A SALUTE TO THE BYB CHIEF: IT'S ABOUT OPPORTUNITY!

About a year ago, I was reading Bleeding Yankee Blue and saw that Robert Casey was looking for writers.  I worked up the courage, and sent him a note telling him I would like to give it a shot.  He asked me to send him a sample, something I was passionate about when it came to the New York Yankees right that moment.  And so I sent him a little something I wrote up on Facebook.

(Sept. 28, 2016 - Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America)

After that, he asked for more. He wanted me to write up something about Starlin Castro and his importance to the team.  Thankfully, that piece ended up being my first post on BYB. I'll never forget the day... January 7, 2017.  From there, I had worked hard, and earned my right to call myself a writer for the publication I loved to read every day before. 

Photo of: BYB Managing Editor, Suzie Pinstripe

Now look, I've never really been a writer. At first, I wasn't sure how long I would last.  Yet, with some guidance from Robert, I have made it through a year. Luckily, BYB has a great team.  I talked to former BYB writer Dan Lucia as well as Suzie Pinstripe trying to gain some insight into the whole thing. They helped me quite a bit.

Photo of: BYB Managing Editor Jeana Bellezza with her other half

Jeana Bellezza, the other BYB managing editor has also helped me just by reading her stuff. What really amazes about this whole experience is that Casey didn't even know who I was, yet, he gave me a chance. An opportunity.  That's a testament to his character. It speaks volumes to me. I know my writing isn't the best, yet he still has the patience and helps me refine it every day. Casey's always been there to tell me what I did wrong and how to improve.   He's told me many times when I've sent stuff that I could "work it better", or "expand" on some points that I may have left flat.  I work hard to improve on BYB ever time I write something, and look to grow. The bottom line is I never want to let him and the BYB family down. The opportunity is huge. I don't want to disappoint.

And thank god for BYB. It has given me an outlet as a fan to voice my frustrations and a place to celebrate my Yankees the way I want to express it.  BYB has given me friends that I would probably have never met if not for the fact that I write for BYB.

And here's the best part... Casey and I have never met. I wouldn't be able to pick him out of a lineup.  But we've talked on the phone and he's a good dude. Why am I telling you this? Because sometimes opportunity comes in different forms... and when you are given one, by whomever... take it.

I wanted to write this up today and thank him for a great year. I would like to also thank all of you, the readers, for sticking with me as I hone my craft. Thank you for reading my posts.  The Yankee Universe is an amazing thing to be apart of. You don't find this type of bond among fans quite like this.  It's special. Thanks for letting me put myself out there.

Again, to Robert Casey... the man who gave me a shot.  May 2018 being us #28.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
Twitter: @sevn4evr