Bleepin'" nickname. After they dispatched the KC Royals with relative ease in the ALCS, the Yankees dropped the first two games of the World Series to the Dodgers. However, the Yankees captured the next three games and flew to Los Angeles to finish off the series.

They were many memorable moments from what turned out to be the final game of the series . The Yankees pounded LA starter Don Sutton, knocking him out of the game after he allowed five runs in five-plus innings.

Dodgers' rookie reliever Bob Welch had struck out Mr. October, Reggie Jackson, with two on and two out in the top of the 9th to preserve a 4-3 LA win in Game 2, but their meeting in Game 6 was quite different. Jackson hit a tape measure home run to right field that gave him a combined total of four home runs in the two Game 6's played in 1977-1978. (Reggie also homered in Game 1 of the '78 series.)

Catfish Hunter completed his 1978 renaissance with seven solid innings to win his 9th and final World Series game. A "money pitcher", Hunter had helped change the atmosphere of the Yankees clubhouse when he became the first big money free agent on New Year's Eve, 1974. People like to refer to Kansas City's James Shields as "Big Game James", but James "Catfish" Hunter truly lived up to the name.

Inducted into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, Catfish's throwing arm started to suffer in his third year in New York from the toll of all those starts and innings thrown in his career. He made just 20 starts in '78, but went 9-2 down the stretch to help the Yankees catch Boston.

When you win back to back titles, which is even harder to do today with the multiple levels of playoffs, you think your team is going to keep winning. Yankees fans felt that way during that 1996-2001 stretch. (Yes, I am including the year they lost.) 

The Yankees had won three straight American League pennants from 1976-1978, so why would that change? But oh how it did indeed change. The winning would stop in a few short years, but worse, the Yankees would lose their beloved captain, Thurman Munson. When Goose Gossage got Ron Cey to pop up behind home plate with two outs in the 9th, who could predict that it was going to be the last time we would see Thurman Munson in post-season play.

The captain grabbed the foul pop and raced to embrace Gossage and the rest of his teammates. It was a joyful celebration for the ages. Too bad it would be Thurman's last, but oh what a great birthday gift it was.

Game 6 in its entirety:

 

35 Years Later, Bucky "Bleepin" Dent's Swing Still Resonates

Monday, October 2, 1978 was a sun splashed day in Boston, Mass. Fenway Park was filled to the brim for Game #163 between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. Many schools were closed due to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, so there was a large crowd seated at home in front of their television sets in the living rooms and dens of America.

Back in July no one thought a one game, winner-take-all contest would take place. The Red Sox had a comfortable 14 game lead over the Yankees on the 19th of the month. Yankees manager Billy Martin was fired after he blasted outfielder Reggie Jackson and owner George Steinbrenner- "One's a born liar, the other's convicted." Bob Lemon replaced Martin and steadied the ship, and the Yankees started to play better.  The Red Sox were led by manager Don Zimmer, who found his own place in Pinstripes nearly 20 years later.

The Yankees won 11 of 15 and Boson started to stumble a bit. The 14 game lead was reduced to 6.5 when the calendar turned to August. Hope was quickly dashed, however, when  the Red Sox swept a three game series at Yankee Stadium that put the Bronx Bombers back in the soup.

A team made up of battle worn veterans, the Yankees went on another tear against the A's, Angels, Orioles, Mariners, and Tigers (13-3) to move with four games of the slumping Red Sox. The calendar read September 7th as the Yankees entered Fenway Park for a four game series.

Four days later, after the Yankees had outscored the Red Sox 42-9, the two teams were tied for first place with identical 84-56 records. A three games series in the Bronx a week later saw the Yankees take the first two, 4-0 and 3-2 to build up a 3.5 game lead. The Red Sox won the finale and left town 2.5 games behind the Yankees.

The Yankees stayed hot, but despite nine wins in 13 games, they couldn’t shake the suddenly resurgent Red Sox. Boston won seven straight and 10 of 12 as the two teams entered the final Sunday of the regular season schedule. A Yankees win or a Red Sox loss would clinch the division for the Pinstripes.

The Yankees faced left-hander Rick Waits and the Cleveland Indians while Boston sent Luis Tiant out against the Toronto Blue Jays, who were in the midst of a seven game losing streak. The Indians jumped all over Catfish Hunter in the first two innings to build a 6-0 lead and coasted to a 9-2 win. Meanwhile, "El Tiante" dominated the neighbors to the North with a 2-hit complete game shutout. There would be a Game 163 in Boston on Monday.

Monday's game matched the about-to-be-crowned AL Cy Young winner Ron Guidry against his former teammate Mike Torrez. The 1977 World Series ended when Torrez snared Lee Lacy’s pop up to give the Yankees their 21st World Championship.

Guidry's '78 performance was one for the ages. He entered Monday's game 24-3, with all three losses coming against pitchers, ironically, named Mike. The Brewers Mike Caldwell, the Orioles Mike Flanagan and the Blue Jays Mike Willis provided the only blemishes on Guidry’s record.

The lefty’s ERA stood at 1.72 and he had thrown five complete games in his previous six starts, three of them shutouts. (Guidry led the league with nine shutouts.) He also had 243 strikeouts and a WHIP under 1.000. The only disadvantage he had was pitching Game 163 on three days rest.

Torrez was 16-12, 3.92 and had thrown a complete game shutout against the Detroit Tigers in his last start. He too was going on three days rest and was 1-3 against the Yankees during the regular season.

Torrez looked nervous when he walked the game’s lead off hitter Mickey Rivers on four pitches and “Mick the Quick” promptly stole second base. But after falling behind 2-1 to Thurman Munson, Torrez struck out the Yankees catcher and retired Lou Piniella and Reggie Jackson to escape the jam

Guidry, on the other hand, retired the side in order and struck out a pair of Sox, including the league's top hitter, Jim Rice. One inning later though, Carl Yastrzemski ripped a flyball to right that stayed just inside the Pesky Pole for a 1-0 Boston lead.

Torrez settled down and was barely tested by the Yankees lineup. He gave up a double to Rivers in the 3rd inning, a single to Piniella in the 4th and a leadoff walk to Roy White in the 5th. When Torrez retired the side in order in the 6th and Rice delivered an RBI single in the bottom of the inning, it appeared that two runs might be enough to decide the contest.

Then came the 7th inning and the team’s fortunes changed. Chris Chambliss reached on a one out single, the Yankees’ first hit since the 4th inning. White followed that with a single of his own to centerfield to put the tying runs on base. Torrez retired pinch-hitter Jim Spencer  for the second out, which left things in the hands of Bucky Dent.

The Yankees shortstop had a miserable season at the plate- he entered the game with a .243 average and .596 OPS and was already 0-2 on the day- but rather than go to another pinch-hitter, Lemon stuck with him.

Dent barely laid off a low breaking pitch on the first delivery from Torrez for a ball.  Torrez followed with a fastball on the inside of the plate that hobbled Dent when he fouled it off his left in-step.  Trainer Gene Monahan tended to Dent for several minutes before number 20 stepped back in the batter's box. Just as he did, a bat boy brought him some new lumber courtesy of Rivers.

Finally ready, Dent stepped in and sent one out on Torrez’s next pitch. The fastball took flight and landed into the net atop the "Green Monster" in left field. Yastrzemski watched, hoping for a richochet off the wall, but momentarily collapsed to one knee as he saw the ball clear the wall. In a matter of seconds Dent had turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 lead.

The Yankees weren't done in the inning either. Torrez walked Rivers for the second time in the game and was pulled in favor of Bob Stanley. Rivers stole second and scored on Munson's double to centerfield. Stanley finally retired Piniella to end the inning.

Guidry had gutted his way through six innings without his best or sharpest stuff, so when Gator gave up a one out single in the 7th to George Scott, Lemon sent for the Yankees closer, Goose Gossage.

A passed ball by Munson put a runner in scoring position, but Gossage struckout Bob Bailey and retired Rick Burleson on a grounder to Dent to keep the score 4-2. It quickly beame 5-2 in the 8th when Jackson led off the inning with a solo home run to dead centerfield, but the Red Sox weren't dead yet.

Boston had blown the big divisional lead, but had rallied to force the one game playoff.  They would rally in Game 163 as well. Jerry Remy led off the 8th with a double and scored on Yaz's RBI single. Carlton Fisk and Fed Lynn followed with a singles of their own to plate Yaz and it was suddenly a one run game again.

Gossage got Butch Hobson to fly out and struck out Scott to keep it 5-4. The Yankees got a hit from Paul Blair in the 9th, but went down pretty quickly. To win the game, Gossage would have to face the heart of the Red Sox lineup.

Goose retired Dwight Evans to start the frame, but then walked Burleson. Remy was down to his final strike when he turned on a Gossage fastball in his wheelhouse and dunked one into right field. With the sun directly in his face, Piniella didn't see the ball to the last minute and stood with his arms outstretched to the side. Intentional or not, it was enough to fool Burleson into thinking he might have a shot at the catch.

Not only did Piniella have no shot of recording the putout, he barely snared the ball after it droppped in.  (He was also playing further over towards the line than he normally would be for a non-power hitter against Gossage.) Burleson hit the brakes as he turned towards third and retreated back to second base. It would prove to be a crucial mistake when Rice hit a deep fly to right that would have easily scored the tying run had Burleson continued on to third. (To this day, Rice still talks about the play costing the Red Sox the game.) So it all came down to two future MLB Hall of Fame members.

The game came down to a one on one battle between  two future MLB Hall of Fame members. Gossage came out on top when Yaz lofted a high infield pop that Graig Nettles squeezed into his glove as he straddled the left field line. The rest as they say, was history.

The Yankees beat Kansas City in four games to reach the World Series and then came back from a 2-0 deficit in games to the LA Dodgers to capture their 22 and last title until the dynasty of the last 1990's.

In 2003, the Red Sox invited Dent back to Fenway Park for the 25th anniversary of the ’78 classic. The man whose name is never uttered in Boston without an unflattering nickname, sat in the new seats atop the Green Monster, not far from where a baseball landed and made him a Yankees legend.

The Road Well Traveled

Thanks to the pitching of A.J. Burnett and the bat of Nick Swisher, the Yankees finished off a three game sweep of the Oakland A's on Wednesday to turn what was a poor starting road trip into a positive 4-2 record. The Yankees now head to one of their house of horrors, Anaheim, to face the Los Angeles Angels with a chance to win at least five of nine on the trip and with a very good chance to win six since CC Sabathia and Bartolo Colon will start two of the three games (Ivan Nova starts the other).

The Yankees got great pitching in the Oakland series and that continued yesterday when Burnett shook off some early struggles (including a 2-run home run by Josh Willingham) to give the Yankees seven solid innings in a 4-2 win. The Yankees trailed 2-1 when they put two on with none out against A's starter Gio Gonzalez in the 4th inning. That's when things got a little weird- Swisher showed bunt on the first two pitches (both balls) - only third base coach Rob Thomson hadn't given him the bunt sign. While A's pitching coach Ron Romanick was telling Gonzalez to throw strikes (he had thrown six straight out of the strike zone), Swisher found out from Thomson that he had misread the signs. So then all Swisher did was rip a three run home run into the left field seats to put the Yankees ahead for good.

Burnett then made it stand up by shutting down the A's lineup with the exception of Coco Crisp, who had two hits and walk, but was stranded at third after tripling in the 5th and at second base after he swiped it in the 3rd.

Joba Chamberlain worked out of a two on, one out jam in the 8th when he speared Conor Jackson's line drive and turned it into a double play. Mariano Rivera breezed through the 9th for his first save since May 10. It came in his 1,004th appearance, tying him with Goose Gossage for 14th place on the all-time list.

Notes

Derek Jeter had one hit, leaving him with 16 to go to the 3,000 mark. The captain has a 7 game hitting streak in which he's hitting .333 (9-27).

The Yankees have beaten the A's 10 straight times, the longest current streak of any team in the Majors.

Nick Swisher has a modest six game hitting streak, all on the road trip. He's 6-20 (.300) with one hit in each game.

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 Daily Yankeeland - 2/12

Kevin Cash may be new to the Yankees organization, but he's already making a good impression off the field. Cash stopped in Franklin, GA on his way to Spring Training, to give a catching clinic to high schoolers. Cash's parents live in the town and own a restaurant, "Cash's Smokehouse BBQ".

Roy Oswalt wants A-Rod's records erased. Perhaps Roy would like to give back his World Series money from 2005. After all, cheaters Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte helped him get there.

If you live in South Florida, you'll be able to hear John Sterling's dulcet tones all season long.

Johnny Damon was a just a teenager when he was first approached about using steroids. But he made the right choice then and maintains he still is clean to this day.

Goose Gossage is never one to shy away from expressing an opinion on any topic. As for A-Rod, Goose thinks he should never get into the Hall of Fame.

"I've always liked A-Rod," Gossage told the Gazette, of Colorado Springs, Colo., yesterday. "But the things that are coming out now . . . "

On Monday, Rodriguez confessed to taking steroids from 2001 to '03. Gossage appreciates Rodriguez' honesty. He wishes Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire and dozens of others would follow Rodriguez' example and confess their baseball sins.

"I don't think any of them belong in the Hall of Fame," Gossage said. "If you cheated and used performance-enhancing drugs you don't belong in there. If they let Alex in, they have to let Bonds in. If they let Bonds in, they have to let McGwire in. The history of the game is at stake and the most treasured thing in baseball is its history."

Live Blogging Old Timer's Day

Crappy weather, but hopefully it holds off during today's festivities. They started things out with Michael Kay interviewing the newest Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage.

1:38 PM - A tribute to Bobby Murcer, who was always miked during the OT games.

1:45 PM - Kim Jones talks to new OT attendee Tino Martinez. Some great stories from The Bamtino, including a funny one involving Moose Skowron riding him over the years for not wearing socks to the ball park.

1:51 PM - Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter on field and in uniform. Paulie's 2nd OT game, the 1st for Leiter. Paulie is already hoarse.

1:54 PM - A pre-recorded Bob Sheppard welcomes everyone to Yankee Stadium. Ed Randall, a great baseball man, will do today's intros.

Okay, actually John Sterling and Michael Kay will be doing the intros, Ed Randall just intro'ed them.

As corny as Sterling is, boy does he have the pipes. Kay always sound like he has a mouthful of phlegm (hope you weren't eating).

1:58 PM - The first player introduced is Paul Blair. One of the best CFers we ever say.

1:59 PM - "Tolly", Wayne Tolleson

Jay Johnstone...hard to still imagine he was a Yankee. Also Sterling's 1st radio partner.

And now yes, has lost the sound as Brian Doyle, one of the heroes of the '78 WS, gets intro'ed.

2:00 PM - Rich Monteleone

Steve Balboni or "Balbummy" as we sometimes called him.

The sound is back - Ron Blomberg, the first DH in MLB history. Injuries kept him from a big career.

Mickey Klutts: Not much applause, more "who??"

Scott Bradley: Smooth hitter, never quite had the career we expected. Now head coach at Princeton.

Gil Patterson: A much better pitching coach than he was a pitcher.

Ron Davis: "The Vulture" Won games he blew - was very good and then stupidly traded for Roy Smalley Jr..

Pitching Coach Dave Eiland.

2:04 PM

Pat Kelly - Great to see him back. Still looks like he could play. Had the big home run when the Yankees finally made it back to the playoffs in '95.

Oscar Gamble: The Big "O". No more 'fro, but we always loved the Big O, and how Bob Sheppard would announce his name.

Homer Bush: Wish his career could have been more. What speed in 1998.

2:05 PM

Kevin Maas, the one year wonder. Still looks like a kid.

Bobby Meacham: Lousy player, lousy 3rd base coach.

Jessie Barfield: What a great arm and tremendous power. Never could match the years he had in Toronto.

Al Leiter: ...Who happened to be traded for Barfield. Bad trade.

2:08 PM

Mike Torrez: Our hero in '77 and '78, haha

Ed Figueroa: Great, great regular season pitcher. Stunk in the playoffs. First Puerto Rican born pitcher to win 20 games.

Jim Abbott: You all know the story well. Hard to believe its 15 years since his no-no.

Ken Griffey Jr.: "Before there was Junior, there was Senior". Great intro by Sterling.

2:10 PM

Don Baylor: Always loved seeing him take those big swings. Not too many people remember he was once a tremendous base stealer.

Tony Fernandez: The last Yankee to hit for the cycle in '95.

2:11 PM

Aaron Small: Mr. 10-0 in 2005. What a shock that was and what a tremendous contribution to the Yankees making the post-season.

Tommy John: 288 game winner, much more than just a name on a surgery.

2:12 PM

Mickey Rivers: Mickey the Quick. Thought grammar was a relative. He was so much fun to watch.

Bucky "Bleepin" Dent: :) Hero of the 1 game playoff and the 78 WS MVP. And he hit that home run off Torrez with Rivers' bat.

2:14 PM

Chris Chambliss: There goes that HR off of KC's Mark Littell. The first pennant in 12 years, ending the declinasty. Should have gotten a chance to manage in the bigs.

Jeff Torborg: Long time Yankees coach and a very good major league catcher.

2:15 PM

Buck Showalter: Nice to see him back in Pinstripes for the first time since 1994.

Mike Stanley: The man that caused Joe Girardi to be boo'ed at the Yankee fanfest.

2:16 PM

Graeme Lloyd: What a turnaround. He barely made the post-season roster after being acquired from Milwaukee in '96 and then was dynamite in the playoffs and World Series.

Gene Michael: "The Stick" Give that man a big hand, he helped save the team from George.

2:17 PM

Ramiro Mendoza: What a 1999 playoff series he had against Boston.

Jimmy Key: What a tremendous acquisition. Gave the team credibility, and won the clincher in the '96 WS. He's silver and bald - it has been a while.

2:19 PM

Luis Sojo: "Coney, how come you don't have a dance?" Everyone loves Luis.

Joe Pepitone: 1st hair dryer in the clubhouse - for a toupee no less.

2:20 PM

Al Downing: A great pitcher, mostly remembered for surrending Hank Aaron's 715th home run while a member of the Dodgers.

Jerry Coleman: Hall of Fame broadcaster, but had a great career as the Scooter's double play partner.

2:21 PM

Eli Grba: 1959-1960 Yankees. Obviously not too well remembered by the crowd.

Andy Carey: 3rd Baseman from 1952-1960. Unfortunately, in a wheelchair.

2:22 PM

Charlie Silvera: '48-'56. I remember seeing these guys in 1972-73.

2:23 PM

Horace Clarke: I just had a nightmare flashback to the late '60s/early '70s.

Luis Arroyo: Unbelievable 1961 season as a closer before there were closers.

2:24 PM

Dr. Bobby Brown: Great 3rd baseman, former AL League President.

Hector Lopez: '59 - '66; tremendous sub (that's from others, not our recollection). Always comes to OT day.

2:25 PM

Rickey "I love me" Henderson: I actually hear a few boo's while Sterling intro's. Nice hand though.

Is Billy Crystal considered an old-timer?

2:26 PM

Tim "Rock" Raines: What a graet hitter. Definite Hall consideration.

Jeff Nelson: A big combo with Stanton (all but '96) in the pen in 4 WS.

2:27 PM

Daryl Strawberry: "The Straw" gets a big hand. Stay clean Straw.

David Wells: Look at Boomer! He may ask for a tryout while he's here. Did Sterling really just say he had many "huge" victories- with a wink in his voice.

2:28 PM

David Cone: Actually, Coney and Wells probably couldn't be worse than the current back end of the rotation.

2:29 PM

Some guy named Joe Girardi. ;)

Little Dante Girardi looks good in '27 too.

2:30 PM

Tom Tresh: AL ROY in 1962 Didn't quite live up to his hype, but was a good ball player. His Dad, Mike, played in the bigs too.

2:31 PM

Bullet Bob Turley: Look him up in your record books. One of the most clutch Yankee performers, especially in the '58 series.

Bobby Richardson: Tremendous 2nd baseman. We believe he is the only losing player to win the WS MVP, in 1960.

2:32 PM

Johnny Blanchard: Probably would have been a regular on another team if not for Yogi and Ellie Howard in front of him. Tremendous power.

Don Larsen: Greatest game ever pitched in Yankee Stadium. 'Nuff said. :)

2:33 PM

Bill "Moooooooose" Skowron: Tremendous power. Recently said he didn't keep his '63 WS ring he won with the Dodgers.

2:34 PM

Graig Nettles: What a 3rd baseman!

2:35 PM

Paul O'Neill: :)))))))))))

2:36 PM
Tino Martinez: :The Bamtino!" And, yes, Kay had to say "Constantino Martinez" haha. Great high 10 with Paulie.

2:38 PM

Ron Guidry: "The Gator". Never ever forget the '78 season he had. Sigh - I wish his catcher was there. Whispered to Paulie: "Nice ovation, kid".

2:39 PM

WILLIE RANDOLPH: :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
"Once a Yankee, always a Yankee" screamed out by Michael Kay. Great job. And Willie is so appreciative of the huge ovation he's getting. :) A long, great ovation for one of the classiest guys around.

2:41 PM

Wade Boggs: Hall of Fame career, Hall of Shame Hair ;)

2:42 PM

Dave Winfield: If you never saw him play in his prime, you missed something special. A true 5-tool player.

2:43 PM

Rich "Goooooooose" Gossage: Too bad Louuuuuuuuuuuuu isn't there.

Amazing how many Hall of Famers have played in the Pinstripes.

2:44 PM

Reginald Martinez Jackson: "Mr. October" Say what you want about him, he was clutch.
Wow, its been 15 years since he went into the Hall.

It's not looking like Bernie will be there :(

2:45 PM

Whitey Ford: The Chairman of the Board.

2:46 PM

Yogi Berra: The man, the myth, the legend.

2:48 PM

Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard: What a great player and gentleman Ellie was.

Jill Martin, widow of Billy the Kid.

2:49 PM

Helen Hunter, wife of the great Catfish: One of the best pitcher we ever saw - money in the big games.

2:50 PM

Diane Munson: Widow of the Captain. 29 years ago today - WOW.

Guidry, Reggie, Willie...when did my boys get so old?

2:51 PM

Cora Rizzuto, widow of the Scooter. His beloved Cora :(

2:53 PM

Michael Kay talking about the magnificence of the Yankees organizations: "They are once and forever, New York Yankees."

2:54 PM

Time to remember those who have passed from the Yankees and MLB. Too many to remember, but here are some memorables.

Johnny Podres

Tommy Holmes

Joe Nuxhall

John McHale

Bill Robinson

Tommy Byrne

Phil Rizzuto

Bobby Murcer

2:56 PM

The National Anthem, sung by the late, great Robert Merrill, who wore number 1 1/2 at OT games.

2:59 PM

Cora Rizzuto throws out the ceremonial first pitch. A little delay while someone comes to get it and, appropriately it's Derek Jeter.

You Jeter haters: How can you hate a guy who does so many things right as a person, never mind as a player?

3:02 PM

Al Leiter warming up with Luis Sojo: Leiter says he's trying to hurt Luis' hand to get him back for that 10-hopper back in the 2000 WS. He's jokingly trying to impress Girardi too. Good stuff.

Singleton: "Who is starting Al?" Leiter: "Mussina" Singleton: "In the old timers game."

3:05 PM

Kim Jones talking to Reggie about Rickey Henderson's pending Hall of Fame election. Now talking about Willie Randolph's warm reception.

3:06 PM

Game about to begin with Goose on the mound. That's going to do it for the live blogging for now. Hopefully, someone followed it besides us. :)

Live Blogging Old Timer's Day

Crappy weather, but hopefully it holds off during today's festivities. They started things out with Michael Kay interviewing the newest Hall of Famer, Goose Gossage.

1:38 PM - A tribute to Bobby Murcer, who was always miked during the OT games.

1:45 PM - Kim Jones talks to new OT attendee Tino Martinez. Some great stories from The Bamtino, including a funny one involving Moose Skowron riding him over the years for not wearing socks to the ball park.

1:51 PM - Paul O'Neill and Al Leiter on field and in uniform. Paulie's 2nd OT game, the 1st for Leiter. Paulie is already hoarse.

1:54 PM - A pre-recorded Bob Sheppard welcomes everyone to Yankee Stadium. Ed Randall, a great baseball man, will do today's intros.

Okay, actually John Sterling and Michael Kay will be doing the intros, Ed Randall just intro'ed them.

As corny as Sterling is, boy does he have the pipes. Kay always sound like he has a mouthful of phlegm (hope you weren't eating).

1:58 PM - The first player introduced is Paul Blair. One of the best CFers we ever say.

1:59 PM - "Tolly", Wayne Tolleson

Jay Johnstone...hard to still imagine he was a Yankee. Also Sterling's 1st radio partner.

And now yes, has lost the sound as Brian Doyle, one of the heroes of the '78 WS, gets intro'ed.

2:00 PM - Rich Monteleone

Steve Balboni or "Balbummy" as we sometimes called him.

The sound is back - Ron Blomberg, the first DH in MLB history. Injuries kept him from a big career.

Mickey Klutts: Not much applause, more "who??"

Scott Bradley: Smooth hitter, never quite had the career we expected. Now head coach at Princeton.

Gil Patterson: A much better pitching coach than he was a pitcher.

Ron Davis: "The Vulture" Won games he blew - was very good and then stupidly traded for Roy Smalley Jr..

Pitching Coach Dave Eiland.

2:04 PM

Pat Kelly - Great to see him back. Still looks like he could play. Had the big home run when the Yankees finally made it back to the playoffs in '95.

Oscar Gamble: The Big "O". No more 'fro, but we always loved the Big O, and how Bob Sheppard would announce his name.

Homer Bush: Wish his career could have been more. What speed in 1998.

2:05 PM

Kevin Maas, the one year wonder. Still looks like a kid.

Bobby Meacham: Lousy player, lousy 3rd base coach.

Jessie Barfield: What a great arm and tremendous power. Never could match the years he had in Toronto.

Al Leiter: ...Who happened to be traded for Barfield. Bad trade.

2:08 PM

Mike Torrez: Our hero in '77 and '78, haha

Ed Figueroa: Great, great regular season pitcher. Stunk in the playoffs. First Puerto Rican born pitcher to win 20 games.

Jim Abbott: You all know the story well. Hard to believe its 15 years since his no-no.

Ken Griffey Jr.: "Before there was Junior, there was Senior". Great intro by Sterling.

2:10 PM

Don Baylor: Always loved seeing him take those big swings. Not too many people remember he was once a tremendous base stealer.

Tony Fernandez: The last Yankee to hit for the cycle in '95.

2:11 PM

Aaron Small: Mr. 10-0 in 2005. What a shock that was and what a tremendous contribution to the Yankees making the post-season.

Tommy John: 288 game winner, much more than just a name on a surgery.

2:12 PM

Mickey Rivers: Mickey the Quick. Thought grammar was a relative. He was so much fun to watch.

Bucky "Bleepin" Dent: :) Hero of the 1 game playoff and the 78 WS MVP. And he hit that home run off Torrez with Rivers' bat.

2:14 PM

Chris Chambliss: There goes that HR off of KC's Mark Littell. The first pennant in 12 years, ending the declinasty. Should have gotten a chance to manage in the bigs.

Jeff Torborg: Long time Yankees coach and a very good major league catcher.

2:15 PM

Buck Showalter: Nice to see him back in Pinstripes for the first time since 1994.

Mike Stanley: The man that caused Joe Girardi to be boo'ed at the Yankee fanfest.

2:16 PM

Graeme Lloyd: What a turnaround. He barely made the post-season roster after being acquired from Milwaukee in '96 and then was dynamite in the playoffs and World Series.

Gene Michael: "The Stick" Give that man a big hand, he helped save the team from George.

2:17 PM

Ramiro Mendoza: What a 1999 playoff series he had against Boston.

Jimmy Key: What a tremendous acquisition. Gave the team credibility, and won the clincher in the '96 WS. He's silver and bald - it has been a while.

2:19 PM

Luis Sojo: "Coney, how come you don't have a dance?" Everyone loves Luis.

Joe Pepitone: 1st hair dryer in the clubhouse - for a toupee no less.

2:20 PM

Al Downing: A great pitcher, mostly remembered for surrending Hank Aaron's 715th home run while a member of the Dodgers.

Jerry Coleman: Hall of Fame broadcaster, but had a great career as the Scooter's double play partner.

2:21 PM

Eli Grba: 1959-1960 Yankees. Obviously not too well remembered by the crowd.

Andy Carey: 3rd Baseman from 1952-1960. Unfortunately, in a wheelchair.

2:22 PM

Charlie Silvera: '48-'56. I remember seeing these guys in 1972-73.

2:23 PM

Horace Clarke: I just had a nightmare flashback to the late '60s/early '70s.

Luis Arroyo: Unbelievable 1961 season as a closer before there were closers.

2:24 PM

Dr. Bobby Brown: Great 3rd baseman, former AL League President.

Hector Lopez: '59 - '66; tremendous sub (that's from others, not our recollection). Always comes to OT day.

2:25 PM

Rickey "I love me" Henderson: I actually hear a few boo's while Sterling intro's. Nice hand though.

Is Billy Crystal considered an old-timer?

2:26 PM

Tim "Rock" Raines: What a graet hitter. Definite Hall consideration.

Jeff Nelson: A big combo with Stanton (all but '96) in the pen in 4 WS.

2:27 PM

Daryl Strawberry: "The Straw" gets a big hand. Stay clean Straw.

David Wells: Look at Boomer! He may ask for a tryout while he's here. Did Sterling really just say he had many "huge" victories- with a wink in his voice.

2:28 PM

David Cone: Actually, Coney and Wells probably couldn't be worse than the current back end of the rotation.

2:29 PM

Some guy named Joe Girardi. ;)

Little Dante Girardi looks good in '27 too.

2:30 PM

Tom Tresh: AL ROY in 1962 Didn't quite live up to his hype, but was a good ball player. His Dad, Mike, played in the bigs too.

2:31 PM

Bullet Bob Turley: Look him up in your record books. One of the most clutch Yankee performers, especially in the '58 series.

Bobby Richardson: Tremendous 2nd baseman. We believe he is the only losing player to win the WS MVP, in 1960.

2:32 PM

Johnny Blanchard: Probably would have been a regular on another team if not for Yogi and Ellie Howard in front of him. Tremendous power.

Don Larsen: Greatest game ever pitched in Yankee Stadium. 'Nuff said. :)

2:33 PM

Bill "Moooooooose" Skowron: Tremendous power. Recently said he didn't keep his '63 WS ring he won with the Dodgers.

2:34 PM

Graig Nettles: What a 3rd baseman!

2:35 PM

Paul O'Neill: :)))))))))))

2:36 PM
Tino Martinez: :The Bamtino!" And, yes, Kay had to say "Constantino Martinez" haha. Great high 10 with Paulie.

2:38 PM

Ron Guidry: "The Gator". Never ever forget the '78 season he had. Sigh - I wish his catcher was there. Whispered to Paulie: "Nice ovation, kid".

2:39 PM

WILLIE RANDOLPH: :)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
"Once a Yankee, always a Yankee" screamed out by Michael Kay. Great job. And Willie is so appreciative of the huge ovation he's getting. :) A long, great ovation for one of the classiest guys around.

2:41 PM

Wade Boggs: Hall of Fame career, Hall of Shame Hair ;)

2:42 PM

Dave Winfield: If you never saw him play in his prime, you missed something special. A true 5-tool player.

2:43 PM

Rich "Goooooooose" Gossage: Too bad Louuuuuuuuuuuuu isn't there.

Amazing how many Hall of Famers have played in the Pinstripes.

2:44 PM

Reginald Martinez Jackson: "Mr. October" Say what you want about him, he was clutch.
Wow, its been 15 years since he went into the Hall.

It's not looking like Bernie will be there :(

2:45 PM

Whitey Ford: The Chairman of the Board.

2:46 PM

Yogi Berra: The man, the myth, the legend.

2:48 PM

Arlene Howard, widow of Elston Howard: What a great player and gentleman Ellie was.

Jill Martin, widow of Billy the Kid.

2:49 PM

Helen Hunter, wife of the great Catfish: One of the best pitcher we ever saw - money in the big games.

2:50 PM

Diane Munson: Widow of the Captain. 29 years ago today - WOW.

Guidry, Reggie, Willie...when did my boys get so old?

2:51 PM

Cora Rizzuto, widow of the Scooter. His beloved Cora :(

2:53 PM

Michael Kay talking about the magnificence of the Yankees organizations: "They are once and forever, New York Yankees."

2:54 PM

Time to remember those who have passed from the Yankees and MLB. Too many to remember, but here are some memorables.

Johnny Podres

Tommy Holmes

Joe Nuxhall

John McHale

Bill Robinson

Tommy Byrne

Phil Rizzuto

Bobby Murcer

2:56 PM

The National Anthem, sung by the late, great Robert Merrill, who wore number 1 1/2 at OT games.

2:59 PM

Cora Rizzuto throws out the ceremonial first pitch. A little delay while someone comes to get it and, appropriately it's Derek Jeter.

You Jeter haters: How can you hate a guy who does so many things right as a person, never mind as a player?

3:02 PM

Al Leiter warming up with Luis Sojo: Leiter says he's trying to hurt Luis' hand to get him back for that 10-hopper back in the 2000 WS. He's jokingly trying to impress Girardi too. Good stuff.

Singleton: "Who is starting Al?" Leiter: "Mussina" Singleton: "In the old timers game."

3:05 PM

Kim Jones talking to Reggie about Rickey Henderson's pending Hall of Fame election. Now talking about Willie Randolph's warm reception.

3:06 PM

Game about to begin with Goose on the mound. That's going to do it for the live blogging for now. Hopefully, someone followed it besides us. :)

Humble Goose Enters Hall

Sunday afternoon we tuned into ESPN Classic in time to catch the baseball Hall of Fame inductions ceremonies. Actually we had to go back and forth to other things for a while while Bowie Kuhn's son droned on about his Dad. No offense, son of Bowie, but your Dad sucked as Commissioner.

A teary eyed Goose Gossage gave a very good and humble speech about his entrance to the shrine. He remembered teammates, including those gone, Thurman, Catfish, Bobby Ray...We were hoping they would show a quick shot of Reggie Jackson when Goose said that Dick Allen was the greatest player he ever played with. Goose credited Allen with taking him under his wing and helping him to adjust to life in the bigs. Funny, no one has ever said that about Reggie. Goose also did a little stumping for George Steinbrenner.

Great job too by Dick Williams, who we always felt was one of the best managers in baseball. Williams was quick to point out that he couldn't have made it as a manager in today's game. In his time, the manager was in control, there were no discussions, no questioning anything by the players. He certainly had success in every place he managed, the Impossible Dream season in Boston in '67, championships in Oakland, a pennant in San Diego, and a vastly improved Montreal Expos team in the late '70s.

We also remember when he nearly became Yankees manager, which meant we might never of had Billy Ball, but Charlie Finley wanted compensation and Kuhn wasn't too keen on it. Then again, could you imagine Williams trying to get along with George Steinbrenner?

It seems absurd that Goose had to wait this long to get into the Hall and even more absurd that Williams had to wait even longer.

Humble Goose Enters Hall

Sunday afternoon we tuned into ESPN Classic in time to catch the baseball Hall of Fame inductions ceremonies. Actually we had to go back and forth to other things for a while while Bowie Kuhn's son droned on about his Dad. No offense, son of Bowie, but your Dad sucked as Commissioner.

A teary eyed Goose Gossage gave a very good and humble speech about his entrance to the shrine. He remembered teammates, including those gone, Thurman, Catfish, Bobby Ray...We were hoping they would show a quick shot of Reggie Jackson when Goose said that Dick Allen was the greatest player he ever played with. Goose credited Allen with taking him under his wing and helping him to adjust to life in the bigs. Funny, no one has ever said that about Reggie. Goose also did a little stumping for George Steinbrenner.

Great job too by Dick Williams, who we always felt was one of the best managers in baseball. Williams was quick to point out that he couldn't have made it as a manager in today's game. In his time, the manager was in control, there were no discussions, no questioning anything by the players. He certainly had success in every place he managed, the Impossible Dream season in Boston in '67, championships in Oakland, a pennant in San Diego, and a vastly improved Montreal Expos team in the late '70s.

We also remember when he nearly became Yankees manager, which meant we might never of had Billy Ball, but Charlie Finley wanted compensation and Kuhn wasn't too keen on it. Then again, could you imagine Williams trying to get along with George Steinbrenner?

It seems absurd that Goose had to wait this long to get into the Hall and even more absurd that Williams had to wait even longer.

The Sunday Yankeeland - 7/27

New title, what the heck.

In case you missed yesterday's roster moves, Brett Gardner was optioned to Scranton and LaTroy Hawkins was, at last, designated for assignment. Justin Christian will now serve as the extra outfielder and pinch-runner.

The Yankees also had to make room on the 40-man roster and they did so by putting Kei Igawa on waivers. Unfortunately, no one claimed him.

Carl Pavano threw batting practice yesterday and is scheduled to pitch for the GCL Yankees on Tuesday.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star is reporting that the Yankees are taking a serious look at starting pitcher Brian Bannister. Bannister pitched well last year and started out '08 in the same manner, but currently has a 5+ ERA. The Royals are reportedly interested in Melky Cabrera, which really doesn't make a lot of sense for their team.

Melky's been a big disappointment at the plate this season, but we wouldn't mess with the outfield defense right now, nor with Robinson Cano's psyche by trading his best friend. If you want to upgrade the offense in center field, wait until the off-season.

The Yankees could end up souring on Jarrod Washburn due to reported monetary demands he's making to waive his no-trade clause. According to the Seattle Times, Washburn and agent Scott Boras worked out scenarios as rumors began to fly that he would be dealt. Washburn is already set to make 10.9 mill next year.

Goose Gossage, at long last, getes inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame today.

The Boston Globe has a piece on today's starter Sidney Ponson and the happiness he has found in Pinstripes.

One of our fave's, Mike Vaccaro, has a feature on the Yankees put the pedal to the metal.

The Sunday Yankeeland - 7/27

New title, what the heck.

In case you missed yesterday's roster moves, Brett Gardner was optioned to Scranton and LaTroy Hawkins was, at last, designated for assignment. Justin Christian will now serve as the extra outfielder and pinch-runner.

The Yankees also had to make room on the 40-man roster and they did so by putting Kei Igawa on waivers. Unfortunately, no one claimed him.

Carl Pavano threw batting practice yesterday and is scheduled to pitch for the GCL Yankees on Tuesday.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star is reporting that the Yankees are taking a serious look at starting pitcher Brian Bannister. Bannister pitched well last year and started out '08 in the same manner, but currently has a 5+ ERA. The Royals are reportedly interested in Melky Cabrera, which really doesn't make a lot of sense for their team.

Melky's been a big disappointment at the plate this season, but we wouldn't mess with the outfield defense right now, nor with Robinson Cano's psyche by trading his best friend. If you want to upgrade the offense in center field, wait until the off-season.

The Yankees could end up souring on Jarrod Washburn due to reported monetary demands he's making to waive his no-trade clause. According to the Seattle Times, Washburn and agent Scott Boras worked out scenarios as rumors began to fly that he would be dealt. Washburn is already set to make 10.9 mill next year.

Goose Gossage, at long last, getes inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame today.

The Boston Globe has a piece on today's starter Sidney Ponson and the happiness he has found in Pinstripes.

One of our fave's, Mike Vaccaro, has a feature on the Yankees put the pedal to the metal.

The First Pitches

Yankee Stadium is a million times greater than any other sports arena so it took 4 people to throw out the first pitch of tonight's All-Star game. Hall of Fame inductees Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, and Goose Gossage threw to Joe Girardi, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mariano Rivera. The baseballs were delivered to home plate by a very emotional George Steinbrenner.

The First Pitches

Yankee Stadium is a million times greater than any other sports arena so it took 4 people to throw out the first pitch of tonight's All-Star game. Hall of Fame inductees Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, and Goose Gossage threw to Joe Girardi, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mariano Rivera. The baseballs were delivered to home plate by a very emotional George Steinbrenner.

The Daily Yankeeland - 7/15

The Home Run Derby can get quite dull, but last night's display by Josh Hamilton was beyond phenomenal. Reggie Jackson threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Derek Jeter. More on that later though.

A celebrity softball game was played on Saturday as part of the festivities. In addition to actors, actresses, and comedians, the teams included hall of fame players Goose Gossage, Gary Carter, Paul Molitor, Wade Boggs, Rollie Fingers, George Brett, and Dave Winfield, and former Yankees Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez.

Never in our wildest imagination would we ever have expected to hear a (Whoopi) Goldberg to (Billy) Crystal to Tino Martinez, 4-6-3 double play, but it did in fact happen.

Paul O'Neill brought back some memories with a tremendous 3-run home run home run that easily cleared the temporary fence and landed well out into the territory Paulie used to roam. Boggs also homered.

ESPN's Kenny Mayne, by far, was the worst player on either side (though Chris Rock struck out), playing a couple of fly balls like he was Pele. Maybe worse was the fact that he's just not funny any more.

And despite the fact that she wore a Red Sox hat and wasn't very good, Hollywood reporter Maria Menounos looked quite hot.

Phil Hughes threw a 35-pitch mound session on Monday, made up of 25 fastballs and 10 curves.

Johnny Damon was supposed to hit off a tee yesterday, but held off due to soreness in his shoulder.

Brian Bruney threw 15 pitches in a scoreless inning for the Trenton Thunder last night.
Hideki Matsui continues to hit, but has not been cleared to run yet.
Alex Rodriguez received trophies for getting the most votes in the American League and the most votes over all. No truth to the rumor that he "Vogued" when he accepted them.

Kudos to the YES Network for their magnificent coverage on the life and death of Bobby Murcer. It was point on. Tasteful, respectful, and extremely well produced. Great job guys!

The Daily Yankeeland - 7/15

The Home Run Derby can get quite dull, but last night's display by Josh Hamilton was beyond phenomenal. Reggie Jackson threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Derek Jeter. More on that later though.

A celebrity softball game was played on Saturday as part of the festivities. In addition to actors, actresses, and comedians, the teams included hall of fame players Goose Gossage, Gary Carter, Paul Molitor, Wade Boggs, Rollie Fingers, George Brett, and Dave Winfield, and former Yankees Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez.

Never in our wildest imagination would we ever have expected to hear a (Whoopi) Goldberg to (Billy) Crystal to Tino Martinez, 4-6-3 double play, but it did in fact happen.

Paul O'Neill brought back some memories with a tremendous 3-run home run home run that easily cleared the temporary fence and landed well out into the territory Paulie used to roam. Boggs also homered.

ESPN's Kenny Mayne, by far, was the worst player on either side (though Chris Rock struck out), playing a couple of fly balls like he was Pele. Maybe worse was the fact that he's just not funny any more.

And despite the fact that she wore a Red Sox hat and wasn't very good, Hollywood reporter Maria Menounos looked quite hot.

Phil Hughes threw a 35-pitch mound session on Monday, made up of 25 fastballs and 10 curves.

Johnny Damon was supposed to hit off a tee yesterday, but held off due to soreness in his shoulder.

Brian Bruney threw 15 pitches in a scoreless inning for the Trenton Thunder last night.
Hideki Matsui continues to hit, but has not been cleared to run yet.
Alex Rodriguez received trophies for getting the most votes in the American League and the most votes over all. No truth to the rumor that he "Vogued" when he accepted them.

Kudos to the YES Network for their magnificent coverage on the life and death of Bobby Murcer. It was point on. Tasteful, respectful, and extremely well produced. Great job guys!