I would like to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com a very happy and healthy new year. And, may all your resolutions for 2013 come true!

Barring any breaking and hot baseball-related news, I do not expect to be posting many entries to WasWatching.com over the next four days. Therefore, I wanted to take this time now to wish all the readers of this blog a safe and happy holiday season.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday observance.

Look for more stuff here starting next week!

The New York Yankees CC Sabathia and the New York Mets Ike Davis will be honored at the 33rd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, February 5, 2013, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City, it was announced by the AHRC New York City Foundation.

Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, will attend her 33rd straight benefit, having been involved since its inception, raising nearly $12 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Thurman Munson Awards are presented for success on the fields of play and philanthropic works off the field.

For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner call 212-249-6188.

I just 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.

The latest on the megastorm heading towards us -

Wherever it hits, the rare behemoth storm inexorably gathering in the eastern U.S. will afflict a third of the country with sheets of rain, high winds and heavy snow, say officials who warned millions in coastal areas to get out of the way.

“We’re looking at impact of greater than 50 to 60 million people,” said Louis Uccellini, head of environmental prediction for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

As Hurricane Sandy barreled north from the Caribbean – where it left nearly five dozen dead – to meet two other powerful winter storms, experts said it didn’t matter how strong the storm was when it hit land: The rare hybrid storm that follows will cause havoc over 800 miles from the East Coast to the Great Lakes.

“This is not a coastal threat alone,” said Craig Fugate, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “This is a very large area.”

Sandy weakened briefly to a tropical storm early Saturday but was soon back up to Category 1 strength, packing 75 mph winds about 355 miles southeast of Charleston, S.C., as of 8 p.m. Experts said the storm was most likely to hit the southern New Jersey coastline by late Monday or early Tuesday.

What makes the storm so dangerous and unusual is that it is coming at the tail end of hurricane season and the beginning of winter storm season, “so it’s kind of taking something from both,” said Jeff Masters, director of the private service Weather Underground.

Masters said the storm could be bigger than the worst East Coast storm on record – the 1938 New England hurricane known as the Long Island Express, which killed nearly 800 people. “Part hurricane, part nor’easter – all trouble,” he said. Experts said to expect high winds over 800 miles and up to 2 feet of snow as far inland as West Virginia.

And the storm was so big, and the convergence of the three storms so rare, that “we just can’t pinpoint who is going to get the worst of it,” said Rick Knabb, director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami.

It’s looking like this thing is going to hit within a 100 miles of where I live, according to the projections. So, I’m expecting to be without power at some point during the storm. And, if “Irene” can be used as a guide, it will probably be a while until the utilities are restored.

Be safe during the storm. And, feel free to use the comments section for this post to discuss whatever baseball items interest you. Hopefully, I won’t be disconnected for too long.

For those in the path of Sandy, please take care and be safe. This looks like a bad one.

Many of you knew “Jim TreshFan” from his comments and postings on this site.

I knew that Jim was not feeling well since he shared this with me in a note on June 12, 2010:

I’m afraid I have some bad news that will not only prohibit me from posting all that much at WasWatching, but from commenting much as well. This past Wednesday morning I was rushed to the hospital after passing out at daily Mass. I was kept there for a few days for tests and observation and—well—I have cancer. And I have it quite bad. So bad that they cannot operate to remove the growth in my lung, but will need to submit me to a regimen of radiation and chemo therapy. I start treatment next week.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to give you some better news down the line.

Jim and I kept in touch after that note and he seemed to be doing better. And, he was back to leaving comments here at the blog.  But, then, on May 18, 2011, he sent me this update:

Are things back to normal for me? I can’t say. I’m back on my feet. I’m back to work. So that is normal enough I suppose. But I still have (and will always have) health issues. A few weeks ago I passed out during Mass and was rushed to the ER. The priest even gave me the Anointing and absolved me of all my sins. So apparently they thought it was quite serious. For my part I don’t know. I’ll just take each day as it comes, or as they say, “one game at a time.”

Yet, we continued to see Jim here. So, I figured that he was hanging in there.

Recently, to me, it felt like it had been a while since I saw anything from Jim. So, I checked, and saw that we had not heard from him since May.

That led me to find out today that he passed away on June 1st this year.

I never met Jim in person. And, I never spoke to him on the phone or elsewhere. Most of my dealings with him were via this blog or an occasional email. But, in my exchanges with him, it seemed like he was a really good guy. And, for sure, he was a huge Yankees fan.

Fifty-six is too young to die. And, I am very sad to share this belated news on his passing with you.

Have a great and safe “Independence Day” – and, please, 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 as baseball and apple pie are staples of America, statistics and fathers are the hemoglobin of baseball. So, since today is Father’s Day (really, it is, Hallmark says so!), I want to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day!” to all the Moms out there today. (Holy cow! Where would we be without Mom?)

I would like to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com a very happy and healthy new year. And, may all your resolutions for 2012 come true!

Barring any breaking and hot baseball-related news, I do not expect to be posting many entries to WasWatching.com over the next four days. Therefore, I wanted to take this time now to wish all the readers of this blog a safe and happy holiday season.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday observance.

Look for more stuff here starting next week!

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.

The Gene Michael Celebrity Charity Golf Classic, Awards Dinner, & Auction will be held on Monday, August 29, 2011 at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ. Click here for more information on this great event.

Last chance  to get in on the survey, today, if interested.  It will close this evening.  Click here for more.

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of these. So, it seems like a good idea to run this again.

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!

Click here to take survey.

Attaboy, Don Schulze – Getting It Done On The 50th Anniversary Of Lou Gehrig Day

To all reading this: Have a great and safe July 4th weekend! And, just a reminder to be alert on the roads. Related, of course, if you’re drinking alcohol at some point over the next three days, please don’t drive at the same time or directly thereafter.

Just as baseball and apple pie are staples of America, statistics and fathers are the hemoglobin of baseball. So, since today is Father’s Day (really, it is, Hallmark says so!), I want to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Father’s Day!

Last month, I shared some information on the Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium. And, now, I have some more information to share via a recent press release:

When thousands of avid runners, passionate baseball fans, cancer survivors, and supporters from across the country gather at the Damon Runyon 5K starting line on August 7 to support the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, they will get the signal to run from New York Yankees great Roy White, one of the race’s official starters.

The only charitable run/walk that uses the legendary ballpark as its course, the third annual Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2011. Participants will run or walk the Stadium’s concourses, climb stairs between levels, appear on the video board, and follow in the footsteps of their favorite players by taking their own victory laps on the warning track that circles the field. The event is on track to reach a three-year total of $1 million raised to fund groundbreaking cancer research by the nation’s most innovative young scientists.

In addition to serving as an official starter for the race, White will be featured at a private reception for the Runyon 5K’s leading early fundraisers on June 21 at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant in New York City. He will tell stories about his days with the Yankees, participate in a Q&A, sign autographs, be available for photos and watch the Yankees play the Cincinnati Reds in an interleague showdown.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the 1976 Yankees team that won their first American League pennant in 12 seasons before being swept by the Cincinnati Reds. The year was important in Yankees history as it marked their first pennant under late owner George Steinbrenner, who promised a swift return to the World Series when he bought the team in 1973.

For a Roy White fan like me, this is exciting news.   I think it’s great that he can be part of the race and also have some time to share memories of that great 1976 season.

Looking at the first 118 responses to our recent reader survey, I’m able to tally the following:

• 65% of those who responded like me, and/or this blog, and find what I offer here to be enjoyable or useful
• 30% of those who responded dislike or hate me, and/or this blog, and find what I have to offer here to be annoying and of little use
• 5% of those who responded really don’t have an opinion on the matter

I’m not surprised to see that the majority, close to two-thirds, like what I am doing at WasWatching.com. After all, most who responded saw the survey because they read and enjoy this blog. (And, my thanks to those who had nice things to say about me via their votes and comments in that survey.)

However, the fact that close to one-third of those who responded – and perhaps one-third of those who read this blog – dislike or hate me and/or this blog is bothersome to me.

There’s too much hate and displeasure in the world, period, as it is today. And, I don’t want to be the cause to add to any of that bad stuff.

So, I have a favor to ask.

Actually, strike that. And, make it “I have a plea to beg.”

If you are someone who doesn’t like me, or what I do at this blog, please stop reading it (and what I write here). Please put an end to exposing yourself to what I write – if what I have to say and share leads to you being upset and having ugly thoughts towards me and/or this blog. There’s no need for you to read this blog. Take it – and me – off your radar.

I’ll be honest. There are some other bloggers (and the like) out there who I think are F.O.S Asshats. Related, I stopped reading their blogs/sites and never went back to them. There’s enough on the internet that there’s no need for me to go out and read stuff that I don’t enjoy or find useful. It’s a waste of time to be concerned with things that you’re better off avoiding.

Again, please consider my request – one that’s made with all sincerity and good intentions. If you don’t like me, or what I am doing at this blog, please do yourself some good and stop visiting this site – now and forever.

Regardless of how you feel about me and my work here, I do not want to be the source of any irritation in your life. And, you have the power to put an end to any displeasure I may be causing you. This is why I ask you: Please stop visiting and reading this blog.

Happy Mother’s Day!” to all the Moms out there today. (Holy cow! Where would we be without Mom?)

Mother's Day souvenir charm issued to fans on Mother's Day in 1967 - which was also the date of Mickey Mantle's 500th career homerun.

“

I mentioned this in 2009 and in 2010. And, they’re doing it again this year. Here’s the details:

Thousands of avid runners, passionate baseball fans, cancer survivors, and supporters from across the country will descend on Yankee Stadium on August 7, and it won’t be to see the Bronx Bombers play the Red Sox. Instead, they will be supporting the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, which opened registration today for its annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium.

The only charitable run/walk that uses the legendary ballpark as its course, the 5K will take place on Sunday, August 7, 2011. The event is on track to reach a three-year total of $1 million raised to fund groundbreaking cancer research by the nation’s most innovative young scientists.

Registration for individuals and teams opened today at www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and is limited to the first 4,000 registrants. For a $40 registration fee and a minimum fundraising requirement of $60, participants can run or walk the Stadium’s concourses, climb stairs between levels, appear on the video board, and follow in the footsteps of their favorite players by taking their own victory laps on the warning track that circles the field. After July 7, the registration fee will increase to $50. Family members and supporters will have the opportunity to view the event from the Delta SKY360° Suite overlooking home plate.

100% of all funds raised by participants will go directly to top cancer researchers, some of whom will be on hand to answer questions about their cancer research. “You can’t win the World Series without the best team, and we can’t strike out cancer without supporting the most brilliant minds of our time,” said Lorraine W. Egan, Executive Director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. “This is a great opportunity for fans to enjoy the Stadium, and – most importantly – for every participant to make a real impact on cancer.”

To me, you can’t have baseball without wood, leather, grass and the weather. Well, maybe you could – but, it wouldn’t be the same as it is now…and has been for so long. So, as thanks to the Earth for giving us these elements of baseball, be nice to the planet. And, just don’t do it for “us.” Remember the Native American proverb: We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.

Charity-minded Yankees stars of past and present, including the likes of Mariano Rivera, Goose Gossage, Yogi Berra and Reggie Jackson are among the New York athletes scheduled help raise funds for the Evelyn Sachs Steiner Home for Girls at a benefit at The Clubhouse Grill (formerly Mo’s New York Grill) on Monday night, May 9, at 7 p.m. in New Rochelle, N.Y.

In addition to the stars above, Steiner Sports founder Brandon Steiner has recruited many other New York sports greats for the lineup. Other baseball players expected to attend are Brett Gardner, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Bobby Richardson and Paul Blair.

Hockey Hall of Fame Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter, former New York Knicks Allan Houston, John Starks, and Anthony Mason and ex-Rangers winger Adam Graves also plan to be in attendance.

Tickets for the cause cost $500 and include dinner, open bar, and a special auction with unusual items. All proceeds from the tickets will be donated to the Evelyn Sachs Steiner Home for Girls. Fans wishing to donate can send a check to the address below or call 914-307-1030 and give a credit card. The check should be made out to Family Services of Westchester.

Steiner Sports Memorabilia, Inc.
Attn: Brandon Steiner
145 Huguenot Street
New Rochelle, NY 10801

You know I’m soooooo down with this one! Here’s more on this via PC World -

Hey, you! Put that smartphone down! Back away from that iPad! Switch off your laptop, and stop Tweeting! It’s almost time for the Second Annual National Day of Unplugging. After all, even geeks need to disconnect now and then.

Based on the concept of the Jewish Sabbath (i.e. a day of rest), the National Day of Unplugging is put on by a group called Sabbath Manifesto. It runs from sundown on March 4 to sundown on March 5, and is exactly what the name implies–it’s a day of rest from all gadgets and electroinics.

Sabbath Manifesto has a list of its Ten Principles to follow during the National Day of Unplugging. The basic gist: It’s a chance for you to avoid technology, get some fresh air, and get back in touch with friends and family.

Click here for more on this movement and Sabbath Manifesto.

Avoid technology? Connect with loved ones? Nurture your health? Get outside? Hey, those are all great things! And, something we should do much more often than we do, in our society, as a whole.

In case you missed this news…here’s the info:

A trio of popular New York baseball stars will receive the prestigious Thurman Munson Award at the 31st annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, February 1, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. New York Yankees All-Star outfielder Nick Swisher, New York Mets outfielder Angel Pagan, and former Mets All-Star catcher Mike Piazza will be honored by the AHRC-New York City Foundation in memory of late, great Yankees catcher and captain.

The formidable baseball threesome will be joined by the Nets all-star guard Devin Harris and Olympic gold medal-winning figure skater Evan Lysacek as the “Class of 2011.”

Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, will attend the gala, and has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $10 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“I love the way he plays, I love his enthusiasm,” said Diana Munson of Swisher. “Most importantly, he respects the history of baseball and the Yankees. On Old Timers Day, he was out there getting autographs and taking pictures. He’s not embarrassed by his love of the game, and respects the players. Plus, he’s cute.”

The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

The list of notable athletes to previously receive the Munson Award reads like a sports “Who’s Who,” and includes: Yankees – Yogi Berra, Don Mattingly, Mariano Rivera, Willie Randolph, Alex Rodriguez, Jorge Posada, Robbie Cano, Bernie Williams, Bobby Murcer, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi; Mets – Tom Seaver, John Franco, Darryl Strawberry, Ron Darling, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, Keith Hernandez, Rusty Staub and Gary Carter; Basketball – Willis Reed, Oscar Robertson, Jason Kidd, Dave DeBusschere, Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, Mark Jackson, Charles Oakley, Allan Houston and John Starks; Olympians – Donna de Varona (swimming), Dorothy Hamill (figure-skating), Paul Hamm (gymnast), Kristi Yamaguchi (figure skating), Nancy Kerrigan (figure skating), Carl Lewis (track and field), Carly Patterson (gymnast), and Dwight Stones (men’s high jump).

For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner contact 212-249-6188.

Thanks to Jerry Milani for passing this along to me.

I would like to wish all the readers of WasWatching.com a very happy and healthy new year. And, may all your resolutions for 2011 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 68 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:

Evan3457, Scout, mondoas, UNC Tarheel, Ryan81, MJ, Raf, Corey, jrk, ken, lisaswan, G.I. Joey, EHawk, The Sandman, bfriley76, Jim TreshFan, JeremyM, butchie22, Brent, mwach1, Rich M, bags, clintfsu813, nettles, 77yankees, KPOcala, YankCrank, GDH, #15, BOHAN, sean mcnally, K-V-C, Pete, antone, OldYanksFan, Joseph Maloney 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!

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.

I’ve mentioned in the past that I’ve been a Yankees season ticket holder since 2001. The seats that I have offer a great view – they’re in Section 213 of the Main Level, right by 1B.

I get the full 81-game season package – and then I split the games with eight other parties. (For examples of how we split the games, click here.)

It’s not a cheap thing to do – as I estimate that one “share” in the group this year will run about $1,443 – but, if you like to go to games, have great seats (as you stay dry and cool under cover in the Main Level – to go along with the great view), and have a chance for great seats to a post-season game (as we get the same exact seats in the post-season), it’s not a bad deal.

We may have an opening in our group (for a share) in 2011. I will know soon – for sure. If anyone is interested in joining the group – knowing the price now (and that the money will be due very, very, soon) – drop me a note and we can talk about it off-line.

Thanks.