|
|
Several springs ago, much of the Yankee controversy spun around George Steinbrenner and his criticism of Derek Jeter regarding his level of intensity and commitment to his game. It seemed a tempest in a teapot when they did a series of Visa commercials together lampooning the alleged late-night partying, and then suddenly, Jeter was named team captain. Although I’m sure no one knew that Alex Rodriguez would be joining him on the left side of the Yankee infield soon, the timing of Derek’s receipt of this honor before that Trade was fortuitous. These musings flow from the fact that it was February 28 in 1991 that Don Mattingly became the 10th Yankee captain. Donnie, who served in that capacity through 1995, his last year in Pinstripes, arrived on the scene as hitting coach the same year Jeter began his first full season holding that title. Donnie served as Joe Torre’s bench coach in 2007-2008 and will again in 2009. Continue reading February 28 in Yankee History
You Get What You Pay For? Infielder Toby Harrah hit one homer with 26 rbi’s for the 1984 Yanks, an offensive output well below fan and team expectations. So on February 27, 1985, the club traded him to Texas for outfielder Billy Sample, who would reward New York with a one-home-run, 15-rbi year. Thus went the 80s. Continue reading February 27 in Yankee History
 With all apologies to a movie with special effects that bring a smile and the genuine heart and humor of baseball (It Happens Every Spring, of course), I’m delighted to announce the fourth annual Maple Street Yankee Annual, this one subheaded 2010 Continue reading It Happens Before Spring
With the birthday of the Warrior Paul O’Neill just yesterday and Don Mattingly having become Joe Torre’s bench coach after several seasons as the Yankees batting coach during this time in 2007, it would be easy to wax nostalgic about the day some of our favorite players wore the Pinstripes for the last time. The fact that Donnie is wearing Dodger Blue with Torre in 2008 and 2009 adds to the reverie. But perhaps no day in Yankee history is as fraught with that form of bittersweet musing than February 26, 1935. That is the day the Yankees released the Sultan of Swat, Babe Ruth, so he could sign on with the Boston Braves of the National League. Of his 714 career homers and 2,213 rbi’s, the Bambino collected six and 12, respectively with the 1935 Braves. Continue reading February 26 in Yankee History
It’s All Good! Just one of those days, so you might as well sit back and enjoy it: The Ultimate Yankee Baseball Warrior, our own beloved Paul O’Neill (1963), was born this day; as was Hall of Famer Monte Irvin (1919). As to the many superlatives of Paulie’s career, the highlights are too many: I like http://www.pauloneill21.com, but take your pick. We’ll give his Yankee stats below. Continue reading February 25 in Yankee History
The Yankees traded catcher Aaron Robinson, lefthander Bill Wight, and righty Fred Bradley to the White Sox on February 24, 1948, for portsider Eddie Lopat. At first look, the deal was a total steal, as Lopat posted a 113-59 mark in the Bronx and won four out of five decisions for five Yankee World Series teams, all of them winners. But the Sox turned around and swiped Billy Pierce from the Tigers for Robinson. Another lefty, Pierce went 186-152 in Chicago, so the original deal was that rare phenomenon: a trade that truly helped both teams, even if the benefits to the Chisox were a bit delayed. Continue reading February 24 in Yankee History
On February 23, 1954, the Yanks sold righty Vic Raschi to the Cards. Vic’s career winning percentage of .667 rises over .700 if his eight years in Pinstripes are isolated, and he played on six Yankee World Series teams, all winners, with four over the Dodgers, one the Giants, and the other the Phillies. Continue reading February 23 in Yankee History
The February 22 news affecting former and future Yankee players is unfortunately more involved with courts of law than fields of play. In 2000, the Florida Department of Corrections reported that Darryl Strawberry had tested positive for cocaine yet again. Darryl had only hit three home runs for six rbi’s for the 1999 Yanks. They would be his last. Continue reading February 22 in Yankee History
Much is made of the Yankees’ current penchant for trading younger prospects for older players, particularly in light of the way they appear to be turning those tables of late. But you can find examples of the Yankees acquiring senior players throughout their history. On February 21, 1904, the Highlanders (as they were called at the time) purchased 40-year-old catcher Deacon McGuire from the Detroit Tigers. McGuire would drive in 67 runs and steal eight bases in New York over the next four years. Continue reading February 21 in Yankee History
Once the Yanks beat the Dodgers in the 1977 World Series after having returned to the Classic the year before vs. Cincinnati following a 15-year absence, Billy Martin was almost as untouchable as Joe Torre proved to be in 2000. But the Bombers slipped to fourth place in 1978, and rallied to win that Series under Bob Lemon after Billy was replaced. Martin returned in 1979 but a fourth-place finish doomed him, and Billy was fired again. On February 20, 1980, Billy was signed to manage his hometown Oakland A’s. Under Martin, they finished second in 1980, then first and second in the two halves of the split 1981 strike-interrupted season. But the Yankees would crush them in the first round of that season’s playoffs. Continue reading February 20 in Yankee History
|
|
