IS BEN RICE THE REAL DEAL?

It's Ben Rice fever! My X feed has been going crazy about him. I understand why, he's been refreshing to watch especially with how much this team has struggled lately. Have we seen enough yet to call him "the real deal?" The social media arguments are real!

So far, I like what I see. He's got a good approach at the plate, which is exactly why the Yankees called him up in the first place, check it out HERE. The Yankees didn't bring him up for his expertise at first base, they promoted him because he has a good bat. "He's as advertised," said one American League scout who has seen Rice in two series since being called up. "He has a calm presence at the plate, which you can't teach. He showed it in the minors, but it doesn't always translate here."

So far, it translates and it's worked, but we're only talking about 40 plate appearances in 12 games. It's worked for Rice, and maybe it will help DJ LeMahieu settle in at third base and find that consistency. Anything that works and gives this team that lightning in a bottle they desperately need. The Yankees are putting a lot of faith in a catcher converted to first baseman who has play 12 games in the majors, which is one more game than he played down in Triple-A. Maybe that's why social media has some strong opinions on him.

I said social media had some strong opinions, didn't I? I had a Facebook friend of mine send me a message yesterday. He said he didn't think it would take long for the Yankees to ruin his plate discipline or he might end up catching the Greg Bird curse. Now that's a name you don't hear anymore, and a guy you don't want to be compared to these days. I get it, Bird impressed in the very beginning and then quickly declined. I just don't think it is fair to compare Rice to Bird. Just leave him alone and let him play.

It's too early to make any hard opinions on Rice. As long as he continues to lay off the bad pitches and make contact with the good ones then the Yankees will have a weapon in their back pocket. When I watch him he appears to be laid back, and not letting the pressure get to him. It's always something I look at when you have someone who gets promoted to the big stage with minimal time down in Triple-A. Oh and Aaron Boone likes his "ability to impact the ball"......whatever that means. I think it means his ability to hit the ball with authority, but Baboonie always has to add his Boone babble nonsense.

There's always a lot of question marks when you promote someone so quickly from Triple-A and then plug them into a role that isn't their primary position. I don't think we have seen enough to call him the real deal.....but I've seen enough to want to see more.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THAT TIME MARIS SURPASSED RUTH

Roger Maris's journey to breaking Babe Ruth's single-season home run record in 1961 was a feat laden with immense pressure, stress, and public scrutiny. His achievement of hitting 61 home runs in a single season came with a significant personal toll, as well as a polarized reception from fans, the media, and even figures within Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Yankees organization.  The pressure of the 1961 season was immense for Maris. As he approached Babe Ruth's iconic record of 60 home runs set in 1927, the stress manifested physically and emotionally. 

According to various accounts, Maris began to exhibit signs of extreme stress, including smoking more heavily and experiencing hair loss. Bob Costas, a renowned sportscaster, highlighted Maris's struggles, noting, "Maris’s hair started falling out in clumps during the stress-filled season".

Maris faced a considerable backlash from fans who revered Babe Ruth. Many were not ready to see Ruth's record surpassed, particularly by Maris, who was perceived as an outsider compared to the more popular Mickey Mantle. The tension was palpable, with fans booing Maris at home games and even sending hate mail. The New York Times reported that fans were particularly harsh, with some sending him threatening letters.

The reaction from Babe Ruth's family was mixed. Julia Ruth Stevens, Babe Ruth's daughter, expressed a bittersweet sentiment. In an interview, she acknowledged the significance of Maris's achievement but also the emotional attachment to her father's record. She said, "It was Dad’s record, and we were proud of it. But Roger deserved to be recognized for his great season."

Figures within Major League Baseball and the Yankees organization had varied reactions to Maris's pursuit and eventual breaking of the record. Ford Frick, the MLB Commissioner at the time, controversially declared that Maris's record would be marked with an asterisk if he did not surpass Ruth's record within the first 154 games of the season, as Ruth's record was set during a 154-game season, while Maris's was during a 162-game season . This decision added to the pressure and controversy surrounding Maris's achievement.

Mickey Mantle was a notable source of support. Despite the media playing up a rivalry between the two, Mantle openly supported Maris. In a documented quote, Mantle said, "Roger was a great player and deserved everything he got. I was rooting for him to break the record" .

Other players to speak out were Yogi Berra, "What Roger did was unbelievable. He worked hard and handled the pressure better than anyone could have expected."

Whitey Ford, and Al Kaline also spoke out in support of Roger. Whitey said, "Roger's accomplishment is a testament to his dedication and skill. It was an honor to be his teammate during this historic season."  Kaline said, "Breaking Ruth’s record is a monumental achievement. Roger showed tremendous courage and perseverance."

After breaking the record on October 1, 1961, Maris's feelings were complex. In various interviews, he expressed relief more than elation. Maris once stated, "It would have been a hell of a lot more fun if I had not hit those 61 home runs. All it brought me was headaches" . This sentiment highlights the toll the pursuit took on him and reflects the broader challenges he faced.

Roger Maris's breaking of Babe Ruth's single-season home run record stands as a monumental achievement in baseball history. However, the journey to 61 home runs was fraught with stress, public scrutiny, and a mixed legacy. Despite the challenges, Maris's accomplishment remains a testament to his resilience and talent, marking an indelible chapter in the annals of Major League Baseball. And finally, as you all know, in 2022, Aaron Judge did the unthinkable, breaking Roger's record of 61 home runs with a new number... 62. 

Judge said of the feat: "Breaking Roger Maris's record is an incredible honor. I have immense respect for what he accomplished and the challenges he faced. To be mentioned alongside him is something I'll cherish forever."

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

DR. BOONE'S UPDATE ON SOTO IS TYPICAL BOONE BABBLE

Yesterday was a rollercoaster. At first, Juan Soto was not playing and then suddenly he was. I'm glad to hear the swelling in his hand went down enough for him to play, but hopefully this injury doesn't progress. That's what we are all holding our breath for at this point.

I have been very critical of the Yankees medical staff. Simply put, I never believe anything they say and I don't think they resemble anything close to "medical experts." After all, Aaron Judge's collapsed lung and fractured rib screw up was just an epic failure that will never be forgotten. So, for now, Soto's x-rays have come back negative.

But I'm not convinced we are out of the woods yet. Even though x-rays came back negative, Aaron Boone has called the injury "concerning" and now they are considering doing an MRI or CT scan today in New York, read more HERE. If Soto was good enough to play yesterday, why are the Yankees talking about doing more imaging?

Serious question. Are they hiding something? If there was any doubt about Soto playing yesterday, why was he on the field? Aside from the argument that he wanted to play and he's a gamer (which I don't doubt at all), that would mean there is more risk to consider there. I really hope this is just a deep bruise, which is what the Yankees have been calling it this whole time but.....history tells us it's not unreasonable to ask some questions here.

The Yankees have had a painful freefall recently. Judge and Soto are the offense on this team, they are doing all of the work. Any missed time or missed calls by the Yankees medical staff that takes Soto out of the game is going to be devastating. I just don't trust the Yankees right now.

I'm glad the Yankees have a day off. Hopefully Soto's hand continues to get better and we get some good news headed our way. We've had enough adversity lately so the last thing we need is news that Soto's injury is worse than we thought.

So here's me putting good vibes out into the universe on a Monday. We will have good news on Soto and we won't have to listen to Baboone talk anymore, because I can't take anymore Boone babble either. Fingers crossed.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj