Irish and Bob Meusel 10/10/1923
Library of Congress LC-B2- 6077-13
Hey, if you’re like Bob’s brother, have a great (and safe) day today! And, if you’re not, have a wonderful day anyway!
As much as I hate to acknowledge bellyaching about something that I’ve written here, this time, I feel that a follow-up is necessary.
First, a flashback to what brought this all about in the first place. Three days ago, I wrote:
Two things about Carl Crawford: One, he’s very “street.” Think Mickey Rivers meets Rickey Henderson – not that there’s anything wrong with that. Two, I dunno why…but…I just have this feeling that he’s one of those players who will be out of the game by the time he’s 35 years old. Granted, that’s not until 2017. And, I could be totally wrong on this…and he’ll be a Tim Raines type who plays into his late 30’s.
I’m just saying…if it were me, I’d be careful about giving him a very long term deal once he hits the free agent market. I’d be very concerned about going more than 5 years on an offer. But, that’s just me…
In the time which has followed that post, it seems some people are focusing on two things therein and taking it places where it doesn’t belong. And, those items are he’s very “street” and I’d be careful about giving him a very long term deal once he hits the free agent market – in reference to Carl Crawford.
Making a leap like this is the same as hearing me say “First, see that car over there? It’s a Chevy. And, secondly, and I’m not sure why I feel this way, but, I think it’s not a good idea to drive in the winter. I’m just saying…if it were me, I’d be careful about driving in the winter.” – and then running with it telling everyone that I said you should not drive a certain car in the winter because it’s a Chevy.
Let’s get back to the Crawford thing. First, I said “he’s very ’street.’” And, I later tried to clarify that with a comment that shared it “just means he’s got more of a ’street’ image than a college or boardroom image.” That’s it – period.
To me, being “street” means you have a “street persona” – as in being someone with street smarts and look as opposed to being the type of person who does the crossword puzzle in the Times every Sunday and who prefers to vacation at The Kurgarten in Baden-Baden.
Is this why “I’d be careful about giving [Crawford] a very long term deal once he hits the free agent market”? No. Again, don’t forget that I prefaced that concern with “I just have this feeling that he’s one of those players who will be out of the game by the time he’s 35 years old.” My concerns about the Yankees signing Crawford have nothing to do with his image/style – none, whatsoever. My concerns are about giving a long-term deal to a player who I suspect might not have many productive seasons past his mid-30’s.
But, again, people see what they want to see, etc., and then go on the attack.
First, there was a comment made on Twitter by someone (whose profile there boasts that he’s an “… all around grump” and that he “want[s] your skulls”) proclaiming “that’s basically it @waswatching / steve lombardi is a racist.” And, more recently, Rob Abruzzese at BBD authored a long feature about my comments regading Crawford and said my “entire argument reeked of…subtle racism…[but]…I’m not here to accuse Lombardi of racism, that’s not for me to decide.”
Me, a “racist”? Really?
Again, people hear what they want, and take it from there…I suppose?
It’s just too bad that these same people were not paying attention on January 12th, 2009 when I wrote:
It was announced today that Rickey Henderson received 94.8 percent of the vote by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America and he will now be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown on July 26, 2009. For me, this is thrilling news.
As I’ve mentioned here before, I’m a big fan of Rickey Henderson. In fact, back in the 1980’s, when I last played ball, Rickey Henderson was the player that I wanted to be…which is funny – because I can’t run a lick. But, I wore my stirrups just like Rickey did in the ’80’s – and had white spikes like him too. And, when I would lead-off base, I would tap my toes into the ground like Rickey did when he took his lead…
It wasn’t always this way for me. In the 1970’s, I was more of a Thurman Munson and George Brett guy. And, actually, the Brett thing stayed with me into the ’80’s as well…as I patterned my stance and swing, albeit from the right-side, after Brett. (But, for the record, during BP, I used to goof around and try and use the “young” Rickey Henderson batting stance – where he had the one-inch strike zone.) Further, once my playing days were over, in the 1990’s, I was more of a Cal Ripken and Paul O’Neill guy. But, I never lost my respect for Henderson.
Back in 2004, when Rickey Henderson was playing for the Newark Bears, I thought it would be cool to have a picture of him in his Bears’ uniform. Given Henderson’s greatness, I figured it would be like having a nice photo of Babe Ruth in his Boston Braves uniform.
So, I called the Bears and asked them if they had any photos of Rickey for sale. They put me in touch with Rickey’s personal assistant. When I spoke to his assistant, and told him that I wanted two pictures – one for my daughter, then two-years old, and one for my son, who was recently born – he asked me if I wanted them personalized, with my kids’ names. How cool is that?
So, for the last four years, both of my kid’s rooms have a picture of Rickey Henderson, in his Bears uniform, hanging on the wall – autographed by Rickey, personalized by Rickey for them…by including their name above his signature.
Yeah, Rickey Henderson – who is really no different from Carl Crawford in terms of his image or whatever you want to call it. Really, the only difference between Henderson and Crawford is that Henderson had a better batting eye and played in the majors for a quarter-century whereas Crawford just has eight season under his belt, to date.
So, if I were a racist, explain to me why I have so much respect and admiration for Rickey Henderson – and have a picture of him hanging in the rooms of all my children? Does that sound like a racist to you?
In any event, as we know, people cherry pick and make inferences – as they have in this case. What can you do? And, all that really matters is that my family and friends, those who really know me, know the truth. But, I felt that I should at least try and clear this matter up – hence, this post.
Back in March of 2008, we did a reader survey. Click here and here to see the results of that effort.
Well, two years is a long time. So, I’ve decided to re-run the survey now. Please consider taking this reader survey. It’s safe, easy, and quick. It should take you just a few minutes to complete it. Thanks in advance for your time on this request!
The good folks at MLB.com recently passed along this press release to me regarding Major League Baseball, and “Susan G. Komen for the Cure,” launching their 2010 Honorary Bat Girl Contest.
It’s an online contest in support of the annual breast cancer awareness cause on Mother’s Day.
Basically, anyone can submit stories of how they are supporting the fight against breast cancer. Testimonials can be submitted by an individual (or on behalf of someone else) who had or has breast cancer, or is an advocate/supporter of the cause. One person will be selected per big league team and will be recognized during their club’s scheduled Mother’s Day celebrations. Each Honorary Bat Girl will have an opportunity to take part in pre-game activities, be honored during an on-field ceremony and receive two tickets to the game and pink MLB merchandise.
I know that breast cancer awareness is important to many – and wanted to share this news here in case you missed the press release at MLB’s site.
Three days ago, we started a WasWatching.com Reader Survey – much like the one we did two years ago.
Thanks to all who have responded to date! And, if you haven’t taken the survey yet, please consider taking it. The survey will be up and open for a few more days, at the least.
The data received back so far from the survey is very informative, interesting, helpful and appreciated! While I expect to share some findings once the survey is closed, in the interim, I thought some of you may be interested in the first 25 “answers” to the survey question “What do you like best and least about WasWatching.com?”
Up for a little Yankees trivia with a prize at the end of the stick? O.K., then, read the following:
I played 14 post-season games for the Yankees at shortstop. The number I wore while playing those games was later worn by another player who became a World Series hero for the Yankees. That other player was drafted the same year as another shortstop. That shortstop hit his first Yankee Stadium homerun against a one-time Cy Young Award winner. The year he won the Cy Young Award, two Yankees pitchers followed him in the voting.
The first person to name all of the following, correctly, in the comments section of this entry, will be the winner of a free copy of The Baseball Prospect Book 2010 by John Sickels:
1. Who was the shortstop that played 14 post-season games for the Yankees?
2. Who was the player who wore the same number as the player in “Question 1″ (above) who later became a Yankees World Series hero?
3. Who was the shortstop drafted the same year as the player in “Question 2″ above?
4. Who were the two Yankees pitchers to finish behind, in the voting, to the Cy Young Award winner who allowed the first Yankee Stadium homerun to the shortstop in “Question 3″ above?
Good luck to all who decide to play this game! And, thanks again to The Baseball Prospect Book 2010 for making this possible.
Also, please note that I will not leave a comment in the comments section until a winner has been found in the contest. I will not be commenting on an interim basis to indicate whether someone is incorrect, partially correct, or not answering the questions in the required manner. And, please, only leave comments in this entry if you’re participating in the contest. Related, please do not attempt to interfere with “the game” by suggesting to someone that their answers are correct or not – even if your intentions are good. Thanks!
The editor of The Baseball Prospect Book 2010 by John Sickels has provided us with a complimentary copy of the book to give away via a contest. While the book retails for $23.95, it’s true value is much, much, greater than that figure. To put it simply, this is the book that every big baseball G.M. should have on their desk. And, if you want to know the skinny and value of every minor league prospect in the game, you will want this book too.
The contest will take place this Friday, February 5th, at WasWatching.com.
Be sure to check it out, that day, to see the details of the contest – and to have a chance to win!
And, of course, our thanks to The Baseball Prospect Book 2010 for making this possible.
It’s a simple question: Why do you read this blog? You can answer in the comments section below, or, send me an e-mail.
Actually, I understand why some read it – because they like it. And, that’s the reason why I read other blogs.
But, what I don’t get are those who read this blog, and read it all the time, who then complain about it.
I see it when other blogs link to me with comments like “Surprise, this guy had this opinion,” etc. And, I see it when they send me e-mails telling me that I’m a hater, and/or, a hack, and/or, my all-time fav, “not a true-Yankee-fan.”
And, I see it on Twitter, when, the second after I make an entry to WW, the twitter-livers start fluttering like a bunch of grade school girls in the playground during recess with these types of exchanges:
ferengi @Skolnick OMG, he’s at it again! WW link
Skolnick @ferengi @Hikikomori I know, when I saw it, my crazy straw fell out of my mouth.
Hikikomori @Skolnick That’s why I told him that I stopped reading him.
ferengi @Hikikomori Stopped?
Hikikomori @ferengi Yeah, I just read him once a day now instead of a few times a day.
Skolnick @ferengi @Hikikomori I stopped too. Now, I only read him now thru iPhone feeds and twitter when he updates, but, I refuse to go to his site!
ferengi @Skolnick I like it when his commentors call him names.
Hikikomori @ferengi @Skolnick I want to comment there and troll but I ran out of e-mail addresses to register with.
It’s a mystery to me. There are blogs out there that I have found difficult to enjoy – either because I don’t like the writing style, or, I find them boring and/or self-indulgent…or, for whatever reason. And, you know what? After I decided that they were not to my liking, I stopped reading them. They’re gone – off my radar. Why would I spend any time on something that I don’t enjoy? Why would anyone? And, that’s what I don’t understand.
So, if you read this blog for some reason other than because you like it, I’d welcome your feedback as to why you read it. Thanks!
Just some housekeeping here…I know that there have not been a slew of new posts to the blog the last few days. But, that’s because, lately, there’s been a lot of work (and conversation) going on behind the scenes regarding the future state of WasWatchinig.com – which has left less time for blogging.
Soon, I’ll be able to share more on that stuff. In the interim, thanks for your interest, patience and support of the blog.
When I started this blog 4 years and 9 months ago, I was 42 1/2 years old, my son was just a one-year old, my daughter was only two months away from her 3rd birthday, and I had a job that afforded a somewhat reasonable work/life balance.
Today, I’m 47 years old, my daughter is now 7 1/2 years old, my son is four months away from his 6th birthday, and my current job has more of a “trading floor” pace to it (except this floor is open for a minimum of 9 hours a day, Monday to Friday).
Also, today, I have an increased focus on taking care of myself – much more than I did back in 2005.
Basically, I don’t have the time to write this blog that I used to have at my disposal – now that the kids are older, my job has changed, and I have other – and frankly more important – interests (such as maintaining good health).
So, I’m at a crossroads in terms of which way to go…with respect to the future of WasWatching.com.
I once thought that a change in my posting pattern was the solution – fitting it in where I could, etc., (rather than trying to make 4 or 5 posts a day). But, at the same time, on a back burner, I’ve been considering adding other voices to the blog (to offset my lack of posts and fill in the gaps).
But, lately, I’m starting to think that perhaps it’s time to just shut it down – completely.
Like I said, I’m at the point where there’s three ways I can go with this – and I don’t have a strong feeling, at this junction, as to which road I want to take (as I move forward). Each route has its pluses and minuses – and I need to play the pro and con game to sort it all out.
To that end, since this should be a slow week for news, etc., I’m going to take a few days off from the blog – unless something major breaks in Yankeeland. In the interim, while I’m away, feel free to use the comments section of this post to discuss anything you want that’s Yankees related. (Heck, I might even chime in, here and there – as time allows. But, I can’t say that for sure now.)
See you in a bit…
I would like to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com a very happy and healthy new year. And, may all your resolutions for 2010 come true!
Barring any breaking and hot Yankees-related news, I do not expect to be posting many entries to WasWatching.com over the next few days. Therefore, I wanted to take this time now to wish all the readers of this blog a safe and happy holiday season. It’s been 56 months now that WasWatching.com has been up and running, and, I’ve truly enjoyed all the feedback to this site and its content that you have provided through the years. Thanks for that wonderful present! I hope you all have as much fun (as I’ve had here so far) during your holiday observance.
Look for more stuff after Christmas!
Also, I want to make a special “shout-out” to the following frequent “comment-makers” that we have at WasWatching.com:
MJ, Corey, clintfsu813, 77yankees, Evan3457, YankCrank, GDH, Raf, bfriley76, G.I. Joey, #15, Scout, Pat F, cr1, yanksofny, srivinodh, Brent, butchie22, ken, BOHAN, Jake1, Tresh Fan, Rich, mondoas, JeremyM, sean mcnally, Rob Abruzzese, lisaswan, K-V-C, Pete, jrk, antone, OldYanksFan, Joseph M and redbug
My sincere thanks to those mentioned above for all their comments, etc., this year. You’ve added a lot to this site and it’s appreciated!
Back in September, I mentioned that Larry Koestler had started a new blog called “Yankeeist.” Since then, Larry’s been busy – including doing interviews with “SG” of Replacement Level Yankees Weblog, Alex and Cliff of Bronx Banter, and the guys at RAB.
Well, now it’s my turn. Click here to see the recent interview that I did with the “Yankeeist.” And, of course, my thanks to Larry Koestler for asking me to take part in his interview series.
I justed wanted to take a quick moment to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com (and their loved ones) a happy, and a safe, Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy.
On November 15th, fans of the Yankees will have the chance to participate in a brand new, unique event at Yankee Stadium, for cancer research – the Runyon 5K. It’s a 5K run/walk, where participants will get to use the stadium as their course. The date is a Sunday, and registration is now open online at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium.
The event includes a Kids Fun Run, incredible views of the Stadium from all angles, and a special victory lap on the warning track, where participants will get to see the Stadium from a player’s point of view.
100% of all donations raised will go to cutting-edge cancer research by today’s most brilliant and promising scientists, funded by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. You can see more on the charity itself at www.damonrunyon.org.
It’s a sensitive and stressfull time in Yankeeland these days.
This regular season has been remarkable for the Yankees – as, to date, they have 102 wins on the year. Further, they’ve comeback to win 50 of those games – a mark that leads the big leagues this year and is one more than they managed in 2008. Lastly, New York has crafted 15 thrilling walk-off victories in 2009 – which is the most by the Yanks since they set a club record with 17 in 1943.
But, most importantly, the Yankees have locked up the A.L. East this season – as well as home-field advantage throughout the post-season.
And, this is why Yankeeland is feeling it a bit right now…
The Yankees missed the play-offs last season – for the first time in a full-season since 1993. Before that, since their collapse in the 2004 ALCS, the Yankees were bounced in three straight ALDS match-ups: 2005, 2006 & 2007. But, this is even worse: Going back to Game Four of the 2004 ALCS, the Yankees have now lost 13 of their last 17 post-season games. And, from 2004 through 2007, the last time they saw post-season baseball, the Yankees have lost four of their last six October “elimination games.”
Whether they want to admit it or not, the good citizens of Yankeeland do not want to see something happen in this post-season that comes close to what we’ve seen from the Yankees in October since 2005, as it will ruin the magic of their regular season in 2009. And, I dig that – I really do.
To be candid, I fear it happening. Why? Because, just like most Yankees fans, I don’t want to see this season end like the those previous ones since 2005. (I like to call this time the “Brian Cashman Full Autonomy” era.) I’m sick of seeing the Yankees get their heads handed to them in the post-season. It’s painful. Sure, some like to say it’s all just luck in the post-season. But, if that were true – meaning New York was just experiencing some bad luck in recent Octobers – I think they would have won more than just 4 of their last 17 post-season games. Even with bad luck, you’re going to win more than four of these games, right?
In any event, regardless of how I want to see this post-season end, I will continue to be honest and share anything and everything that comes to my mind (at this blog). And, that includes concerns about the Yankees chances this post-season. As I have written here, many times, WasWatching.com prides itself in being “Yankees-blinders and Pinstripe-Pollyanna” free.
Sure, I realize that I would have more “fans” and readers – and the site would have more visits and page views – if I were to pander to the mob and feed the fanboys all the pablum that they crave…but, that’s not my game. There are more than enough other Yankees-bloggers out there to fill that niche in Yankeeland.
Of course, this leads to some venomous comments left by readers here – in reaction to things I may share that are not in-line with their own personal beliefs and hopes, etc. However, there’s nothing new there. That’s what they invented the internet for…so that “Not My Real Name” could get their rocks off by playing the role of cyber-tough-guy and “go medieval” (with comments) on someone who had the nerve to express an opinion that doesn’t sit well them…right? (Yeah, I’m just kidding here…sorta/kinda.)
It’s the “comments” thing that actually led to this post. For those who do enjoy this blog, but who are also turned off by those “attack” comments, allow me to offer this: Don’t let it get to you – as I don’t allow it to get to me. Like I said, this is a sensitive and stressfull time in Yankeeland these days – and some of that may be spilling over in comments left by readers here. At the least, that’s the way I’m looking at it…but, then again, having that opinion may lead to more “less than kind” reactions…after all, again, this is the internet, etc. 
Just got back from spending five days with the family down in Disney World…doing the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom and Epcot stuff. (We skipped the Hollywood Studios attraction – basically because we felt there was more to do at the other parks for our kids, ages 5 and 7.)
We had a great time…and I got to listen to Robbie Cano’s walk-off, on the car radio, on the way home from the airport. Nice re-entry in to Yankeeland…thanks Robbie.
Hey, my thanks, also, to MJ and Corey for all their posts over the last 5 days – great job guys! So, did ya miss me? Maybe not…I’ve already heard from one WasWatching.com reader who shared that they thought MJ and Corey made some wonderful posts this week.
A quick story about the vacation…
Baseball is doing pretty good. I noticed a lot of people visiting Disney wearing some sort of baseball T-Shirt, cap, or uniform jersey. I saw a few fellow Yankees fans. And, one or two Mets fans. But, I also saw fans of the Red Sox, Rays, Orioles, Tigers, Royals, Phillies, and Brewers. (I did also see one kid running around wearing an A’s T-Shirt with “Zito, 75″ on the back, for what it’s worth.) Of all these teams mentioned, I would say the fans of Red Sox, Orioles, Tigers and Phillies were most represented.
Me? I wore my Yankees cap on Monday through Thursday and got no reaction from anyone. But, today, I wore a “Staten Island Yankees” T-Shirt and a few people stopped me about it.
One of the cast members greeting park visitors on a ride saw me and joked “Yankees? We don’t let Yankees on this ride!” And, in a souvenir shop, another cast member, a woman in her late 50’s, saw my shirt and said “They lost last night.” When I told her that I knew, but, it didn’t matter because they had a nice lead, she noticed it was a “Staten Island Yankees” shirt and she then said “Staten Island Yankees? Did you know they used to play in my hometown first?” I then asked her if she was from Oneonta. And, when she said yes, we talked about the Yankees leaving there and the Tigers coming in to take their place.
Later, when we were on the monorail, an older couple spotted my shirt and they joked at us with “Staten Island? We don’t generally listen to people from Staten Island.” And, when we looked at them funny, they told us that they were born and raised on Staten Island and lived there for many years before moving to Long Island.
Lastly, as we were going through the metal detectors at Orlando International, one of the security officers saw my shirt and asked “Staten Island Yankees, are they still playing?” And, when I answered him, we talked about the ballpark by the Ferry and then chatted about the Brooklyn Cyclones and KeySpan Park.
So, next time you’re looking to make some conversation…put on a Staten Island Yankees shirt and head on down to Florida…and see what happens…
I’ve been writing this blog for a little over four years…
Saw this on WalletPop.com this AM -
There’s one reason not to cheer for Independence Day: It’s one of the deadliest holiday for alcohol-related car crashes. Statistics gathered over the past 25 years show that, on average, nearly 51 percent of all deadly traffic crashes on July 4 are related to alcohol — although that percentage varies from year to year.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been tracking car crash statistics for a quarter of a century. Holidays that sometimes rival the Fourth of July for fatalities include New Year’s Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Eric Bolton, spokesperson for NHTSA, says that when people think of a deadly holiday “the intuitive thought would be New Year’s Day.” However, that association may be precisely why people stay off the roads on New Year’s than they do on July 4, he says. (While the New Year’s statistics are totaled over three days, the Fourth of July stats are for one day.)
Two years ago, 200 people reportedly died in car accidents on July 4. Out of that total, 44 percent died as a result of alcohol-impaired driving. By comparison, 391 people died that same year during a three-day period surrounding New Year’s Day (NHTSA judges the length of a holiday based on which day of the week it falls). In that case, 40 percent were alcohol-related.
No matter what day it is, most crash fatalities occur on two-lane roads. Weekends are more dangerous than weekdays and more people die while driving in rain compared to snow or sleet.
Since I know that many will be starting their three-day “Independence Day” weekend early this afternoon, I wanted to remind all to be alert on the roads. And, of course, if you’re drinking alcohol at some point, please don’t drive at the same time or directly thereafter.
Just wanted to say thanks and give Pete Mrsich a shout-out for providing me with a new 750×190 sized banner for this blog, today. If you’re ever in need of a graphic artist, I highly recommend that you WorkWithPete.com. The dude has talent, vision, and is a pleasure to work with…and he’s a Yankees fan too!
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If anyone has some experiencing hacking code for a WordPress theme, and has some free time, and is willing to help me with a project, please e-mail me at staff [at] waswatching [dot] com.
Do you know any “famous” Yankees fans? Or, do you know someone who should be “famous” because of their love and devotion towards the Yankees? If so, could you ask them to contact me? There’s a few questions that I would like to ask them. Thanks in advance for your help with this request – if you know someone who fits the criteria and you ask them to contact me.
In case you didn’t happen to see this over at The Hardball Times, John Brattain passed away today.
I’m sick to my stomach over this news. It’s the same feeling I had when I heard about Doug Pappas and Todd Drew.
Really. I’m at a loss for words.
I never met John. And, I never spoke to him. But, in my internet-related exchanges with him, Brattain always seemed like a really good guy. In fact, John just left a comment here three days ago.
The Baseball-Internet-Circle lost a good one today. I’m just stunned by this terrible news.
If anyone has some good photo/photoshop skills, I’m looking for some nice artwork to feature on the new look to this blog. I’m looking for images 1300×160. Something Yankees-related, baseball-related, statistics-related, scorecard-related – things like that. It was to be something you have the rights to use and something that you would be willing to donate to this blog. If you’re interested in helping out, let me know. Thanks!
On February 15, 2009, it was shared that the “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” series would soon be expanded from being a weekday only item into being something that would happen seven days a week.
Related, beginning on February 25, 2009, when the series becomes a daily item, rather than have a description in each “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entry explaining the rules of the road for that entry, a link to this entry will be included in the “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entry. (The thought here is that one small and simple link, in place of the same instructions text repeating each day, would be easier on the eyes for those who were already familiar with the “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” series and its purpose, etc.)
If you’ve reached this entry via a link in a “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entry, please read the following which pertains to what you may post as a comment in that entry.
Feel free to use “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entries as a place for you to comment on anything Yankees-related (or within reach of tagging the bag of being Yankees-related on a decent slide) on the day said entry was posted. It could be a casual conversation offering, or, something you saw in the news, or something very detailed that you want to share that’s within the territory of Yankeeland.
Just remember: keep it Yankees-focused.
Also, feel free to use “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entries as a place to share your opinions, observations, complaints, rooting, and other sundry comments with fellow fans during the playing of the Yankees game that day, should the Yankees be playing a game on the day of the “WasWatching.com Water Cooler Talk” entry.
Or, comment on something that someone else has posted here in the comments…
And, of course, please, also be mindful of the WasWatching.com Community Standards.
The gang at SNY.tv were nominated for five New York Emmy Awards earlier today. (Hat tip to Pete Abe.) That’s the second highest total number of nominated entries in the New York Emmy Awards’ Advanced Media category. Here’s what was nominated:
ADVANCED MEDIA: Sports
Matt & Ted Go to Philly. April 23, 2008. Fred Harner, General Manager.
New York Baseball Today. August 20, 2008. Fred Harner, General Manager.
Nissan Post Game Extra. April 9, 2008. Fred Harner, General Manager.
ADVANCED MEDIA: Host/Anchor/Reporter
Brittany Umar. August 26, 2008.
ADVANCED MEDIA: Writer/Producer
Jeff Goldman. August 12, 2008.
Congats to the gang at SNY.tv! Well done and deserved.
In case you didn’t happen to see this over at Bronx Banter, Todd Drew (just a few months shy of his 42nd birthday) passed away today.
I never met or spoke to Todd. And, we never exchanged e-mails or the like. In fact, I’ve never spoken (or had some other form of communication) to anyone about Todd – until now.
But, from reading his blog as well as his work at Bronx Banter, I did (somewhat) get a feel for the type of person he was…and he seemed like a pretty cool dude.
It’s incredibly sad to hear of his passing – especially given his young age. The Yankee-bloggers circle lost a good one today.
I would bet that his family will be looking at comments left over at Bronx Banter today regarding this news. If you’d like to convey condolences, I recommend stopping by there (again, if you haven’t already) and doing so…
The Business Public Relations group at MLB asked me to pass along some information regarding the 20th Annual Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Dinner.
For those not aware, B.A.T. is a terrific organization that helps members of the “baseball family” (i.e. pre-pension era players, former negro league players, families of players, minor leaguers) who have a substantial need (financial or otherwise). This year, the theme will celebrate the memories of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. Below are former Yankees that will be present:
Roy White
Whitey Ford
Joe Girardi
Bob Watson
Pete Ward
Bill Virdon
Mike Torrez
Rusty Torres
Willie Randolph
Charlie Silvera
Bobby Shantz
Mike Pagliarulo
Graig Nettles
Paul Mirabella
Phil Linz
Jim Leyritz
Jay Johnstone
Cliff Johnson
Ed Figueroa
Art Ditmar
Chris Chambliss
Jim Bouton
Ruben Amaro, Sr.
In addition, these Hall of Famers will be there:
Luis Aparicio
Orlando Cepeda
Bob Gibson
Al Kaline
Joe Morgan
Robin Roberts
Ozzie Smith
George Brett
Dick Williams
The dinner is open to the public and those interested in purchasing tickets/tables can go to www.baseballassistanceteam.com. Anyone interested in attending will be contributing to this foundation, but will also get the chance to rub elbows with baseball legends.
I’ve never been to a B.A.T. Dinner. But, back in 1998, I met a fellow baseball fan who shared that he went to the dinners each year on a regular basis. And, the stories that he told me about attending were incredible. To say that it’s a good time is an understatement. I got the feeling from him that it was such an incredible experience that it left you counting down the days until the dinner the following year – because you couldn’t wait to go back again.
Here’s the what, when, where, and who for the 20th Annual Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) Dinner to be held on January 27, 2009:
WHAT: The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) will be hosting their 20th annual fundraising dinner. The theme for the dinner will celebrate the memories of New York’s Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium. In addition to the theme, B.A.T. will honor Ozzie Smith, George Brett, Bret Saberhagen and Vince Coleman with the Big B.A.T./Frank Slocum Award and Luis Gonzalez with the Bart Giamatti Award. Over 125 current and former Major League players are scheduled to attend, which includes the likes of former Yankees and Mets. The event is open to the public.
WHEN: Tuesday, January 27, 2009; Reception begins at 5:45 p.m. EST
WHERE: New York Marriott Marquis Hotel located at 1535 Broadway, New York, NY.
WHO: Founded in 1986, B.A.T. is dedicated to helping those members of the “baseball family” most in need. B.A.T. strives to provide a means of support to people who are unable to help themselves. Through charitable contributions from corporations, foundations and individuals, B.A.T. is there to assist those with financial, psychological or physical burdens.
Again, for information on how to purchase tickets, or to make a donation, please contact B.A.T. at (212) 931-7821 or log on to www.baseballassistanceteam.com.
I would like to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com a very happy and healthy new year. And, may all your resolutions for 2009 come true!
For just about the last full three days, I’ve been totally ignoring the internet, e-mail, and blogging – and just spending him with family, eating too much food, un-twisting about a thousand of those metal twisty-ties that they use to lock down toys into their packages these days, and doing my best to understand some very cryptic assemby instructions associated with a few of those aformentioned toys…
Nonetheless, in the back of my mind, there’s also something going on Yankees-related. And, starting tomorrow, I’ll be back to share some of that. So, if you’re checking, tune in tomorrow – I should have some new content posted here around lunch-time…after I catch up on what’s been out there in the world of the ‘net, e-mail, and blogs that I’ve been ignoring since last Wednesday morning…
…see you then.
