|
Many of us are still trying to come to terms with the disappointing ending to last year (and the year before) as we have been "spoiled" into believing that another World Championship is always "in the bag." The other day I was discussing the upcoming season with my son's goaltending coach at hockey practice. He is also a fan and our conversations always seem to sway from the proper fundamentals when covering the crease to New York Yankees baseball. With the acquisition of Godzilla, hitting seems to be the only topic on everybody's mind, yet the biggest topic (in our minds) is the lack of endurance on the mound (due to an aging rotation) over the course of the season. Where are the "young guns" that can provide "middle relief" while extending the arms of our veterans well into the playoffs? Have we become so arrogant that we believe our starters (and relievers) can continue to produce year-after-year without showing any signs of wear and tear? The Rocket, Boomer, Moose and the rest of the guys are often without peers, but none of them are getting any younger and their inconsistency in the playoffs last year may have been a sign of things to come. In other words, we shouldn't be so focused on winning today, that we lose sight of tomorrow. The Yankees need to plan - not only for 2 months from now, but 2 years from now and a long-term commitment to "mentoring on the mound" may be the difference between another championship and another disappointment.
Website Spotlight Behind The Bombers The longest running New York Yankees fan site on the Internet Behind the Bombers originally started (via snail mail) in 1989 bringing the latest Yankee news to transplanted New Yorkers. After converting to an online format, the website gained its popularity via local Bulletin Board Services and the Prodigy message boards. In the 1997 off-season, BTB got its first big break when one of the brains over at the official Yankees site got the bright idea to close down their forum during the off-season. Over the years they have interviewed the likes of Phil Rizzuto, Bobby Murcer, Allie Reynolds, Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Sterling and Kay, Eddie Layton, Richard Lally, Harvey Frommer and more. In 2000, webmaster Phil Speranza was asked to do the update for the Yankees Encyclopedia after renowned Yankee writer Walter LeConte recommended him for the job. Currently BTB remains the longest running fan site on the net and is second only to Yankees.com for longevity. Check it out today!
Everyfan.net has taken up the cause of the average NY sports fan who cannot access the Yankees on their cable system. For more information go to www.everyfan.net Player Profile #8 Yogi Berra Born: (Lawrence Peter Berra) May 12, 1925, St. Louis He has won the affection and admiration from peer and public to a degree uncommon in American life. In fact, Yogi Berra may be the most beloved athlete of our time - his kindness, humility and good humor remain the stuff of legend. Yogi anchored the New York Yankees' dynasty from the late 1940s to early '60s, becoming a 15-time All-Star, winner of 10 world championships (most in baseball history) and three-time Most Valuable Player (no player has won more) along the way. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972 and is a member of Major League Baseball's All-Century Team. As a manager with both New York teams, he became the first man in over 40 years to win pennants in different leagues (Yankees in 1964, Mets in 1973). Source: Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center
Next Issue: More 2003 season analysis and commentary, Larsen's masterpiece, Don Mattingly profile and much more! RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS! Join the staff of our monthly Internet publication dedicated to baseball's most storied franchise. This is for fun, not work, but only serious parties apply. Write your own column, email it to us and we'll do the rest. Opinionated pieces are very welcome, but please keep it clean. When writing historical or statistical based stories, please include a list of your reference materials. We reserve the right to refuse any that do not meet our standards. Apply now
|
How ya' doin? Best sites on 'da 'net! New York Yankees Mighty Yanks The Bombers NY Yankees Fast Facts: Betcha' didn't know was the A.L. Strikeout Champion in 1933, 1934 and 1937. He also won the A.L. Pitching Triple Crown in '34 and '37. Roger Maris In his first game in Yankee pinstripes, he singled, doubled, and hit 2 home runs. "In the building I live in on Park Avenue there are ten people who could buy the Yankees, but none of them could hit the ball out of Yankee Stadium." Reggie Jackson Trivia: The interlocking "NY" logo made its first appearance on the uniforms of the New York Highlanders in 1909. Who designed the symbol and why? Answer In Next Issue Have a trivia question? Email it to us and maybe we'll use it in an upcoming issue. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the brave men and women of our armed forces currently engaged in the conflicts overseas. Thank you for your service to our country and the world. God Bless You. |
