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Bronx, N.Y., January 18, 2008 — I’ve been pretty deep in thought since my annual pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium over the New Year holiday this year, but the news (and pictures) about the name “Yankee Stadium” being added to the new edifice across 161st Street has prodded me to share some thoughts and photos. It’s always with a somewhat sentimental turn of mind that I take these midwinter trips to the Bronx. I feel reassured paying off my season plan invoice in person, it’s true, but there is also something contemplative about seeing a great baseball venue in the throes of winter. Continue reading Wintry Stadium(s) Day

Bronx, N.Y., January 6, 2008 — Hall of Fame selection days have been frustrating and disconcerting trials for some ballplayers, an annual cycle in raised then banished hopes that ex-Yank closer Goose Gossage hopes to escape in 2008. It has been a great day for others, though, including one-time Yank Phil Niekro, who celebrates the 10th anniversary of his selection Sunday. Continue reading An Orwellian (1984) Dilemma

Bronx, N.Y., December 2, 2007 — Heard any good Yankee rumors lately? Just kidding. If you’re breathing and linked to the rest of the planet in the most rudimentary fashion, you know New York (and baseball) is abuzz with the Yanks’ attempts to trade for Minnesota southpaw Johan Santana. And if you have a 24/7 hookup? Well, forget the cold. Back away, step outside and clear your head. Continue reading In Medias Res

Bronx, N.Y., January 27, 2007 — Yankee individual-game tickets go on sale Wednesday, a fact that brought to mind the annual January 2 birthday pilgrimage to Yankee Stadium I took almost four weeks ago. As anyone who has known me for any time can attest, I am convinced that minus the occurring-every-four-years February 29, my birth date is the year’s worst. Lost in the Christmas/holiday crush some years, far removed from the glorious baseball days of summer, it’s also usually the day one goes “back to school” early in life, and “back to work” afterward. Continue reading Winter Stadium Signs

NEW YORK, N.Y., December 30, 2004 — I experienced a poignant moment the other day when I heard that Yankee organist Eddie Layton had passed away. He was taken from us just one year after retiring to a life of leisure, one final contradiction in the life of a Renaissance man who played the soundtrack to several generations of Yankee fans. I had the good fortune to meet and spend an afternoon with Eddie back in 2001, and it remains one of the greatest thrills in the life of this Bronx-born fan. Continue reading Meeting a ‘Legend’

New York, N.Y., February 16 — Well, it’s official. Even the Yankees Web site says so now. The Yankees have a new third baseman, and it’s megamillionaire Alex Rodriguez, the shortstop of the Texas Rangers until a couple of days ago. Boston fans are generally angry, and fans of small-market teams that dot the landscape are aghast that the Yankees have gotten the best player in baseball, again. Continue reading From the Top of the Deck

Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 25, 2002 — It was an offseason night like any other for a baseball fan. I had put in some long hours at work, and we had reworked the boat test graphic so many times that on my last look at the color laser I thought I saw the boat zip across from one side of the page to the other. Calling it a night, I grabbed a pizza with everything on it on the way home, deciding that I owed myself a treat. The night was cold and wet. And the cruel wind had the effect of increasing my resolve that tonight was a night devoted to Yankee Baseball. Continue reading MidAutumn Night’s Dream

Bronx, N.Y., Feb. 9, 2002 — I had it coming. “Baseball, gods, hear me clearly. Guilty as charged. I got soft; I got happy; despite my (not very good) best efforts the spanking was deserved, and I thank you for setting me straight.” Continue reading Whippin’ Post

Bronx, N.Y., Jan. 31, 2002 — Stats, stats, stats. I know. They are a valuable tool. They are a means of measuring performance. They are quantifiable. They are easy. Continue reading Numbers, Schmumbers

Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 28, 2001 — The hard two-hopper rocketed down the third base line, and the 12-year-old playing third made the only dive he could to stop it from rolling forever once it got to the long, low-grassed, unfenced outfield. Flagging the screamer deftly with his gloved left hand, he scurried to his knees and then his feet, rushed at setting himself, and let the throw fly…
Continue reading Danny Double