http://www.yankeeborn.com/ en-us 6/2/2010 9:54:41 AM 6/2/2010 9:54:41 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/rss.xml Atomword (Atomword.com) aw@yankeeborn.com aw@yankeeborn.com 5 http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/30/the-yankees-greatest-pitcher-whitey-ford.html Whitey Ford was first signed by the New York Yankees as a free agent in 1947. He then was sent to the majors to prime for his run with the big club starting in 1949. Ford called up to the Yankees as a 21 year old. He would end his career also in a Yankee's uniform, only playing for the Bronx Bombers and no other team in baseball. He got to stay in the majors in 1950, and never was sent down again. He started his first game for the team on June 1, 1950, and won his pitching debut. He then went on to win nine straight games before finally losing a contest as a reliever in the late innings of a game. Ford ended his 1950 season by winning The Sporting News Rookie of the Year award as a pitcher. He did not win the Baseball Writers of America Rookie of the Year award that season. Ford missed the 1951 and 1952 seasons for the Yankees while serving in the United States Army Air Corps during the Korean War. He returned in 1953. Ford quickly rose from being a number four pitcher to becoming the team's ace pitcher. He was even given the nickname "The Chairman of the Board" for his mastery on the mound under stressful situations. Ford was considered an effective strikeout pitcher for his time without the benefit of an outstanding fastball. He did have pinpoint control, which added to his arsenal and kept batters confused. During his short career, Ford was selected to eight All-Star teams, and won six World Series Championships with the Yankees. In 1961, he won both the Cy Young award as the best pitcher in the American League and the Most Valuable Player award. Ford ended his career in 1966, after undergoing a surgery to repair arm damage. He retired from baseball at the age of 40. 7/30/2010 5:27:21 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/30/the-yankees-greatest-pitcher-whitey-ford.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/22/yogi-berra-and-his-career-with-the-yankees.html Yogi Berra is considered the greatest catcher in baseball history. He is a beloved player whose compactness and athleticism are legendary. He played along with Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle in a time when the Yankees dominated baseball. Numerous records kept by baseball statisticians belong only to Yogi. His #8 was retired, and he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He played in the World Series 14 times, and the Yankees won 10 of them. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1925, Lawrence Peter Berra, better known as “Yogi,” was born to Italian immigrants. He grew up across the street from a future competitor and boyhood friend, Joe Garagiola. His nickname, Yogi, came from a friend who said the Berra looked like the Hindu holy man in a movie they had seen. Yogi learned the basics of baseball playing with local American Legion teams. In 1942, the Cardinals chose Garagiola over Berra, who eventually signed with the NY Yankees. After serving in WWII, he played some Minor League ball before moving up to the big league. Yogi played in more than 100 games per year for 14 years. His compact body and speed made him a feared catcher. He had a reputation for hitting bad pitches, saying that if he could hit them they weren't bad pitches. It was an 83 year-old Yogi Berra dressed in his off-white flannel pinstripe Yankee uniform standing behind home plate on a recent night in September 2008. Yogi can usually be seen in the ballpark watching a game. This night was different, as he stood on the field with today's players saying goodbye to Yankee Stadium for the last time. Yogi has said, “It ain't over 'til it's over.” That night, it was over. 7/22/2010 5:31:01 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/22/yogi-berra-and-his-career-with-the-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/13/the-legend-of-george-m-steinbrenner-iii.html George Steinbrenner passed away this morning at 6:30, he is survived by his wife and four children and many grandchildren. Mr Steinbrenner turned 80 on July 4th, he was the principal owner of the New York Yankees since 1973 when he and a group of investors purchased the then failing Yankees. Mr Steinbrenner with his wisdom and the love for sports made a huge contribution to restore the Yankee Pride once again back in the minds of his players and management within the Yankee organization. Over the years he brought new creations into the baseball world by bringing in new blood (as he would say). He was controversal, confrontational and he brought fear in the minds who worked for him, he wanted success, success not for himself but success for the Yankees, when success came to the Yankees that meant there was success in the organization and he gave everyone the credit. Nothing for himself but the pride that the New York Yankees were back and he wanted them to stay back on top. Over the next 37 years the Yankee record speaks for itself. Failure was not an option he would not except anything less than success. Under Mr Steinbrenner the Yankees won 11 American league Championships and 7 World Series Titles. He passed to his two sons Hal and Hank the operational duties to carry on his legacy. With Hal and Hank stands a man probably one of the most valuable assets in the Yankee organization Brian Cashman, Brian has brought back success with his wisdom of trades and new blood from the Yankee minor leagues. 7/13/2010 8:09:20 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/13/the-legend-of-george-m-steinbrenner-iii.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/11/bob-sheppard.html Bob Sheppard came to the New York Yankees back in the year of 1951, he has announced baseball games from 1951 to the end of the 2007 year when he became ill. Bob Sheppard announce many greats, his impeccable introductions ranged from Mickey Mantle to Joe DiMaggio to the present Derek Jeter. Even today every time Derek comes to home plate at Yankee Stadium Bob Sheppard still makes his introduction, because Jeter had his voice recorded to make his introduction as long as he remains a Yankee and is still playing. Bob Sheppard was believed to be 99 when he passed away this day, Bob has become a very large part of the New York Yankees, he was just as big a part of the Yankees legend as any player, owner or even the building itself. He will be remembered for decades to come. Bob Sheppard will now introduce the many legends that are in heaven and waiting to hear him introduce them just as he did here on earth. 7/11/2010 8:58:01 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/11/bob-sheppard.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/09/the-babe-and-the-yankees-.html Back in the early years of baseball, George Herman Ruth filled stadiums and the fans could not get enough of The Babe, with his phenomenal instincts for the game. Ruth started out in 1914 as a pitcher for Baltimore and the same year he was a team member for the Boston Red Sox. A scout saw his fielding and batting and was so impressed that the New York Yankees purchased his contract in 1920. He became an outfielder and was with the Yankees until 1935. His achievements were many, some unbeaten to this day. Here are a few highlights from The Babe's incredible career. His 714 home runs record stood for 39 years. He had three home runs each in two separate World Series games in 1926 and 1928. In 1927, The Babe slammed 60 home runs which was 14 percent of all home runs that year. In the 20s and 30s, Ruth and teammate Lou Gehrig were known as the Dynamic Duo and the opposing pitchers' worst nightmare. The Babe was extremely popular with his fans and teammates but he was a humble guy. It takes a talented man to accumulate these statistics. The Yankees had one of baseball's brightest stars in The Babe. Fans were loyal to him and in 1948 when he passed away, the country mourned a simple and great man in the sport of baseball. There are still a few old timers who actually attended Ruth games, but if you ask Yankee management and team members, they will be glad to chat with you about The Babe. 7/9/2010 1:38:27 PM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/07/09/the-babe-and-the-yankees-.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/27/poem-for-yankee-giant-fans.html As you begin another Decade of your life, The sharpness of your senses May cause some undue strife. This unused box of presents Will put you to the test, As you determine thoughtfully Which senses are working best. Five gifts will need attention From your valuable sense of sight, For they serve as a reminder of those teams of greatest might. The Giants tin of popcorn And the Yankee license Plate Will keep your eyes attuned To the Teams of highest rate Two gifts will cater deliciously to your sample sense of taste. There's plenty to go around so none will go to waste The Giant tin of popcorn May be shared with every pal, But the luscious malted milk balls Are just for you and your pal. Some say that humans' hearing Is the very first sense to go But you'll hear these shiny wind chimes 'When the gentle breezes blow. Your perceptive sense of smell Will experience some delights, As you burn the provocative incense On those quiet and restful nights. You've opened all the packages And you have gotten much. But, alas have we forgotten The last --the sense of touch? No, don't you long despair For we wouldn't let you miss The touch upon your lips Of a warm and tender kiss. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/27/poem-for-yankee-giant-fans.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/20/the-new-yankee-stadium.html The New York Yankees are known worldwide; Yankee Stadium, located in the Bronx, is known nationwide. Yankee Stadium was built in 1923 and has been the home for multiple legendary players such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, and Mickey Mantle. Having guys like this play at the stadium is why it has stood for as long as it has; however, on April 16, 2009, the current Yankee stars will call a new stadium home. Although it may be nice, new, and unfamiliar territory, one thing remains the same -- the name. Yankee Stadium will continue to be the stadium of the New York Yankees. The new stadium is located across the street from the old stadium and will include many similarities from Yankee Stadium. From having the fields’ exact dimensions to the exterior looks of the stadium before it was renovated in the 1970’s, the hope is to have that “Yankee Stadium” feel, still there. On August 16, 2006, construction started on the estimated $1.3 billion dollar project, under the architectural design of HOK Sport. The stadium will hold a couple thousand less than the old one, but will still manage to seat or stand over 52,000 fans. These fans will be accommodated with more amenities than before with more box seats, restrooms, elevators, and space. Although Yankee Stadium has been a home for many past and present starts, fan favorites, like Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, will now be making their mark on the new stadium. No matter where the Yankees play, their legacy will always continue. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/20/the-new-yankee-stadium.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/17/success-of-the-new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team from New York City. The New York Yankees history started in Minneapolis in 1800s in the Minor Western League. Then, in the year 1899, the Baltimore National League dissolved. The Minneapolis league decided to move to Baltimore, where they became the Orioles. They won their first game in 1901, beating Boston 10-6. The team played in Baltimore for two years. The American League was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1901. The New York Yankees were a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Then, they moved to New York City in 1903 when Frank Farrell and Bill Devery became the new owners. They thought that New York was a more lucrative market than Baltimore. On April 11, 1912, the Highlanders decide to get a new uniform made with pinstripes, which later became one of the most famous designs. Also, in 1913, the AL team in New York decided to sign a new deal at Polo Grounds, and that’s when they go from being named the Highlanders to the Yankees. The New York Yankees acquired many other players who, later on, were a part of their great success. Most of these players came from the Boston Red Sox, including Babe Ruth, and, after he was sold to the New York Yankees, the Red Sox wouldn’t win the World Series for 86 years. Ruth was one of the best players. These are some of the players that got voted into the Hall of Fame: Babe Ruth, Yogi Berra, Lefty Gomez, Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, Whitey Ford, Gaylord Perry, Dave Winfield, Lou Gehrig and Mickey Mantle. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/17/success-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/16/yankees-vs-roy-halladay.html The Philadelphia Phillies came into Yankee Stadium and had their Ace on the mound expecting to end the day with a victory. Roy Halladay is coming off of a Perfect game against the Florida Marlins on May 29, 2010. Halladay had just given up three home runs all year and they were all to right batters shutting down all left handed batters holding them to zero, but the New York Yankees brought their Ace CC Sabathia to the mound to oppose Halladay and the fun began with CC striking out four of the first five hitters showing the Phillies hitters that CC was bringing his A game with him. The Yankees brought their bats also hitting three home runs off Halladay and they were all left handers which produced all the runs CC needed but ended up winning the game by a score of 8 to 3. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/16/yankees-vs-roy-halladay.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/10/new-major-league-baseball-record.html In 1995 history was being made and no one was aware of this remarkable record that was being developed . Four men each not knowing to much about each other at this stage in their careers because they were playing in the minors trying to develop their skills as baseball players at their own positions, and how long they would each take to make the Major Leagues. In 1995 four players made their debut in the Major Leagues for the New York Yankees. Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. The first to make the Majors was Andy Pettitte he made his debut on April 29, 1995, then on May 23,1995 Mariano Rivera was the second to make the club, then six days later on May 29, 1995 Derek Jeter was promoted. The fourth player Jorge Posada was promoted months later on September 4, 1995. These four players played together for the next 16 years on the same team the New York Yankees except for Andy Pettitte who played for the Houston Astros between 2004 and 2006. Three of these four players is the first in Major League History to play for the same team during their careers for 16 years. All four players are still with the New York Yankees but for how many more years will they continue to play together? All four players playing their respective positions have each made their own mark in the baseball record books, each have won many World Championships, made the All Star Teams, and all have won many individual awards. Sixteen years, who will come even close to breaking this record, with free agency, trades which club will try to keep the core of their players together for this long? As for the four above it has been a pleasure watching each of you develop into World Champions, I hope you continue to play together for years to come. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/10/new-major-league-baseball-record.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/09/a-brief-history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html It is common knowledge in our country that baseball is America's pastime. Baseball started out much like the other professional sports, with smaller baseball clubs in many different cities all competing against one another. Over time, the game evolved into Major League Baseball, and many of the smaller teams went away, or became farm clubs for the big league teams. One team that evolved from this mess to become the most successful ball club of all time is the New York Yankees. The New York Yankees were founded in 1901 as the Orioles, before relocating to Manhattan in 1903. The name changed to the Yankees at this time, but they were also referred to as the Highlanders. The team name officially changed to the Yankees in 1913. The Yankees played at Hilltop Park in Upper Manhattan until 1913, when they moved their operations to the Polo Grounds. The Yankees stayed there until 1923, when they moved into Yankee Stadium, and, with the exception of a short stint in the 1970s in Shea Stadium for park renovations, the Yankees have been there ever since. This is their final season in the House That Ruth Built. The 1920s saw more than a move to Yankee Stadium for the club, as they also brought in two power sluggers that would forever change the face of the club as well as the league, George Herman "Babe" Ruth and Lou Gehrig. The 1930s saw Babe Ruth depart, but soon after Joe DiMaggio arrived on the scene along with Joe McCarthy as manager, and the Yankees in turn won four World Series titles in that decade. The DiMaggio/McCarthy Era ran through until Casey Stengel took over the club in 1951. Stengel lasted until 1959, and then the era of the M&M boys took over for a few short years with Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. The Yankees took a bit of a dive until 1973, when George Steinbrenner took over. Steinbrenner has since turned over the majority of the responsibility over to his son, but he remains the principle owner of the club. Steinbrenner made the moves necessary to return the Yankees to dominance, as they have won 10 pennants and 6 World Series titles in the period of his ownership, which is the longest in club history. Although the Yankees appear to be heading into a new era, with a new manager as of last year, possibly a new owner in Hank Steinbrenner, and a new Yankee Stadium, the Yankees have an extensive history to fall back on. If history is any indication of how the future will turn out, then the Yankees are in for many more years of success. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/09/a-brief-history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/06/mickey-mantle.html Mickey Mantle was born on October 20th, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. Mickey attended Commerce High School where he became a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball. Mickey was offered a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma for both football and baseball and an injury he suffered in football changed his life. During a football game, Mickey was kicked in the shin and the injury became infected with a formerly incurable disease called osteomyelitis. Mickey was treated and they were able to save his leg with a new form of penicillin, but he suffered the rest of his life. Mickey began is career in 1948 when he played with the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, where he was first noticed by scout Tom Greenwade. Mickey impressed Greenwade so much that he wanted to recruit him that day, but Mantle's young age of 16 prevented that. Mickey graduated high school in 1949 and signed with the Yankees for $400.00 that year with a sign on bonus of $1,100. Mickey Mantle arrived in New York in April of 1951 and started his mark on history. Mickey played right field until 1952 when he switched to center field; replacing fellow baseball great Joe DiMaggio. Mickey moved to Left field in 1965 and ended his career at first base. Mickey retired from the Yankee’s in 1969 after spending 18 successful years in New York. While playing, Mantle won three American League MVP titles and played in 16 all star games. Mickey still currently holds the record for the most home runs in a World Series 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/06/06/mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/31/new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team that plays in the American League. The Yankees are one of the eight charter members of the American League. They were formed in 1901 as the Baltimore Orioles, moving to New York in 1903 when their name was changed to the New York Highlanders. In 1913 the Highlanders’ officially became the New York Yankees and has remained so ever since. Over the years the Yankees have won 39 American League pennants and 26 World Series, the most by any professional baseball team, or any franchised sports team. Yankee history is dotted with colorful characters, Babe Ruth in the 1920 to 1930, Joe DiMaggio from 1936 until 1951, and Casey Stengel. There are many stories about the years while Casey Stengel was the Yankees’ manager. One cute one was during a game in the later innings, Stengel wanted the umpire to order the stadium lights be put on, but the umpire refused. Shortly after that Casey went out to the mound to bring in a relief pitcher and he signaled the dugout by waving a lantern back and forth. The lights were turned on. Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris next brought added fame to the team with their respective hitting prowess. Louis B. Tiffany designed the very popular “NY” that adorns the Yankee uniforms and hats in 1877 in tribute to the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty. One of the owners of the Yankees, Bill Devery, was a retired police chief and chose the design of those letters for the New York Yankees. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/31/new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/25/mariano-rivera-mlbs-greatest-closer.html Mariano Rivera, born in Panama on November 29,1969 where he grew up and played soccer with his friends. His father was a Captain of a fishing ship in a poor area of Puerto Caimito. When he and his friends weren’t playing soccer they were playing baseball anywhere they could put their bases. This was a strange situation because they were so poor that they had to take old fishing nets and roll the net into circles and using tape to shape the net into an object similar to a baseball. Mariano did not give baseball much credence thinking it was to tough with very little money to be made so when he got older and after graduating from Pablo Sanchez High School at the age of 16 he went to work with his father on his fishing vessel for a few years, at the age of 19 he finally gave up fishing. At this point in his life he began to play baseball which was the beginning of a very fruitful and rewarding career. Mariano Rivera’s career begins, on February 17, 1990 he gets a $3,000 signing bonus from the New York Yankees in his living room in Panama. He started his season in the Gulf Coast League where he was considered a marginal pitcher at best, but he soon started to change their opinions pitching mostly in relief, during this period he allowed one earned run in 53 innings. The following year he was bumped up to Class A Greensboro Hornets of the South Atlantic League where he started in 15 of the 30 games he played. In 1992 he moved up to Class A Advanced Fort Lauderdale Yankees of the Florida State League where he developed his famous slider, He was trying to improve this pitch when he hurt his arm and was shut down and eventually had surgery. He came back in the early part of the 1993 season pitching for rookie league before returning to the Class A Hornets. In 1994 he was moved back up to the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees and moved again up the scale in 1995 by being promoted to Columbus Clippers where he was ranked ninth best prospect in the Yankee Organization. Rivera made his Major League debut against the California Angels on May 23, 1995 as a starting pitcher where they ended up losing to the Angels 10-0. This year Rivera spent time being shuttled between the Clippers and the Yankees. Then in 1996 he was used as a set-up man to John Wetland. And went on to win the World Series against the Atlanta Braves establishing himself as a major link to a long future as the eventual closer role. Marino Rivera went on to win a total of 5 World Series through the year 2009. Mariano Rivera’s career has up to this point won 10 All-Star selections, 5 World Series Championships, 5 AL Rolaids Relief Man Award, 3 MLB save Champion, 3 DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award, 1999 World Series MVP Award, 2003 AL Championship Series MVP, Holds many MLB records and distinctions. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/25/mariano-rivera-mlbs-greatest-closer.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/24/mark-teixeira-first-baseman.html Mark Charles Teixeira was born in Annapolis, Maryland on April 11, 1980. Mark played for the Georgia Tech baseball team and in 2001 he won the Dick Howser Trophy as the national collegiate baseball player of the year. Mark Teixeira, 1st Baseman for the New York Yankees. Mark signed a contract in December 2008 to play for the New York Yankees at 1st base for the next 8 years. Prior to signing with the Yankees in 2008 he had played for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim from July 2008 to help his new team to win their first 100 games in their history and eventually go on to the World Series. In August 2007 he played his first game as an Atlanta Braves and went 1 for 4 with a three run home run and ended up with 4 RBI’s. In July 2007 two weeks after turning down an eight year contract extension where he played since being Drafted in 2001. Mark played in the minor leagues for only one year his first year was in the Florida State League where he batted .320 in 38 games and was then moved up to the Double A Tulsa Drillers where he hit .316 and hit ten home runs in 48 games, Mark signed his first Major League contract in 2003 after making the Texas Rangers team out of spring training. As a rookie with the Rangers he batted .259 and hit 26 home runs. Then in 2004 he batted .281 while hitting 38 home runs. Mark Teixeira has continued to show his value as a Professional 1st Baseman. He has won the Silver Slugger Award many times along with winning The Gold Glove Award many times. Lets hope Mark can continue to stay healthy and provide lots of pleasure for the fans in New York and around the country. 7/6/2010 5:37:06 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/24/mark-teixeira-first-baseman.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/19/robinson-cano-the-2nd-baseman.html Robinson Cano the baseball player, was born and raised in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. He grew up playing baseball and basketball while in High School. Robinson Cano was named after Jackie Robinson by his father who at the time was playing for the Houston Astros. Robinson Cano was signed in 2001 by the New York Yankees, and was immediately placed in the minor leagues. He progressed through the minors with glowing talent that lead him to be rumored to be in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for Randy Johnson. Fortunately for Robinson Cano and the Yankees the deal never materialized and the deal fell through. The Yankees eventually did acquire Randy Johnson but Robinson Cano was still a Yankee. During the 2005 season the was promoted to the Majors and has been progressing at a very aggressive pace, today in the 2010 season he is rumored to be one of the best 2nd baseman in the Majors. Robinson is blessed to have natural born talent and is getting better by the year 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/19/robinson-cano-the-2nd-baseman.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/14/first-month-of-the-2010-season.html At the end of the first month of the 2010 season the Yankees are 22 - 12 a good start of the new season but injuries are starting to become a concern with Chan Ho Park, Alfredo Aceves, Curtis Granderson, Nick Johnson are on the 15 day disabled list with Curtis Granderson out for possibly 30 days. Andy Pettitte and Nick Swisher are day to day, Mariano Rivera was absent for 7 days with a side injury and Jorge Posada was out for about 6 days with a calf injury. These bats and arms out of the line up every day started to take its toll with losing two series. Most of the injuries are somewhat minor but still serious. Along with the injuries the batting slumps of A Rod, Derek Jeter, Mark Teixeira, Ramiro Pena, Marcus Thames, Randy Winn, with the combination of all these different activities happening at the same time it will effect the teams wins and loses. But they are still 22 - 12 for the season which is very good and are two games behind the front running Rays. The Yankees will do what ever is needed to stay within striking distance of first place, they will be alright with two thirds of the season remaining. One of the good factors of the team is the batting average of Brett Gardner and Robinson Cano, Gardner is not only hitting very well but also leads the league in stolen bases. Another surprise is the back up catcher Francisco Cervelli with his hot bat and the strong defensive plays behind the plate, great job Cervelli. Keep up the good work Yankees keep aiming for # 28. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/05/14/first-month-of-the-2010-season.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/30/a-fond-farewell-thanks-for-the-memories.html As Derek Jeter climbed onto the mound Sunday night for the last time at Yankee Stadium, it was a ritual of passing, out with the old and in with the new. It was a nostalgic night with the fans hesitating to leave the stadium, as they played New York New York and Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight on the speakers. Tears were shed, but the memories will live on and a brighter future leaps ahead as one era is put to rest. As Yankee Stadium closed its doors the dreams of the new stadium were already under construction. The 1.3 billion dollar monstrosity that is going in across the street will replace all the memories of the old Yankee Stadium, or so they hope. 85 years of memories is a hard act to follow. As players scooped up dirt from the stadium for their memory boxes they gave final respect to the place that was nicknamed “The House That Ruth Built.” Julia Ruth Stevens, the 92 year old daughter of Babe Ruth, threw out the first pitch. Even Yogi Berra was touched by the ending of a good run. He dressed in his full vintage uniform as he watched for the last time. In 2009, the new stadium will open and Yankee Stadium will be demolished and become parkland. The games that were played in this stadium were all memorable to the attendants, whether the team won or lost. They may tear it down but they will never forget the victories won, the great players and the friends made. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/30/a-fond-farewell-thanks-for-the-memories.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/28/the-greatest-team-in-history.html The New York Yankees are considered by many to be the greatest baseball team in history. Looking at their achievements however, that may be an understatement. They may be the greatest team in North American sports history. Although the team was founded in 1901, they didn't take the name "New York Yankees" until 1913. After the name change, it didn't take them long to achieve success. Just ten years later, they had already won three American League pennants and a World Series title. By the end of the 1920’s, they won three more American League pennants and two more World Series titles. The franchise continued to experience great success throughout the next two decades. But their run from 1949 to 1964 is perhaps the greatest show of dominance by any team ever. In those sixteen seasons, they won fourteen American League pennants and nine World Series titles. Only two baseball teams have that many pennant wins in their entire history. Only the St. Louis Cardinals have as many total World Series wins as the Yankees had in that sixteen year stretch. Since 1964, the Yankees have continued to win a lot, though not nearly at that pace. They have won an additional ten American League pennants and six World Series titles. Their franchise winning percentage of 0.567 is easily the highest of any active team. They have more World Series titles than any other three teams in baseball history. So, it is probably beyond doubt that the Yankees are the greatest baseball team ever, but their greatness transcends that description. The NHL's Montreal Canadians are the only other team in North American sports history to have more than 30 appearances in their championship and more than 20 championships. The Yankees still hold both records. With their history of success, the honor of being "The Greatest" might be theirs for a long time to come. World Series pennant championships 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/28/the-greatest-team-in-history.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/17/popularity-of-the-new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees are without a doubt the most popular team in American professional sports, if you count the people who hate them along with those who love them. Even people who know nothing about sport and care less relish a hatred for the Yankees. Many who love baseball express that love with an almost obsessive devotion to the Bronx Bombers. No team generates more passion than the Yankees. The New York Yankees set Major League Baseball’s single season attendance record in 2008 when 4.3 million fans pushed through the turn styles. It was the fourth season in a row that more than four million fans attended their games in Yankee Stadium. It was also the last year for the 85-year-old stadium, the most famous venue in all of sport. In those years, more than 152 million fans watched the Yankees play in their home park. The Yankees will play in their new stadium for the second year. Lets see how things go this year. Statistics are only a small part of the story of Yankee popularity. While the team set and then broke their own records for championships in the 1950s, Yankee hatred became a cultural phenomenon. First came the best selling novel, "The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant." It told the story of a man who sold his soul to the devil to play on a Washington Senators team that beat the Yankees for the American League pennant. The book was then adapted into a hit Broadway musical comedy called "Damn Yankees." The musical packed the seats with Yankee haters and lovers alike for more than a thousand performances. Love to hate them or hate to love them, they are a very popular team.st 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/17/popularity-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/03/the-great-new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees first began as the Baltimore Orioles before moving to New York City in 1903. When they first moved to New York City, they were known as the New York Highlanders until 1913 when their name was changed to the New York Yankees. They are part of Major League Baseball's Eastern Division and their home stadium is Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have a better record than any other team in Major League Baseball since the have won 36 times in the World Series. They have also been the league champions 39 times. The New York Yankees have had some of the best known players in major league baseball beginning in 1920 with Babe Ruth who played for the Yankees until 1934. Then there was Lou Gehrig who played for them from 1923 until 1939. After Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio came along and played his entire career with them from 1936 until 1951. During that time they also had Yogi Berra who started in 1946 and continued until 1963. Another player who had his entire career with the Yankees was the great Mickey Mantle who started in 1951 and played until the end of the 1968 season. The Yankees have retired 15 numbers. The first one to be retired was that of Lou Gehrig in 1939. Others that followed were Ruth in 1948, DiMaggio in 1952, Mantle in 1969 and Berra in 1972. There has been 41 members of the Yankees, which have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/04/03/the-great-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/26/mickey-mantle.html Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. He was an All American baseball player who threw right, and threw off the pitchers by switching sides when batting. Mickey was put into the Hall of Fame in 1974 with an 88.2% vote. Mantle did not just play baseball, when he was in high school he also played football and basketball. Mantle was injured while playing football and he almost lost his leg. This injury is believed to be the cause of many other injuries throughout his life. Mantle overcame his injury and played his first game as a Yankee on April 17, 1951. He became the Yankee's right fielder, and did not see much of the infield until his last two seasons, where he played first base. Some of his records still stand in the World Series, such as 18 home runs, 42 runs, 43 walks and a few other ones. His career total in home runs is 536, and he had a batting average of .298. During Mickey's years in baseball, he became known as the fastest man to first base. Mickey Mantle's number was retired on June 8, 1969, and he also was given a plaque that hangs on the center field wall. Then, in 1999, Mantle was placed number 17 on a list of one hundred of the greatest players in baseball. Mantle died August 13, 1995 at the age of 63. The rest of the 1995 season was played in honor of Mickey Mantle. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/26/mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/18/the-miracle-at-birth.html We have all experienced the newborn baby and have relished at the amazing miracle of life that he or she brings into our lives. My son was adopted, so I didn’t get to have that experience of the birth, but when his mother and I brought him home for the first time it was so amazing what we just brought into our lives. He was so happy and well contented with the way his life was proceeding, this brought joy and pleasure into our lives that my wife and I never had dreamed we would experience this moment, it was something magical, something so warm and life changing. He had changed our lives forever and he never even knew anything was happening. As he began his adventure in growing up he had a few minor health problems the first one happened on one Saturday morning at our home in Greencastle, he was having a problem breathing which scared his mother and I into a almost panic mode. We rushed him to the Waynesboro Hospital to his doctor, I can still remember seeing the expression on his Doctors face when he first saw him, he very calmly looked at us and said Oh he is having an asthma attack and with this medication he will be fine in about ten minutes. Of course I said yea right. First lesson don’t panic, he was breathing fine in about ten minutes and life continues on. The minor problems with the cuts and bruises while Patrick was growing up had their moments. Each problem we tried to handle with calm and care always trying to keep him safe and stronger for the next event. From the very first day we brought Patrick home he was back then My # 1 son. Moving ahead thirty five year he is now the proud father of a son, my # 1 grandson, Ryan was born on 06/07/08 but, Ryan’s life was much different than his fathers was. Ryan was born premature two months early at St Peters Hospital in New Brunswick, NJ. Here Ryan spent the first two months of his life. The very first time I got to see my Grandson I could hardly stop the tears from rolling down my face, he laid in his little bed inside an incubator with tubes down his throat, patches on him that led to monitors to let the nurses know when he stopped breathing, this experience made me feel so helpless and sad, but I must tell you that this place was the best place for Ryan at this time in his life. This place was called the NICU, here is where the doctors and nurses earn their money, they are the best of the best and deserve what ever they need to care for these children. Today Ryan is the happiest baby, he’s growing and gaining weight advancing ahead of where he would have been if he had gone the full term. Ryan is now climbing in and out of bed, up and down the furniture, even getting up at the desk where he is operating the computer, he doesn't know what he is doing at the computer but he is on his way toward the learning process. Who knows he may be graduating from MIT in ten years. Good Luck Grandson and reach for the stars. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/18/the-miracle-at-birth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/12/home-runs-in-the-new-yankee-stadium.html Will there be a home run record in the new Yankee Stadium with this years Yankee team? The current record is held at the Coors Field in Colorado totaling 303 Home runs. What causes these wind currents, is it the height of the stadiums or maybe the gaps in the structure at the tops of the stadium. What about the buildings around the stadium, can these buildings cause unusual wind currents on the field? Or, can it be the players are hitting the ball further, I think we can rule this factor out, because, if the players were hitting longer balls the other stadiums would show more home runs in their parks. Lets get back to Yankee Stadium and explore their problems. The Yankees observed the wind patterns before opening the stadium, working with RWDI, an engineering firm in Guelph, Ontario, that studies wind currents in sports stadiums. RWDI declined to comment, but Yankees CEO Lonn Trost says the team is doing more studies. How about the gap in right and left field, can these two gaps cause unusual wind currents down on the field? Could the old Yankees Stadium be causing these wind currents in the new ball park? Will the wind currents change when the old stadium is torn down? I think there are few things that the Yankees can do in the new park that can help fix this problem, but I will keep them to myself for now. 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/03/12/home-runs-in-the-new-yankee-stadium.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/02/02/aiming-for-28.html Coming off a World Championship in 2009 the big question is can the Yankees repeat? With the moves Brian Cashman has made over the Winter with adding Outfielders Curtis Granderson and Randy Winn, pitchers Javier Vazquez and by adding a new DH infielder Nick Johnson. With the addition of these players and the loss of outfielders Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera and Johnny Damon along with Pitcher Phil Coke how will this effect the team chemistry for the upcoming 2010 season? I hate to see these players leave because each player played an important part in some way that allowed the Yankees to make it back to the playoffs and into the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. How will these new players effect the chemistry in the Yankees club house and on the field? I believe that with a year under their belts with CC, AJ, Chad Gaudin, Mark Teixeira and the rookies that were brought up during the season will be a very big asset to the new players, as for Javier Vazquez this will be his second tour back with the Yankees which should help him over come the fear of the Yankee Universe, Javier just go out there and pitch the way you are capable and just relax, let the team behind you help you win. This years team should get back to the playoffs again and have a great chance to get back into the World Series. Good Luck and just have FUN 7/6/2010 5:37:07 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/02/02/aiming-for-28.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/01/12/history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html The history of the New York Yankees cannot be disputed. The Yankees era started (after much drama and debate) in 1913. In a meeting to unite the two leagues, American League President Ban Johnson stated his wish to have a team in New York. A deal was made to move the Baltimore Orioles to New York. The original ballpark was earmarked for a plot of land just north of New York City. The team was named the NY Highlanders. At the time, it was common to refer to the team as the New York Americans and then the New York Yankees in 1904. However, it was not until 1913 that they officially were named the New York Yankees. The home field of the New York Highlanders was originally at the Polo grounds. Throughout the legacy of baseball in New York City, there have been actually four ballparks that were recognized as the “Polo Grounds,” which dates back to the 1800s. Initially, the Polo grounds were located near Central Park. In 1889, the Giants moved to Harlem and played at Coogan’s Bluff. In 1890, the Player’s League merged with the National League and the NY Giants purchased the ballpark at Brotherhood Park. This ballpark was renamed to the Polo Grounds in 1891. Since their inception, the New York Yankees have been the most decorated team in MLB history. They have won 26 World Series in 39 appearances. In the 1970s, George Steinbrenner bought the franchise and hired former Yankee great Billy Martin. After a dry spell in the 1970s, the Yankees returned to greatness in the mid to late 1990s, winning the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. The club won four World Series Championships during this period, which includes a victory over the cross-town rival the New York Mets in 2000. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2010/01/12/history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/12/25/christmas-day.html MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR MAY GOOD HEALTH FALL UPON EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THROUGH OUT THE NEW YEAR 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/12/25/christmas-day.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/11/28/new-york-yankees-their-players-and-wins.html In 1903, a new baseball team came to New York, they were the Highlanders since they played in one of the highest points in New York City. In 1909, they acquired their logo and added the pinstripe to their uniforms in 1912. Then in 1913, their name was changed to the New York Yankees. In 1904, they were only considered to be a fair team. Then the next sixteen years they went downhill and were one of the biggest losers. In fact, in those years, they lost over two-thirds of their games. It wasn't until after they received Babe Ruth for 125,000 dollars from the Red Sox in 1920 that their luck began to change. Between 1921 and 1927 they won five of their league championships. They also won two World Series Championships in 1927 and 1928. The 1927, the team has been said to be the best team of all time. They moved into Yankee Stadium in 1923. Over the years they have had their ups and downs in the winning categories in reference to the World Series. They have won a total of 39 of their league championships and 26 World Series titles. It seemed like when they were winning World Series, they would usually win at least 2 or 3 years in a row. Their longest World Series winning streak was from 1960 to 1964. Besides Ruth who has been deemed to probably be the the greatest baseball player of all time, they had many other outstanding athletes. Among those would be Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Joe Dimaggio, Roger Marris, and Whitey Ford. Also you can add Roger Clemens, Jackie Robinson, Casey Stingel, Don Mattingly, Reggie Jackson and Derek Jeter. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/11/28/new-york-yankees-their-players-and-wins.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/11/03/the-history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html he New York Yankees are one of the most popular Major League Baseball teams. Getting their start in Baltimore, Maryland in 1901, the New York Yankees began their career as the Baltimore Orioles. After going through a move to New York City, the formerly known Baltimore Orioles became the New York Highlanders. Finally in 1913, the major league team would receive their permanent name as the New York Yankees. The Yankees have had their share of triumphant moments. Many of these moments came from the Yankees' extended list of Baseball Hall of Fame members. Some of these record setting players include, the one and only Babe Ruth, Jack Chesbro, Frankie "Home Run" Baker, Red Ruffing, Phil Rizzuto, Micky Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, Lou Gehrig and plenty of others. Breaking records and keeping a roster of unbelievable talent, the Yankees went on to win 26 World Series Championships, 5 of which were consecutive, 39 League Championships, 16 division Championships, and 3 Wild Cards. The New York Yankees are truly one of Major League Baseball's pioneer teams. They've accomplished so many things, as a team and also as franchise. It really takes dedication, and hard work to keep such a versatile team with so many brands of great talent on the same page and together. The amount of fans that the New York Yankees has recruited over the course of 107 years is tremendous. The Yankees are not just loved by their hometown of the Bronx, New York anymore. The are an international favorite for a very large percentage of Major League Baseball's fans, and they have definitely earned it. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/11/03/the-history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/10/12/new-york-yankee-andy-pettitte.html Andy Pettitte was born in 1972 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He attended Deer Park High School in Deer Park, Texas. There, he met his wife, Laura, and they have four children. Pettitte attended San Jacinto College North instead of going with the Yankees where he had been drafted in the 22nd round in 1990. In May of 1991, he did sign with the Yankees as an amateur. Pettitte was sensational in his minor year career where he had a .98 ERA in his rookie year. He was signed by the Yankees and made his debut on April 29, 1995, where he would spend the next nine seasons as a starter. After the season in 2003, he signed a three year contract with the Houston Astros along with a $31.5 million salary. In 2004, he had a .226 batting average, but the season was cut short due to an elbow injury that lead to surgery. Pettitte helped to get the Astros to the World Series in 2005 with his 2.39 ERA and that turned out to be the best of his career. After the 2006 season, Pettitte went back with the Yankees and signed for a one year, $16 million contract. Pettitte lost his first game of that season to Boston Red Sox in April of 2007. He won his 200th game on September 19, 2007. He ended up being the last starting pitcher for the Yankees at Yankee Stadium in September of 2008. We won the game against the Baltimore Orioles. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/10/12/new-york-yankee-andy-pettitte.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/10/08/derek-jeter-the-superstar.html Derek Sanderson Jeter, born on 26 June, 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey, is currently one of the most famed athletes in the United States. In 1995, at the age of 20, Jeter started playing for the legendary New York Yankees as a shortstop. Since then, he has achieved several records and has become one of the most popular faces in modern baseball. Jeter has won innumerable titles during his illustrious career as a Major League Baseball player. He was awarded the American League Rookie of the Year and is a nine-time All-Star shortstop. Another notable achievement was him bagging both All Star MVP and World Series MVP in the same year. He has captained the New York Yankees since 2003. His rise has been swift, and he has developed into an incredible all round player capable of performing in any kind of situation. His talent has been one of the primary reasons for the dominance of the club in recent years. Jeter’s charity work has been as praiseworthy as his game. He created two charitable organizations, namely Jeter’s Leaders and the Turn 2 Foundation, to prevent overindulgence in (and dependence on) drugs among adolescents. His foundations encourage young people toward academics and a healthy life, which shows the bighearted and generous side of Jeter. Along with his success in athletics, Derek's good looks have earned him a fortune, landing him a number of lucrative endorsements and making him a regular feature in leading magazines. Consequently, he is considered one of the most marketable baseball players. Apart from his on-field achievements, he has also been in news for his off-field liaisons with a string of famous women over the years 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/10/08/derek-jeter-the-superstar.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/09/22/mr-yankee.html The New York Yankees are the most storied franchise in baseball history with a number of truly great players. One of these players is on the current roster and has been called Mr. Yankee; that player is Derek Jeter. Derek Jeter started his Yankee career in 1995 with only a short 15 game stay up in the majors before being sent back down to the minor leagues. The next year he started the season on the major league roster and at the starting shortstop position, a position he has held ever since. While Derek has been the shortstop, the Yankees have made the post season every year but one, and a lot of that is due to Derek’s contributions at the plate, in the field and as a leader. Batting mostly third in the Yankee line up Jeter has hit for a .316 batting average, a .387 on base average, and a .458 slugging average in his 13 year career. His fielding has also been supreme, winning three gold gloves in the same span. Derek is called Mr. Yankee because he was brought up through the Yankee farm system, has been a Yankee his entire career, and has been a great clutch player when it has counted most. In New York the success of the Yankee season is measured by whether or not they win the World Series. It has been in the playoffs that Derek has shined the most. His clutch play at the plate and in the field has led the Yankees to six World Series and four World Series victories. That is what will always keep Derek Jeter Mr. Yankee. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/09/22/mr-yankee.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/09/07/the-life-and-times-of-the-amazing-derek-jeter-.html On June 26, 1974 in Pequannock, New Jersey, Sanderson and Dorothy Jeter welcomed their son, Derek Sanderson Jeter, into the world. The family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, but the summer found Jeter visiting his grandparents back in New Jersey enabling him to see the Yankees play. Jeter played on Little League teams as well as in high school, where he won several awards including the Baseball Coaches Association’s High School Player of the Year Award. The Yankees made Jeter their first-round draft pick in 1992, and in the same year, he earned a baseball scholarship at the University of Michigan. In his first year as a professional baseball player, the South Atlantic League voted him the Most Outstanding Major League Prospect, and in 1994, Baseball America gave Jeter the title of Minor League Player of the Year. Jeter entered the major leagues in 1995 as a shortstop and soon began to demonstrate his tremendous hitting ability. That same year, Jeter played in his first World Series, and in 2000, was named the MVP of both the World Series and All-Star games. Jeter has played on nine all-star teams, has been the Yankees player of the year four times, and has won three Golden Glove Awards. In 2003, Jeter achieved another milestone. He was named New York Yankees captain ? only the 11th player to be so in the history of the franchise. During his career, Jeter has earned over 160 million dollars and has won the hearts and admiration of team members and fans alike. Jeter lives in Tampa, Florida and has homes in Manhattan and New Jersey. Jeter is single, but has dated several eligible ladies, many of whom are recognizable names in the entertainment world. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/09/07/the-life-and-times-of-the-amazing-derek-jeter-.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/22/a-few-of-the-new-york-yankee-greats.html There have been many great baseball players who have played for the New York Yankees. This will list only a few of the better known names. Babe Ruth, a left handed batter joined the Yankees in 1920 and while there was the first player to hit 60 home runs in one season. He also had a record for 39 years for the most lifetime home runs. Ruth played for the Yankees for fourteen years and played 4 times in the World Series for them. He also played in 2 all star games and was the MVP in 1923. Along with Ruth, the Yankees also had Lou Gehrig beginning in 1923. Gehrig played with the Yankees until 1929 when his career was cut short because of an illness which most people now refer to as Lou Gehrig disease. Gehrig had more grand slams than any other player to date and is considered to be one of the best first basemen in baseball history. He played in 6 World Series championships, was a 7 time all star player and was the MVP of the AL twice. In 1936 Joe DiMaggio became a Yankee and also played his entire career with them. He played in the World Series 9 times and was the AL MVP three times. He is also the only player in history to play in the all star game every year he played in the major league. Mickey Mantle also played his entire 17 year career with the Yankees. He played in 7 World Series championships and was on the all star team 16 times. He was also the AL MVP three times, a golden glove winner, won the triple crown and the Hutch Award once. 7/6/2010 5:37:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/22/a-few-of-the-new-york-yankee-greats.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/11/experience-at-the-car-shows.html I wrote a blog on another website concerning Car Shows, I want to get back into the car show arena. The area where I am from has car shows every other week in the summer from April to October, these car shows will represent Chevy’s, Fords, Small Cars, Motorcycles, Trucks and anything from two wheels to ten wheels, small to extra large. These vehicles come in many colors from old antiques to new ones, some even bounce up and down with the push of a button or the pull of a lever. I am not a car buff, my definition of a car is one that when I get in it to go somewhere and turn the key it first of all starts, then put the little gizzmo to the letter “D” and takes me to where I want to go, then when I am ready to go home the above will apply only in reverse (no not backing all the way home). Not being the car buff that you may be I went to a few Car Shows just to see what people get from the experience of attending these events. First of all get the important things out of the way first, I stopped and got a hot dog and a drink well, may two hot dogs, you know for the energy so I can enjoy the excitement. I have gotten to know a few of the vendors at the shows and one in particular that I have known for many years and became close friends with. His location at the shows is known as Kenny’s Tools, Kenny sells almost all kinds of tools, from screw drivers to more intricate tools that are used by those handy man mechanics. Kenny travels on the off week to shows that take him as far away as Wisconsin. Some weeks his travels take him to Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, to up state Pennsylvania or south to Lancaster. He even goes on a slow weekend to a few flea markets constantly selling his tools. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/11/experience-at-the-car-shows.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/07/camping-and-sporting-actiivities-.html Do you like baseball, football, soccer, or any outdoor sports, what better way to enjoy your favorite sport than to go there and enjoy the great outdoors by camping, you can not beat the price for campground fees, try to compare them to hotel rates. There may be other activities in the area before and after the game, take a few minutes and get the events that are happening on that weekend, look for your favorite restaurants, museums etc.. One year many moons ago I took my camper and went up north on a hunting expedition with a few friends for a four day adventure, during that time we were able to do other things in the area. For example we went to a firing range and happen to enter shooting activities that were very interesting and challenging events. Not only did we enjoy getting out in the woods for the hunting experiences but had fun with the other activities. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/08/07/camping-and-sporting-actiivities-.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/04/27/baseball-is-here-along-with-90-degree-temperatures.html Baseball is upon us once again and the weather is cooperating with the games three weeks into the season, the injuries are starting to mount with many teams, sending players to the DL and calling up players from their triple A farm systems to fill the voids. Are these injuries related to the WBC or are they just normal beginning of the season injuries, well which ever, these teams are getting to look at their rookies from the farm systems and may even be looking for trades. Injuries are part of the game, a lot of these injuries are caused by the intense level that these players play at, until their bodies adjust the injuries are part of the game. Where is your team in the standings? Are your favorite players playing to their level, do they have a good batting average, home runs, stolen bases, on base average, are the pitchers pitching with control and have a good ERA or are the batters adjusting early, each player has his own goals that he wants to accomplish either on a weekly basis, maybe a monthly basis or even a goal for the first half of the season which would go to the All Star Break, then setting new ones for the second half. What ever way the set them they all work very hard at their skills so they can play at the major league level. Enjoy the upcoming Baseball Season, whatever your favorite team is wish them "Good Luck" and sit back and have fun. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/04/27/baseball-is-here-along-with-90-degree-temperatures.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/19/major-leagues-vs-wbc.html The WBC is it growing in value and popularity? The players are becoming more and more interested in playing for the WBC so they can represent their Country and even more deeply rooted their home land, where their family and friends still live, Are they becoming so attached spiritually and culturally with their heritage background that the WBC could eventually replace the Major Leagues? Think about it, would the American pastime become even bigger and become the world pastime? When the season is over for the WBC that team gets crowned the World Champions, is that because the teams are made up from all around the world? When the Major League season is over the last team standing is crowned the World Series Champions, which is bigger, which has more prestige? In the years to come will the Major Leagues fade in to the sunset and become a part somehow of the World Baseball League? Only time will tell. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/19/major-leagues-vs-wbc.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/02/yankee-stars.html The New York Yankees have been a work in progress for the past 105 years. Their name at that time was the Highlanders. The famous pin stripes first appeared and the team name was changed to the Yankees. Over the years the Yankees have had a lot of superstars on the team. George Mogridge was the first to throw a no-hitter in Fenway Park. In 1920 the Yankees bought Babe Ruth’s contract from the Boston Red Sox. By 1927, Babe Ruth recorded his 60th home run. By 1934 Ruth had hit his 700th home run. His uniform was retired in 1948. He died in 1948. Lou Gehrig began his 2,130 consecutive games in 1925 with the Yankees. In 1932 he hit four home runs in a single game. His last game was in 1939 and his uniform was retired. He passed away in 1941. Joe DiMaggio was purchase from the San Francisco Seals in 1934. He retired in 1951 and died in 1989 at the age of 84. In 1961 Roger Maris hit his 61st home run while playing for the Yankees. He died in 1985 at the age of 51. Reggie Jackson was the powerhouse player for the Yankees from 1975 to 1977. Don Mattingly made history by hitting six grand slams in a single season in 1987. In 2003 Roger Clemens struck-out his 4,000th batter while a Yankee. Derek Jeter began his Major League baseball career in 1995 with the Yankees as shortstop. His career batting average is .316. Alex Rodriquez started his Major League baseball career in 1994 and has a career batting average of .306. Robinson Cano started his Yankee career in 2005 as the Yankee second baseman. His career batting average is .303. Stars are sure to be in the future of this popular and successful dynasty team. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/02/yankee-stars.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/01/the-new-york-yankees.html The most decorated franchise in all of professional sports is the New York Yankees. They have 39 World Series appearances and won it 26 of those times. The only franchise that is even close is the basketball playing Boston Celtics with 17 World Championships, 9 behind the Yankees. Over the years the there have been 36 players that spent time on the Yankees before being inducted into the Hall Of Fame. 20 of them went in as Yankees and the rest wore the insignia of another team. Of these players, some are considered to be some among the best players of all time including Lou Gehrig, Joe Dimaggio, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Phil Rizzuto, Tony Lazzari and Babe Ruth. These players are always in the conversation when you are talking about the best of the best. These players also did amazing things while they were Yankees, like Joe Dimaggio and his 56 game hitting streak, a record most people think will never be broken. Another is Lou Gehrig and his streak of playing in 2130 consecutive games from 1925 to 1938. He went 13 years without missing a game. Babe Ruth, who is widely considered the greatest baseball player of all time, set a new record just about every time he came to the plate, not to mention when he called his shot in the 1932 World Series. With historic players like these, it is no wonder that the Yankees have been at the top of the sports world so long. With the management of the current Yankees, it would appear that they want to continue the Yankee tradition and follow the history of the franchise, continuing to win championships 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/03/01/the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/26/the-new-york-yankees.html The Baltimore Orioles began at the beginning of the 1900s but weren’t based out of New York since the Giants were there. The Orioles played their first game in 1901, with John McGraw as their manager. He went to the Giants in 1902, so the next week the Orioles were being managed by the ex-manager of the Giants. Then, the American League told them to move to New York. When the Orioles moved, their owners found American League Park, or Hilltop Park, which was smaller than Polo Ground, the Giants' park. They were called the “Invaders,” by the New York Evening Journal. In 1904, they were named the “New York Highlanders,” but often called, “Yankees,” meaning “Americans.” Polo Grounds was damaged by a fire in 1911, and the Highlanders allowed them to use their field. They became friendlier, and the Highlanders went to the new Polo Ground in 1913. Since they didn't play on top of a hill, “Highlander” didn't make sense. So, that year, they were known as the New York Yankees. In 1919, they began to get different players, mostly from the Red Sox. In 1922, construction began on Yankee Stadium across from Polo. In 1927, this team was said by some to be “Murderers' Row,” for the line-up was so strong. They were the first team to keep numbers on their uniforms. They had many famous players, from Lou Gehrig to Joe DiMaggio. Babe Ruth had the most home runs until Roger Maris hit one more. Their numbers are retired, never to be worn again. Even though 2008 wasn't their year, they have won 26 world championships, which is the most won in any sport, not just baseball. Derek Jeter said that he would do his part to make history in the new Yankee Stadium in 2009. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/26/the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/25/mickey-mantle.html The name Mickey Mantle is synonymous with baseball, and specifically, the New York Yankees. His achievements speak for themselves: 536 career home runs, 1,509 RBI, 3 MVP awards, and 18 career World Series home runs. From 1951 to 1968, Mantle patrolled center field for the Yankees, the only Major League team he ever played for. A Mickey Mantle rookie card is one of the most valuable baseball cards ever produced. Although he was adored by the Yankee faithful and respected by all, Mantle struggled through much of his career, and his life, with injuries and alcoholism. Growing up in Oklahoma, Mantle was a multi-sport athlete in high school. He sustained a leg injury while playing football which became infected, and only the newly developed drug penicillin saved his leg from amputation. But this injury, and several others, dogged Mantle throughout his career. He sustained a shoulder injury during the 1957 World Series, which became his main problem. When Mantle's father died of Hodgkin's disease at the age of 39, Mickey slumped into depression and turned to alcohol. This would haunt him and later other members of his family as well. Mantle's wife and all four sons had similar problems with alcohol, and it affected Mickey's marriage. He continued to battle his drinking problem until finally, near the end of his life, he sought treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic. But the damage done by then was too much. He died of liver cancer in 1995 at the age of 63. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/25/mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/23/babe-ruth.html George Herman Ruth Jr. is one of the most celebrated players in baseball history. Fans and players alike have marveled at his career and he is still considered one of the greatest sports icons today. Ruth is accredited with the rise in popularity of the sport of baseball in the 1920s. Ruth began his baseball career as a pitcher with the then minor league tam of the Baltimore Orioles. Ruth was acquired by the Boston Red Sox in 1914, after both the Philadelphia Athletics and Cincinnati Reds passed on him and opted on other players. After a highly successful stint as a pitcher in Boston, where he won the World Series Championship three times, Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees in 1919. In his first year with the Yankees, Ruth would become a power hitter, hitting 54 home runs. In New York, Ruth would add four more World Series Championships to his total. Throughout his career, Ruth set numerous records, the most notable being the first player to hit sixty home runs in a single season in 1927. Ruth had a career total of 714 home runs, which was a record until 1974, when Hank Aaron’s total surpassed his. Ruth has a lifetime batting average of .342 and a career slugging percentage of .690. He led the league in home runs for 12 seasons and slugging percentage for 13 seasons. Due to all his achievements, Ruth would become one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/23/babe-ruth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/21/the-new-yankee-stadium.html Yankee Stadium is the most well known baseball stadium in the U.S. If you love the stadium then you are likely a New York fan. If you hated it you must be from Boston. The memories that happened in the stadium in the past 85 years are just amazing. So, as for the house that Ruth built, we must say good-bye. On August 16, 2006, a ground-breaking ceremony was held in the Bronx. One day later construction began on the new Yankee stadium. Turner Corp and Skanska USA Civil will be the companies in charge of making the April 2009 deadline. The project is estimated at 1.3 billion dollars with 220 million from New York and 1.1 billion from the Yankees. The stadium will be just north of the old stadium between 161st and 164th streets, and between Jerome and River Avenue. The project is part of a large redevelopment plan that wants to build a hotel for game accommodations. There is also a high school they want to build for sports related careers. The stadium will have some of the same features as the old stadium. The exterior will look similar, but the interior of the stadium has a different structure. Plans show that the interior will sit higher than the exterior allowing fans to see the old stadium. A wall dividing the interior and the exterior will have more retail for those who want to bring home the perfect gift. There will be seating for 51,800 crazed baseball fans. So grab some peanuts and crackerjacks and enjoy the new Yankee stadium. 7/6/2010 5:37:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/21/the-new-yankee-stadium.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/20/history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team located in the Bronx, New York. They are in the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1901, at which time their name was the Baltimore Orioles. They moved to New York City in 1903 and renamed the team to the New York Highlanders. Finally, in 1913, they were renamed the "Yankees". The home of the Yankees from 1923 to 2008 was Yankee Stadium, but they are scheduled to move into a new stadium for the 2009 season. The New York Yankees have won 26 World Series championships and 39 American League Pennants. This is more than any other North American franchise in history. Many of the most famous baseball players of all time were primarily Yankees. Two examples are Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Ruth had 2,213 career RBIs and ranks second in the ML history. From 1936-1951, it was Joe DiMaggio. In 1951, Casey Stengel joined the team until 1959. 1960-1964 was the era of the M&M boys, Mantle and Maris. In 1964, the Yankees were in a slump. During this period, they were managed by Yogi Berra and were owned by CBS. In 1973 George Steinbrenner, took over and hired Billy Martin as manager, as well as Jessie Jackson and Thurman Munson. The Yankees were back. In 1996-2007 Joe Torre was the "new" Yankee manager and found success until 2007, when he was replaced by Joe Girardi, the current manager. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/20/history-of-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/18/new-york-yankee-greats.html Some of the greatest baseball players in history have worn the New York Yankee stripes. These players have brought the New York Yankee franchise a record twenty-eight world Championships. The Yankees have more wins than any other baseball team in history. Even Ernest Hemingway in his famous novel, “The Old Man and the Sea”, wrote “Have faith in the Yankees, my son.” The New York Yankees have more members in the Hall of Fame than any other team. The twenty-three members include players and managers. The Yankees have retired fifteen uniform numbers to honor their players. The 1903 Yankee franchise started their winning streak in 1920 when they acquired a player many believe to be the best in the history of baseball, Babe Ruth. He played with the Yankees from 1920 to 1934. The “Iron Horse,” Lou Gerhig, set Major League records that still stand today during his Yankee career from 1925 to 1939. Joe Dimaggio joined the team, and the Yankees won four consecutive World Series from 1936 to 1939. In the 1950s, the new Yankee stars were Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra. They brought the team six World Series Championships during the 1950s. Roger Maris joined the team in 1960 and set more records. Maris held the Major League record for home runs from 1961 to 1998. Reggie Jackson was the next Yankee star of the 1970s. The Yankees continue to bring great players to the lineup, with Derek Jeter and Alexander Rodriguez as the up and coming Yankee stars of today. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/18/new-york-yankee-greats.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/17/history-of-yankees.html The history of the New York Yankees began in 1901 when the Baltimore Orioles joined the American League, with hopes of moving the team to New York. The New York Giants did not want another baseball league on their turf, and they carried plenty of clout with their political connections. In 1903, the two teams came to terms, and the Orioles moved to New York. The New York team first played in Hilltop Park in Upper Manhattan, because it was one of the highest points in the city they earned the nickname, “Highlanders.” By 1913, the Giants and the Highlanders had reconciled, and the Highlanders moved to play at the Giant’s Polo Grounds. The Highland name was no longer appropriate, and “Yankees.” which was the slang word for “Americans,” stuck with them throughout their history. The New York Yankees did not have much success until 1920, which was the turning point for the team. The Yankees acquired George Herman Ruth from the Red Sox in 1920 for $125,000. Between 1920 and 1927, the Yankees won five league championships and two World Series, with “Babe” Ruth breaking all records. In 1923, the Yankees moved to the new ballpark, Yankee Stadium. Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig brought record crowds to the stadium with their championship team. Other great Yankee players through the decades are Mickey Mantle, Joe Dimaggio, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, and many more. Also legendary are managers Casey Stengel and Yogi Berra. The Yankee franchise has amassed a remarkable twenty-six world championships. Third generation Yankee fans are still filling the bleachers to watch their beloved Yankees play. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/17/history-of-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/16/tino-martinez.html Tino Martinez was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1967. He attended the University of Tampa and was picked by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 1988 MLB Draft. After a slow start, Tino's career took off in his third season in 1995, as he batted .293 with 31 home runs and 111 RBI. The following season he was traded to the New York Yankees. These were Tino's best years. He helped the Yankees to the World Series title in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000, contributing many clutch playoff hits along the way. In 2001, Tino was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He found the National League somewhat more difficult, and the Cardinals decided to send him to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Tino was happy to be playing in his hometown, but he and the team continued to struggle. He welcomed a move back to the Yankees in 2005. Tino only ended up playing one more season for New York. The team decided not to renew his contract, so Tino hung up his cleats and took a position as an analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight. Last year, he became a special instructor for the Yankees, helping their first basemen and acting as an assistant to the general manager. As a top first baseman and on-field leader in his playing days, this is an ideal role for Tino. Tino and his wife Marie have been married since 1991 and have a son, Tino Jr., and two daughters, Olivia and Victoria. He hit over 300 home runs and drove in over 1,000 during his 16 year Major League career. When he played, Tino had the unique ability of batting left handed while throwing right handed. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/16/tino-martinez.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/14/don-mattingly.html Donald Mattingly was born on April 20, 1961 in Evansville, Indiana. He graduated from Reitz Memorial High School in 1979, but instead of going to college, Don was drafted in the 19th round of the amateur draft in 1979 by the New York Yankees. He made his major league debut in 1982. During the end of the 1983 season, Don played between first base and the outfield, waiting for a full time position to open up. In 1984, he finally got a full time position on first base, which is the position he played until he retired in 1995. Mattingly was nicknamed “Donnie Baseball” and “The Hitman,” becoming one of the most popular players on the Yankees. In 1985, the lefty won the MVP in the American League. His stats for that year were impressive; he batted .324 and had 35 home runs, 48 doubles, and 145 RBIs (the most in a season by a left-handed batter since Ted Williams in 1949). Suffering from back problems in 1990, Mattingly's game was declining. In his 13 seasons with the New York Yankees, they never made it to a playoff game. In 1995, the team finally made a playoff game on a wild card, but unfortunately lost to the Seattle Mariners in the 11th inning of game five. Mattingly retired in 1995, and in 1997 he started work at the Yankees' spring training camp in Tampa Florida as a special instructor, where he stayed for seven seasons. In 2003, he started work as a hitting coach, and in 2006, he was promoted to being bench coach to Joe Torre. Mattingly thought that he was the front runner for the position of manager, but he did not get the job and left the Yankees in 2007 to become the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/14/don-mattingly.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/13/whitey-ford.html He was born on October 21, 1928 in New York. He graduated from Aviation High School, but didn't attend college. His job was being a pitcher for the New York Yankees for 18 years. This pitcher's career started on July 1, 1950. His playing was so good that he was voted the Rookie of the Year by the American League. Ford went to the army and served in the Korean War from 1951 and 1952. In 1953, Whitey came home and went back to play for the Yankees. He wasn't very good at pitching fast balls, but all his other pitching made up for the difference, so much so that he had two games that he was able to strike out six players in a row. By 1961, he was able to win the Cy Young Award. The Yankees played at the World Series games. Their number one pitcher was Whitey Ford where he started each of the games from the years of 1955 to 1958 and 1961 to 1964. He has a grand total of ten wins at the World Series. Due to shoulder problems he retired at the age of 38. His last game was May 21, 1967. He was voted in to the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. In 2008, he went to the Major League All Star Game and threw out the first pitch. In September, he was invited to and went to the last game played at Yankee Stadium. When Whitey played, he threw right handed and batted left handed. A couple of his career totals include winning 236 games and striking out 1,956 players. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/13/whitey-ford.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/12/yogi-berra.html Lawrence Peter Berra was born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri to Italian immigrants. He got his famous nickname "Yogi" from his childhood friend Bobby Hoffman who said that he looked like a Hindu Holy man that they had seen in a movie. The name stuck with him. Yogi dropped out of school in the 8th grade and was signed to the New York Yankees with a $500 sign on bonus. In 1944, at the age of 18, Yogi joined the Navy. He participated in the D-Day invasion at Omaha Beach. After his stint in the armed forces, Yogi returned to baseball. He made his major league debut in 1946 with the New York Yankees. While playing the position of catcher, it is said that Yogi would talk to the opposing batters to try and distract them. From 1949 to 1955, Yogi led the Yankees with the most RBIs for seven consecutive years. In 1959, New York Stadium held Yogi Berra Day, where he was given gifts from his teammates and friends. Yogi played his last season with the New York Mets in 1965. From 1965 to 1972 he worked as a coach for the New York Mets, finally becoming a manager for the team in 1975. He moved back to the Yankees the next year and became their manager in 1985. He moved onto to the Houston Astros as a coach in 1986 and retired in 1989. Yogi married his wife Carmen in 1949, and they have three children. Two of his sons have played professional sports. Two of his sons, Dale and Tim, played baseball and football, respectively. In 1972, Yogi was inducted into the baseball hall of fame. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/12/yogi-berra.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/11/mickey-mantle-the-famous-baseball-player.html Just Mickey Mantle's name brings memories of the slug fest in the 1960s. He and Roger Maris are both famous for their performance during this time period, but Mantle has done much more than just that. It all started in his hometown of Spavinaw, Oklahoma. He was born on October 20, 1931. Mickey started playing for the Yankees in 1951, as he was replacing the legendary Joe DiMaggio. He played center field and was an avid home run hitter with a career high of 536 home runs. Being a switch hitter with a lot of power behind his swing, he was able to perform against nearly any pitcher in the league. The man has seven World Series rings to his name, and he played his whole career with the New York Yankees. In 1961, he was the highest paid player in major league baseball, having a contract for $75,000. Commissioner Bowie Kuhn suspended Mickey Mantle in 1983 for promoting and advertising a casino in New Jersey. However, he was reinstated in 1985 by the next commissioner of Major League Baseball. Mantle wore the number 7 for most of his career; his jersey number was retired after he left the sport in the year 1969. He was quickly inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1974. This was his first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Mickey was a heavy drinker throughout his adult life, eventually choosing to enter the Betty Ford Clinic to help him with his problem. He passed away in August of 1995, but will always be remembered for his many achievements on the baseball field 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/11/mickey-mantle-the-famous-baseball-player.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/10/babe-ruth.html Babe Ruth is the most celebrated sports figure in the history of the United States, if not the world. Mention his name anywhere – on a grade school playground, at a formal dinner or a sporting event -- and everyone will know whom you are talking about and why. He is the Bambino, the Sultan of Swat, the greatest baseball player of all time; America’s first and foremost sports celebrity. George Herman Ruth played his last baseball game more than 70 years ago. He has been dead more than 60 years and everyone still knows his name. He still holds the Major League Baseball records for slugging percentage and on-base plus slugging. Many pundits doubt they will ever be broken. The Babe’s homerun records of 60 in a single season and 714 in a career were ultimately broken, but stood for more than 30 years. Unlike most modern home run hitters, Ruth also hit well for average achieving a lifetime average of .342 placing him 10th on the all-time list. He remains in the top ten in nine hitting categories in Major League Baseball’s record books. Ruth began his rise to fame as a pitcher. He won three games in the 1918 World Series posting a remarkable Earned Run Average of 0.87. In 1916 he set the American League record for most shutouts in a season by a left-hander that stood until 1978. At the time, he was playing for the Boston Red Sox, who had signed him as a 19-year-old “Babe” in 1914. In 1919 he was sold to the New York Yankees in what remains the most controversial deal in American sports. The Yankees switched him to the outfield so he could hit in every game, and the rest is history. 7/6/2010 5:37:10 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/10/babe-ruth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/09/the-great-yankees.html The New York Yankees are the greatest franchise in all of professional sport. They have won more pennants than any team in Major League Baseball including a record setting streak of five consecutive World Series wins. It naturally follows that the Yankees would have more great players than any other team and they do. There are 18 Yankees in the MLB Hall of Fame and three of them are managers. The greatest Yankee could be Babe Ruth, the home run king who played in the 1920’s and 30’s and changed the game forever with his outsized talent and public persona. His name defines sports celebrity. It also could be Yogi Berra, the squat catcher of the 1950’s who won three American League Most Valuable Player awards and later managed the Yankees and, then, the New York Mets in the World Series. Then there is Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, The Yankee Clipper, who also won three MVP awards and, in 1969, was voted baseball’s greatest living player in a national poll. His record 56 game hitting streak has never been threatened in more than 68 years and, according to most pundits, will never be broken. Mickey Mantle replaced DiMaggio and immediately matched his three MVP awards. He threatened Babe Ruth’s single season home run record twice in his career, won the Triple Crown and still holds seven World Series records. Lou Gehrig still holds the record for most grand slams. Known as The Iron Horse, his record setting streak of more than 2,000 consecutive games stood for 56 years. The Yankees have pitchers, of course. Whitey Ford’s record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched in the World Series stood for 40 years. Lefty Gomez won a record six World Series games without a loss in the 1930’s. 7/6/2010 5:37:11 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/09/the-great-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/08/new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees are one of the most well known and successful teams in Major League Baseball history. The Yankees were first founded in 1901 and played in Baltimore and were known as the Orioles. From 1903-1912 they played in New York and were known as the Highlanders. It wasn't until 1913 that they were called the Yankees. The Yankees won their first of twenty-six World Series Titles in 1923. This was also the first year that the they played in Yankee Stadium. They would play there through the 2008 season. The Yankees have had some of the best players to ever play the game. They have had fifteen numbers retired, which is more than any other team in MLB history. Some Yankee greats are Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Yogi Berra. The Yankees have had all but two single digit numbers retired. Those numbers are two and six. These numbers have also been worn by two of the most prolific Yankees in history. Derek Jeter currently wears number two, and former manager Joe Torre wore six. There is a very good chance that both of these numbers will also be retired. Closer Mariano Rivera is also the only player in the MLB that is allowed to wear the number forty-two. The number was retired by the entire league in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson. Rivera wore the number before it was retired, and due to the Grandfather Rule, he is still allowed to wear it. 7/6/2010 5:37:11 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/08/new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/07/tino-martinez-pride-of-the-yankees.html Tino Martinez was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 1988 and played for Coach Lou Pinella, who was a close friend of his father. Although he had several average seasons, he finally excelled in 1995 and helped his team to their first post play divisional championship against the New York Yankees. Because of his outstanding play during the series and his spectacular season, the Yankees traded for Tino to replace retired team captain Don Mattingly at first base. The Yankees won the World Series in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Tino helped the Yankees build their modern dynasty of the twenty-first century. However, the dynasty ended as quickly as it had started when, in 2001, they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks. After the 2001 season, Tino left for St. Louis and the Yankees acquired Jason Giambi. Tino replaced the aging Mark McGuire in St. Louis. After two years, Tino was traded to Tampa Bay when St. Louis moved Albert Pujols from left field to first base. Martinez was once again reunited with Coach Lou Pinnella, who was now the coach of the Devil Rays. This tour of duty was short lived, as he again joined the New York Yankees in 2005. This was to be his last season, as the Yankees declined his 3 million dollar option. Fortunately for Tino, he had an ace up his sleeve. He decided to end his baseball career and start a new ESPN Broadcasting career. Tino played for seven years on the Yankees, driving in 739 runs and 192 home runs. The Yankees honored him by awarding him the 2007 Pride of the Yankees Award at the 2007 homecoming banquet. 7/6/2010 5:37:11 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/07/tino-martinez-pride-of-the-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/06/don-mattingly.html Donald Arthur Mattingly, born April 20, 1961, carried the nicknames of “Donnie Baseball” and “The Hit Man.” His baseball career includes being the first baseman for the New York Yankees of the American League from 1982 to 1995, Yankees hitting coach from 2004 to 2006 and Joe Torres bench coach in 2007. Mattingly grew up in Evansville, Indiana, attended Reitz Memorial High School and was one of the nation's top prospects as a High School player and earned a brief write-up in Sports Illustrated magazine. The Major League Baseball teams thought he would be attending Indiana State University, so they avoided including him in their draft. The New York Yankees decided to try including him and he was drafted in the 19th round of the 1979 amateur draft, and then they signed him up. Mattingly was 21 years old when he broke into the big leagues with the New York Yankees. His stats for All-Star hitting, All-Star fielding and All-Star miscellaneous are all listed on his web site. His salary for 1985 was $455,000, 1986 was $1,375,000, 1987 was $1,975,000, 1988 was $2,000,000 and 1989 was $4,400,000. His uniform number was a consistent #23 for most of his career, except for his first two years (1982-1983) when it was #46. His batting average was .307, home runs 222 and runs batted is 1,099. During the late 1980s and early 90s he owned a restaurant in Evansville called "Mattingly's 23." After Mattingly's playing career ended, he spent seven seasons (1997-2003) as a special instructor during Yankees' spring training in Tampa, Florida. He was assigned as the Yankees hitting coach after the 2003 season, which lasted three years. The Yankees set an all-time franchise record with 242 home runs in 2004. 7/30/2010 5:27:25 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/06/don-mattingly.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/05/yogi-berra.html Lawrence Peter Berra was born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri. Berra grew up in St. Louis in a neighborhood called "The Hill." Lawrence got the nickname "Yogi" from a childhood friend, who said he looked like a snake charmer in a movie. You can believe it or not, but Yogi the Bear was named after Berra, which he really did not appreciate. After returning home from World War II, Berra played in the minors and then got called to the majors. It was the New York Yankees that came calling for Berra. Yogi made his major league debut on September 22, 1946. The very next season he played more than eighty games, and then he would just play more and more games (over a hundred) every season. During Yogi's nineteen years with the Yankees, they were the most dominate baseball team. In those nineteen years, he appeared in fourteen World Series and won ten championships. Yogi holds many records in the World Series, like most of the players in his years. He had 259 at bats, 71 hits, 10 doubles and many more. In the 1947 World Series, Yogi had his first home run ever pinch hitting against the Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher. Berra ended his playing career after the 1963 World Series, after he was hired as the Yankees manager. Yogi Berra had many problems as manager, but one incident stands out from the rest involving a harmonica. All that aside, his number was retired by the Yankees in 1972 and the following year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame with 85% of the ballet. 7/30/2010 5:27:25 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/05/yogi-berra.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/04/mickey-mantle.html Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, OK. Mickey was an all American baseball player who pitched with his right hand. He was known for throwing the pitchers off by switching from left to right when batting. Mickey was put into the Hall of Fame in 1974. When Mickey was in high school he did not just play baseball, he also played football and basketball. He was injured while playing football and he almost lost his leg. This specific injury is believed to be the cause of many of his other injuries through out his life. Mickey overcame his injuries and played his first game as a Yankee on April 17, 1951. He became the Yankees right fielder and he did not see much of the infield until his last two seasons where he played first base. Some of his records still stand today in the World Series, such as, eighteen home runs, forty-two runs, forty-three walks and many more. His career total home runs is 536 and a batting average of .298. During Mickey's years in baseball he became known as the fastest man to first base. Mickey Mantle was actually named after a man by the name of Mickey Cochrane who was a Hall of Fame catcher. Mickey's number was retired on June 8, 1969, he was also given a plaque that hangs on the center field wall. Then in 1999 Mickey was placed number seventeen on a list of one hundred greatest players. Unfortunately, Mickey died August 13, 1995 at the age of sixty-three. The rest of the 1995 season was played in honor of him 7/30/2010 5:27:25 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/04/mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/03/babe-ruth.html Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland. His name at birth was George Herman Ruth, Jr. Babe Ruth passed away at 53 years old due to cancer of the throat, mouth, and nose, along with a case of pneumonia. Babe Ruth passed away in New York. When George Ruth Jr. began playing baseball he played the catcher position. George began playing baseball as a young boy when he was in school. He began pitching when he was 15 years old. George Ruth Jr. took on the nickname of Babe at the age of 19, when he was contracted by a minor league baseball team. The first major league team Babe Ruth played for was the Boston Red Sox. Babe played for the Red Sox for five years. After the Red Sox, Babe Ruth was sold to the New York Yankees. While playing for the Yankees, Babe played outfield and pitched. In 1935, Babe Ruth got traded by the Yankees to the Atlanta Braves. The Braves was the last team Babe Ruth played for during his career. In 1969, Babe Ruth earned the title of “Greatest Player Ever.” Babe Ruth holds several records that have yet to be broken by other baseball players. He played in ten world series games as well. Babe Ruth took his first wife, Helen Woodford, in 1914. Helen died in 1929 in a fire. The same year of his first wives death Ruth remarried. His second wife was Claire Hodgson. Babe Ruth had two children, both girls. Their names were Dorothy and Julia. 7/30/2010 5:27:25 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/03/babe-ruth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/02/whitey-ford-yankee-pitcher.html Edward Charles Ford was born in New York City, New York on October 21, 1928. He grew up in an area not far from Yankee Stadium. While Charles was playing in the minor leagues he was given the name of Whitey and it stuck with him throughout his baseball career of eighteen years. Whitey was a left handed pitcher who was signed with the New York Yankees in 1947 and actually began his career in July of 1950. The Sporting News named him as the “American League Rookie” for the year in 1950. Whitey did not play baseball during the 1951 and 1952 seasons, because of his commitment to the United States Army. After completing his military service, he then rejoined the Yankees for the season in 1953. Whitey was known for his control of the ball when he pitched, although he did not have an especially fastball. When the game was tense, you could depend on Whitey to be the calm one, so he also earned the nickname of “Chairman of the Board.” Whitey Ford pitched the first game in the World Series all but two years between 1955 and 1964. He also played in the 1960 series, but not in the first game. He has had more World Series victories than any other pitcher and for forty years held the record for the most consecutive scoreless innings. In 1961, Whitey won the Cy Young Award, the World Series Most Valuable Player and the Babe Ruth Award. Ford retired at the age of 38 in 1967. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974, at which time they also retired his jersey number, 16. 7/30/2010 5:27:25 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/02/02/whitey-ford-yankee-pitcher.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/01/23/baseball-2009-coming-soon.html Coming soon to a ballpark near you. Spring Training will be starting in 2 to 3 weeks, a sign that summer is fast approaching. Your favorite team will be reporting to either Arizona or Florida in the coming weeks to get ready for competition, there they will try to get their bodies back in shape for the long season of 162 games and for some teams even more including post season games. Spring training games start with the Managers & Coaches preparing their workouts and laying out how they want to try and get their teams into game conditioning, and prepare them to get to the World Series. The next to report are the pitchers and catchers, then a few weeks later the rest of the team will report. The pitchers and catchers will work closely together and develop a bond so that the catchers know his pitchers strengths and weaknesses. The starting pitchers have routines they follow because they will be given the ball approximately every 4 or 5 days. The relief pitchers have their own routine because they have to be ready to enter every game not just like the starting pitchers who work with four days rest in between each start. So the relief pitchers endurance has to be able to enter any game and be ready to pitch one, two, or even three innings to help his starting pitcher. Next, the final link is the Closer, this player when called upon must come in usually for only one inning, must stop the opposing team at all costs to preserve his starting pitchers win. Good luck to all the teams from Little League to the Majors, play, have fun, then come home every day with a Victory. 7/30/2010 5:27:26 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2009/01/23/baseball-2009-coming-soon.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/12/15/are-the-yankees-set-for-the-2009-season.html Are the Yankees set with their starting? Or should they go get another starter or two, in either Andy Pettitte or Ben Sheets or even both, because there seems to never be enough pitching or should they bring up the their young studs from the minors, Hugh's, Kennedy or even a third prospect like Aceves, Alfredo? With the season having 162 games it can be a very long and trying time for a pitcher, there are injuries, tired arms and even slumps. I think they should go after some offense to help protect Alex Rodriguez, like first baseman Mark Teixeira or outfielder Manny Ramirez leaving the opposing pitchers no easy outs. Lets have your comments on the Yankees 7/30/2010 5:27:26 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/12/15/are-the-yankees-set-for-the-2009-season.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/12/yogi-berra.html Lawrence Peter Berra, born May 12th 1925 in St. Louis Missouri, grew up in a neighborhood called the Hill. His mother had trouble pronouncing Lawrence so his family nickname was "Lawdie." He received his famous nickname Yogi from a friend by the name of Bobby Hofman while watching a movie about a snake charmer. Bobby said that Lawrence resembled a Hindu holy man (known as a Yogi). As a boy, Yogi played baseball, soccer, football, hockey and even softball. He played his first organized baseball with the YMCA team and then later played with the American Legion. After his service in World War II, Yogi Berra joined the Yankees late in the 1946 season. He hit a home run his first time up to bat -- a very uncommon feat. Yogi was the catcher for the New York Yankees from 1946 until 1963, was the league's most valuable player in 1951 and 1954, had a 358 home run career, and played in 14 World Series. All in all, Berra had an impressive baseball career. However, he is still known best for his accomplishments after he retired as a player. Yogi managed the Yankees in 1964, winning the pennant, but losing the World Series. This resulted in him being fired. He then coached the New York Mets in the National League from 1965 until 1972, becoming the team manager from 1972 until 1975. He was once again a coach with the Yankees and then a manager again until he was fired for a second time in the 1985 season. As a coach and a manager, he led his teams to the World Series five times, of which he won three. Yogi Berra was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973. Yogi Berra was married in January of 1949. He and his wife have three children, and his two sons both play professional sports. Don Berra played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees and the Houston Astros. His son Tim Berra played pro football for the Baltimore Colts in 1974. 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/12/yogi-berra.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/11/mickey-mantle.html Mickey Mantle was born on October 20, 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma and died August 13, 1995 from liver cancer. Hitting 18 home runs in World Series games alone during his 18 years at bat for the New York Yankees, is a record still held today. He was one of histories all time great major league baseball players. Although he played many sports like football and basketball when he was very young, baseball would be his greatest achievement. A New York Yankee's scout, Tom Greenwade, watched Mickey hit two home runs during a Baxter Springs Whiz Kids game in 1948. Mickey was only 16-years-old and still in high school at the time and couldn't qualify for a farm team contract. Greenwade returned the next year on Mickey's graduation day, signing him to a contract with the Independence Yankees minor league team in Kansas. Mantle also played for the Joplin Miners in Missouri before becoming a Yankee team mate on April 17, 1951. During his first World Series game on October 4, 1951, Mickey played right field next to Joe DiMaggio against the Giants. He then took over center field the next year when DiMaggio retired. Moving to left field in 1965 and then to first base in 1967, his cancer and leg injuries began to slow him down. His running ability was dwindling. On March 1, 1969, Mickey Mantle announced his retirement and in 1974, he was placed into the Baseball Hall of Fame. His Yankee uniform (number 7) was also retired. Many of his final messages to his fans centered around his mistakes and alcohol problem, saying, "don't be like me." 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/11/mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/10/babe-ruths-early-years.html George Herman Ruth, Jr. born February 6, 1895 to a working class of parents in a brick row house in Baltimore, Maryland. Later he was known as “Babe" Ruth one of the greatest athletes of all time. His birthplace at 216 Emory Street is now the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, which is a shrine to the baseball great. His parents were hard working and the hours were long, leaving very little time for raising children. George Ruth Jr. found himself in trouble at a young age with no parental supervision. His parents realized that they had no control over what he was doing so they made a very difficult decision and put George in St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys in 1902. George’s life took a dramatic change and he was introduced to two of the most important influences in his life. His mentor Brother Mathias, and his key to his success, baseball. Brother Mathais was stern but kind and he was a father figure to George while he lived at the orphanage. St. Mary’s had several Baseball leagues and George found himself drawn to them, several of the monks taught him the finer points of the game. At the age of 19 George was introduced to Jack Dunn, owner and manager of the Baltimore Orioles. After watching George pitch he signed him to a contract. At the time he was signed to the contract he was 19 so Dunn had to become his legal guardian because at the time the age of majority was 25. When the other players saw him they nicknamed him ”Jack's newest Babe” from then he was known as Babe Ruth. 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/10/babe-ruths-early-years.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/09/batter-up.html Baseball has been around for over a hundred years. It began in the late 1800s, and in 1903, the New York Yankees played ball for the first time. The Yankees started as the Baltimore Orioles, and then in 1903, their name changed to the Highlanders. The name "Yankees" had been used to describe the team in many newspapers throughout the years, and in 1913, they officially became the New York Yankees. In the beginning, the team struggled and did not win any championships. In 1920, the team changed forever after the team purchased one of the best baseball players of all time, Babe Ruth. In his first season with the Yankees, he hit 54 home runs and set a record, but they still fell three games short of the championship. The Yankees made their first trip to the World Series in 1921, but lost to the Giants. The same thing happened the following year. The Yankees moved to their new home stadium in 1923, which seated 58,000 fans. Because Babe Ruth's hitting was what brought the crowds, the stadium became known as "The House That Ruth Built". In 1923, the Yankees won their first World Series, finally beating the Giants. Ever since then, the Yankees have come into form, winning the World Series 26 times. The team is still going strong today. There have been over 1,200 players that have played for the New York Yankees over the years. The team's rise to glory is proof that America's favorite sport has never been any better than the New York Yankees. 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/09/batter-up.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/07/new-york-yankee-coaches.html The New York Yankees have played in the current Yankee stadium from 1923 until 2008, and will move into their new home next year. This ever popular team has 26 World Series championships, and has had many famous players along with some legendary coaches. Yogi Berra was a player for many years before turning to coaching and managing. He coached the Yankees from 1976 to 1983, winning the American League pennant in 1976 and 1981, and the World Series in 1977 and 1978. Joe Girardi was the bench coach in 2005, and is presently the manager of the Yankees. Willie Randolph is probably more known for his 13 seasons playing for the Yankees, but he was also a base and bench coach for 11 seasons. John Schulte began his coaching career in 1933, and, in 1934, he joined Joe McCarthy with the Yankees. Schulte coached for 15 seasons, from 1934 through 1948, under managers McCarthy, Bill Dickey, Johnny Neun and Bucky Harris. Joe Torre was the manager that brought such outstanding statistics to the team from 1996 to 2007. Torre worked with Jose Cardenal from 1996 to 1999, Mel Stottlemyre from 1996 to 2005, Gary Tuck from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2004, and Don Zimmer from 1996 to 2003. Stottlemyre successfully lowered the teams ERA to 3.84 in 1997 and 3.82 in 1998 from a 4.65 in 1996. Zimmer was the bench coach during the Yankees run of four World Series titles. With the Joe Torre era gone and the old stadium gone, the 2009 season is starting with a clean slate. 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/07/new-york-yankee-coaches.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/04/donnie-baseball-one-of-the-best.html Don Mattingly was born on April 20, 1961. He was nicknamed “Donnie Baseball” and “The Hit Man.” He grew up in Evansville, Indiana. He played high School ball at Reitz Memorial High School where he graduated in 1979. While other teams shied away from drafting him right out of high school, the Yankees seized the opportunity and drafted him in the 19th round of the 1979 amateur draft. He played in the majors for the Yankees from 1982 to 1995. He was one of the most popular players in Yankee history. In 1985, he was named MVP with 35 home runs, 48 doubles, and 145 RBI’s. Also in 1985, he won his first of nine Gold Glove Awards. He was such an asset to the Yankees that he was allowed to play at second and third base very early in his career. 1986 was also a good year for him. However, he was beat out of the MVP by Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens. In 1990, Mattingly had major back problems from an injury in 1987 and this started a downward cycle in his game. In 1991, Mattingly was named team captain of the Yankees. This was an honor for him. He was among ten others players to receive this honor. These included the great legends Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. The Yankees finally made it to the World Series in 1995. This was the last season that Mattingly played. They played against the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners won the series in the eleventh inning of game five. On August 31, 1997 Mattingly’s number, number 23, was retired by the Yankees in Cooperstown. Since then, Mattingly has worked as a hitting coach for the Yankees 7/6/2010 5:37:12 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/04/donnie-baseball-one-of-the-best.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/03/babe-ruth.html Babe Ruth was born on February 6, 1895 in Baltimore Maryland. His wife was Helen Woodford. The first baseball team that he played for was the Red Sox. He then was traded to the New York Yankees in 1920. The Red Sox believe that they had a curse on them from Babe Ruth leaving as they did not win a world series until the 21st century. In 1936, Babe Ruth was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was only 1 of 5 to be in the Hall of Fame. Before that in 1927 he hit his 60th home run and had 164 RBIs. The Yankees retired Ruth’s number 3 after he visited the stadium one last time in 1948. Babe Ruth was an amazing baseball player. In 1923 he had a batting average of .393. Also his total number of home runs was 714 and stood for many years until being broken in 1974. Babe Ruth had a big effect on the Yankees. He is known as one of the most famous baseball players of all time. He played over 2000 games in the New York Stadium. He broke the record books, and it is hard to not think about Ruth while in New York. Babe Ruth suffered from a rare disease. He had a tumor in his neck and also one behind his nose. He attended Babe Ruth Day at the Yankees Stadium, but did not live long after that. He spoke to 60,000 people at the Stadium that day, talking about his love for the game and his thankfulness for his fans. 7/6/2010 5:37:13 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/03/babe-ruth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/01/yankees-the-pride-of-new-york.html Those Damn Yankees they have been called, and even a movie was named after them. The Yankees have been around since 1903, when they where known as the New York Highlanders. The Yankees have had a few nicknames throughout the years: The Bronx Bombers, The Bombers, The Yanks, The Pinstripers, The Evil Empire and, of course, the Damn Yankees and the The Bronx Zoo. The Yankees have also played at many different ballparks: New Yankee Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Shea Stadium and Polo Grounds (also know as Brush Stadium). They have also had fight and theme songs along the way, including "Here Come the Yankees" written in 1967. Songs like "New York, New York," "Get Ready For This," and "Workaholic" are played when the Yankee's start or end a game. They have had their sluggers; in 1923-1935, they had the Babe and Gehrig. In 1936-1951, they had Joltin’Joe in the DiMaggio Era. In 1960, it was the M&M Boys, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. The Yankees lead Major League Baseball with 26 World Series and 39 American League Pennants. They have more championships than any other franchise in professional baseball history. Today's Yankees include: Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera. Their coaching staff has seen some greats also, like Billy Martin and Joe Torre. The popularity of the Yankees stretches from one coast to the other. With a new Yankee Stadium for 2009, the Yankees shall make new history, along with new titles. 7/6/2010 5:37:13 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/11/01/yankees-the-pride-of-new-york.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/30/a-yankee-born-and-raised.html Edward Charles “Whitey” Ford played for the New York Yankees from 1950-1967. This Hall of Fame player grew up in Astornia a neighborhood in Queens not far from Yankee Stadium. In 1947 Ford sign with the Yankee’s and played only for the Yankee’s his entire career. This amateur left-handed pitcher would make history. Being a blond and a light blond at that, the Yankees bestowed him with the nickname of “Whitey”. Whitey’s major league career started on July 1,1950, having an awesome first season with nine straight wins and only one lose. After that season Ford left the New York Yankees and joined the U.S. Army, serving from 1951 to 1952 in the Korean War. When Whitey returned from Korea in 1953, he resigned with the Yankees. Whitey Ford joined the big three pitching staff consisting of, Allie Reynolds, Vic Raschi, and Eddie Lopat making it the big four. Starting at the bottom of the rotation Whitey worked his way to the number one starting position and was named the chairman of the board. Ford did not have the best of fastballs, but he was excellent with his other pitches, including a very good curve ball. He was also very good at holding runners on base, rarely letting anyone steal any base when he was pitching a game. Although never having pitched a “no hitter” and not letting guys steal, he did have two consecutive 1-hit games in 1955. Among Whitey’s many accomplishments, he was an eight time All Star, six time World Series Champion, 1961 Cy Young award winner and World Series MVP. When with the Yankees, Whitey was assigned the number 19 for his rookie season. When returning from Korea and resigning with the Yankee’s in 1953 he was assigned the number 16. The number 16 was retired by Whitey and the Yankee’s in 1974, the same year he entered the Hall of Fame with his long time friend and team mate Mickey Mantle. 7/6/2010 5:37:13 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/30/a-yankee-born-and-raised.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/29/new-york-yankee-greats.html Many players have worn the New York Yankee uniform with pride and distinction. However, if you take a walk through Monument Park in Yankee Stadium you will come upon a series of plaques and monuments dedicated to those whose numbers have been retired. These retired numbers represent players who are 'immortals' and have been accorded this special honor for their exceptional achievements. Almost every position is represented. Outfielders: Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson and infielders: Lou Gehrig, Don Mattingly, Phil Rizzuto, Billy Martin. There are catchers catchers: Bill Dickey, Yogi Berra, Thurman Munson and pitchers: Whitey Ford and Ron Guidry. The baseball record book is loaded with their accomplishments. While they represent different eras in the sport, many played on some of the greatest Yankee teams of all time: Ruth & Gehrig on the 1927 team, DiMaggio on the 1939 team, Maris, Mantle, Berra & Ford on the 1961 team, and Munson & Jackson on the 1978 team. While they are current players and thus not retired, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez are considered to be first-ballot Hall of Famer's and their numbers, 2 and 13 respectively will certainly join those already honored. With their glorious history it isn't presumptuous to assume that the Yankees will continue to produce players who will be added to Monument Park. Whoever they may be, they will all have one thing in common: the Yankee pride and tradition of winning baseball which has gone on before them and that feeling of 'being special' that only wearing a Yankee uniform can bring. 7/6/2010 5:37:13 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/29/new-york-yankee-greats.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/28/tino-martinez-helps-yankees-as-a-special-coach.html The New York Yankee’s have added Tino Martinez as a special position coach on February 8, 2008, coaching the first base position. Tino played for the Yankee’s from 1996 through the 2001 seasons and returned again for the 2005 season. In his first six seasons, Tino helped the Yankees make it to four World Series. Tino will be working with the team on the field during practice all season, and he also will be working with Shelby Duncan one-on-one. Tino and Duncan will be focusing on the first baseman’s and outfielder positions at which Tino excelled. Duncan has been competing for playing time this season at first base. Tino also became an assistant coach with his brother in law Lel Parado who is the head coach of South Florida. Tino had been thinking about becoming a full time coach or manager of a team in the future. “I didn’t know how much I would enjoy coaching in college last year, and I really enjoyed it. Right now, I’m just very content with the role I have.” Tino also said “Probably eventually, down the line.” Duncan has made a good impression on Martinez he said. Tino also stated “He’s got soft hands.” Also “He’s a tall lanky guy who is a great target at first base.” Standing behind the batting cage just watching, Martinez watched Duncan, catcher Jose Posada, and shortstop Derek Jeter in batting practice. Tino stated, “I’m used to coming in here geared up for spring training, trying to find my swing.” He also said “It’s nice to come out and really enjoy the part of being a coach and helping the player get better, and not worrying so much what I had to do to get ready for spring training. 7/22/2010 5:31:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/28/tino-martinez-helps-yankees-as-a-special-coach.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/26/don-mattingly.html Don Mattingly, one of the many great New York Yankee greats, and one of the most famous Yankees of all-time, will always be remembered as one of the greatest players ever to play the game of baseball. Mattingly, who was also nicknamed, "The Hit Man," and "Donnie Baseball," played for the Yankees from 1982-1995. Mattingly is loved and compared to many other Yankee greats by New York Yankee fans such as: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, and Joe Dimaggio - yet Mattingly never even won a World Series with the Yankees in his 13-year career with them! Even though "The Hit Man" never made it all the way with Yankees, it's easy for one to understand why he was such a beloved Yankee. Mattingly set an MLB record by hitting a home run in eight consecutive games, while also setting another record by hitting six grand slams in one season. Mattingly was a star-studded hitter, as well as a superb defensemen. He finished his 1,785-game career with truly eye-opening numbers. His closing career statistics included 2,153 hits, 442 doubles, 20 triples, and 222 home runs. He posted a career average of .307 while driving in 1,099 RBI's. His career would have been topped off if only he had been able to win a World Series Championship. He didn't have very good timing in his career as the Yankees won the World Series the year before he was drafted, and they won again the season after Mattingly retired. 7/22/2010 5:31:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/26/don-mattingly.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/25/new-home-for-the-new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees have played at Yankee Stadium for more than 80 years. Next year, their home will still be called "Yankee Stadium," but it will be a brand new building. It will incorporate some of the old stadium to preserve the great sense of team history. But, it will also be a very modern, fan-friendly structure. The new stadium's field dimensions will be exactly the same as the old stadium's, including the famously short distances down the foul lines. Monument Park will be moved in its entirety to the new stadium. This is the section of Yankee Stadium where past team greats have been honored with plaques, memorials, and retired numbers. Finally, a replica of the copper frieze will be placed on the roof of the new stadium. This latticework design has been a part of Yankee Stadium history since the beginning, on the upper deck for the first fifty years and beyond the outfield wall since then. Of course, the reason the Yankees built a new stadium was to modernize a structure that was originally designed in a very different era. One of the most noticeable changes is a giant high definition video scoreboard that is more than six times as large as the one at the old stadium. The seats will be a lot more comfortable, with more space between the arms and an average of 20% more legroom. There will also be about 450 more suites at the new stadium, including almost three times as many luxury suites. The number of restrooms, concession stands, restaurants, and team shops has also been dramatically increased. It will be the best of the old and the best of the new when the Yankees play their first game at the new Yankee Stadium on April 16, 2009. Hopefully, it can provide enjoyment to the fans for the next 80 years 7/22/2010 5:31:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/25/new-home-for-the-new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/23/yogi-berra.html Lawrence Peter Berra was born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri. Berra grew up in St. Louis in a neighborhood called "The Hill." Lawrence got the nickname "Yogi" from a childhood friend who said he looked like a snake charmer in a movie. Believe it or not Yogi the Bear was named after Berra, which he did not appreciate. After returning home from World War II, Berra played in the minors and then onto the majors. It was the New York Yankees that came calling for Berra. Yogi made his major debut in September 22, 1946. The next season he played more than 80 games, and then he would just play more games each season sometimes totaling over a hundred. During Yogi's 19 years with the Yankees they were the most dominant baseball team. In his 19 years, he appeared in 14 World Series and won 10 championships. Like most of the players in Berra's years, he holds many records in the World Series such as having 259 at bats, 71 hits, 10 doubles and many more. In the 1947 World Series, Yogi Berra had his first home run ever pinch hitting against the Brooklyn Dodgers pitchers. Berra ended his playing career after the 1963 World Series, after which he was hired as the Yankees manager. Yogi Berra had problems as a manager and one incident stands out from the rest involving a bus ride and a harmonica. All that aside his number was retired by the Yankees in 1972, and the following year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame with 85 percent of the ballet. 7/22/2010 5:31:08 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/23/yogi-berra.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/20/whitey-ford-his-carreer-as-a-yankee.html Edward Charles "Whitey" Ford was born in New York City on October 21, 1926. During his baseball career, he had three different nicknames, Chairman of the Board, Slick and Whitey. He was called Chairman of the Board because of his ability to stay calm and very much in control in a tense situation. The Slick name came because of his ability to trick hitters with pitches other than the fastball. Of course, the name Whitey was the one that stuck with him, and he was nicknamed Whitey because of his blond, almost white hair. Whitey began his baseball career by playing in the Minors. He spent four years in the Minors before he was signed by the New York Yankees in 1947. He did not play his first game until July, 1950, and was named Sporting Rookie of the Year in 1950. He missed the 1951 and 1952 seasons because he was in the armed forces serving during the Korean War. He came back to the Yankees in 1953 as the number 4 pitcher, but was soon considered the number 1 pitcher. He was capable of pitching curves, change up balls and fastballs, even though the fastballs were not as fast as some other pitchers. In 1961, he won the Cy Young Award. He won 236 games and lost only 106. He has a career winning percentage of .690. After playing all 16 years of his career with the Yankees, he retired in May 1967 after having circulatory problems. When he first began his career, he was given a #19 jersey, and when he returned in 1953, he was given #16. In 1974, the #16 Jersey was forever retired. This was when he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, along with his longtime friend, Mickey Mantle. 7/22/2010 5:31:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/20/whitey-ford-his-carreer-as-a-yankee.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/19/tino-martinez.html Constantino Martinez was born December 7, 1967 in Tampa, FL. His father owned a cigar factory and Tino worked there with his brother when they were young. His high school years were spent at Jefferson High School in Tampa. He then attended the University of Tampa. While at the University of Tampa in 1988, he was fortunate to be 1st round draft pick for the Seattle Mariners. The beginning of his major league baseball career started in 1990. Tino took time to find love amid his baseball career and married Marie Prado in 1991. Marie and Tino have three children, Olivia, Tino Jr. and Victoria. While playing ball with the Seattle Mariners, his most memorable year was 1995. He hit a whopping 31 home runs and drove in 111 runs. His next adventure was to be first baseman with the New York Yankees, replacing legendary player Don Mattingly. While playing for the New York Yankees in 1997 he won the Home Run Derby. Tino was with the Yankees in several World Series Championships. His career took another turn in 2002 when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals. This time he was to replace first baseman Mark McGwire. In 2004, Martinez returned to Tampa to play with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. In 2005 he headed back North to the New York Yankees again. November of 2005 the Yankees decided to make Tino a free agent by declining their 3 million dollar option. Tino officially announced his retirement February 15, 2006 and began a broadcasting career for ESPN. 7/22/2010 5:31:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/19/tino-martinez.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/18/derek-jeter.html Mr. Jeter was born in 1974 in New Jersey, and moved with his parents to Michigan when he was four. When he went to high school, he played baseball his whole four years and was very good. The year he graduated, which was 1992, he was placed in the Kalamazoo Central High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He has yet to attend college because upon graduation, he was picked to play Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees. For four years, he played in the minor leagues and in 1995 went on to play in their major league and has been there ever since. Some of the awards he has received are the American League Rookie of the Year, Sliver Slugger, and the Golden Glove. He has also received both the All Star Game MVP and the World Series MVP awards. He has been an All Star shortstop nine times. ESPY gave him the Best Play award while Sporting News handed him the Good Guy award in 2002. Derek is around the fifth highest in batting averages, and in the top seven in hits and runs. In 2003, his first game caused him an injury of a dislocation of his left shoulder due to an opponent coming down on his shoulder with his knee pad as he was sliding into base. This took him off the field for six weeks. About the same time, the Yankees named him the 10th captain of the team. They had not had a captain for quite a few years. He is still the captain today. He plays right handed, has a nickname of Mr. November, and lives in Florida when he isn't playing or practicing. 7/22/2010 5:31:09 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/18/derek-jeter.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/16/the-great-babe-ruth.html George Herman Ruth, Jr. was born in Baltimore, MD February 6, 1895 to German immigrants. He had a very troubled and unhappy childhood, being sent to a Catholic reform school at an early age. However even there he excelled at sports and gave an indication of his ability. In 1914 at the age of 19 he was signed to the minor league baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. It was here he got his nickname the Babe. It came from the players saying he was owner Jack Dunn’s newest babe and it stuck. In July Dunn sold Ruth and two other players to the Boston Red Sox. At this time Babe was considered a pitcher only; they didn’t know about his hitting prowess. He played with the Red Sox until he was traded to the Yankees in 1919. He had an outstanding record as a pitcher but it was decided he would be more useful as an everyday player and hitter. Over his career Ruth hit 714 home runs, a record that held up until 1974. Unlike most power hitters he had a lifetime batting average of 342, 10th highest in history. In 1923 he had a batting average of 393. His home run record of 60 in a single season stood until 1961. He led baseball in most home runs in a single season 12 times and most RBI’s six times during his career. In 1936 he was one of the first five inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He has consistently been ranked as the greatest baseball player of all time by many sports authorities. 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/16/the-great-babe-ruth.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/15/new-york-yankees.html The New York Yankees, the most famous and successful team in all sports started from humble beginnings. Brought into the American league in 1903 from Baltimore and renamed the 'New York Highlanders' it would take many more years before they would attain the success for which they have become famous. After being renamed the 'New York Yankees' in 1912 they were on the verge of emerging as a top team in the American League. When Jacob Ruppert purchased Babe Ruth from the Boston Red Sox in 1920, the legend began. They won pennants in 1921 and 1922, then lost to their city rivals, the New York Giants in the World Series with whom they shared the Polo Grounds. With Ruth drawing tremendous crowds, out-drawing the Giants, John McGraw, the Giant owner and manager told the Yankees to go build their own stadium. They did exactly that, and Yankee Stadium opened in 1923 to a roaring crowd of 74,000 people. Yankee Stadium was renovated during 1974 and 1975, reopening in 1976 remaining their home until it's final closing at the end of 2008. A new stadium rises across from the original and will be ready for Opening Day, 2009. It would take writing a book to mention all the Yankee heroes that have come and gone over the years: Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Maris, Berra, Jackson, Jeter, Mattingly. The list is endless. With this collection of immortals they have won 39 American League pennants and 26 World Championships. They are the standard by which championship teams in any sport are measured. As they prepare for the 2009 season in their new ballpark, recent years of frustration hopefully will be swept away. They will make changes during the off-season always trying to put the best team on the field that they can. For the New York Yankees, only winning is acceptable, nothing else This will never change. 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/15/new-york-yankees.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/14/new-yankee-stadium.html The new Yankee Stadium will be ready for the 2009 season. It replaces the 85-year-old epic arena located at 161st St. and River Ave., which has hosted many memorable events over the years. This stadium, built at the cost of $1.6 billion, will offer the visiting public many contrasts. The granite and limestone exterior wall is reminiscent of the original structure built in 1923. Monument Park, which celebrates Yankee heroes of the past, will remain and the original facade from the 1923 structure will be added. The field dimensions will be the same as the current ballpark. Many improvements for the comfort and convenience of the public have been added; including more restrooms, a conference area, restaurants, a huge video screen, and a grand hall offering huge retail space to the public. Opening Day 2009 should be a day to remember for Yankee fans and all sports fans alike. It's the start of a new chapter for the Yankees. Will this ballpark be the site of so many memorable moments as has the old? Will the ghosts of Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle and so many others aid the Yankees in their attempt to rise to dominance again? Only time will tell if the futility of not winning a world's championship for the past 8 years has finally run its course. Regardless of what the future holds for the Yankees and their fans, the new Yankee Stadium will be a constant reminder of their glorious past as well as a window to the future. 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/14/new-yankee-stadium.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/12/derek-jeter.html Derek Jeter was born on June 26th, 1974. He lived in Pequannock, New Jersey with his family but they moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan when Derek was a young child. Derek began playing tee-ball at the Eastwood and Westwood little league baseball fields. Due to a heavy influence from Derek’s grandmother, he grew up to become a New York Yankees fan. Little did Derek know, he would grow up and play for the team he idolized his whole life. After attending Kalamazoo Central High School, Derek was drafted in 1992 to none other than the Yankees. On September 22nd, 2008 the Yankees ended their final game in Yankees Stadium with a win over the Baltimore Orioles. After the game, Jeter took a microphone, stood on the pitcher’s mound and thanked all the Yankees fans for their support over the years. When he finished his speech Derek took the lead on a victory lap around the stadium with all the players. It was definitely a night for Major League baseball history. During Jeter’s career he has earned 206 home runs and over a thousand RBI’s. In 1993, Derek was voted “Most Outstanding Major League Prospect.” Since then Jeter has received many awards such as, “Most Exciting Player” and the “MVP of the Florida State League.” In 2003, Jeter was named Captain of the New York Yankees and in 2004 he received his first Gold Glove Award. Derek Jeter is an amazing baseball player, with an enormous amount of talent. Hopefully, Jeter will continue his trend in the new Yankees Stadium. 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/12/derek-jeter.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/11/tino-martinez.html First baseman Tino Martinez, had a sixteen-year Major League baseball career beginning with the Seattle Mariners where he played from 1990 to 1995. He was traded to the New York Yankees in 1996, where he made his mark as one of the all time Yankee greats. In 1996, Martinez stepped into the shoes of the much revered Yankee first baseman, Don Mattingly. In his first year with the Yankees, Martinez hit 25 home runs and drove in 117 RBI’s. His first base predecessor was the only Yankee first baseman to exceed Martinez’s RBI record when Mattingly had 145 RBI’s in 1985. Martinez also won the Home Run Derby where the top Major League hitters face off to see who can hit the most home runs. Martinez went on to help the Yankees win the 1996 World Series. Statistically, Martinez had his best year in 1997 when he finished second in the American League with 44 home runs and 141 RBI’s. He was runner up for 1997 Most Valuable Player. The Yankees lost a close match in the World Series in 1997. The Yankee World Series winning streak picked up again in 1998. Martinez hit a two out grand slam home run in game one of the World Series. It was the seventeenth grand slam in World Series history, and the eighth by a Yankee player. The Yankees went on to win the 1998, 1999 and 2000 World Series with Martinez consistently playing an outstanding game. With four World Series wins under his belt, Martinez and the Yankees ended the winning streak in 2001. Martinez played for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2002 to 2004. He returned to the Yankees in 2005 and retired after one year at age 38. 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/11/tino-martinez.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/10/don-mattingly-the-man-they-called-donnie-baseball.html Don Mattingly, known to many baseball fans as either “Donnie Baseball” or “The Hit Man,” started his baseball career with the New York Yankees. He was drafted by the team in 1979 (in the 19th round) and played his first game with the team on September 8, 1982. Donnie played first base for the Yankees up until his retirement in 1995. The Evansville, Indiana native was a career .327 hitter with 222 home runs and 1,099 runs batted in. Mattingly made 6 all-star game appearances, won the Gold Glove Award nine times and the Silver Slugger Award three times in his career. He was also named the American League MVP in 1985 and his jersey number, 23, was retired. Even though he never appeared in a World Series as a member of the New York Yankees, Mattingly is considered to be one of the Yankee’s greats. After retiring as a baseball player, Mattingly became the hitting coach in the New York Yankees organization and moved up to the Yankees as a hitting coach in 2004. He was a hitting coach for two seasons before becoming the bench coach in 2007. Mattingly joined the Los Angeles Dodgers as the hitting coach after the 2007 season, when Joe Torre took over. Mattingly also founded his own sporting goods company, Mattingly Sports, in 2005. He owned a restaurant called “Mattingly’s 23” in his hometown in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Mattingly also wrote a book called “Hitting is Simple,” with Jim Rosenthal 7/6/2010 5:37:14 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/10/don-mattingly-the-man-they-called-donnie-baseball.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/09/whitey-ford.html The plaque in Memorial Park at Yankee Stadium says it all for Whitey Ford. It reads, “one of the greatest pitchers ever to step on the mound.” Ford pitched for the New York Yankees beginning in 1950 when he was twenty-one years old. He served in the Military in 1951 and 1952 and returned to the Yankees where he played until retiring in 1967. His entire professional career was with the Yankees. In an internet poll conducted by the New York Daily News, Yankee fans voted Whitey Ford as the all time favorite left handed Yankee pitcher of all times. Ford was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Among the highlights of Ford’s career are ten World Series victories, which is an all time record. In 1960, 1961, and 1962 Ford pitched a record breaking 33 consecutive scoreless World Series innings. Twenty-nine and two thirds innings was the previous record held by Babe Ruth. Ford is remembered for his consistently low ERA, and his high game winning percentage, which ranks third all time at .690. Ford’s All Star games include eight between 1954 and 1964. Ford pitched 45 shutout games. In September, 2008, Whitey Ford and his fellow Yankee legends gathered for an emotional farewell at Yankee Stadium. Fans cheered as the 81 year old Ford took his place at the pitchers mound, and other Yankee greats like Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage wore the Yankee pinstripes and took their place on the field. It was the last game played at the old Yankee Stadium before it closed its gates to give way to the new stadium. 7/6/2010 5:37:15 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/09/whitey-ford.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/08/the-great-yogi-berra.html Yogi Berra was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 12, 1925 and grew up attending the local schools there. He received his nickname from his friend who said he resembled a Hindu holy man they had seen in a movie. He signed with the New York Yankees in 1943 to play baseball. He started playing in the majors in 1946 and continued with the Yankees as catcher for 18 years. During this time he played in 14 World Series games setting records for 71 hits, 75 games, and 259 at bats. He retired from playing in the 1965 season and went on to manage the Yankees in 1964 leading the Yankees to the league title. In 1972, the year Berra was elected into the baseball Hall of Fame, he was hired to manage the New York Mets. After managing the Mets for four years, grabbing another pennant in the process, he went back to the Yankees as a coach in 1975. In 1985, he was fired by the Yankees. He joined the Houston Astros as a coach in 1986 and retired in 1989. Berra has always been known as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history, but he is also known for his sayings. They call them Berraisms or Yogiisms. He used to use these sayings when he was distracting batters, to humor umpires and also to inspire his players. When Hanna-Barbera's cartoon character came out, it was named after Yogi. But Yogi did not appreciate being called Yogi Bear. 7/6/2010 5:37:15 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/08/the-great-yogi-berra.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/07/yankee-great-mickey-mantle.html Mickey Mantle was born in 1931 in Spavinaw, Oklahoma. He was named by his father after a Hall of Fame catcher from Philadelphia named Gordon Mickey Cochrane. Mantle always said he was glad that his father didn't know Cochrane's real first name. When he was four years old, the family moved to Commerce, Oklahoma, where Mantle would make a name for himself as an all around athlete at Commerce High School. Mantle worked his way up to semi-professional status in 1948. He played successfully with the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids and the Joplin Minors in Joplin, Missouri. He was signed on with the Yankees in 1951, and played right field. Mantle wore #6 on his uniform. He was moved to center field in 1952, where he replaced the great Joe DiMaggio, who retired. He played center field until 1965, then moved to left field. His final two games were played at first base. Mantle's favorite season came in 1956. He won the Hickok Belt, which names Mantle as the Athlete of the Year. He lead the Majors with 52 home runs, had a.353 batting average and had 130 RBIs. As great as 1956 was for Mantle, 1957 brought him his career-high with a .365 batting average. In 1961, Mantle became the highest paid baseball player when he signed a $75,000 contract. His last home run was in 1968 in Boston. Mickey Mantle retired in 1969 and in 1974, on his first try, was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 7/6/2010 5:37:15 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/10/07/yankee-great-mickey-mantle.html http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/09/29/test-post.html 7/6/2010 5:37:15 AM http://www.yankeeborn.com/2008/09/29/test-post.html