LIFE HAPPENS...THEN THERE'S BASEBALL

I know it’s been a while since I’ve written anything to contribute to my brothers and sister’s contributions for this amazing blog. Their talent, leadership and loyalty is second to none. If you get anything out of reading Bleeding Yankee Blue, get this:  These are amazing people and, if you’re ever in foxhole, you’ll want any one of them with you. (Sorry Michael Kay). This is one team that will always have your back, no matter what. The staff at Bleeding Yankee Blue writes for you for one reason and one reason only- the love of Yankees baseball.

At some point for all of us, “life happens”.  We all have storms to navigate and when that happens, we learn what matters the most.  People, friend, family…and yes, baseball.  I’m not saying that we can achieve world peace in nine innings, but what better way to distract ourselves from the daily grind and the tough stuff we all have to face than a trip to the Bronx, or a night of armchair umpiring tuned into the YES Network watching the game. It’s a break, a distraction, and exciting. It also brings pride, hope and a little bit of personal satisfaction to us every night. Those nine innings are very powerful, when you really stop to think about it.

It’s important to remember that baseball players are people too.  All baseball players are human first. We tend to focus so much on numbers, production, batting averages and winning that we forget that these guys have feelings and a purpose behind what they do.  Whether it’s off the field charity work like High Socks for Hope (Read WHY I BELIEVE IN HIGH SOCKS FOR HOPE),or reaching out to fans, or just playing their hearts out with pride for the history and tradition of baseball, these guys are all individuals with heart and soul.

I’m learning to remember this the next time that someone strikes out with runners in scoring position, drop a ball or give up too many runs. This season, it’s easy to see that not one player on the New York Yankees is the type of guy that sits on his laurels and throws their coach under the bus (ahemmm..2011 Red Sox….). The Yanks want to win as badly as we want them to win. They want great batting averages, stats, numbers, and to bring home ring #28 just as much as we do. This is a team that we can all be damn proud of, win or lose, and if the start of the regular season is any indication of what will unfold this summer, it’s looking like one hell of an exciting season for all of us.

If you follow Bleeding Yankee Blue on Twitter of Facebook, you will get a sense of how powerful the love of the New York Yankees really is. So many true and special friendships have developed online; best friends have been made, people have met their soul mates, and the number of members of the BYB family continues to grow with every click of the mouse.  I’ve even seen Red Sox fans read the acknowledge the blog, try to get along with Yankees fans, and develop a new sense of respect for the team. I’m not going to name names here- but it’s happened. Trust me…

So tonight when you’re watching the game, ask yourself this question, “What is it about this team that I really love the most?” Whether is pride, tradition, the players - whatever the reason, take the time to share your answer with other fans;  comment on BleedingYankeeBlue.com, tweet, Facebook, or just share with your family at home.  Sharing your own love of the game is what is going to keep the power and pride in pinstripes.



--Christy Lee, BYB Features Writer

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