MISSING MY YANKEES MAGICAL FEELING

We are close to the end of September. This is the time of the year where I get the playoff bug, as I like to call it. I get all excited, and anxious and ready for those magical postseason thrills. The tingles are there and just ready for the magic to happen. Something this year is just different even though we just clinched a playoff spot.

Maybe it's just me, but it doesn't feel the same. This team just doesn't inspire those magical feelings. I desperately want them to, but I don't have that feeling. I have been talking baseball with a bunch of coworkers and friends and they all have those tingles that I desperately want. What's wrong with me?

I get excited watching Aaron Judge. That's no surprise, we know how great he is. I have enjoyed watching his home run chase and I've been thankful he's been healthy (I'm knocking on real wood right now). He's the excitement of the team. He's got the "IT" factor that I wish the rest of this team has.

Then there is Juan Soto. He is the guy that brings us all hope. We see how great he's been especially in Yankee stadium, and here I am wishing on every star that we can re-sign him and that the Yankees won't just balk and walk away. When the crowd is shouting at him and asking him to please stay, it's a big deal. He's been a bigger game changer than I expected. I just hope Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner don't screw it up....but I don't have high expectations.

So that is my excitement. I really appreciate what Austin Wells has brought to the table this season. I can't bear to watch Clay Holmes anymore, I'm over it. I don't think Gerrit Cole is the "ace" we need him to be anymore. This team, doesn't leave me with that fall classic excitement. I really want that feeling....am I alone on an island?

This team just needs a complete makeover with a new manager because Aaron Boone is a moron, a new GM because Cashman is out of touch and 95% of the roster just needs to go. I just don't get that "championship" feeling from this team.....and I want it. I'm sitting here feeling jealous of all of my friends and coworkers who are riding this late regular season high and excited for the playoffs.

Is it too much to ask for? Anyone else out there feel the same? 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

A CHEATER IS A CHEATER AND MLB SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF ITSELF

 Alex Cora is a piece of garbage. Always has been.  

He's a guy that bought into the notion that he's a great manager and great baseball mind.  Now he might be a good baseball mind in some regards, but when you're cheating your way through life, sooner or later you are banished for bad behavior.  You would have thought that MLB would have banned Alex Cora and AJ Hinch for life after the Astros cheating scandal, but clearly a deal was struck between Jim Crane, the Astros owner and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred and for that I will always frown on Manfred.  Integrity didn't matter to him... friendships and back-room deals were more important.

And so, Cora gets to come back after his suspension and tries to redeem himself. And sure, the Red Sox has had some successes, but it's just like any team... if you don't have top talent, your manager isn't going to look good because the team won't win.  It takes a really good manager to understand how to navigate a mediocre team.  And when teams are really good, it's clearly the talent pool and not the manager.  I mean, look at Aaron Boone.  

The games we lose are usually because he made a horrible decision and then tries to gaslight us in the presser after the game.  The games we win are always guys like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto and have NOTHING to do with Boone.  Same thing could apply to Cora.  While he a decent status among peers in the league, is he really that good of a manager? Nah.

Now look; when it comes to hitting players in the batter's box, it's kind of an unspoken thing.  I mean, we have seen head hunting before with the greats of Bob Gibson, or Gus Weyhing, but it was not something you talked about in the dugout. You as a team collectively knew what had to be done and sometimes you did it and sometimes you didn't.  Well, when it's talks about OUT LOUD, that's just being a dick and when Alex Cora does it, that just goes to show the MLB world that he really hasn't learned his lesson when it comes to giving his team an edge.  

He's a cheater and he'll always be someone trying to get away with whatever is unsavory.  In other words, MLB messed this one up.  MLB should look long and hard in this latest situation about Alex Cora publicly stating that he wanted to hit Aaron Judge.

Pinstripes Nation writes:

Alex Cora basically admitted that Brayan Bello tried plunking Aaron Judge on purpose. He was asked if he considered yesterday's IBB/HBP fiasco closed:

"It was closed yesterday around the sixth inning. We had our chance. It didn't happen." pic.twitter.com/x1z4iA0HfF

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) September 15, 2024

"Major League Baseball is reportedly investigating comments made by Red Sox manager Alex Cora that suggest his team intentionally targeted Aaron Judge with a pitch. As of Monday evening, the league had yet to reach a decision on the matter.

Cora hinted on Sunday that the Red Sox might have retaliated during Saturday’s game after Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole hit Rafael Devers with a pitch in the first inning and later intentionally walked him in the fourth. Cora, visibly upset, believed the walk indicated Cole’s earlier hit-by-pitch was no accident and stemmed from a desire to avoid Devers.

When asked about the situation on Sunday, Cora implied the matter was settled during the sixth inning of Saturday’s game, noting they had an opportunity but failed to take advantage of it."

Not ultimately MLB will protect Alex Cora. Crane was so far up Rob Manfred's butt back in the day there will be calls from fake folks saying "Well hitting guys in baseball, Rob.  Alex was doing what any manager would do."  But if Manfred had any balls he would look long and hard into the kind of person Alex Cora is.  He lacks character, professionalism and he's just a dick.  

While I don't think anything will happen to Alex Cora, I am a man of integrity, and I believe in common sense.  Something should be done, even if it's small.  The Red Sox have no shot this year, the Yankees do, and any baseball guy will tell you that if that ball hits Judge on the knee and he's out for the remainder of the season it would be a free for all among fans.  Thank God it didn't... but think about if it did.  My point is there is also an unspoken rule about tipping your imaginary cap to the teams that have had success and not playing dirty.  Alex Cora knows better, but Alex Cora is about himself.

A cheater is always a cheater.  Alex should be ashamed, but MLB should have nipped this in the bud a long time ago and didn't. Shame.

COLE CRACKS UNDER PRESSURE & LEAVES ME WITH DOUBT FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER!

I'm still trying to wrap my head around Saturday's game. I blinked thousands of times thinking what I saw was an illusion. Gerrit Cole doesn't intentionally walk a guy with one out and nobody on! That doesn't happen.... that's crazy! But it did.

It makes no sense. So WHY did it happen? There have been so many stories posted about this with different viewpoints. No matter what the reasoning is behind it, it just shouldn't have happened. It's just another Aaron Boone screw up. Why that decision in that scenario would even play out is just a huge baseball blunder. Baboonie says he takes the blame for it HERE but that just isn't good enough.

Call it a miscommunication all you want, but that strategy with Matt Blake and Cole in the tunnel was a disaster. Were there no scenarios discussed at all? Baseball is a game of strategy, but it sounds like the strategy was completely omitted. It sounds like it was just a "don't pitch to Rafael Devers" conversation gone wrong. Intentional walks certainly have their place in baseball.... just not there.

So has Gerrit Cole lost his nerve? He's always been a big game pitcher and embraced it.... until Saturday. I've always believed that Cole puts a lot of thought and analysis into his starts. He's calculated against batters, has a plan and knows their strengths and weaknesses. He also knew that Devers had his number, his .333BA and nine home runs painted an ugly picture. Cole knew Devers was going to be a thorn in his side. He needed to calculate accordingly on Saturday, and he failed. Cole said he thought he bought into the plan early on, and then Baboonie said Cole did overthink it.

Cole the big game pitcher wasn't on that mound when Devers came to the plate. He wanted no part of Devers, he was focused on Devers stats against him. The current Cy Young pitcher was missing in action, that's the only explanation I have there. You don't become one by backing down from opponents. You have to show some swagger and guts. That's not what we saw on Saturday, because you don't intentionally walk a guy in the fourth inning with one out and nobody on. That's when you ATTACK the strike zone and go balls to the wall. 

So what has happened to Cole? Is he still an ace? I'm not going to lie.... I see him differently now. He backed down against Devers and the lowly Red Sox. The team on the outside looking in for post season berth. Even if Devers would've homered off him, it would've only been one run instead of seven over two innings of work. He lost it. The question is, did he lose it just once.... or has he lost it for good?

I want to forget Saturday. Maybe not as much as Cole....but that was bad. That wasn't an ace on the mound Saturday. I just hope he comes back because we need him now more than ever.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES LACK OF OFFENSE WILL BE THEIR UNDOING

Source: ESPN

Yes, the Aaron Judge grand slam on Friday night gave me faith but the 7-1 loss to the Red Sox on Saturday afternoon erased it. The inability for this 2024 team to string together a series of wins is laughable and deflating at the same time; especially against teams that have no shot of making the post season. When I boil it down it is simply, the Yankees lack of offense will be their undoing.

Saturday's game against the Red Sox was abysmal. "Gerrit Cole allowed a season-high seven earned runs on five hits, three walks, and three hit batsmen. It was a stunningly poor performance for Cole, who is projected as New York’s Game 1 starter in the postseason," wrote the The Athletic. But what is equally concerning is that the Yankees had no answer for the Red Sox's hitting.

Source: The Athletic

"In the fifth inning, Boston continued pouring it on as Cole struggled. In a fitting moment, Rafael Devers faced Cole with the bases loaded. He hit a two-run single, and then two batters later, Yoshida added a two-run single of his own. Cole’s day ended after 4 1/3 innings pitched," reported The Athletic.

But the Yankees' inability to counter the Red Sox is worrisome. Yes, the grand slam was a good answer, an excellent answer to the Yankees 4-0 run deficit on Friday. But how do they let the Red Sox score 7 the next day with no recourse. 

"I think we were paying attention to the standings a couple of weeks ago, and I think that's when we just kept going back and forth, kind of passing the lead," Judge said. "We all talked in this room and said, 'Hey, if we just focus on us and what we got to do, we'll be where we want to be.' So hopefully nobody's looking at the standings. I'm certainly not," reported ESPN. I get that, but you still have to win ball games, particularly these ball games coming down the stretch against teams like the Sox who's season is over mathematically. 

Source: Robert Sabo for the NY Post

It is very simple. Hit. And in particular situationally hit, which is something the Yankees don't do well. They rely on the home run and it is not working. Aaron Judge was shocked to hear that his home run on Friday night was the first in 16 games. "Was it 16 games? I didn't really know that," Judge said. "It's just another day. I really don't focus on hitting homers. I don't focus on any of that. I've got a job to do," reported ESPN. Yes, as we well know, it is the Yankees brass that emphasize the home run. But big blasts can't be the end all be all. There has to be more if the Yankees are going to support days like Friday and Saturday when starting pitching is not going to hold down their opponents. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

THE BEST YANKEE-RED SOX BRAWL YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT

 

Photo of Thad Tillotson

Let’s set the stage: June 21, 1967. Yankee Stadium. The Yankees had hit a rough patch. The golden years of Mantle, Maris, and a seemingly endless string of World Series titles were starting to fade in the rearview mirror. They were 28-34, just half a game ahead of the basement-dwelling Washington Senators. But let's remember, the Bronx Bombers had already claimed 20 championships, cementing themselves as the crown jewel of baseball. The Red Sox? Well, they had been the perennial underdogs for years. A team America loved to pity, not exactly a group you’d bet the house on.

That June day, however, it seemed like Boston had the upper hand. The night before, they’d slapped the Yankees around with a 7-1 win, and now they were trotting out Jim Lonborg—an ace who didn’t just throw heat; he threw fireballs. Lonborg was the kind of pitcher who owned the inside of the plate and dared hitters to challenge him. Thad Tillotson, a Yankees rookie, was on the mound for New York. Tillotson was green, sure, but don’t forget—Yankees rookies always come with a spark.

Boston wasted no time jumping on the Yanks. A few singles, a passed ball, and a massive three-run shot from Tony Conigliaro, and just like that, it was 4-0 in the first inning. Ouch. The Yankees, though, were made of sterner stuff. They clawed their way back into the game, putting runners on base in the bottom of the first, but Lonborg danced out of trouble, striking out Mickey Mantle and setting the tone early. The Red Sox extended their lead in the second inning, but that’s where the fireworks really began.

In a game already dripping with tension, Boston's Joe Foy was the match that lit the powder keg. After taking a Tillotson fastball to the helmet, Foy dropped to the ground. Yankees fans held their breath, but Foy popped back up, seemingly no worse for wear. But don’t be fooled—the stage was set for the real drama.

 

Tillotson came to bat in the bottom of the second, and Lonborg didn’t waste any time getting his "revenge." With a five-run lead, Lonborg drilled Tillotson square in the back. Cue the chaos. Tillotson started jawing, Foy, in true Red Sox fashion, tried to play hero, and before anyone knew it, the benches cleared. Pepitone, never one to back down, challenged Foy, and even the bullpens came streaming in. It wasn’t just a fight; it was an all-out brawl worthy of Broadway.

And here’s the thing: while the Red Sox may have "won" that scuffle and the game, 8-1, they were never going to win the war. The Yankees have always been about more than just one game. They embody grit, resilience, and a refusal to back down—traits that align with the spirit of America itself. Sure, the Sox took their punches that day, but who was doing the punching? Ralph Houk’s Yankees—led by a man who stormed Omaha Beach during World War II, a man who knew that in the end, victory is about stamina and heart.

You see, that’s the thing about the Yankees. They were down, but never out. Even as Jim Lonborg and the Red Sox landed blow after blow, there was always a sense that the Bronx Bombers would rise again—and rise they did. History doesn’t remember this game as the day the Red Sox dominated; it remembers that these were the scrappy Yankees, the team that, even when backed into a corner, never lost their fighting spirit.

As America’s team, the Yankees represent the best of the country’s ideals: persistence, power, and an undying commitment to excellence. That day in 1967 may have been a Red Sox victory in the box score, but in the story of baseball, the Yankees remain the enduring giants. Whether it's about claiming 20 championships or fighting their way through a rough patch, the Yankees know how to come out on top.

So, sure, Boston won the battle, but as the brawl proved, the Yankees would always win the war. After all, they’re not just New York’s team—they’re America’s team.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE JUDGE-WEAVER COMBO MADE IT CURTAINS FOR BOSTON

You can't keep them down when it's September baseball, plain and simple.  Last night the combination of Aaron Judge and Luke Weaver were lethal.  Not much to say, I'd rather show the homer, but it was a huge game for the Yankees, and it just goes to show just how faithful the Yankee fans are.  Remember, so many of us LOVE the Yankees, but cannot stand the Yankees front office and our manager who did a post-game presser like a 5-year-old who just got a new bike. He is ridiculous. He needs to shut up.  That being said, Bolavip (whatever that is), writes this:

" Judge again demonstrated his offensive might in MLB by hitting a grand slam in the seventh inning, propelling the Yankees to a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox....In addition to Judge’s home run, Luke Weaver’s relief was instrumental in the Yankees’ victory. Weaver entered the game in the eighth inning and struck out three batters, maintaining the Yankees’ lead."

And just listen to the crowd...

First homer in 16 games

Number 52 on the season

Grand slam for the lead

WHAT A MOMENT for Aaron Judge!!
pic.twitter.com/cBKUCDTFyD

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) September 14, 2024

That's all of us fans right there.  Nothing better than that.  The Yanks just have to keep moving, keep playing good baseball. 

Maybe Judge comes out of that homer slump and keeps moving... maybe Weaver stays dominant... maybe the rest of the team can rally around them and keep pushing forward and maybe Aaron Boone should just sit back and not say anything, cause the bottom line is he AIN'T LEADING THIS SHIP.  This is all Judge & Co.

Go Yanks!

THE WINFIELD CHOKE OUT

On May 27, 1983, Yankee Stadium witnessed a confrontation that drew as much attention as the Yankees' eventual victory over the Oakland A's. The game ended with a 4-2 win, thanks to a three-run home run by Graig Nettles off Oakland pitcher Mike Norris in the seventh inning. But before the crowd could celebrate Nettles’ heroics, a fiery altercation between Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield and A's catcher Mike Heath escalated tensions in the first inning. This incident became a memorable flashpoint in a game that was already charged with competitive energy.

In the first inning, the altercation was sparked when Norris threw a high, inside fastball to Winfield. The pitch, perceived as a knockdown pitch aimed at intimidating or possibly injuring the star outfielder, was not taken lightly. Winfield, known for his competitive spirit, immediately objected to what he viewed as a dangerous pitch. According to reports, Winfield reacted strongly, and his frustration quickly turned into action. He moved toward the mound, where Norris was standing, but Mike Heath, the A’s catcher, stepped in to block his path, preventing a direct confrontation with Norris. What ensued was a chaotic scene in front of the mound, as Winfield grabbed Heath by the throat, igniting a bench-clearing brawl.

Home-plate umpire Derryl Cousins, witnessing the incident unfold, wasted no time in making a decision. He ejected Winfield from the game, citing him as the instigator of the fight. According to Cousins, Winfield's aggressive response to the pitch and his actions toward Heath were the catalysts for the bench-clearing altercation. While the physical confrontation was quickly broken up, the tension lingered for the remainder of the game, and the fallout extended far beyond the final out.

In typical fashion, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, never one to shy away from controversy, inserted himself into the conversation despite not being at the game. Shortly after the incident, Steinbrenner issued a scathing statement criticizing the umpires' handling of the situation, particularly Cousins' decision to eject Winfield. Steinbrenner was outraged that his star player had been tossed from the game, especially when he believed that Norris' pitch was intentionally provocative and dangerous.

Steinbrenner’s criticism drew a swift and pointed response from Lee MacPhail, then the president of the American League. MacPhail issued his own statement, condemning Steinbrenner’s remarks and promising disciplinary action against the outspoken owner. MacPhail described Steinbrenner's comments as "intemperate" and emphasized that such public criticism of umpires would not be tolerated. MacPhail's statement made it clear that a careful review of the events would lead to consequences for Steinbrenner, whose tendency to speak out about league matters had landed him in hot water before.

Not one to back down, Steinbrenner doubled down on his comments later that evening, issuing a second statement in which he denied that his remarks had been excessive. He maintained that his criticism of the umpires was based on "what I believe to be fact." Despite the threat of disciplinary action, Steinbrenner stood firm in his defense of Winfield and his belief that the umpires had mishandled the situation. This back-and-forth between Steinbrenner and MacPhail added an extra layer of drama to an already tumultuous evening at Yankee Stadium.

The Aftermath

While Winfield's early exit from the game dominated headlines, the Yankees managed to refocus and secure a crucial win. Graig Nettles, known for his clutch hitting, delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer off Norris in the seventh inning, putting the Yankees ahead for good. Nettles' home run shifted the narrative back to the on-field action, but the tension from the first inning lingered throughout the game.

The incident also brought attention to the growing tensions between the Yankees and their opponents, as well as between Steinbrenner and Major League Baseball officials. Steinbrenner’s reputation for speaking out against umpires and league officials had long been a contentious issue, and this episode only added fuel to the fire.

For Dave Winfield, the incident on May 27, 1983, was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar career. Known for his professionalism and immense talent, Winfield's actions that day were a testament to his fiery competitiveness. Though he was ejected, many fans and analysts sympathized with his reaction to the dangerous pitch. Norris’ inside fastball had crossed an unspoken line, and Winfield’s response, while aggressive, was seen by some as a defense of his own safety. The confrontation between Winfield and Heath remains one of the more memorable moments from the 1983 season. It highlighted the fine line between competitive intensity and outright conflict, as well as the ongoing debate over the role of "brushback" pitches and player safety. The fight also underscored the volatile relationship between George Steinbrenner and MLB officials, a relationship that would continue to generate headlines throughout Steinbrenner’s tenure as Yankees owner.

Lee MacPhail’s stern rebuke of Steinbrenner reflected the league’s desire to maintain control and discipline over its teams, even when powerful owners like Steinbrenner challenged its authority. Ultimately, the May 27 game was not just about a fight on the field—it was a microcosm of the larger battles being waged off the field between the Yankees and Major League Baseball.

The May 27, 1983, clash between Dave Winfield and Mike Heath, set against the backdrop of George Steinbrenner's outspoken criticism and Lee MacPhail's measured response, serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense emotions that often accompany professional baseball. The incident remains a significant moment in Yankees history, a blend of athletic confrontation, ownership drama, and league politics that defined an era for the Bronx Bombers.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

DISGRUNTLED CORTES CHANGES HIS TUNE ABOUT PITCHING FROM THE BULLPEN!

What a difference a few days makes! Nestor Cortes was butthurt after his bullpen appearance over the weekend. Cortes was "upset" because "I felt like I've been, amongst all the starters, the workhorse here," check it out HERE if you missed it. It was quite the temper tantrum. Now suddenly, he's had a change of heart.

Or, so he says he has, check out his latest statement HERE. Now he's "happy I'm able to do it" meaning move back and forth between a starting role and a bullpen appearance. Very timely considering he's back in the starting rotation today. Also timely because we ripped him for his poor attitude in IF THAT'S HOW CORTES PITCHES WHEN HE'S MAD, DEMOTE HIM AGAIN! Not to mention my X page was full of criticism for Cortes. It's just not a good luck for anyone, but especially bad for someone who has underperformed and not lived up to expectations. He's not Gerrit Cole, he's not an ace.

So here we are. Cortes is willing to pitch in the bullpen now after he's had this sudden desire to be a team player and do anything and everything. "I was a little [ticked] off about it, but that's in the past. My goal has always been to win, no matter where I'm at. Whatever helps this team win, I'm gonna do. Of course I'd rather start, but if it winds up I'm coming in for two or three innings, so be it," said Cortes. 

I get worked up when I hear baseball players have "diva" moments. I get even more worked up when they play for the Yankees. Aaron Boone brushed it off like it was no big deal, but that's not a surprise. These guys make ridiculous amounts of money playing a kids game for a living. I'd bang symbols jumping around wearing a monkey suit for that kind of cash. Anyone lucky enough to play for the Yankees and win a potential championship shouldn't be too big to do any job. His workhorse comment made me feel like he considered his last assignment was beneath him....and I'm just not down with that.

Cortes hasn't lived up to expectations in his current role. If he can perform as a reliever and give the Yankees a better chance to win, he should be happy he's doing his part. At work I call this putting my aces in their places...and I just don't think Cortes' "ace" has been a starter for this team. He might be elsewhere, but it hasn't translated here.

I hope this change of attitude isn't temporary, because there's no room for ego here. This is the home stretch, and it only gets harder from here. There's no "I" in team and it's time he remembers that. We just don't have room for the diva moments if we want to win a championship. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD AUSTIN WELLS WIN AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR?

Source: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Wow. When Paul O'Neill read out Austin Wells' stats for the season against the rest of the American League during Tuesday night's game against the Royals,  I was blown away. According to MLB.com, "At the plate, his 121 wRC+ (meaning he's been 21% better than a league-average hitter) is now the best among AL catchers -- Wells leapfrogged his counterpart with the Royals, Salvador Perez, thanks to his big game Monday. Behind the plate, Wells has been the AL's second-most valuable defensive catcher behind only the Mariners' Cal Raleigh, per Statcast, thanks to excellent pitch-framing and blocking." 

Wells has been a white knight in this Yankee lineup, consistently and quietly helping the Yankees win games like they did in the opener against Kansas City on Monday night. Could Austin Wells win ROY honors? Yea, he really could. 

Source: NJ.com

According to MLB.com, "The 25-year-old catcher has emerged as one of the top contenders for AL Rookie of the Year honors down the stretch, along with the Orioles' Colton Cowser. Wells is batting .295 with a .511 slugging percentage and .891 OPS in 39 games since the All-Star break." He came in for the ailing Jose Trevino who went down with a quad injury earlier this season. And he hasn't stopped his persistently strong offense and defense, among the top rookies and catchers this season.

As The New York Post reports, "Wells has a .252/.342/.438 slash line with 13 home runs and 49 RBIs in 100 games for the Yankees this season." Among other favorites for the AL Rookie of the Year are Orioles phenom Jackson Holliday and Wells' standout teammate Luis Gil. Both have slowed down in their dominance once shown earlier this season, leaving the door open for Wells. Not since 1970 has a Yankee catcher won Rookie of the Year honors. And that guy was Thurman Munson. 

Wouldn't that be something? Aaron Judge wins AL MVP and Austin Wells wins AL ROY in the same season- homegrown stars in the Yankee organization. Now top that with a World Series victory and a Judge Triple Crown- I just can't. Exciting times for the Yankees if they can just get out of their own way. For Wells, I am just overjoyed for this young man's success. He has battled and if he continues to demonstrate his talent the way he has over the last several weeks, he just might find himself as the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

JASSON DOMINGUEZ IN HIS OWN WORDS

The Yankee Universe screamed loud to get Jasson Dominguez up in the major leagues and the Yankees organization reluctantly, called him up.  

Boone stumbled over himself to say that the roster changes every day which was predictable, but ultimately the Yankees needed to make this move.  Bringing Dominguez up brings big energy to this team in a time of need.  The biggest issue I still have is that Yankee pitching is getting behind and the Yankee offense needs to be on every time to try and get them back in the game. Last night was another example of that.  

But the fans love this kid and he's a freak and so here's Jasson Dominguez in his own words last night before the Yankees win.   He talks about how he heard the fans and appreciates us and although he cannot control what happens to him coming up or not, he is glad he's in the big leagues and appreciates our support.  When you have a kid like this smiling back at us... there is nothing better than that.

Check this out!

Let's go Jasson! Let's go Yankees!

BABE RUTH & HIS LUCKY CHARM

Little Ray Kelly, often referred to as Babe Ruth’s “lucky charm,” has a fascinating story that intertwines with the lore of one of baseball’s greatest legends. 

Born in New York City in the early 1920s, Ray Kelly was a spirited and lively kid who captured the heart of the Sultan of Swat himself. His time spent with Ruth remains a unique footnote in the annals of baseball history, and the impact he had on Ruth's life and career—whether mystical or coincidental—cemented his place in the legend’s story. 

The story of Ray Kelly and Babe Ruth began in the bustling streets of New York City. By most accounts, Ray Kelly was no more than a precocious young fan when he first encountered Ruth. There are several versions of how Ruth discovered Kelly, but one popular tale suggests that Kelly was introduced to Ruth through a friend of the Yankees. This mutual acquaintance believed Kelly’s exuberant personality and constant admiration for Ruth might endear him to the larger-than-life baseball star.

One afternoon, Kelly attended a Yankees game with this friend and had the chance to meet Babe Ruth in the locker room before the game. Ray, with his boundless energy and unwavering adoration, immediately made an impression on Ruth. Ruth, who had a well-known soft spot for children, was charmed by the young boy. According to baseball historian Harvey Frommer, Ruth liked to surround himself with positive energy and found Kelly’s presence refreshing. Soon, Ray Kelly became a regular fixture at Ruth's side during games.

Though Ruth was known for his supreme confidence and boisterous nature, he was also notoriously superstitious. He believed in various charms and rituals to maintain his on-field success. Ray Kelly quickly became one such charm. Ruth believed that whenever Little Ray Kelly was present at games, the Yankees were more likely to win, and he, personally, would perform better.

In fact, there are documented instances where Ruth insisted that Kelly accompany him to specific games, particularly when he was in a slump, or the Yankees were facing a tough opponent. Baseball folklore expert Thomas Barthel recounted that Ruth’s teammates even began referring to Kelly as the Babe's "rabbit's foot," emphasizing his role as a good luck charm.

One iconic moment involving Kelly came during a particularly crucial game against the St. Louis Browns in 1926. The Yankees were on a losing streak, and Ruth was struggling at the plate. According to a 1926 edition of the New York Times, Ruth was insistent that Kelly be brought to the game to sit in the dugout. With Kelly present, Ruth hit two home runs that day, leading the Yankees to a much-needed victory. After the game, Ruth was quoted as saying, “I knew we were going to win with Little Ray in the dugout.” 

As the years passed and Ruth's career began to wind down, Kelly grew older, and their bond became more like that of an older brother and younger sibling. Eventually, as Ruth retired, the superstitious reliance on Kelly faded from public view. However, their story endured in baseball lore. In interviews during his later years, Ruth would often speak fondly of Kelly, referring to the boy as one of the bright spots during his time with the Yankees.

Kelly himself stayed out of the spotlight in his adult years, though he remained a loyal fan of the Yankees and spoke occasionally about his time as Babe Ruth’s “mascot.” His presence during those years represented more than just a superstitious belief—it was a reflection of Ruth’s deep need for human connection, especially during high-pressure moments.

Ray Kelly's story is now woven into the rich tapestry of baseball legend. His presence might have been symbolic, but to Ruth and the Yankees, it was a reminder that even the greatest of athletes sometimes need a little extra help from unexpected sources.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

YANKEE BRASS FEELS THE PRESSURE, CALL UP DOMINGUEZ!

Well, in fairness to the Yankee organization's wallet, bringing up Jasson Dominguez will sell more tickets these days considering Aaron Judge has slowed in hitting home runs.  

I mean, the outcry of Yankee fans everywhere was the reason for the move.  Brian Cashman saying that their team thought it was smart to leave Dominguez down was just him trying to get ahead of it, suggesting they made the right choice. But in reality, it was a colossal mistake to leave Dominguez down and clearly someone with a brain in their head convinced Hal to bring the kid up.  And guess what, they did. Case closed.

The New York Post writes:

"Jasson Dominguez has been called up, The Post’s Jon Heyman confirmed, ahead of Monday’s series opener in The Bronx against the Royals.

Jon Berti also was set to be activated, with Duke Ellis already optioned Sunday.

The Yankees also placed infielder DJ LeMahieu on the 10-day injured list, retroactive to Sept. 6., with a right hip impingement."

Now that idiot Aaron Boone will come out at some point today and say that "the decision to bring up Dominguez was already in the works", or "I don't get involved in those decisions" or something stupid like that.  Trust me, any beat reporter that asks that moron anything deserves to get a word salad answer.  Ignore that guy. The fact of the matter is the Yankees felt pressure to do the right thing.  Someone in that building knew that the entire Yankee universe wanted Jasson up.  It was a social media frenzy. It had to happen.

And once again the Yankees do what they do best, mess up and then gaslight us into believing it was all them. The truth is the Yankee fans are running this team when it comes to personnel decisions whether you believe it or not.  Now if we can just get players to start hitting and winning consistently... then we'd have something.