Bleeding Yankee Blue: WHAT JULY 4TH MEANS FOR THE YANKEES

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WHAT JULY 4TH MEANS FOR THE YANKEES

Source: NY Daily News

35-years-ago today New York Yankee left-hander Dave Righetti threw the first no-hitter since Don Larsen pitched a perfect game in 1956. He did it against the Red Sox in Yankee Stadium in 90 degree heat. Fast forward to today, July 4, 2018, and we see veteran pitcher and clubhouse leader CC Sabathia take the hill against Atlanta after pitching only five days earlier against rival Sox for a key 8-1 win this season. Today, despite our pitching challenges, we reflect on what July 4th means for the Yankees yesterday and what it means for them now.

July 4th is “Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day” A day that the legendary first base man spoke boldly and kindly to a sell out crowd about his illness and how he has been blessed to have been associated with the best family both on and off the field. "When you look around, wouldn’t you consider it a privilege to associate yourself with such fine-looking men as are standing in uniform in this ballpark today?" stated Gehrig in his farewell address to fans on July 4, 1939. These words could be used to describe this year's team, who protect players who are slumping and high five those who contribute to the team's overall effectiveness.

Source: Newsday

July 4th is Yankee owner George Steinbrenner's birthday. Today, the Boss would have been 88 years-old. "Steinbrenner helped the Yankees experience the taste of success again in 1976, when it won its first pennant in 12 years. Although the team lost to the Cincinnati Reds in that year's World Series, New Yorkers were suddenly interested in their underdog team again," reported biography.com. This sounds like deja vu all over again (thanks, Yogi).

Source: William Perlman | The Star-Ledger

Hal Steinbrenner spoke with YES Network's Meredith Marakovits this week and segments of the interview ran during the pre-game yesterday. In the interview, Steinbrenner mentioned his dad saying that he would like this Yankee team. He also wasn't shy about what he intends to do by the trade deadline to lift the team much like his father did in 1976. "I would have to see where we are, who the person is, how badly that position needs help, so to speak, but I will say, we have a considerable amount of money to spend and I'm not adverse to spending it," he said. "A considerable amount even staying under (the threshold). We've got some options there, flexibility."

Source: USA Today

July 4th has been both eventful and nostalgic for the Yankees. The days past have contributed to today's successes and there are eerie similarities and connections to today's team. Daring signings, like Darryl Strawberry, occurred on July 4th, which is potentially a symbol of what is to come for this Yankee team, a no-hitter gave birth on July 4th, and our Boss, George Steinbrenner was born on July 4th and he lived for teams like this one. What's next in our July 4th legacy? A no-no, a celebratory win or a daring signing? It's anyone's guess, but there is one thing for sure, there is nothing like baseball on July 4th especially in Yankee Stadium.

Happy Independence Day!