FORGET MLB! SUPPORT YOUR MINOR & INDEPENDENT LEAGUES!

The world is going to hell in a hand basket and we all want to hear some good news....but sadly I have none. Neither do the Yankees or team president Randy Levine, it's all infuriating.

Oh and this lockout is "embarrassing" and it's nothing we didn't already know but this is a direct quote from Randy Levine HERE. If you were looking for something eloquent and thought provoking there was zero chance of that happening from him.

But yes, this is embarrassing. MLB canceled another week of games last night so now the earliest the season will start is April 14h. What did that do to the schedule? Well, that canceled four games at the Rangers, three games at the ASSTROS, three at home against the Red Sox and four at home against the Blue Jays. That sucks but you know what else is now in jeopardy? Jackie Robinson day that happens every year on April 15th. Yup, pray for a miracle otherwise a time honored tradition could be sacrificed all thanks to this nonsense. Some may not care but I look forward to Jackie Robinson day EVERY YEAR.

It's a sad day for baseball as this lockout continues and for once I agree with Levine that this lockout IS embarrassing but I hope he is also embarrassed for over paying players year after year and losing in the playoffs! What about the roster and performance his pitiful GM Brian Cashman has put together the last 13 years while outspending every other team? There's just so much to be embarrassed by but Levine probably isn't smart enough to understand that.

If he was smart enough he may also realize people like me have an increased interest in minor league baseball. There is one comforting thought for me in all of this madness. If millionaires and billionaires continue to argue and not play there are minor league AND independent leagues all across the country that will PLAY BALL.

As long as they continue to play I will continue to support them. So GO FIND those teams. Bring your significant other and your family. While you are there buy a hot dog, a soda, some popcorn or ice cream and find a new young kid that catches your interest. Follow him like you do your favorite big leaguers and support them. Spend your money in your local baseball communities because that makes a difference. I know because there are over 6000 people where I live that should be working at a Spring Training facility RIGHT NOW and they aren't. THAT is embarrassing!

In the current world climate this behavior is beyond tone deaf. I hope both owners and players wake up because this is a BAD look for both sides and the sport we all love.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj