I think this dramatic difference can best be explained by two players who ironically play closest to each other on the field: Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.
As for Jeter, well, it’s obvious he’s a Yankee. He bleeds Yankee blue. Even if he burned Yankee Stadium to the ground, and traded pinstripes for prison stripes, he’s a Yankee, Forever. Now, as for A-Rod, I’m not saying that he can’t become a Yankee, but right now, he’s only playing for the team.
Think about it this way, Derek Jeter, even if he did something terrible, it wouldn't matter, #2 will be automatically retired in his honor when he hangs up his spikes. He will be forever remembered as the Captain, no doubt. But, do you think #13 is as automatic? With the career numbers A-Rod should put up, it should be automatic, yes, however, the reason it’s not automatic is because he plays for the New York Yankees. He’s not a New York Yankee. Again, that can change.
What makes a Yankee? Pride, game play, championships. Some have it, some earned it, others were just there to receive it. Some, never earned it.
Now, here are players who have become Yankees. Think Paul O’Neill, Reggie Jackson, and for you old-timers, Red Ruffing. But some players will always remain as someone who played for the Yankees. Think Wade Boggs, Darryl Strawberry, and Rickey Henderson.
So, why did I make the distinction between being a Yankee and playing for the Yankees?
Because in the coming weeks leading up to Opening Day, I’ll be naming the best three Yankee players to play each position. I’m going to start with catcher, working my way around the diamond, ending with pitchers and finally managers. Please feel free to send in your suggestions. It's a hard look and I'm happy to hear you all out.
Oh, and allow me to introduce myself officially. My name is Moonlight Graham. If my name sounds a bit familar, it may be because my career was a bit unique. You see, my Major League Baseball career consisted of only playing two innings in right f ield. I never got a chance to come to bat. So if you have some time, drop me a line. Until the season starts, this cornfield out in Iowa is a little lonesome. If you know who I am, you're a true baseball fan.
--Moonlight Graham BYB Staff Writer
Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.
Derek is established? Alex isn't yet? i think i get it, not exactly clear though. I think i get what your trying to say.
ReplyDeleteI find it ironic that a man claiming to be a man who played 1 game in the majors, and that for one of those inferior New York teams claims that he gets to decide what is, and is not, a "real Yankee."
ReplyDeleteAs the real Dr. Archibald Graham (or at least his cinematic counterpart) might say, if you were only a blogger for 5 minutes, that would not be a tragedy.
Graham. looking forward to the list. Don't let the Yankee fans down. A-Rod will be in the top 3 of a 3rd basemen for sure.
ReplyDeleteGuys, A Rod put up MVP numbers during the playoffs two seasons ago... What does this guy have to do to be welcome here. I understand that he's a real snide, pretty boy type but the guy was born in NYC... which is more than most of the great Bronx Bombers. Further exhibits of his growth as a person, is (a) he put aside his agent to re-sign a lucrative contract with the team and grinds it out day-to-day. He's not lazy, arrogant, or a show off like the likes of Jackson, who you say, earned his pinstripes... Jackson is a poor excuse for a professional, and ironically, AROD was having the hardest time with the NY fan base when he was taking the most advice from him.
ReplyDeleteI agree it's not just championships that makes a Yankee... it's class. AROD proves that becoming a champion is more of a maturation process more than putting up the numbers, or even hitting in the clutch.... or breaking records annually.... or bringing a ring... but I bet if we laid off him, he'd adopt the aura of the champion that he is.
The one that helps the new guys improve.... the one that is kind to the ball boys... the one that wins the affection of the likes of Kate Hudson and Cameron Diaz...
In my eyes, he's a Yankee.
Silverback, he's a yankee. i think graham's piece was misunderstood. i think the article wasn't clear. the good news is bleeding yankee blue wrote a followup piece clearing it up. we all love arod now it think
ReplyDelete