OLD TIMERS’ DAY: WHEN BEING A YANKEE ACTUALLY MEANT SOMETHING

There is something about Old-Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium that gets me every single time. Maybe it’s the uniforms, maybe it’s hearing those familiar names announced again, or maybe it’s watching men who once seemed larger than life walk onto the field a little slower, carrying a few extra pounds and a lot more gray hair, while your brain stubbornly remembers them exactly as they were. Whatever it is, the day has a way of getting inside you. And maybe Old-Timers’ Day hits even harder now because it reminds us of something the current Yankees organization seems to have forgotten: being a Yankee used to mean you earned something.

Old-Timers’ Day has always been baseball’s version of a family reunion, and nobody does baseball history quite like the Yankees. The tradition connects generations, reaching all the way back to the emotional days surrounding Lou Gehrig’s farewell in 1939. Over time, it became something uniquely Yankee. The history of this franchise isn’t locked away in a museum or confined to grainy old film clips. Once a year, some of that history actually walks back onto the field, waves to the crowd and reminds you exactly why you fell in love with baseball in the first place.

There was a time when Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio were the final two Yankees introduced. Think about that for a second. The Mick and Joe D. Eventually, that honor belonged to Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra. There were also those wonderful years when Phil Rizzuto and Bobby Murcer weren’t simply former Yankees returning for a ceremony; they were broadcasters who would put the pinstripes back on, wander onto the field and somehow make you believe that nothing had really changed. Of course, everything had changed. That's the cruel little trick baseball plays on us. It moves slowly when we're watching it and unbelievably fast when we look backward.

And now we're apparently living in a world where Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera qualify as old-timers. Are you kidding me? I watched these guys play. I remember Pettitte peeking over his glove, Posada grinding through at-bats and the opening notes of “Enter Sandman” telling everybody in Yankee Stadium that Mariano was about to shut the door. Those guys aren't supposed to be old-timers. They're supposed to be the guys we watched while the old-timers were being introduced. Yet here we are. That happened pretty damn fast, didn't it?

My guys will always be the Ron Guidrys of the world because that was my generation. Louisiana Lightning was one of those Yankees who made baseball feel magical to me. But that is also the beauty of Old-Timers’ Day: everybody has their guys. Your father had his, you have yours, and your kids will eventually have theirs. If we're lucky enough, someday the players our children worship today will walk onto that same field with gray hair while our kids sit in the stands wondering where 30 years went.

Chris Chambliss

That's baseball. It gets handed down. Father to son, mother to daughter, grandfather to grandson. Families once gathered around radios, then televisions, and now they're watching games on phones and tablets. The technology changes, but the conversations don't. We still complain about umpires, argue about managers, second-guess pitching changes and somehow convince ourselves every April that this could finally be the year. Baseball will break your heart one night and give you a memory you'll carry for the rest of your life the next afternoon. That's the deal we make with this game, and for some reason we keep coming back.

But Old-Timers’ Day also reminds me of something else, especially when I look at the way the modern Yankees operate. Standards used to matter, and opportunities were earned. Players earned jobs, earned patience and earned the right to stay in the lineup. Accomplishments felt bigger because everybody understood how difficult it was to get there. There wasn't this endless organizational obsession with proving the front office was right about somebody simply because admitting a mistake might make Brian Cashman uncomfortable. If a guy performed, he played. If he didn't, somebody else eventually got his opportunity. It was a remarkably sophisticated baseball philosophy known as playing the guys who deserved to play. Maybe Aaron Boone needs somebody from analytics to build him a PowerPoint presentation explaining it.

That's what makes Old-Timers’ Day such an interesting contrast to the current Yankees. Look at the men walking onto that field and think about what many of them represented. Toughness, accountability, pride and an understanding that wearing pinstripes didn't automatically make you special. Winning in them did. Producing when the pressure was greatest did. Earning the respect of Yankee fans did.

Today, the organization too often seems to want the uniform itself to provide the credibility. We hear about process, underlying numbers and quality at-bats. Somebody goes 0-for-4 and Boone tells us there were some “really good swings” in there. A player struggles for months and we're assured he's “really close.” The Yankees lose a brutal game and we're told there were still “a lot of good things” happening. Great. Put it on a plaque and hang it next to the championship banners: 2026 New York Yankees — A Lot of Good Things Happened.

The Yankees of previous generations didn't build this franchise on encouraging postgame press conferences. They built it on results. Ron Guidry didn't need the organization explaining why you weren't actually seeing what you thought you were seeing. Mariano Rivera didn't require a spreadsheet to convince anybody he was dominant. Derek Jeter didn't need three years of excuses and organizational spin. Bernie Williams didn't need Brian Cashman appearing in front of reporters to explain that some internal metric suggested Bernie was secretly playing terrific baseball. Those guys played, they produced, and they earned their place.

That's why these old Yankees mean something to us. They aren't simply names on Baseball Reference or numbers printed on the back of throwback jerseys. They're memories. They're summers and October nights. They're your father screaming at the television. They're your grandfather telling you for the 900th time that baseball was better when he was young. You rolled your eyes at him then, and eventually you got older and started telling the same damn stories yourself. Funny how that works.

Saturday also brought one of those moments that reminds us Old-Timers’ Day isn't simply about nostalgia and applause. Sometimes it's about saying goodbye. Tommy John couldn't be there. At 83 years old and dealing with serious health problems in recent years, John sent an emotional message to the Yankees thanking the organization, the Steinbrenner family and the fans who followed him throughout his remarkable 26-year career. He also remembered Dr. Frank Jobe, the surgeon forever connected to the operation that saved John's career and eventually changed the sport.

John thanked the Yankees for giving him an opportunity to say goodbye to everyone, and those words are difficult to hear without feeling something. Forget wins, losses and statistics for a moment. Forget Cashman and Boone. This was an 83-year-old man looking back at an extraordinary baseball life and thanking the people who shared some part of the journey with him. We throw around the phrase “Tommy John surgery” so casually now that sometimes we forget Tommy John is actually a person. He was a pitcher, a Yankee and a man whose willingness to attempt something radical with Dr. Jobe more than 50 years ago ultimately helped thousands of pitchers who came after him.

That's the part of Old-Timers’ Day that matters most. For all the championships and famous names, baseball ultimately comes back to people. It comes back to family, memory and the people sitting next to you while you're watching the game. That's why you can remember a random Yankee game from 40 years ago and also remember exactly where you were, who was sitting beside you and what your father said when somebody hit the home run. Baseball somehow attaches itself to our lives that way.

Maybe that's also why Old-Timers’ Day feels even more important today, because the modern Yankees sometimes seem determined to convince everybody that baseball has become impossibly complicated. It really isn't. Play hard. Perform. Earn your opportunity. Win. And understand what the uniform represents. George Steinbrenner certainly had his faults—and there were plenty—but there was never any confusion about the expectation. Winning mattered to him. Losing bothered him. Failure wasn't endlessly repackaged as progress.

That's one of my biggest problems with this current organization. Sometimes I watch the Yankees and wonder whether losing actually bothers anybody in charge anymore. A terrible loss happens and Boone walks into the press conference sounding like the team just completed a successful corporate retreat. Cashman periodically emerges to explain why the roster he constructed isn't really the problem, and fans are expected to accept it because apparently expecting the New York Yankees to behave like the New York Yankees has somehow become unreasonable.

Then Old-Timers’ Day arrives, and for a few hours all that garbage disappears. 

Guidry walks onto the field. Pettitte comes out. Matsui and Posada appear. Mariano waves to the crowd. You hear the applause and suddenly remember what this franchise is supposed to feel like. There was pride attached to those pinstripes. There were standards. There was accountability. There was an understanding that playing for the Yankees wasn't the accomplishment; what you did while wearing the uniform was the accomplishment.

Baseball has changed tremendously. Some of those changes have made the game better, and some absolutely have not. But Old-Timers’ Day cuts through all of it. For a few hours, nobody cares about exit velocity, launch angle or whatever obscure metric the Yankees have decided explains why the guy hitting .210 is actually doing a fantastic job. Nobody needs Brian Cashman to explain the roster, and nobody needs Aaron Boone to tell us somebody put together a few good swings.

Instead, you hear a familiar name announced over the Yankee Stadium speakers and suddenly you're 12 years old again. For me, Guidry is dealing. Reggie is coming up with runners on base. For somebody a little younger, Pettitte is staring over his glove, Posada is digging into the box and Mariano is making that walk from the bullpen. Somebody younger still will have an entirely different group of Yankees that takes them back.

That's the whole point.

Baseball isn't really measured in innings, WAR, exit velocity or championship rings. In the end, it's measured in memories and the people with whom you shared them. Old-Timers’ Day gives us a few wonderful hours when those memories come walking back onto the field. It reminds us where we've been, who we watched with our fathers and who we'll eventually tell our children about.

And maybe, just maybe, while all those old Yankees are standing out there, the people currently running this franchise should take a good look at them.

Because those pinstripes didn't become famous because everybody was comfortable. They didn't become famous because the manager protected everybody from criticism or because the general manager refused to admit when his plan wasn't working. They became famous because generations of players understood that getting to Yankee Stadium wasn't the finish line.

You had to earn what came next.

That's what made those players Yankees.

That's what made the achievements worth celebrating.

And that's why, every Old-Timers’ Day, seeing those guys come home still means so damn much.

CASHMAN ALREADY USING THE PHRASING "IT'S BEEN TOUGH" THIS OFFSEASON

The New York Yankees, a franchise that once defined toughness, accountability, and championship DNA, are now apparently trying to sell us on the idea that Austin Wells is a real catcher. Not a placeholder. Not a stopgap. A solution. And that alone tells you how far off the rails this organization has gone.

Let’s be clear: Austin Wells is not gritty. He is not intimidating. He is not Thurman Munson. He is not Jorge Posada. Hell, he’s not even a poor man’s version of either. Munson looked like he’d fight you in the parking lot after the game. Posada looked like he’d block the plate with his face if it meant winning in October. Wells looks like he was focus-grouped by the marketing department to sell jerseys and smile for camera day.

And that’s the problem.

Brian Cashman and his army of spreadsheet worshippers keep confusing presentable with competitive. They think clean uniforms, good vibes, and “strong makeup” are substitutes for edge, urgency, and a pulse. They are not. They never have been. And they never will be.

Yet here we are, once again, watching the Yankees admit they “need depth” at catcher while doing absolutely nothing that resembles ambition.

Yes, Wells is penciled in as the starter. That alone should set off alarms. The Yankees could look for a tandem partner. They could look for someone to push him. They could look for an actual upgrade. Instead, they did what Cashman always does when faced with a real roster problem: ducked it.

Enter Miguel Palma.

Palma was signed to a minor-league deal with a spring training invite, which is Yankee-speak for “please don’t expect anything.” He’s described as “well-liked” with “good makeup,” which at this point might as well be printed directly on the back of Cashman’s business card. He’s 5-foot-9, bounced around the Astros’ system last year, and—shockingly—will start out in the minors.

Because of course he will.

This is the same tired song. Another depth piece. Another lottery ticket. Another guy whose main contribution will be organizational filler while the major-league roster remains incomplete and uninspiring.

And Cashman’s excuse? You already know it. The market is thin.

It’s always thin, Brian.

Every offseason starts with bravado: We’re going to get what we need. Then reality hits, and suddenly it’s hard, complicated, challenging. Translation: the Yankees don’t want to pay the price—financially or prospect-wise—to actually improve.

Cashman even gave us his annual word-salad masterpiece, the kind that manages to say absolutely nothing while sounding like it should mean something:

“We’re just staying engaged, trying to match up with some things. But it’s been tough so far. Don’t like the asks coming our way, and I guess the opposing teams don’t like what I’m trying to pull from them.”

That’s it. That’s the plan.

Other teams ask for real value. Cashman tries to pull a fast one. Talks stall. Nothing happens. Rinse. Repeat. Yankee fans are supposed to applaud the effort while the roster holes remain wide open.

Meanwhile, the organization wants us to believe Austin Wells is the guy. That this soft-edged, analytics-approved, aesthetically pleasing catcher represents the future of a franchise built on nastiness and winning.

Sorry. Not buying it.

Championship teams are built on mentality, not marketing. They’re built on players who don’t blink in October, not players who look good in a brochure. Until the Yankees remember that—and until Brian Cashman is no longer in charge of redefining “good enough”—this franchise will continue spinning its wheels.

Same excuses. Same half-measures. Same doomed results.

And yes, let’s just say it plainly: Austin Wells isn’t the answer. He’s part of the problem.

A WORLD IN WHICH ANTHONY RIZZO IS OUR YANKEES MANAGER

I’ll admit it: sometimes I catch myself daydreaming about the glorious day Aaron Boone finally gets canned. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not cheering against the Yankees — I’m cheering against their manager. Boone’s brand of “leadership” has been little more than press conference word salad paired with in-game mismanagement. The man has made the Yankees allergic to consistency. This team doesn’t play with urgency unless their backs are stapled to the wall, and that’s a reflection of a manager who has spent years lowering the bar.

What I’m waiting for is that perfect “not good enough” moment — when Hal Steinbrenner takes a look at his bottom line and realizes he only made millions this year instead of billions. That’s when I want him to say, “Boone, you’re gone.” And with Anthony Rizzo’s retirement announcement, I couldn’t help but think: what if Rizzo is the guy who finally replaces him?

Here’s the thing about Rizzo — he’s the anti-Boone. Rizzo has leadership in his bones. He was never just a first baseman; he was a clubhouse general, a player guys rallied around. He wasn’t just about stats (though, let’s be clear, his career had plenty of those too). He was about presence, about grit, about setting a tone. Even through struggles and injuries, he commanded respect. That’s something Boone has never once inspired in pinstripes. Boone gets eye-rolls; Rizzo got buy-in.

Rizzo’s résumé speaks for itself: four Gold Gloves, a Platinum Glove, a Silver Slugger, three All-Star nods, the Roberto Clemente Award, and of course his role in the Cubs’ 2016 World Series — a championship that ended a 108-year drought and cemented him as a legend in Chicago. And let’s not forget, the Yankees got the benefit of his leadership too. He may not have been the same hitter in the later years of his career — the concussion robbed him of that — but his influence in the clubhouse was always there. Rizzo wasn’t just a player, he was a culture-setter.

Contrast that with Boone, whose managerial style feels like it was downloaded from a malfunctioning analytics spreadsheet. His bullpen decisions alone could qualify as a new form of baseball torture. He’s the king of excuses, the maestro of mediocrity, the pilot of a ship that keeps circling the drain. Under his so-called guidance, the Yankees are on the verge of missing the playoffs again — and somehow we’re supposed to keep pretending he’s the right man for the job?

Now imagine Rizzo in that dugout, not with a glove but with a lineup card. Picture him commanding respect, actually holding players accountable, and bringing that edge that’s been missing since the Joe Torre days. The Yankees don’t need a cheerleader clapping in the dugout; they need a leader who players want to follow. Rizzo fits that mold perfectly.

Look, my dream scenario is still Don Mattingly as manager with Jorge Posada as his right-hand man — that’s pure Yankee nostalgia heaven. But if Rizzo is ready to trade in his batting gloves for a manager’s uniform, I’d take him in a heartbeat. He has the pedigree, the credibility, and the leadership chops Boone has never had.

Rizzo will forever be a Cubs legend, no doubt about it. But what if his second act is in the Bronx, not as a player, but as the man who rescues the Yankees from Boone’s clown show of a tenure? That wouldn’t just be an upgrade — it would be a revolution.

RICE IS JUST A BETTER CATCHER THAN WELLS...

And the Yankees front office picked wrong again.

The Yankees didn’t draft Austin Wells out of Arizona because he was the next Thurman Munson. No, they grabbed him because he was a college catcher with a solid bat and because Michael Fishman and his analytics brigade saw some glittering “upside” buried in their spreadsheets. Unfortunately, as we sit here on August 12, it looks like they were digging in the wrong mine. Ben Rice is flat-out a better catcher and hitter right now, and that’s not just opinion—it’s scoreboard reality.

Seriously, does anyone in the Yankees’ front office know what they’re doing? The math department clearly isn’t failing to find numbers—they’re just picking the wrong ones to bet the farm on. And the way Aaron Boone talks about it? He sounds like a man trying to sell you a broken lawnmower.

Here’s Boone before the Twins series opener (which the Yanks won 6-2):

“He’s been struggling a bit, obviously, offensively. A part of it is I want to keep Ben [Rice] in there, and I think Ben has done a really good job behind the plate, too… It’s just trying to get the best grouping out there, day in and day out, to give us a chance to win a game.”

Translation: Wells is cold, Rice is hot, and Boone is pretending this is some complicated roster chess match instead of the obvious—play the guy who isn’t an automatic out. Boone is stupid at trying to act smart.

And yes, Wells should be seeing less playing time. While we’re at it, so should Anthony Volpe, but that rant deserves its own post. When you’ve got two everyday players giving you weak at-bats and gift-wrapping runs for the other team, you’re not building a playoff roster—you’re building a highlight reel for the opposition.

Wells isn’t just struggling—he’s soft behind the plate and miles away from the days of Posada and Munson. Yet Boone keeps handling him like a piece of fine china. The New York Post even quoted Wells insisting he’s “close” to figuring it out, saying:

“I’m just off the barrel on a lot of breaking balls… I think I know I’m getting a lot of off speed [pitches]… it’s just a matter of getting my body in the right position to hit a little harder and not at people.”

That’s nice. But with 43 games left, “almost” won’t cut it. If Rice is hitting and catching better, the decision should be simple—bench Wells, ride Rice, and at least pretend like you’re serious about winning.

At this point, the Yankees don’t need another pep talk. They need a jolt. And if Boone keeps running out Wells, that jolt is going to be the sound of fans slamming the door on the 2025 season.

BOONE PREDICTED TO BE TOAST BY SEPTEMBER

There’s nowhere left for Aaron Boone to hide. The fanbase has hit its boiling point, and the “Fire Boone” chants are only getting louder. Yes, the Yankees beat the Twins 6-2 last night, but let’s not act like that’s some heroic feat. The Yankees are supposed to beat teams like the Twins. The problem is they only show up against the mediocre clubs while folding against the real contenders. And the Blue Jays? Solid team. The Red Sox? Above them in the standings. That’s just embarrassing.

Boone isn’t taking at-bats or fielding grounders, but he’s also not leading, and that’s the real sin. Managers need to manage. That's why there are managers. And when it comes to Aaron Boone, I can guarantee you nobody is watching this team and thinking, “Yep, they’d run through a brick wall for Boone.” You saw that with the Core Four under Joe Torre though. The difference? Torre had accountability. Boone has excuses.

The Yankees are teetering on the edge of missing the playoffs—this after an offseason full of splashy moves, deadline blockbusters, and one of baseball’s highest payrolls. Yet somehow, we’ve got a manager who still thinks mixing and matching lineups like a blindfolded chef is the path to October. Joseph Kallan of FanSided recently put it bluntly: whether it’s Boone’s random lineups, head-scratching pitching calls, or his allergy to accountability, the fanbase has had enough.

Kallan even predicted Boone would be gone by September 1, with Brian Cashman finally “putting his foot down” to end the chaos. But let’s be real—there’s zero sign of that. Cashman loves having Boone as his yes-man, and the truth is the rot goes deeper. Cashman is part of the problem. So is the front office. And Hal Steinbrenner? Completely MIA while the ship is sinking.

Still, firing Boone is the logical first step—rip off the band-aid, then clean out the rest of the front office. The Yankees won’t truly thrive until Boone is gone, and deep down, Cashman knows it. The fans definitely know it—so much so that tonight in the Yankee Stadium bleachers (sections 202–204) is “Fire Boone Night.” That’s where we are now.

Even Jorge Posada chimed in this week, saying the team’s struggles come down to mentality. “They just gotta get a little angry… have that chip on their shoulder. You can’t be friends with everybody.” That’s not just a comment—it’s a jab at Boone, the King of Coddling. This is the guy who will defend Anthony Volpe or Austin Wells no matter how poorly they’re playing, all in the name of “confidence.”

Posada’s right. Baseball isn’t therapy. It’s about putting the best nine guys on the field and expecting them to perform. Boone doesn’t lead. Boone enables. And for four years, I’ve been saying the same thing at Bleeding Yankee Blue: Boone needs to go. It’s past time. And here’s hoping Kallan’s prediction finally comes true.

WELLS CAN'T SIT CAUSE THEIR BACKUP CATCHER SITUATION HAS DWINDLED

He needs to, cause Austin Wells isn’t good. The Yankees front office are a bunch of freaking idiots, aren't they? 

Look, Wells was OK last year and that is really where the story ended. But here we are, watching the Yankees try to sell us on the idea that this is their catcher of the future, while he continues to hit like a guy who should be managing a Shake Shack, not catching for the New York Yankees. No offense to anyone who manages as Shake Shack, you get my point.

And now the Yankees have a real problem. If they want to give Wells a rest—which, let’s be honest, he needs—they can’t. Why? Because they don’t actually have another real catcher on the roster. Tremendous planning. Bravo, Brian Cashman. Boy genius strikes again.

Let’s take a walk down memory lane, shall we? In recent seasons, the Yankees traded away Carlos Narváez, Agustín Ramírez, and Rafael Flores—all catchers with potential and actual functioning bats. And now? Now the Yankees are so thin at catcher, if Wells breaks a nail, which he will because he's soft, we might have to resurrect Jorge Posada from a beer league in Miami. 

Wells is already 25 and came into 2025 as a guy that Boone wanted to be a lead off.  That lasted about 2 games in the spring.  What's even a bigger joke is that Yankee projects analytics suggested he could be the next big thing. That had to be a joke, right?  He’s slashing .209/.268/.419 with a .687 OPS. And yes, he has 15 home runs, but that’s like sprinkling powdered sugar on a burnt waffle—it’s not fooling anyone.  Fans see how awful he is. And what's worse, he strikes out a lot, he doesn't walk much. 

I don't want to hear about Wells and his exit velocity... it is not helping him at the plate. His numbers tell the truth.  His 47.3% hard-hit rate DOES NOT MATTER. Why? I'll you why... because again, HIS PRODUCTION NUMBERS TELL THE TRUTH.  He has a better chance stepping on a rake than he does raking to a .250 average.

Now let's talk toughness, cause Austin Wells is no Thurman Munson. He’s not even Barry Foote. Watching Wells behind the plate is like watching a Roomba try to pick off a runner—it’s robotic, awkward, and painful. People gave Gary Sánchez a ton of grief for being clunky behind the dish, but Gary at least gave us some dingers and a little fire. With Wells, we’re just left wondering if he’s sleepwalking or waiting for a timeout that never comes.

Meanwhile, Carlos Narváez—who the Yankees gave away like a pair of old socks—is hitting .252/.323/.415 with a 105 OPS+ for the Red Sox, of all teams. That’s right. The Red Sox have our castoff catcher putting together quality at-bats while our starter is swinging at pitches like he’s trying to swat a mosquito.

And sure, the Yankees always Ben Rice. He’s got a .791 OPS, 16 home runs, and actual plate discipline. But let’s face it—Rice has been stretched thinner than a Boone postgame excuse. He WILL get hurt because he's all over the place. He’s playing everywhere, all the time. Boone uses him like duct tape. Problem is, he can’t be a reliable full-time catcher if he’s never actually catching full-time.

Oh, and remember a month ago when Wells was given a break "for wear and tear"? WEAR AND TEAR? Thurman Munson used to bleed pine tar and chew on foul tips for breakfast. Jorge Posada once caught a 13-inning game with one functioning knee. And Wells? He needs a breather after what, crouching for three days? That's Boone being overprotective and sensitive to Wells feelings. Give me a break, you catch for the New York Yankees. You want to want to be out there every day. 

Bottom line: the Yankees mismanaged the catching situation into oblivion. They got rid of all the decent backups, propped up a struggling starter, and now they’re caught with no safety net. Wells might have the bat speed of a prospect, but his results scream fourth-string backup. And unfortunately for us, there’s no help coming through that clubhouse door.

Yankee fans have gotten robbed this season and there is no end in sight. We are picking everything apart. Why? Because it's clear we don't have a serious franchise. That's the bottom line.

"WEAR & TEAR" KEEPS SOFT WELLS OUT OF LINEUP

Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 New York Yankees: home of the soft, sanctuary of the pampered, and unofficial rehab facility for men with slightly discolored fingers.

Austin Wells—the catcher who hits like a pitcher and blocks balls like he’s allergic to leather—is out of the lineup again. The reason? Not a broken bone. Not a concussion. Not even a foul tip to the face mask. No, the 25-year-old Wells has been sidelined because of a circulation issue in one of the fingers on his non-throwing hand.

Let that sink in. A guy who’s already barely hanging onto a roster spot is now missing games because of some finger discomfort caused by, as Aaron Boone delicately put it, “the wear and tear of catching.”

Wear and tear? This kid just got here. What wear and tear? He’s caught a handful of big-league games, hits .214, and somehow already needs a day at the spa because one finger got tired. Is this what the Yankees have become? A daycare for fragile ballplayers who flinch at adversity?

Austin Wells is not a major league catcher. He’s a part-time breakfast burrito salesman with a lefty swing and a laundry list of excuses. He’s got a noodle bat, shaky defensive instincts, and now, apparently, the hand circulation of a 92-year-old retiree. And somehow, he’s being protected like a franchise cornerstone.

It’s ridiculous. And you know who’s enabling all of it? You guessed it—Aaron Boone, the world’s most enthusiastic babysitter. Boone’s doing what Boone does best: shielding his guys from accountability with a smile, a shrug, and a stack of empty words.

“We’ve gotten good feedback from the tests,” Boone said, talking about Wells like he’s some war hero recovering from battle instead of a slumping backstop with a sore finger. “It’s not something that bothers him from a performance standpoint,” he added.

Wait… what performance? Wells is slashing .214/.280/.323 with all the impact of a folding chair. His defensive metrics aren’t saving him either—pitchers don’t trust him, runners don’t fear him, and fans barely notice him until he’s out of the lineup for another mystery ailment. This guy couldn’t hit water if he fell out of a boat. But sure, let’s protect him like he’s the second coming of Johnny Bench.

And while we’re here, let’s talk about what being a Yankees catcher used to mean.

 
Remember Thurman Munson? Yeah, the guy who batted .292 for his career, drove in over 700 runs, won an MVP, and played with a constant grimace and a permanent limp—but never came out of the lineup unless someone dragged him out. The only thing that ever truly kept Munson off the field was a tragic plane crash. I'm not being mean, the truth is he was a true Warrior. It’s not hyperbole. That’s truth. That’s toughness.

 
Jorge Posada? Criticized for his defense, sure, but he put up monster offensive numbers (275 home runs, .273 batting average) and never ducked a challenge. The man was a grinder. He took foul tips to the throat, stayed in. Bruised ribs, played through it. Dislocated fingers? Tape it up. Back behind the plate the next day. No excuses. No pampering. No Boone standing over him like a concerned helicopter parent.

Yogi Berra? That man caught Don Larsen’s perfect game with an iron jaw and a baseball IQ unmatched in the sport. He didn’t need circulation tests—he needed the ball and a win. And if you asked him to sit out because of a sore finger, he’d probably punch you in the face and go catch both ends of a doubleheader just to make a point.

But now we’ve got Austin Wells. Taking two days off while J.C. Escarra—who might’ve been bagging groceries last week—suits up behind the plate. The Yankees aren’t just soft—they’re running a clubhouse that seems more concerned with emotional wellness than winning baseball games.

How did we get here? How did we go from one of the toughest positions on the diamond—the catcher, the field general, the warhorse—to a pampered safe space where guys sit for finger discomfort? I’ll tell you how. It starts with Aaron Boone and a front office that treats players like fragile Fabergé eggs instead of elite athletes. They’ve built a culture of coddling. A padded, mollycoddled, media-coached, finger-scanning comfort zone where accountability has been replaced with carefully-worded injury updates.

And the fans? We’re supposed to just nod along and accept it. “Trust the process.” “It’s precautionary.” “We don’t want to rush him back.” Give me a break. You don’t need to rush Austin Wells back because the dude barely contributes when healthy. Again, more truth.

This is a guy who’s lucky to have a job. Instead of seizing every opportunity like a guy fighting for his baseball life, he’s riding pine for something a catcher with any real toughness would laugh off. This isn’t 162 games of grueling baseball—this is tee-ball with a medical staff.

Aaron Boone should be embarrassed. Brian Cashman should be ashamed. And Austin Wells? He should be grateful if he’s still wearing pinstripes by September.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not asking for much. Just a catcher who acts like a damn catcher. Wells isn’t that guy.  And the Yankees—once proud, once feared—are now a parody of themselves.

Bring back the grit. Bring back the fire. Bring back the days when you had to drag a Yankee off the field—not pamper him off it.

JOHNNY DAMON SPEAKS OUT ON THE YANKEE HAIR POLICY

 I didn't see this one coming.

Johnny Damon, known for his famously unkempt look during his playing days, might have seemed like a natural fan of the New York Yankees' recent change to their strict grooming policy. However, his reaction to the news was anything but enthusiastic.

Damon, who had to chop off his long hair and shave his full beard when he joined the Yankees in 2005, shared his thoughts in a recent Instagram video. "I just heard that the Yankees are not requiring people to cut their hair and trim their beards..." said the two-time All-Star. "I think we need to keep it how it was, with respect to legends like Yogi Berra, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera."

For Damon, the Yankees' grooming rules were a part of the team's storied tradition. "The Yankees are a tradition," he said. "Let's keep it. I cut these lovely locks off many years ago because George Steinbrenner was such a great human being, such a great boss, that I wasn’t even going to question it. Let’s keep the policies the same. Listen to your bosses, always bring your A-game, and let’s go!"

In a side note, Damon also mentioned his support for Jorge Posada’s Hall of Fame candidacy, a sentiment many fans share.

While the tradition of the Yankees' clean-cut image has its charm, there’s another perspective worth considering. Beards and hairstyles can play a role in a player's personality and performance. For some athletes, their hair isn't just a style choice—it’s a part of their identity, almost like a source of strength or confidence.

There’s a psychological aspect to it. When a player arrives in New York sporting a rugged beard and leaves looking like he just went through basic training, it can mess with his mindset. It might affect how he pitches, how he hits, or even how he sees himself. It’s like taking Superman’s cape away and expecting him to be the same hero.

Personally, I’ve always been well-groomed and appreciate the Yankees' classic approach. But I also think there’s something exciting about letting players find their groove with a bit more freedom. If a light beard helps someone like Devin Williams thrive in New York, then why not?

Tradition is important but so is adapting to the times. Finding that balance could be the key to helping the Yankees maintain their legacy while allowing players to feel like themselves.

IS THIS CATCHER ABOUT TO BACK UP AUSTIN WELLS?

Catcher, catcher, who will be the backup catcher?

There's actually talk about this and to be honest, I was too wrapped up in the rotation and infield and didn't realize we're kind of in a bad place in this position.

The Yankees have their starting catcher in Austin Wells... and that's about it.  Right now, the backup options aren’t exactly inspiring, no offense. The only other catchers on the active roster that I can see are J.C. Escarra and Jesus Rodriguez. Rodriguez, at just 22 years old, is still a work in progress, and Escarra, 29, has yet to make his MLB debut. Let’s be real—both will likely spend most (if not all) of the season in the minors. 

So, what’s the plan, Yankees?

Wells is solid, but let’s not pretend he’s the second coming of Jorge Posada. Catchers take a beating, injuries happen, and having a reliable backup is a must. That’s why the latest buzz about veteran James McCann is actually pretty intriguing.

McCann, a former All-Star, spent 2024 as the Orioles’ backup, hitting .231 with eight homers and 31 RBIs while mentoring Adley Rutschman. He’s a seasoned pro with over a decade of MLB experience and could be the perfect guy to not only provide depth but also help Wells develop.

Bringing in McCann would give the Yankees a steady, experienced presence behind the plate—someone who’s been through the grind and knows how to handle a pitching staff. Plus, he wouldn’t cost a fortune. It’s still just a rumor at this point, but honestly? This move makes a ton of sense.

Will the Yankees pull the trigger? We’ll have to wait and see.

FEEL GOOD MOMENT FOR CC SABATHIA AFTER THE CALL TO THE HALL

CC Sabathia has always been a fan favorite, and for good reason. From the moment he joined the Yankees, he made an unforgettable impact. Now, the fact that he’s officially headed to the Hall of Fame is nothing short of incredible. This achievement is a testament to his remarkable career and solidifies his place among baseball’s greats.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees include Sabathia, Ichiro Suzuki, and Billy Wagner, as selected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Additionally, Dave Parker and Dick Allen were chosen by the Classic Baseball Era Committee to round out the 2025 class.

While all the inductees are deserving, it’s Sabathia’s story that resonates most with me. His reaction to the honor, as reported by Bryan Hoch, was perfect: “It means a lot to be in the Hall of Fame, period. But first-ballot, I know what that means as a baseball player. It’s very special.”

Former teammate Jorge Posada also reflected on Sabathia’s impact, particularly on the legendary 2009 Yankees team. “That 2009 team was special, and he was a big reason why we were the last team standing. CC earned this great honor. He had a remarkable career, and he was one of my favorite teammates I played with.”

With his Hall of Fame plaque featuring a Yankees cap, Sabathia’s career stats speak for themselves: 251 wins and 3,093 strikeouts—trailing only Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton among left-handed pitchers.

For me, CC is one of the greatest Yankee pitchers I’ve ever had the privilege of watching, second only to Ron Guidry. No matter where you rank him personally, there’s no denying his legendary status. Congratulations to CC Sabathia on this well-deserved honor.

THE MAKING OF AUSTIN WELLS

It looks like Austin Wells is coming into his own.

Last night was a great night for Wells, as well at the Yankees. YES Network writes:

"Wells hit two-run homers in the third and eighth innings, powering the New York Yankees to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night.

Wells hit a two-run shot in a three-run third off Erick Fedde (8-8) to give the Yankees a 4-2 lead. He connected again later off Riley O’Brien for a 6-3 lead.

It was Wells’ first career multi-homer game and the rookie catcher is hitting .346 (28-for-81) with five homers and 21 RBIs in 20 games as New York’s cleanup hitter protecting Aaron Judge mostly when the Yankees face right-handed starters."

The biggest thing I'd like to see for Wells is that he's the everyday catcher for the Yankees.  Back in the day it was normal to have these guys behind the dish and really gelling with the pitchers.  Thurman Munson comes to mind, even Jorge Posada to some extent.  I know it takes a toll on catchers and that's fair, but even for the purposes of getting at bats and really focusing in on hitting, that would be the key to Wells success.  

The Yanks bounced back after losing 2 in a row and Wells was key to this win.  I like Wells, but I didn't see what many saw until recently... and now I am understanding the need to have Wells there.  It's good for the Yanks, especially down the stretch.

WHEN DION JAMES FOUND HIS RHYTHM

Dion James's arrival to the New York Yankees in 1993 marked a significant chapter in his career and provided a much-needed boost to the team during that season. James, known for his versatility and consistent hitting, quickly became a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the Yankees.

Dion James came to the Yankees in 1993. At the time, the Yankees were in the midst of rebuilding, and James's experience and skill set made him an important addition. He primarily played as an outfielder but also served as a designated hitter when needed.

In 1993, James played in 115 games for the Yankees, batting .332 with a .390 on-base percentage and a .441 slugging percentage. His consistent ability to get on base was crucial for a Yankees lineup that lacked depth in hitting. James's left-handed bat provided balance in the lineup, and his ability to hit for average made him a reliable option in various situations.

James also brought a veteran presence to a team that was transitioning, with young players coming up through the ranks. His leadership and experience were important in helping the Yankees navigate a challenging season. The team finished second in the American League East with an 88-74 record, and while they didn't make the playoffs, James's contributions were seen as a key factor in their improved performance that year.

After the 1993 season, James signed a contract to play in Japan, where he spent the 1994 season. However, his connection with the Yankees remained strong, and he returned to the team in 1995. This was a significant year for the Yankees, as it marked the beginning of their resurgence in Major League Baseball.

James's return to the Yankees in 1995 came at a time when the team was filled with rising stars, including the likes of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada. Despite the influx of young talent, James's role as a seasoned player was still valuable. He played in 102 games in 1995, batting .279 with a .344 on-base percentage and a .393 slugging percentage. While his numbers were not as impressive as in 1993, his contributions were vital in providing stability and experience to a team that was starting to gel.

The 1995 Yankees made it to the playoffs as a Wild Card team, marking their first postseason appearance since 1981. Although they were eliminated by the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series, James's role in the team's success that year was appreciated by both fans and management. His return from Japan and immediate impact demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt, making him an integral part of the Yankees during this transitional period.

Dion James may not have been a superstar, but his contributions to the Yankees in 1993 and then 1995 and alittle bit in 1996 were significant. He provided consistency, leadership, and a veteran presence that helped the Yankees lay the groundwork for their dominance in the late 1990s. His ability to hit for average and get on base was particularly important during a time when the Yankees were building a foundation for future success.

James's popularity with the fans and his importance to the team in those years should not be overlooked. His role in helping the Yankees transition from a period of mediocrity to one of success is a testament to his impact on the franchise during his tenure.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

WHEN TWO CAPTAINS TIE

Sunday's game has me feeling a little bummed out. To have the lead more than once and not be able to hold onto it is tough. I guess the silver lining is that the Yankees still won the series. It could be worse so I will take what I can get.

You know who else "gets" something? Aaron Judge. Yup, after the loss I had to remind myself that there's another twist to yesterday's game. Our current captain has company. His 260th home run yesterday ties him with his Yankees captain predecessor Derek Jeter for ninth place on the Yankees all-time home run list.

I pointed this out to one of my non-Yankee baseball loving friends and he was surprised to hear that. "No way! Jeter hit line drives, not home runs" is actually what he said to me. I guess I can understand his shock and be a nice friend. Jeter knew how to put the ball in play, he was not known as a home run king, so that makes this even cooler for me.

My friend was quick to point out that Judge and Jeter are the last two people he would expect to be TIED for home runs in the nine spot. Judge is known for some big hits, so that isn't shocking, but he shares it with the guy who played in a Yankees uniform for 20 years. Just goes to show you how special Jeter was. I will be sure to remind my husband of this fact as well.

So next up, to beat the tie with Jeter he will need 16 home runs to pass Jorge Posada. That will be another interesting milestone to watch. Suddenly, I am getting all of these flashbacks of my childhood and realizing now that I really am getting old.... yikes.

You are on a very impressive list, Judge. Now get a World Series championship as you work your way up the list and that makes it even sweeter. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

OLD TIMERS MAGIC CAN'T HELP THIS TEAM

Source: AP

Embarrassing. That's what the 9-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers is. You have the greatest Yankees of the modern baseball era in the house, and the 2023 Yankees just looked like a bunch of losers, because clearly they are. I tried to feel optimistic. I felt an ounce of life with the performance of the new Baby Bombers. But Saturday took the wind out of my sails. Thank God Coco Gauff won the US Open otherwise the day would have been a total loss. So despite having Old Timers in the house, their magic won't help this team.

Source: AP

"Gathered in their pinstripes, bathed in glories of yesteryear, the retired players spent some time in the home clubhouse. There was little advice that Jeter & Co. could offer the current group; for the most part, they knew nothing but winning during their time in the Bronx. The Yanks dropped their third straight game, falling to the Brewers, 9-2," reported MLB.com.

The 75th Anniversary of Old Timers Day drew a big crowd but rain delays, and just poor baseball sent them away. The bats were silent in front of the legends of the 90s and early 2000s.  This is unfamiliar territory for the 1998 Yankees. Hard to empathise when all you did was win championships. 

Source: NY Daily News

“I run into New Yorkers every day,” Jeter continued, “and they’ll say thank you for the championships that we won. So it is a special feeling to be here at Yankee Stadium, introduced at the game formerly known as Old-Timers’ Day,” reported The New York Daily News. Thank you for all of the championships. Since he left, we have not seen any. The team hobbles into every season, without dramatic change thinking there will be change. It's ridiculous.

One shining star of the evening was Michael King, who is making a real case to becoming a member of the starting rotation next season. He struck out nine in five innings on Saturday and has an ERA of 1.08 in four starts since Aug. 24. Recall he volunteered to be stretched out and step into the starting role from his services in the bull pen. Now our pen let him down after he only gave up one earned run. 

The magic was back in the Bronx but it did not penetrate the 2023 dugout. Despite the pomp and circumstance and the thrill of seeing Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera back in pinstripes, it changes nothing about the 2023 Yankees. They still just stink. 

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