SPORTS, GRATITUDE & GIRL POWER

In photo: Alma Ziegler, AAGPBL 1950 MVP

"It's hard being a girl. Everyone underestimates you. No one thinks you can do  the same stuff as boys. They expect you to like clothes, and shoes, and make-up. And pink! I don't like any of that stuff. I like building things. And you don't like any of that stuff. So we're not 'girly.' But why can't we be girly? Why can't playing a sport be the girly thing to do? Boys aren't the only ones that can play basketball or baseball."

My eight year old ranted at me. Admittedly, the conversation started when I asked her why she hadn't put away one of her Barbie dolls. She hates dolls, with the very rare exception of those Monster High ones. "But, those teach you to be yourself, regardless of what other people think. I don't fit in. But that's okay, because I'm really good at standing out," she'll argue.

My little girl is a sassy little warrior. That's what I call her. Never "Princess." Not to her face, if I can help it, anyway. She is my warrior. A soldier in her own right. Courageous, brave, and strong. All words she accepts when describing her. But she does not like "princess." Princess seems too vulnerable to her. Too much like she expects us to fight for her. Believe me, she does not need anyone to put up a fight for her. I told Casey recently, she's the smallest one of her peers, but she walks like a giant.

She hardly ever gets into her rants. But when she does, you should sit up and pay attention, because 9 times out of 10, she is dropping some serious knowledge. As much as an eight year old can anyway. And usually, she is spot on. Hell, being a girl IS hard. We are underestimated in most circles. Sports is definitely one of them.

I had a conversation recently with a gentlemen who was waiting for his son to be released from school. He saw my sons Yankee cap, and told him "Why do you like the Yankees?" My son answered simply "Because my mom taught me about them." The guy laughed. Actually laughed at my seven year old son. I was floored. Because females cannot possibly teach anyone about sports? So I started conversing with him. I told him that I write for BYB. I told him about the two other wonderful female writers, Jeana Bellezza, and Suzie Pinstripe. He seemed unsure, as if the possibility of females writing seriously about sports was an impossibility. Told him to check it out, and let me know when he can hold serious conversation with me about sports. Admittedly, I was ticked off because he laughed at my son.

The point is, all too often, that is the response. As if females have never made strides in sports. You only have to do a quick Google search to know that isn't true. The US Women's National Softball team brought home three out of four Olympic gold medals. They've won gold every year since 2006 in the World Cup of Softball. The US Olympic Women's Basketball team brought home the gold medal this past summer Olympics. And don't even get me started on the US Olympic Gymnastics team. Females in sports continue to prove themselves time and again, and yet we still find it an oddity when a female fan actually knows what they are talking about? It's a strange to me. Even my husband, bless his heart, sometimes still looks surprised when I read off my pieces to him. Yea, honey! You're wife knows a thing or two. So when I find someone who truly understands, and supports, not just me, but BYB as a whole, well I have to give them serious props.

There is a group of sisters who run a Fantasy Football podcast. Brandon Lee, Ashley Williams, and Courtney Kirby are the ladies behind Her Fantasy Football. They are smart, sassy women with more football knowledge than any man I have ever met. Sorry, gentlemen, it's true. This season, these ladies have been huge supports, giving "shout outs" to myself, and BYB, and I cannot thank them enough for the love. (click to 28:55 to hear it.)


Bottom line, "being a girl is hard." Being a girl who loves sports is harder. We have to stick together. Thank you for the love shown, and a world of success to you all. Also, thanks for the tips! Won the championship in my league. Was the only girl, and no one thought I belonged. So it was… sweet! Keep up the excellent work. Like my eight year old, you ladies are warriors.

And let's hear it for females with the sports know how to hold there own in male dominated world. Let's hear it for ladies like Kim Jones, and Meredith Marakovits. Let's hear it for the young ladies everywhere that strive to me more than a Princess. And while we're at it, is it too much to ask to bring the All American Girls Professional Baseball League?

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

WHEN IT COMES TO MARAKOVITS, WE'RE ALL IN!

(In Photo: Meredith Marakovits)
I was always a fan of Kimberly Jones and while she was with the YES Network, she was absolutely terrific.  In fact, very early on here at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we interviewed Kim.  It was one of our first and it was one of our most popular interviews ever on BYB. 

(In Photo: Kimberly Jones)
In fact, if you want to check it out, you should. It's called simply EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KIMBERLY JONES.

Well, Kim has left us, may were devastated. With that exit, came an entrance with a young lady named Meredith Marakovits.  In a nutshell, I dig her. She's alot of fun, she's terrific on camera, with the players and I love the relationship she has with Bob Lorenz, Jack Curry, Kenny Singleton and Michael Kay. There is great chemistry and there's alot of laughs... plus we're getting a ton of information.  The banter is a genuine friendship among colleagues, much like Jones and it's just a great group.  In a nutshell, she's fallen into place very nicely.

When she first came on the scene, we wrote about her in a piece titled MEREDITH MARAKOVITS: BRONX HOTTIE  In it, we expressed here at Bleeding Yankee Blue what others were worried about, the transition.  But, thanks to the YES Network, the transition to move Jones out and Meredith in was seamless. You know... sometimes when there's a replacement, there's a hiccup along the way, an uneasiness.  I mean, sure, people were complaining that Jones left, but the reality was Jones moved on, read HERE.  That happens.  It just so happens that we got Meredith and she's developed into a terrific personality for YES. 

So I'm putting it out there after trying to get her to commit... Meredith, we've chatted with Jack Curry, Paul O'Neill and some of the Yankee writers like Pete Caldera and Ian O'Connor. Bottom line,  BYB wants to interview you! Reach out when you get a moment and let's get it done.  We appreciate what you do for YES and more and more fans want to know about what makes you tick!

And message to Bob Lorenz and Ken Singleton... you guys are next!


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WHEN MEN BECOME HEROES

I appreciate the "good deed" in life. I appreciate the drive, the passion and the belief that one can accomplish anything if they put their mind to it.  I believe in giving back when one can and I believe that when someone becomes larger than life... you never forget the little guy.

Victor Cruz of the New York Giants did something today that brought me to tears. Probably because I have children, or maybe because kindness is what makes the world go round and we need to remember that once in a while.

New details revealed that one of the children murdered in the Sandy Hook shooting was a huge Victor Cruz fan. Jack Pinto was honored today personally by Cruz, who wrote Jack's name on his cleats. Sure, the whole NFL is honoring everyone who lost their lives in this horrific tragedy, but this story touched me so much because Cruz went the extra mile. He personally reached out to the Pinto family and connected with them sending prayers their way. 

As NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal writes: "NFL.com's Kimberly Jones said Cruz also left the conversation with the family believing Jack Pinto will be buried in a Cruz jersey. Cruz wore the cleats and glove during the game, and Nichols reported that the wide receiver plans to drive to Newtown this week to personally deliver the mementos to Pinto's family." Read the piece HERE.

Look, Bleeding Yankee Blue is a Yankee site, that's apparent, but let's be clear... This move by Cruz is outstanding.  I applaud him and I am personally having a hard time with this story so reading about this makes me feel good.

On a side note... you wanted to know where Kimberly Jones went? She's with the NFL. Below she is holding a helmet of one of the New York Giants.  Every Giant write "SHES" on their helmet for "SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL"... Amazing.

But back to Cruz for a moment. I applaud you Victor Cruz. You are what today's sports needs more of... more interaction and a more personal touch. Person to person contact, not celebrity to person contact. Cruz has a heart. This moment is real...Bravo!

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AROD IN PICTURES

The Internet is hiliarous. You type in just about anything and you get it back. Type in “ARod funny” and there’s plenty out there and because it’s Sunday and it’s Father’s Day, and I’m a father and so is ARod, hey, let’s keep it light, we’re chillin’ today.

I wanted to throw these pictures together in a post because they cannot be overlooked. As you know I support Alex Rodriguez and his career in pinstripes. I like the guy and I find myself rooting for him all the time. That being said, everyone needs a laugh and much like I did for TEIXEIRA VS. SWISHER: FACE OFF, I need to do something for Alex.

This picture of Alex may be one of my favorite. I found it recently on Twitter of all places. It’s funny because you see Alex with this look of excitement, yet determination, yet “trying” if you will and The Captain just doesn’t know what to make of Alex. This needs a caption. Comment and make one.

This one is great. I’m not sure if Kim Jones and Alex are waiting until they go on the air live from the studio or if they’re just plain angry. I doubt it’s the latter…that being said, it’s funny to me.

My favorite and random is a video still of Alex in 2009 going for the backside of the Captain. I need to be honest, I don’t know exactly what’s going on here. I mean look, if your team get’s a nice hit and score a few runs, sure you’re going to be excited…you high five your teammates, maybe you scream alittle and pump your fist. Grabbing my teammate's buns is probably #20 on my list of things to do…if it’s on my list at all. It’s funny to me, what can I say. The best part of this picture is Hideki Matsui... he's very puzzled as he sees the action taking place.

Finally, Alex in Central Park. I forget who captured this picture and when it was taken but hands down it may be the funniest picture out there. The women probably love it and that’s cool. We have a Bleeding Yankee Babe section, here’s you’re Bleeding Yankee Alex section I guess. Enjoy.

There are a ton of them and to be honest, if this post is a success, you will be seeing more of this. For now, enjoy your Sunday, enjoy your Father’s day and laugh alittle…sometimes all this baseball stuff gets people alittle too worked up debating stats and records… it’s baseball…it’s a game don’t forget that.

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WHY EASTER MEANS FAMILY & MY SUNDAY BEST

Happy Easter. As I get dressed in my Sunday best and get the kids ready for Church, I just wanted to wish everyone a wonderful day. For me, today is about family, my immediate family... not our Bleeding Yankee Blue family, although, I will touch base with ya'll once or twice but there's a lot going on today. I'll try and catch the game too and I will have a recap, so you can look for that. Overall though, there will be easter egg hunts, chocolate eating, a lot of food, and alittle relaxing and watching some baseball... I hope. If you're bored and don't know what to do, buy a Bleedingyankeeblue.com shirt. If you do, $1 of that purchase will go toward High Socks for Hope! It's an important cause run by David and Erin Robertson, read about it HERE.

You can also read the most popular BYB links of all time... here are the top 3 posts that were read the most on Bleeding Yankee Blue.

#3. BRONX SHOCKER: MONTERO TRADED FOR PINEDA (January 13, 2012)

#2. WHY MARTIN'S A FACTOR (March 6, 2011)

#1. WHY KIMBERLY JONES & YES BROKE UP (January 24, 2012)

Enjoy the day Ladies and Gentlemen... and LET'S GO YANKEES!

ORDER A BYB SHIRT NOW, DROB WEARS ONE! Also, Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

MEREDITH MARAKOVITS: BRONX HOTTIE

You have to admit, you forgot about Kimberly Jones for a bit yesterday during the pregame. Meredith Marakovits made her first appearance as the YES Network clubhouse and field reporter and she did a terrific job. Plus, let's not lie about it, she's easy on the eyes and made the transition smooth for all of us Yankee fans after Kim Jones departed a few months ago from the YES Network. Don't get me wrong, We all loved Kim Jones...we interviewed her here on Bleeding Yankee Blue and expressed our appreciation for her (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KIMBERLY JONES), especially when she was in the middle the mayhem, getting pie on her after a comeback win or champagne being poured all over her after a championship. Oh yeah and she did a great job to boot...one of my favorites!But things change, life goes on and Jones is out, Marakovits is now in. Look, it's a whole new season, it's 2012, the goal may be the same of winning a championship but sometimes we need to make a few changes along the way. No doubt we did in the Yankees clubhouse with Raul Ibanez and Michael Pineda and others and David Phelps even made the team. Plus, Lou Piniella is in the booth with the gang. I hope he and Paul O'Neill don't start swinging at each other. The point is, life goes on but new roles take place. Luckily for us, Meredith Marakovits showed up and many of us are pleased. Game 1 was a success... 161 more to go.Marakovits was a sideline reporter for the Philadelphia 76ers and also worked for SNY. She's go got the experience and you can tell she's a go-getter. When she came on yesterday and I saw Jack Curry's Tweet telling everyone to welcome Meredith, to be honest, I didn't know what to expect. After all, we've know Kim Jones in that role for a while now. But let's be honest, Marakovits kicked ass in her first game, and the transition was smooth.

I'm not afraid to say it, I'm happy she's there, I'm a fan...and hopefully most of you feel the same way. Welcome Meredith, we're looking forward to a great season with you.

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WHY YES HAS A NEW KIM JONES

(In Photo: Meredith Marakovits kissing Babe Ruth plague in monument park)
Well, with Kimberly Jones leaving the YES Network, we needed someone else, pretty and smart to continue bringing us great Yankee news and updates from the field. Meredith Marakovits will be that person and we welcome her! HERE is Joel Sherman's tweet on it.
Meredith was previously with SNY and she's great.

You know us at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we loved when Kimberly Jones was with the YES Network. We had an opportunity to interview Miss Jones in EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KIMBERLY JONES. Later on, she gave us a shout out thanking us... we love when people give us a salute. Read SHE'S A STAND UP GAL.Recently, when we learned of Kimberly's departure, we immediately "begged" a BYB friend, Laura Posada to do a handful of Yankee home games. We love Laura and merely thought it would be a fun idea. Read WHY LAURA POSADA SHOULD BE THE NEXT KIM JONES. Laura gave us a shout out later letting us know she appreciated the support, but she had her own gig.

We love Laura and wish her the best as always. We also look forward to seeing Meredith work in 2012 with the New York Yankees and YES! Welcome Meredith, kick some butt out there!

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WHY LAURA POSADA SHOULD BE THE NEXT KIM JONES

So as most Yankee fans have heard, Kimberly Jones has left the YES Network, which, of course, now means she will no longer be covering the New York Yankees. Casey wrote about Kim's leaving YES and the circumstances surrounding her departure earlier this week. You can read about that HERE.

So it got me thinking, who could replace Kimberly and still give us solid reporting and interviews she delivered each and every game? How about Laura Posada? Yup, I went there, I'm talking about Mrs. Jorge Posada herself. And why not? It's really not that crazy...think about it

Laura is not only gorgeous, she knows these players, has always been surrounded by the game and the Yankee history since Jorge has been in the Bronx. To me, she seems like a natural for television. You have to remember Kimberly Jones was learning on the job when she first started with YES Yankee games. So what better place for Laura to start? With her Yankee family!

It is well known that Laura and Jorge have gone through hell and back dealing with Jorge Jr and Craniosynostosis and they formed the Jorge Posada Foundation because of it. Well, that courage, determination, and drive that Laura possees is something you cannot teach a journalist. You either have it or you don't. Laura HAS it..

Now I know that Jorge just retired and the whole game plan now is to enjoy the family. I’m not suggesting Laura do this every single game during the season, I’m saying, maybe a handful of home games, this would also keep Jorge and the family around our Yankee Family. I think she’d be dynamic. I mean, who knows the current Yankee players better than Laura? Her interviews with players like Jeter and Mo would be awesome. It would be like 2 friends chatting with each other after the ball game. It’s an extra element perfect for broadcast television.

Look, this is my mind wondering, and yeah, it could even sound a little far-fecthed, but in Yankeeland, anything can happen. Hell, we’re bringing Lou Piniella back aren’t we? Read HERE. Hey Laura, if you happen to read this, give us an RT on Twitter, we’d love to hear what you think of our idea.

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23

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YANKEES SPRING TRAINING 2012: WHAT TO EXPECT

In less than one month’s time, all of our attention will finally be turned away from the “Hot stove” to the warm weather and palm trees of Tampa Bay, Florida, where our New York Yankees will report to begin Spring Training for what is hopefully their next Championship Season.

Many talking heads have speculated about what to expect from the team during this year’s pre-season training. Things like roster changes, management issues, and even changes to the television coverage that brings us the much needed information about the day-to-day grind of
Spring Training. In my honest, educated and professional opinion, here’s what my take is on what to expect from our Yankees in the Spring of 2012.

I DON’T KNOW.
Yeah, sure, I can go back and research statistics and line scores, but what good does that do? I wrote an article about Jesus Montero...next thing you know, he gets traded. I interview Kim Jones HERE, then, she leaves the YES Network. I wrote a blurb about Jorge Posada...and then he retires. For all intents and purposes, I’m beginning to a see a pattern here. Therefore, the likelihood that you’ll see me discussing anything relative to the team’s existing players, especially our Captain, is very slim. Not taking the risk by naming any more names, or making any more speculations about what may or may not go down this season. For now, at least.

Anyone that has followed Bleeding Yankee Blue and read my articles pretty much knows that this is not a girl who can keep her mouth shut for too long. For the present moment, I do still feel that I need to contribute to all of the talk about this year’s Spring Training. You know, just to
keep myself “in the loop”. In the interest of meeting my deadline for the amazing Casey, here’s what I am willing to say about what to expect from Spring Training:

1. The weather will be warm
2. It will take place at Steinbrenner Field with Hank and Hal somewhere closeby
3. Joe Girardi will be there
4. Jorge Posada won’t be there
5. Neither will Jesus Montero.
6. Derek Jeter will wear #2 on his uniform
7. There will be coverage by someone from the YES Network
8. I’m pretty sure that unlike “some other teams”, no beer or poker games are allowed in the dugout
9. Most of the team will be tan
   

And last, but not least….

10. It won’t suck

And so, in the meantime, Yankee fans, use the “grain of salt” approach to what everyone has to say about what will…or won’t…happen during Spring Training. You can crunch any number you want to, look at tapes of past performances, or calculate whatever average you want to.Whether you are Albert Einstein or belong to the “Psychic Friends Network”, no one knows for sure. My speculations, however, I’m pretty sure are dead-on, which is why you should always refer to Bleeding Yankee Blue for the real deal!

Let the countdown begin!

--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer



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WHY KIMBERLY JONES & YES BROKE UP

Is it tragic that Kim Jones is leaving YES? Maybe to some. Kimberly Jones and the Yes Network apparently are parting ways after she was with the network for 7 years. Kim turned down different offers from YES. She will be missed. Jones was one of the first interviews we ever had at Bleeding Yankee Blue titled EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: KIMBERLY JONES. You need to check it out. She's a cool chick, she had an incredible job and we all loved her moments of getting soaked in champagne and smacked with pie cream after a come from behind win at Yankee stadium.
Here's what Kim had to say, brought to you by Newsday HERE: "It was a terrific seven years, especially when I didn't know if I'd make it through the first one, and neither did anyone else,'' she said, laughing. "It was filled with highlights and moments that only the Yankees can provide. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity at YES."

We wish her well. Kim Jones is one of the good ones.

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WHY I BLEED YANKEE BLUE 1 YEAR LATER

About a year ago, I was browsing my Facebook page and came across a request for writers for a blog I followed, Bleeding Yankee Blue. I had just published a book, and missed writing for fun, so I submitted a writing sample for consideration. I received a very positive response from Casey himself, and after a few days, I was writing for Bleeding Yankee Blue. At first, I was the only female staff writer, which was somewhat challenging. However, overall, fans seemed to respond to the unique “female perspective” that BYB was offering, and seemed to enjoy my wise-cracking, humorous approach to some of the hot topics we posted.

At BYB, we’re a bunch of writers that are so dedicated to the game of baseball and to the New York Yankees, watching this baby flourish before our very eyes has been magical. We do this simply out of the love and respect for the game, and for our team. We’re endorsed by you, the Yankee fans and after all, that’s who we do this for.

Over the year, the blog has grown beyond our wildest dreams. Along with great insights, game recaps, highlights and hilarity, we’ve collectively interviewed an impressive roster of well-known New York Yankees. Guys like Mickey Rivers, Chuck Knoblauch, and David Robertson were very gracious and supportive of being featured on our humble little blog.

Kimberly Jones and Jack Curry of the YES Network were also interviewed, and gave public kudos for the work that we do. Behind the scenes, management teams and public relations staff have reached out in support of Bleeding Yankee Blue. There are features such as “Fan of the Week”, games and contests that few other blogs offer. There’s a personal approach to what we do; as fans reach out to us on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter, we always try to respond personally with gratitude. It’s the fans that drive the blog, the writers, and the game. Casey had a dream, and it seems to be coming true.

I think my favorite piece yet was the exclusive interview with our very own “Warrior”, Paul O’Neill. His heart and soul for Yankees’ baseball shine through in the interview, and it matches that of all of the writers for the blog. This interview is the epitome of what we’re all about. We love our team, we love baseball, and we’re not only dedicated to it, but passionate about it. For me, if you want to define Bleeding Yankee Blue, read that interview. You’ll get a clear picture of what we’re all about.

On a personal note, the writers have also become a tight-knit family of folks that stick close to one another. We’ve been through a lot of challenges together, and have celebrated success together. We all have each other’s back, and our skipper Casey is a fantastic leader that helped us gel into the family we are today. Very often you’ll see comments we make to one another that make reference to “brothers” and “sisters”. These wonderful people are truly like family to me, and will stay that way.

It's been amazing and I’d like to thank the fans who read BYB. Please continue to spread the word about us, we love your dedicated support. Without you, none of this would have been possible. We all know that Yankee Fans are the best in the world; Bleeding Yankee Blue fans are a step above the rest. Thank you so much for all of your support and friendship.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Here’s to a happy, healthy 2012, and may you all continue to "Bleed Yankee Blue"!

--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer



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WHY THE YES NETWORK DOES IT BETTER

If you’re a Yankee fan, you want Yankee news. Thank God the YES network has provided that, and still they are probably one of the fairest group of individuals out there. Look, it’s the YES network; That stands for the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network. They are giving me what I want, I couldn’t be happier.

Bob Lorenz: The guy is too much fun for me. He’s likable, he’s the guy you’d see on the street and want to hang out with. How do you NOT like this guy? Plus, when he’s in the studio, he’s at his best. You know I’ve said that before with Jack Curry in JACK CURRY: NEW YORK BAD ASS. Both he and Jack give the best analysis and opinion not seen anywhere else. I’m not kidding. Remember Fred Hickman? Anyone? He was the first guy at YES… that didn’t work out too well, did it? Thank God for Bob.

Jack Curry: This guy rocks. Not only a fan favorite, but just smart as a whip. The guy’s been doing this for a long time and when he gives you his analysis, he actually did his research, plus, he’s not afraid to give it to you straight. Since Jack came aboard, there’s a bigger, better energy on the desk. Lorenz and Curry just seems right.

Kimberly Jones: Fantastic is every way. I could never say a bad thing about this woman, she’s in the middle of it every time. I love when she’s in the moment with Derek Jeter or Mariano Rivera and who wouldn’t want a champagne party with the players? Me, me. Again, she’s in the trenches and shows us viewers that she loves every minute of the greatest job in the world.

John Flaherty: What can I say, you always want a guy that actually played professional ball and knows these players because, let’s face it, he played with them and he has that extra that the other’s don’t...It's the player's standpoint. Flaherty kicks ass and while his baseball career wasn’t a Hall of Fame body of work, his broadcast career sure is.

Ken Singleton: You know me, I’m a fan of Ken Singleton. Read THE JOY OF KEN SINGLETON. He's another guy that’s been there and played with the greatest players ever. Singleton was the baseball card that I always got a lot of. I always had 5 or 6 of his 1983 or 1984 Topps cards. But back to now... I like what Kenny does for YES, he too has that player’s perspective and you can’t help but love this guy.

David Cone: Jack Curry gave Coney a huge compliment in EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK CURRY when I asked about who he admired:

"Jack Curry: In more than 20 years of covering the Yankees, I've developed a working relationship with a lot of different players. If I had to pick one player who was always a pleasure to deal with, it would be David Cone. Interestingly enough, we're now colleagues at YES. If David's baseball career hadn't worked out, he talked about how he wanted to be a sports writer. What I liked about David was that he gave thoughtful answers and didn't act as if every interview needed to be conducted as if there was a 30-second play clock over his head. They were conversations, not interviews. He didn't dismiss questions or issues. He embraced them. Cone was so approachable that his willingness to talk to players ended up helping his teammates. Since Cone was willing to deal with reporters and was very good at it, other players were allowed to avoid interviews."

Cone does a great job and as a player, I loved watching him pitch, and even though I was a Yankee fan, I had an enormous liking for this guy on the field. He was such a gamer and it translates to the booth to this day. He was on some amazing winning teams and understands the Yankees mentality ever day they're out there.

Paul O’Neill: What can you say about "the Warrior" except thank God Paulie’s still hanging around. Now that he’s retired, I love hearing the stories about the Yankee teams of the past that he was apart of. Paulie seems more relaxed these days, but I always feel like Kay wants to get him all riled up. I know what he’s doing, but O’Neill’s at peace these days. I like him in the broadcast booth…after baseball, it’s where he belongs.

Nancy Newman: One of my friends once said a nasty thing: “Who did Nancy Newman sleep with to get that gig?” I quickly came to her defense like many of us would... Nancy's quite attractive and she does a great job...bottom line. Look, you could have some young hot blonde reading prompter who knows nothing about the game, OR you can have Nancy Newman doing Yankees Magazine and filling in for Bob Lorenz when needed. She's freakin' good at what she does! She's someone with knowledge of the game and alittle sparkle in her eye to boot. Nancy Newman, I’m a fan.

Michael Kay: I mean, Michael Kay is the hardest working man I know I just wish Don LaGreca could be with him everywhere. I love them together as a crew. Too bad Don's on 1050 ESPN with him and not on YES. But seriously, about Michael Kay... Yankee fans, we are damn lucky to have a guy so dedicated to what he does... for us! Kay is the best and does it better than anyone and he's been doing it for years. He's awesome.

Al Leiter: Leiter may be the most knowledgeable baseball mind ever. When he's in the booth with Singleton and Flaherty, it's the great conversation of baseball because every guy in the discussion has stepped foot on the field and knows the different angles and situations these players are in. Without Leiter there, it is a different dynamic in my opinion, plus he has damn good stories and is not afraid to share. You got to love that!

Yes, the YES Network gives me what I need, Yankee news and analysis and opinion all the time. No, they don’t slant it the Yankees way, but they give me Yankee news straight and if they need to be critical, they will. I’m not sure I have ever heard the commentators at YES hold back if a Yankee player stinks up the joint. They won’t gloss over it. I like that. When they talk to us viewers, they don’t talk down to us. When the Yankees do something great, they are sure to point it out and yes, because it’s YES, they will do it more than ESPN who clearly has a hard-on for the Yankees and always have. Bottom line, I love my New York Yankees and thank the Good Lord for the YES NETWORK.

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK CURRY

I've had my share of being star struck in my lifetime. meeting Joe Torre after the 1996 win was in my mind, one of the top 5 moments ever. But there are others. Being able to interview Jack Curry, someone whom I've admired for a while now is up there as well. The whole YES gang is terrific; Along with Curry, Bob Lorenz, Kimberly Jones, David Cone, Ken Singleton, Michael Kay, Paul O'Neill and John Flaherty do it better than any other sports people out there. Jack Curry is tops in that group and of course, that passion he has stems all the way back to childhood. You remember when you were a kid, we all tried to make a newspaper, writing about sports or news, or whatever, handwriting it and then drawing pictures in boxes on several pages, then secured it with staples. Well, Jack probably did that too, but then followed through and became an actual sports news guy and now a top sports analyst. He's a huge success and had a drive for that success. Luckily for me, I got to interview one of my idols and Bleeding Yankee Blue is bringing it to you, as an Exclusive. So enjoy it...here's Jack Curry.

BYB: Growing up, were you always a sports fan and more specifically a baseball fan and is this the career path you dreamed of?

Jack Curry: I liked every sport as a kid and played whatever was in season, but baseball was, by far, my favorite sport. I played it in high school and attended one practice at Fordham University before I gave up on playing. It just seemed like it would be too time-consuming to be a backup outfielder (if that). But I still play in the New York-Boston media games at Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park and I still get pretty excited about a game of Wiffle ball.

When I was 12, I started a newspaper at my elementary school. I was fortunate to have a teacher who understood my passion for writing and for sports and he helped me produce these little newspapers. I loved the idea of reporting and writing on things that were happening around the school so, in some ways, I kind of knew what I wanted to do with my life by the time I was in the seventh grade. 

BYB: You were with the New York Times as their national baseball correspondent. Tell us how that came about?

Jack Curry: During college, I worked for The Jersey Journal for three summers. About a year after I graduated from Fordham, I was hired by The New York Times. I started at the bottom. I had to prove to them that I deserved a chance to write. Eventually, I began covering some college sports and then I became the New Jersey Nets' beat writer for one season. I took over the Yankees' beat in the middle of the 1991 season and stayed on that position through the 1997 season. From 1998 until 2009, I was a National Baseball Writer at The Times. I loved my years at The Times. I got to cover the Yankees during their dynastic period and got to travel to places like Cuba, Japan, Venezuela, Colombia and Puerto Rico to cover baseball.

BYB: I hope you realize that since you came to YES there is a much different energy. You and Lorenz are appointment television because of your complete analysis. How did that develop and is it because of your passion of the game?

Jack Curry: It's nice of you to compliment us on the energy you see. Bob Lorenz is as selfless as anyone I've ever worked with. He wants the people around him to do well and he works to make that happen. I think the reason we provide thorough analysis is because we study the games and the story lines and work with Jared Boshnack, our producer and another team player, to present this information to the viewer. All three of us have a passion for the game and for our jobs.

BYB: We wrote JACK CURRY: NEW YORK BAD ASS because we felt as though you needed "Props". What was your reaction the first time you saw it?

Jack Curry: When I saw the "Bad Ass" headline on your blog, I laughed. Not sure how many times I've been called a bad ass in my life, but I can assure you that I wouldn't need more than five fingers to recount those times.

BYB: What advice can you give young people that have a dream in becoming a baseball analyst like you?

Jack Curry: If you want to become a baseball analyst or a sportswriter, the path to those positions is like the path to any other job. You have to work at it. It sounds like a cliche, but it's true. If you want to be a sportswriter and you're not even working for your college newspaper, you're already adversely impacting your future. My advice to someone who wants to get into the news media business, whether it's TV or newspapers, is to try and focus in on what type of job you'd like to have. Once you answer that question, you need to do everything you can to get an internship in that field and network with other professionals. Make yourself stand out. Companies will make room for someone who shows he is exceptional at what he does.

BYB: If you had to name 1 player on the Yankees that was most impressive, approachable and kind, who would it be and why?

Jack Curry: In more than 20 years of covering the Yankees, I've developed a working relationship with a lot of different players. If I had to pick one player who was always a pleasure to deal with, it would be David Cone.

Interestingly enough, we're now colleagues at YES. If David's baseball career hadn't worked out, he talked about how he wanted to be a sportswriter. What I liked about David was that he gave thoughtful answers and didn't act as if every interview needed to be conducted as if there was a 30-second play clock over his head. They were conversations, not interviews. He didn't dismiss questions or issues. He embraced them. Cone was so approachable that his willingness to talk to players ended up helping his teammates. Since Cone was willing to deal with reporters and was very good at it, other players were allowed to avoid interviews. BYB: My son wants to know, is what you do the best job in the world?

Jack Curry: Tell your son it's a very cool job, but Derek Jeter has a cooler job.

Seriously, I love being an analyst at YES. I get to talk about baseball. Your son is right. Very cool. BYB: Do you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do you think?

Jack Curry: Ever since you called me a "Bad Ass," I've been checking out Bleeding Yankee Blue. Keep up the solid work.

Jack, I can't thank you enough for doing this interview with us. You are truly great at what you do and you bring sports analysis to another level because like I've said, you actually know what you're talking about, and you never talk down to the fans. 

You deserve everything good that comes your way. The best to you!