Top 10 of 2008

These are top 10 Yankees stories for the year MMVIII (it's not just used for Super Bowls ya know). We could have ordered 7-10 differently, but this is what we came up with.

1. Goodbye, old friend
There's no question that the number one story was the final season in the storied Yankee Stadium that we all grew up with. Yes, there have been different manifestations of the current park, but the games were all played on the same hallowed ground.

The Yankees did a pretty great job, (player replicas not withstanding), of commemorating the year with patches on their uniforms, a somewhat cheesy Stadium countdown meter, a spectacular Old Timer's Day, and a great final night ceremony.

As for the final game itself, the Yankees won 7-3. Andy Pettitte picked up what could be his final win in a Yankees uniform. Derek Jeter gave a heartfelt speech to the crowd after the game and the Yankees took a farewell lap around the Stadium.

The new place will be great, but we'll miss the old one too.

2. I'm in Charge Here
With his health not what it once was, George Steinbrenner turned over the day-to-day operations of the ball club to his sons, Hank and Hal. Hank emerged as the mouthpiece, often shooting from the hip without thinking, but as the year progressed, it became obvious that Hal was the son who was really running the show.

3. Show me the money!
This holiday season was, hopefully, highlighted by the gifts that keep on giving. The Yankees played Santa Claus for CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira, giving them contracts that will help them to form the nucleus of the ball club for years to come.

4. Seeing Stars
The Yankees hosted their first All-Star game in 31 years on July 15. Mariano Rivera recorded the final outs of the 9th inning, but it took extra innings before the AL won. The big story, though, was Josh Hamilton's incredible display in the prior night's home run derby.

5. A Different Joe
It was a new year all around, as Joe Girardi became the first manager other than Joe Torre to take the helm of the Yankees since 1995. Girardi had his ups and downs. He admittedly made a number of mistakes, particularly in his reporting of team injuries to the press and his lack of rapport with the veterans on the team.

6. A Big Loss
Bigger than any game, was the loss of long-time Yankees player and broadcaster Bobby Murcer to brain cancer. Bobby was our man growing up, and proved to be an even better person off the field than on. His courage during his illness was inspiring.

7. Bernie Comes Home
After being disappointed by not being offered a guaranteed contract for 2007, Bernie Williams disappeared from sight. He still showed up at various fund raisers from time to time, but he was nowhere to be found when it came to anything basebal-l related.

But that all changed on September 22, when as part of the pre-game hoopla for the final Stadium contest, Bernie Williams emerged, in uniform, from the dugout to a raucous reception from the crowd.

8. Big Trouble for American League Hitters
It took Mike Mussina 18 seasons and it came down to the final game of 2008, but Moose finally got his first 20-win season. Defeating the Red Sox in Fenway Park, Moose finished off a renaissance year that turned out to be his last. It took him a while to make the official announcement, but Moose had already decided this season would be his last before the season had even started.

9. CashMoney
Brian Cashman said he wanted to be back. The Steinbrenner boys said they wanted him back. But the Yankees played the entire season with a lame duck GM. Then on the final day of the season, Cashman signed a new 3-year deal that will keep him on as GM through 2011.

10. Voiceless
The final season in Yankee Stadium was not the same, because its longtime voice was not there. Bob Sheppard had taken ill at the end of the 2007 season and was too weak to work any of the Yankees games in 2008. He did make a pre-recorded announcement for the final home game and Derek Jeter used a tape of the "Voice of God" to announce all of his at-bats. Here's hoping Mr. Sheppard returns in 2009.

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Our Top 10 Stadium Moments

We'll say from 1968 - forward since that's when we started to become cognizant of what was going on. This was not easy and some of these are interchangeable.

10. June 17, 1978 - Ron Guidry strikes out 18 California Angels. The beginning of fans clapping when an opponent had 2 strikes.

9. ALCS Game 3 - Yankees ruin another Red Sox post-season. Aaron Boone becomes aligned with Bucky Dent.

8. September 24, 2001 - Yankee Stadium is the site of an inter-faith memorial for the tragic occurrences of 9/11.

7. July 4, 1983 - Dave Righetti throws a 4th of July no-hitter against the Red Sox. It's also George Steinbrenner's birthday. Game ends when Rags strikes out Wade Boggs for the third time.

6. August 6, 1979 - Bobby Murcer drives in 5 runs for his fallen brother Thurman Munson on the day of the Captain's funeral.

5. May 25, 1998 and July 18, 1999 - Perfect games by David Wells and David Cone.

4. 2001 Games 4 and 5 of the World Series - Unbelievable 9th inning comebacks on home runs by Tino Martinez and Scott Brosius.

3. 1996 World Series Game 6 - We finally had attained a World Series championship after 18 years.

2. 1977 World Series Game 6 - Reggie Jackson takes 3 swings and hits 3 home runs. The Yankees win their first World Series in 15 years.

1. 1976 ALCS Game 5 - Chris Chambliss finally gets us to the promised land with a dramatic home run.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/20

ESPN Television and it's "tributaries" (ESPN Classic, etc.) have Yankees programming all day Sunday and next week as well. The Biz of Baseball has the full slate. ESPN.com also has a page dedicated to the farewell.

A Yankees fan spread his brother's ashes in another goodbye.

More on Bobby Murcer's addition to the Yankees Hall of Fame mural.

Brett Gardner wants to be the Yankees starting center fielder next year.

ABC News made Yankee Stadium it's "Person of the Week".

On this date 40 years ago, September 20, 1968, Mickey Mantle hit his final home run. Number 536 came against the Red Sox Jim Lonborg.

George Vecsey with a wonderful piece on Bob Sheppard.

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Bobby Murcer, King George Immortalized in Paint

Bobby Murcer is now a permanent fixture in the Bronx as is George Steinbrenner. They are both now part of a commemorative mural that sits outside of Yankee Stadium. The portraits were unveiled this afternoon. Among the attendees were Bobby's widow, Kay, and their children, Todd and Tori, Joe Girardi, Rey Negron, Brian Cashman, and Willie Randolph. NY1 has some video of the event.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/18

Chien-Ming Wang and, and...George King says The Wanger is the only guarantee for the '09 rotation.

Joe Girardi knows he has to make adjustments for next year.

"He's definitely adjusting," Damon said. "In Florida he had a whole bunch of little kids. He's finding his way around with us veteran guys. I like the way he manages; the game's not too fast for him. He has a game plan, and that's a start; unfortunately, the horses didn't come through for him this year. He mixed and matched as well as he could. I like him at the post.

"I hope we can go out and get some big players in the free-agent market to see what we can do."

Bobby Murcer will be immortalized on the Graffiti Wall of Fame (at the corner of 158th St. and River Ave) tomorrow by local residents.

The Yankees called up first baseman Juan Miranda prior to yesterday's game.

Bobby Richardson to speak for the United Fund in South Carolina tonight.

A look back at Lou Gehrig's remarkable speech.

The new Stadium makes its debut on April 16 with the Cleveland Indians in town.

Dan Graziano longs for the press box to shake again.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/17

Phil Hughes tries to make an impression for 2009 tonight. Could he maybe win a game for a change?

Joe Girardi talked to Robinson Cano about his benching and then put him back in the lineup last night. Missed this one yesterday. Ken Davidoff knows it will take a team effort to get to Cano.

Good guy Bobby Abreu made a kid's wish come true.

Larry Brooks compares the Stadium to a museum.

More on the reported tax violations for the new Stadium.

Tony LaRussa talks about his visit to the Stadium on Monday night.

Sacramento beat Scranton in the one game Triple-A showdown in Oklahoma City. The game's MVP award was named after Bobby Murcer :)

A reminder - if you do the crime, you will pay the time. A warning against ripping off Stadium mementos.

Reginald Martinez Jackson talks about the House that Ruth Built and Reggie "Octoberized".

The YES announcers got screwed out of working the season finale, but Giants and ESPN announcer Jon Miller is ecstatic. Guess we'll hear Joe Morgan say "Bernie Wheelyums"

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The Daily Yankeeland - 9/4

Phil Mushnick takes a shot at "screamers" Michael Kay and Gary Cohen. (kudos to TBL for the find.)

As you know by now instant replay made its debut in last night's Yankees-Rays game. While the ESPN replays were inconclusive, ump Charlie Relaford and the office in NY were privy to a replay that showed the ball did clear the foul pole in fair territory before hooking into foul territory. The most remarkable thing, by far, is that only two minutes and 15 seconds elapsed before a ruling was made. Maybe the NFL can learn from it.

Jason Giambi played last night despite suffering a nasty gash to his eyelid after walking into a bathroom door.

Mike Schmidt congratulated A-Rod on passing him on the all-time home run list.

Via the Phillies' PR department, Schmidt said he was happy for Rodriguez, whom he spoke to during the introductions at the All-Star Game in July at Yankee Stadium.

"I want to congratulate Alex on 548 and wish him well the remainder of 2008," Schmidt said before the milestone blast.

Damon Opponheimer must rue the day he picked C.J. Henry over Matt Garza.

Bobby Murcer has been nominated for the Ford C. Frick Award for broadcasting excellence. Fans can take part in the vote at Yankees.com.

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Oklahomans Remember Bobby

A public memorial service will be held in Oklahoma City this morning to remember and honor Bobby Murcer. The memorial will take place at Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City at 11 a.m. local time.

The Yankees will be chartering a plane to attend the service.

Governor Brad Henry also declared today "Bobby Murcer Day" to coincide with the memorial.

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Live Blogging Old Timer's Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1:59 PM - "Tolly", Wayne Tolleson

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

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

2:00 PM - Rich Monteleone

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pitching Coach Dave Eiland.

2:04 PM

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

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

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

2:05 PM

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

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

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

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

2:08 PM

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

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

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

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

2:10 PM

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

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

2:11 PM

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

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

2:12 PM

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

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

2:14 PM

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

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

2:15 PM

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

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

2:16 PM

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

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

2:17 PM

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

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

2:19 PM

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

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

2:20 PM

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

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

2:21 PM

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

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

2:22 PM

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

2:23 PM

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

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

2:24 PM

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

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

2:25 PM

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

Is Billy Crystal considered an old-timer?

2:26 PM

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

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

2:27 PM

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

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

2:28 PM

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

2:29 PM

Some guy named Joe Girardi. ;)

Little Dante Girardi looks good in '27 too.

2:30 PM

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

2:31 PM

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

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

2:32 PM

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

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

2:33 PM

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

2:34 PM

Graig Nettles: What a 3rd baseman!

2:35 PM

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

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

2:38 PM

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

2:39 PM

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

2:41 PM

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

2:42 PM

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

2:43 PM

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

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

2:44 PM

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

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

2:45 PM

Whitey Ford: The Chairman of the Board.

2:46 PM

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

2:48 PM

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

Jill Martin, widow of Billy the Kid.

2:49 PM

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

2:50 PM

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

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

2:51 PM

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

2:53 PM

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

2:54 PM

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

Johnny Podres

Tommy Holmes

Joe Nuxhall

John McHale

Bill Robinson

Tommy Byrne

Phil Rizzuto

Bobby Murcer

2:56 PM

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

2:59 PM

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

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

3:02 PM

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

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

3:05 PM

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

3:06 PM

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

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Old Timer's Day Festivities

The Yankees sent out a press release this morning, which PeteAbe courtiously printed out, updating the list of players attending tomorrow's Old-Timer's Day. Sadly, Bernie Williams is still not on the list, and Willie Randolph is not among the retirees either. And Lou Piniella and Don Mattingly will be busy managing and coaching. And its unfortunate that NYC firefighter and former Yankee, Frank Tepedino is nto among those listed.

The Hall of Fame Class: Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Reggie Jackson, Wade Boggs, Dave Winfield, and Goose Gossage.

The Widows: Arlene (Elston) Howard, Helen (Catfish) Hunter, Diane (Thurman) Munson, Jill (Billy) Martin, and Cora (Phil) Rizzuto. The sad/ironic part here is that it will be the 29th anniversary of Thurman Munson's death. Our thoughts, of course, will also be with Kay Murcer.

There will be at least one Yankee to represent every championship team since 1947. That includes 1996 team members that are at their first OT game. Tino Martinez, Jeff Nelson, Pat Kelly, Graeme Lloyd, Ramiro Mendoza, Tim Raines, and Jimmy Key.

Other newbies include Rickey Henderson (who will join the Hall class one day), Al Leiter, David Wells, Mike Stanley, Dave Eiland, Buck Showalter, Jeff Torborg, Don Baylor, Wayne Tolleson (we can hear Ken Harrelson saying, "Tolly"), Tony Fernandez, and Aaron Small.

Here is the up to date list.

Jim Abbott
Luis Arroyo
Steve Balboni
Jesse Barfield
Don Baylor
Yogi Berra
Paul Blair
Johnny Blanchard
Ron Blomberg
Wade Boggs
Scott Bradley
Dr. Bobby Brown
Homer Bush
Andy Carey
Chris Chambliss
Horace Clarke
Jerry Coleman
David Cone
Ron Davis
Bucky Dent
Al Downing
Brian Doyle
Dave Eiland
Tony Fernandez
Ed Figueroa
Whitey Ford
Oscar Gamble
Joe Girardi
Rich “Goose” Gossage
Eli Grba
Ken Griffey, Sr.
Ron Guidry
Rickey Henderson
Arlene Howard (widow of Elston)
Helen Hunter (widow of Jim)
Reggie Jackson
Tommy John
Pat Kelly
Jimmy Key
Gene “Mickey” Klutts
Johnny Kucks
Don Larsen
Al Leiter
Graeme Lloyd
Hector Lopez
Kevin Maas
Jill Martin (widow of Billy)
Tino Martinez
Bobby Meacham
Ramiro Mendoza
Gene Michael
Rich Monteleone
Diana Munson (widow of Thurman)
Jeff Nelson
Graig Nettles
Paul O’Neill
Gil Patterson
Joe Pepitone
Tim Raines
Bobby Richardson
Mickey Rivers
Cora Rizzuto (widow of Phil)
Buck Showalter
Charlie Silvera
Bill “Moose” Skowron
Aaron Small
Luis Sojo
Mike Stanley
Darryl Strawberry
Wayne Tolleson
Jeff Torborg
Mike Torrez
Tom Tresh
Bob Turley
David Wells
Dave Winfield

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Walk off Wins

These are the walk offs we've been at (that we can remember)

Sept 26, 1981 - Bobby Murcer pinch-hit 3-run home run against Orioles Tim Stoddard. 6-4 Yankees win.

July 3, 1999 - Scott Brosius hits a 3-run home run off of Orioles pal Arthur Rhodes for a 6-5 win.

July 16, 2000 - Yankees come back from 6-1 against the Phillies with 5 runs in the 9th, and then 8-6 in the 10th. RBI singles by O'Neill, Bernie, and Justice win it 9-8.

July 21, 2002 - Red Sox closer Uggie "Machete" Urbina walks Jorge Posada with the bases loaded to cap a two run rally and gives the Yankees a 9-8 win.

July 31, 2005 - Yankees score 4 in the 8th to erase a 6-2 deficit to the Angels, then a run in the 10th to tie things back up at 7-7. Matsui leads off the 11th with a triple and scores on Tony Womack's single for a 8-7 win.

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2008 All-Star Preview

Actually, there's not much to preview. AL vs NL - determines home field. Lots of boredom between first pitch and last. There will be a moment of silence for Bobby Murcer, Sheryl Crow will sing the National Anthem, and Josh Groban will sing "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch (where's Ronan Tynan?). Hopefully the world will not hear "Cotton Eyed Joe".

Here are the starting lineups.

National League

1. Hanley Ramirez, SS
2. Chase Utley, 2B
3. Lance Berkman, 1B
4. Albert Pujols, DH
5. Chipper Jones, 3B
6. Matt Holliday, RF
7. Ryan Braun, LF
8. Kosuke Fukudome, CF
9. Geovany Soto, C

Starting Pitcher: Ben Sheets

American League

1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Manny Ramirez LF
6. Milton Bradley, DH
7. Kevin Youkilis, 1B
8. Joe Mauer, C
9. Dustin Pedroia, 2B

Starting Pitcher: Cliff Lee

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Devastated

That word sums up best how we're I'm feeling today. The pain of dental work done earlier today doesn't compare to the pain in my heart after learning of the death of Bobby Murcer. Bobby succumbed to complications from brain cancer earlier today in his native Oklahoma.

For any Yankees fans born in the early 1960's, Bobby Murcer was your man. There wasn't a whole lot to choose from in the late 1960's. Mickey Mantle had just retired, and the team was already into a decline that would last for a dozen years.

Bobby was said to be the "next Mickey Mantle". An absurd assertion brought on by the fact that, like Mickey, he was from Oklahoma, came up as a shortstop, and was signed by the same scout, Tom Greenwade.

October 22, 1974 was a rotten day. Bobby had been dealt to the San Francisco Giants for Bobby Bonds. "Bobby for Bobby" the headlines read. I hated George Steinbrenner, Gabe Paul, and Shea Stadium, which helped to end Bobby's tenure in Pinstripes.

February, 1977, Bobby started his way back east with a trade to the Chicago Cubs, and a little more than two years later he returned to his true home. The Cubs traded Bobby back to the Yankees on June 26, 1979, and that night he was in the lineup in Toronto against the Blue Jays. It was odd seeing him wearing number two, since Billy Martin now wore number one, but he was back and we were ecstatic.

June 11, 1983 was Bobby's last game in the Pinstripes, his spot needed for a young guy by the name of Don Mattingly. He then went up and worked in the booth. He may not have been Vin Scully, but the joy he brought to the booth, especially interacting with the Scooter, his Oklahoma accent, and his pride of being a Yankee, was priceless. It made us happy that he was still part of the team in some way.

December, 2006, the shocking news that Bobby had been diagnosed with brain cancer. I was especially stunned since it was also the same cancer my Mom had died from. Bobby had surgery and was part of an experimental program that combined a vaccine with chemotherapy. Bobby's contributions to the program ended today. To say he will be missed is an understatement. I feel like a part of my youth died with him. Those were the days when you didn't care about anything but playing baseball and made believe you were Bobby Murcer when you batted. And, of course, I had a Bobby Murcer official bat from Bat Day at the Stadium.

Bobby, you will be so missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to Bobby's wife Kay, his children Todd and Tori, and his grandchildren. God Bless you Bobby.

- Drew aka Mantlemurcer

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Bobby Murcer Has Left Us

More later


























May 20, 1946 - July 12, 2008

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Bobby Murcer is Ailing

Peter Abraham posted this press release from the Yankees on our guy Bobby Murcer.

Bobby Murcer continues to recover from the effects of cancer and shingles, which caused him to cut short his broadcasting work and his book tour earlier this month. He has been under medical care in Oklahoma City.

The cancer treatment over the last 18 months has been intensive and has, as a side effect, somewhat compromised his immune system and made the fight all the more challenging. While he has shown some measured improvement in recent days, this is clearly a major battle, as all who have been through it understand.

Bobby remains hopeful that he will be able to resume his broadcasting work down the road, but for now, is appreciative of the thoughts and prayers of his fans, and wants them to know that he is aware that he is in their hearts, as they are in his.

You're in our hearts, minds, and prayers Bobby. Hang in there!

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Cancer Has no Friends

We step back from the "we" for this 0ne and into the "I". Like most families, ours is no stranger to cancer. I hate it, I loathe it, it disgusts me. I lost my Mom after a 10 year battle with brain cancer. My sister survived Hodgkins Disease in her 20s and 25 years later she contracted breast cancer from the radiation treatments for Hodgkins. She's doing well. She and my Mom are the two most courageous people I have known, and they're not alone.

I just finished reading Bobby Murcer's autobiography, "Yankee For Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes". There's detailed information on what Bobby went through when he began feeling symptoms that lead to a discovery of cancer and the treatment, some of it experimental, that has followed. It hit close to home since it was the same type of cancer my Mom had. The current experimental treatment, which includes a vaccine in addition to radiation and chemo did not yet exist when she passed away in 2001.

The Yankees family has also been hit hard by cancer. The battles of Joe Torre and Mel Stottelmyre are well documented, but some Yankees farm hands have also been affected. Trenton Thunder teammates Chris Malec and Colin Curtis have both survived testicular cancer. John Nalbone of the Trenton Times has a nice story today on Malec and Curtis.

Research much continue and the government must be more responsible and flexible in the handing out of research grants. One day its my hope that cancer will basically be a thing of the past like polio or small pox.


Useful links

Learn more from the American Cancer Society.

The Brain Tumor Foundation.

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The Daily Yankeeland - 6/18

We're still up against since we're off tomorrow. Where will be? Yankee Stadium for the first time this year. WOooooooooooooHOooooooooooooo.

Al Aceves is blipping on our radar like crazy. The lefty the Yankees plucked from the Mexican League was outstanding at Tampa and has brought his 'A' game to 'AA' in Trenton. Last night he threw 1-hit ball over 8 innings in a 7-0 win over the Harrisburg Senators. Between the two stops, he's 6-3, 1.88 with a 5.5:1 strikeout to walk ration. Austin Jackson is getting his bat going too. He's had a pair of 7 RBI games this year. Last night he had to settle for 4 RBI, 3 of them coming on his 7th home run of the season. He's not hitting .283 with 33 walks and 45 RBI.

Willie Randolph will always be a Yankee at heart and that's maybe why a lot of us are even angrier at how his firing was handled by the Mets. Omar Minaya's interview with Mike and the Mad Dog yesterday is a must listen.

We're in the midst of reading Bobby Murcer's "Yankee for Life: My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes ". It's a good read to pick up. Some good stories about Thurman, Sweet Lou, and the Scooter, among others.

Chien-Ming Wang told Mike Puma of the NY Post that he's confident he'll be back by September. From the Wanger's mouth to God's ears.

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Happy Birthday Bobby Murcer

Our boy turns 62 today! God Bless and good health to our all-time favorite. Just found out from Peter Abraham yesterday that Bobby has written a new book, "Yankee For Life, My 40-Year Journey in Pinstripes", and will be signing it at Yogi Berra's museum on Thursday, May 29, from 7-9 p.m.

Neil Best of the Houston Chronicle has more on the inspiration behind the book.

"I envisioned writing a book, but not until my total career was over with," he (Bobby Murcer) said. "Since I got cancer, and it's pretty deadly stuff, I thought maybe I ought to move it up a year or two if I was going to do it."

On one hand, there are no headline-making revelations, no salacious stories, no naughty words.

"I didn't want to use any curse words, and wanted to make sure a dad could sit down and read a book with his son without having to be embarrassed about certain things," he said.

On the other, for all of Murcer's focus on his passionate devotion to his wife, Kay, and to the Yankees, he avoids tedious sappiness by keeping things moving with his storytelling.

We're not sure if we can make it Yogi's on Thursday, but you can bet we'll be getting this book.

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Wang With a W

The Yankees have come to rely on Chien-Ming Wang to do what he does best- win. Last night The Wanger ended the Yankees 3-game losing streak and won after a Yankees loss for the 11th time in his career. Wang was on his game as was the defense behind him as the Yankees beat the Seattle Mariners 5-1. Defense let down Mariners starter Erik Bedard with 4 errors that lead to a pair of unearned runs.

The first of those four errors bit the Mariners in the 1st inning. Derek Jeter reached on a miscue by fellow shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and came around on singles by Bobby Abreu and Hideki Matsui. Adrian Beltre's error of a Morgan Ensberg hot shot started the 2nd and Ensberg was credited with a stolen base after Jose Lopez dropped Kenji Johjima's throw to 2nd Base. Alberto Gonzalez followed with a single and both runners came home on Melky Cabrera's lined double into the left field corner.

Wang, who had to leave after 6 innings and 90 pitches due to a hand cramp, only allowed one runner to reach 2nd Base through 5 innings. In the 6th, Ichiro Suzuki singled, stole 2nd and 3rd, and came home on a Raul Ibanez ground out for the lone Mariners run.

The Yankees came up with a pair of insurance runs in the 8th to seal the deal. Ensberg's single scored Abreu and Jose Molina brought home another run with a sacrifice fly. That made it a non-save situation for Mariano Rivera who retired the Mariners in order in the 9th to finish off the win.

News and Notes

Derek Jeter scored his 1,391st run to pass Joe Dimaggio for sole possession of 4th place on the all-time team list.

Chien-Ming Wang is now 6-0, 3.00 on the season and 7-0 lifetime against the Mariners.

Jose Molina, who started the season red hot, is now in an 0-22 slump.

As expected, Bobby Murcer returned to the YES booth last night, joining Michael Kay and Paul O'Neill.

May 2, 2008

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9		R	H	E
Seattle	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0		1	4	4
NY Yankees	1	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	X		5	7	0

Seattle	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Suzuki, CF	4	1	2	0	0	0	1	.273
Lopez, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	3	.298
Ibanez, LF	4	0	1	1	0	1	0	.294
Beltre, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	1	1	.283
Clement, DH	3	0	0	0	1	2	1	.167
Sexson, 1B	3	0	0	0	0	1	2	.223
Balentien, RF	3	0	0	0	0	2	1	.182
Burke, C	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.158
a-Vidro, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.200
Johjima, C	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.175
Betancourt, SS	3	0	1	0	0	0	1	.290
Totals	30	1	4	1	2	8	10
a-Grounded out for Burke in the 8th.
BATTING 2B: Ibanez (6, Wang). TB: Suzuki 2; Ibanez 2; Betancourt. RBI: Ibanez (21). Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Sexson; Lopez. GIDP: Betancourt. Team LOB: 4. BASERUNNING SB: Suzuki 3 (10, 2nd base off Chamberlain/Molina, 2nd base off Wang/Molina, 3rd base off Wang/Molina). FIELDING E: Betancourt (5, fielding), Beltre (6, fielding), Lopez (3, missed catch), Burke (1, fielding). Seattle IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Bedard (L, 2-1) 7.0 4 3 1 1 6 0 1.82 Rowland-Smith 0.1 2 2 2 1 1 0 6.23 Green 0.2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1.7 NY Yankees AB R H RBI BB SO LOB AVG Cabrera, CF 4 0 1 2 0 0 0 .284 Jeter, SS 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 .275 Abreu, RF 4 1 2 0 0 0 1 .284 Duncan, S, 1B 3 1 1 0 1 2 2 .190 Matsui, LF 4 0 1 1 0 1 3 .313 Giambi, DH 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 .160 Ensberg, 3B 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 .235 Molina, C 3 0 0 1 0 1 3 .218 Gonzalez, 2B 4 1 1 0 0 2 2 .269 Totals 32 5 7 5 2 8 16 BATTING 2B: Cabrera (3, Bedard). TB: Cabrera 2; Abreu 2; Duncan, S; Matsui; Ensberg; Gonzalez. RBI: Matsui (14), Cabrera 2 (14), Ensberg (4), Molina (3). 2-out RBI: Matsui. Runners left in scoring position, 2 out: Giambi; Abreu; Molina; Gonzalez. SF: Molina. Team LOB: 7. BASERUNNING CS: Ensberg (1, 2nd base by Bedard/Burke). FIELDING DP: (Gonzalez-Jeter-Duncan, S). NY Yankees IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA Wang (W, 6-0) 6.0 3 1 1 2 5 0 3.00 Farnsworth (H, 3) 1.0 0 0 0 0 2 0 3.77 Chamberlain (H, 7) 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1.46 Rivera 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.00 HBP: Giambi (by Bedard). Pitches-strikes: Bedard 103-72, Rowland-Smith 22-13, Green 7-7, Wang 90-53, Farnsworth 14-10, Chamberlain 19-12, Rivera 15-10. Ground outs-fly outs: Bedard 6-9, Rowland-Smith 0-0, Green 0-1, Wang 8-5, Farnsworth 1-0, Chamberlain 2-1, Rivera 1-1. Batters faced: Bedard 29, Rowland-Smith 4, Green 3, Wang 22, Farnsworth 3, Chamberlain 4, Rivera 3. Inherited runners-scored: Green 3-2. Umpires: HP: Mike Winters. 1B: Paul Schrieber. 2B: Laz Diaz. 3B: Wally Bell. Weather: 49 degrees, cloudy. Wind: 16 mph, L to R. T: 2:57. Att: 52,199.

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YES, Bobby Murcer is Back

We were greeted with exciting news in today's Star Ledger, Bobby Murcer will be back in the YES broadcast booth tonight and this weekend, and will work out of the studio next week. Bobby was in the Stadium last night, and would have been broadcasting earlier this year if not for a health scare during spring training.

It had been a little over a year since Bobby's surgery for brain cancer, and the results of an MRI had shown the cancer might have returned. But doctors found that it was just scar tissue/residual effect of the surgery and he's doing well. He also spoke last night with Newsday's Anthony Rieber.

He joked about his current treatment regimen -- steroids. I guess I shouldn't say that," he said.

Murcer said he is "cancer-free" after a biopsy in March but added, "I had some setbacks after my biopsy and I'm still not 100 percent."

"I haven't been as strong this year as I was last year," he said. "But everything's all right. Just glad to be here."

In case you have seen it yet, MSG Plus+ is airing an interview with Bobby on their show Halls of Fame. Host Fran Healy has never been a favorite of ours (he may be one of the worst game announcers ever), but he does a good job in this half-hour segment that digs a little deeper than Bobby's boiler plate Yankeeography.

Welcome back Bobby!

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