LEE MAZZILLI'S SON BUSTED FOR PEDs

When Lee Mazzilli's son's busted for PEDs, it's quite clear we have a HGH epidemic in baseball.

It's being reported HERE, that L.J. Mazzilli will be suspended for 50 games for PEDs.  Major League baseball put out a statement on the incident:

"The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that New York Mets Minor League second baseman L.J. Mazzilli has received a 50-game suspension without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension of Mazzilli, who is currently on the roster of the Single-A St. Lucie Mets of the Florida State League, is effective at the start of the 2015 season."

So many things are going through my head reading about this.  Obviously, there has to be disappointment from the Mazzilli family, although Lee was around the game for a long, long time. I am sure he's seen his share of stuff.  I do not know that for a fact, but the culture of baseball in the baseball clubhouse, or any sport for that matter in the 70s and the 80s, has had it's drug problems, from greenies to uppers to now PEDs.

Secondly, Lee Mazzilli appears to be such a great guy.  I know he's a family man because in the past few years, he's chatted at the Joe Torre Gala and spoke of a positive family surrounding Jorge Posada and this year, Andy Pettitte and how family is an important thing. He's just one of those guys that you could probably walk up to, and give a hug.  Maybe it's the Italian connection I sense, who knows, but I have liked Mazzilli from afar for a long, long time.

Thirdly, how awkward is it that a Mazzilli gets busted and Joe Torre is now an MLB executive.  He also happens to be quite close to the Mazzilli family.  What a wicked web, huh?

Look, I hate PEDs, but it's clear that suspensions help, but I'm not sure the idea of cleaning up the sport is working.

Whatever the case, I feel for the Mazzilli family.  I hope this whole thing gets resolved quickly.  After all, L.J. did great in the Arizona League and the New York Post did a nice piece about his recently writing:

" Call it a hunch that Lee Mazzilli, one of the more colorful New York baseball people of the past 40 years, is not shy about discussing his playing days with his family.

His son, L.J. Mazzilli, confirmed that to The Post on Thursday, here at Scottsdale Stadium, moments after the 2014 Arizona Fall League season concluded. 'He’s gangsta,' the younger Mazzilli said of his dad, known back in the day as 'The Italian Stallion.'

L.J. Mazzilli hits righty, whereas his father switch-hit. He looks only a little like his old man...

Mazzilli put together a .301/.361/.440 slash line in his first full professional season, splitting his time between Class A Savannah and Class A St. Lucie with a one-game cameo at Triple-A Las Vegas. And in the AFL, with the Scottsdale Scorpions, the second baseman tallied a .306/.433/.469 line in 15 games."

Fourthly (is that a word?)...  it's L.J.'s second offense.  The Italian Stallion better get on his son a bit for this one.

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REMINISCING ABOUT JOE TORRE

I was born into a split household.  Not the kind of split household you are thinking- but a Yankee-Met household or really a Yankee-Brooklyn Dodger household.  My grandmother fought for me to love the Mets, but she was fighting against my father, who wasn't losing to a Met fan.  She would try and wine and dine me as an 8-year-old with trips to Shea, concession stand food, souvenirs and Met caps.  I fell in love with the game, sure, I cheered let's go Mets with the rest of them, but my heart belonged to the Yankees.  There were a few Mets that my heart beat for too, however.  Guys like Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman and later on, Lee Mazzilli tempted me to cross over, but the guy who I had the most respect for and appreciated as a leader, even as a young kid, was Joe Torre.

I remember being so impressed that he was a player-manager.  He not only could play and hit, but he could call the shots.  Fast forward about 20 years later, and Torre is the manager of the iconic New York Yankees and he brings back championships to us here in Yankeeland.

Now he gets honored by the Baseball Gods at the Hall of Fame and legendary monument park folk lore at the the Stadium this year.  And he is humbled by all he has accomplished.  He looked so polished and poised for a leader who has been through his fill of challenges.  Remember he was the manager who got us through 9/11 and he was the guy who groomed our Captain, Derek Jeter who now leaves the game at top of his game.

In front of droves of fans who made it to the ball park today to see a piece of history, Torre accepted his honor graciously. The dedication on Torre’s plaque was read aloud. It began, “His calm approach and dignified manner provided the foundation for one of the most successful eras in franchise history."

Once again, I am awed by a legend of the game who has had an impact on so many players including four current managers who played under Torre.  These are my thoughts today as I reminisce about Joe Torre, my manager, our manager, and a guy who continues to lead, provide guidance and carry the game on his back.

Thank you Joe!  Can't wait to see #6 hang eternally in Monument Park.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @suzieprof


   
 
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A SAMPLE OF BILLY SAMPLE

Growing up, there was a dude I always admired...and he played for the Texas Rangers most of his career.

When he came to the Yankees for the 1985 season, I was psyched.  His name was Billy Sample.

Over this past weekend, Billy and I spoke on Facebook.  Little did he realize that we spoke once before. Back in the summer of 2003 when my 11 year old son was just a baby.  I'm not sure if I ever told the Bleeding Yankee Blue audience about this, but when all of my kids were born, I made it a mission of mine to send out my baseball cards to baseball players and ask them for their autograph for my son.  I've stayed true to that, collecting many autographs over the years for my 4 boys.  And when they are old enough to have a true interest in the baseball players of years past, I will hand them their book of autographed baseball cards that I put together for each of them and hopefully they'll cherish them as much as I enjoyed making them.

You see, I love baseball, and as a kid, I sent cards out as well. I just figured years later, I would do something that I truly enjoyed for them.  An extension of myself or something... I don't know.

In that mix of players in 2003 was Billy Sample. I sent my letter to Billy, and instead of sending me back a price form to charge me for his autograph like so many try to do, he wrote me a letter, and then another, and another and we corresponded quite a bit in 2003.  Here's a sample, and I'm giving you this nugget and only this nugget because obviously, the conversations are private.

Billy Sample is a stand-up guy, a smart baseball mind, and at the time he was working for MLB Radio.  I was fascinated with his baseball knowledge, his stories and his eagerness to help me put together a card collection for my kid.  In short, he was kind and a helluva guy.

Now, 11 years later we meet again. This time, we spoke about Don Zimmer.  I asked for permission to print this correspondence between Mr. Sample and I because I really wanted to share it with you.  It comes from the heart and it's about Don Zimmer. You'll love it. Rest in Peace, Don Zimmer:

"I played eight years and a month in the majors, and I'm proud of that month! I had eight managers during that tenure.  My favorite one passed away, Don Zimmer.  I thought he told it to you as straight as it could be told, and it wasn't always what I wanted to hear.  A trade late in spring training for Lee Mazzilli in 1982 had me wondering where Lee was going to play.  

I walked into the clubhouse the next morning, and the clubhouse attendant said that Zim wanted to see me. I thought, "Noooooo!"  I was mad going in in those meetings and not all that happy coming out of them, but I could appreciate Zim trying to use the analogy of him backing up Pee Wee Reese when he thought he would get a shot at shortstop in the fifties with the Dodgers. 

As you know, he was quite a character.  One day after a night game in Texas and an off day before going to Toronto, we left early in the morning on the off day. Usually the team would leave later in the evening, as there is no need to be in the home team's city by eleven am.   However, there is a need if you want to get to the horse track and bet on all thirteen races!  And you should have seen this old school Dodger trying to implement the new wave short term performance philosophy directed by the front office!  

He once said to me, 'How many hits will you get in your next thirty at bats, six, seven, eight?'  I reached for the pocket schedule he had on his desk. 'Are we facing both Morris and Petry in the next series?'  The number given had to be re-adjusted. 

If you were around him for any period of time, you have a story. I have more, maybe for another time.

Condolences to his lovely and congenial widow, Soot. The game and the people involved were better because of his sixty-six year association."

Blow your mind? Maybe. For me personally, hearing about the greats through personal stories always makes me all fuzzy inside.  Zimmer inspired many and like Billy said, Zim said it to you straight.  Gotta love that.

Thanks for the sample, Mr. Sample... maybe there will be more. I hope so.

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"HE WAS A GOOD YANKEE, BUT A BETTER DAD"

If there was anything that I took away from last night's Safe at Home Foundation event honoring Jorge Posada, it was his dedication to his family.  Sure, we knew that already, but hearing it from his team and seeing his face on stage. Well, it's a different type of emotion. You feel it yourself.  It's a real sweet moment actually.  Last night we heard about family over and over again, but it was most touching listening to Lee Mazzilli.

Lee Mazzilli talked about Jorge's toughness and grit on the field and in the Yankee clubhouse. But there was much more to it.  He spoke about how throughout the Posadas horrible ordeal with Jorge Jr. and his Craniosynostosis operations, Jorge was a true professional.  He never brought his personal situation into the clubhouse.  When he was a father, he was a father 100%. When he was a ballplayer, he was a ballplayer. Mazzilli said it simply.  He said the whole team felt for Jorge and Laura.  He said he knew how hard it was for the Posadas, but Jorge never lost focus.  "He was a good Yankee," Mazzilli said, "But a better dad."  That was followed by thunderous applause.   I wish I could have seen Laura's face at that moment, because I know she was proud.  Jorge looked uncomfortable because you almost know he doesn't want people fussing over him.  That's not his style, at least that's what I think. But he sat there with what appeared to be a tear in his eye. I got it being a father myself.  Emotion.  Pride.  Character.  That's Jorge Posada.  

The room was filled with celebrities, regular folks and the Yankees.  We all came together to donate to the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation and to honor Jorge Posada.  Grown men and women surrounded guys like Derek Jeter, Willie Randolph, Mariano Rivera and of course, Jorge.  I have never been a believer of bothering celebrities and athletes, but on a night like that, they knew we all were creeping and they took the time to sign autographs and take pictures. 

Walking up to Jorge, I looked the man in the eye and shook his hand.  "Jorge, pleasure to meet you.  Robert Casey from Bleeding Yankee Blue." "Yes, yes," he said and I got a smile from the dude I've loved watching play all these years.  I met Laura too and they both were gorgeous up close.  They took a moment, stood with my wife and I for a picture and we went about our way.  It was terrific.  I was followed by plenty more fans and I understand how annoying it must be to try and eat alittle something but be asked over and over again for pictures and autographs.  I got in, I got out and took myself out of the equation and continued on with the night. I never want to be a bother... and I hope I wasn't.

Watching a short highlight video of Jorge's playing days brought back great memories.  The man made it.  It was a long journey and he had to prove the doubters wrong.  Even Joe Torre said that Jorge wanted to be the starting catcher early on and Joe admitted, "I just didn't think you were ready at the time, but maybe you were." Jorge was and winning 4 championships proved to everyone that he was capable of anything he set his mind too.  

Jeter spoke fondly of his friendship with Jorge and brought up a story you first read here.  Laura told us in our interview with them (Read THE FULL POSADA INTERVIEW) about when Jorge and she met. Jeter said when they were about 18 years old, Jorge made Derek go search all over Puerto Rico to find a girl.  That girl was Laura.  That bookended Laura's story she told exclusively to BYB:

"We met when we were teenagers on a baseball field where he was the umpire for my softball game.  After the game ended, we both went our separate ways until we met again at a restaurant in Puerto Rico.  After a mutual friend introduced us, he remembered he had met me at the softball game and told his roommate I was the girl he wanted to marry."

A man who knows what he wants.  You gotta love that.  A drive and dedication toward success. Determination.  That's Jorge... that's the Posada family.  

Jorge finally took the mic and talked about his bond with all the players up on stage with him.  He took the time to rattle off a story about each one.  He then spoke of Laura for a brief moment, piggybacking off of Jeter's story, pointing over and saying that Laura was the strong one.  Again... more applause. 

That's love ladies and gentlemen. That's family.

Last night was outstanding.  My wife and I met a family we've admired for quite a few years.  We share the same values and we love our families to death. We appreciated our moment.  Thanks!

Shout out to Joe Torre and his wife Ali.  They have brought child abuse to light and the Safe at Home Foundation is an outstanding cause. Read Erica's piece titled JOE TORRE'S SAFE AT HOME FOUNDATION GALA. You will learn a lot and a shoutout to Erica who was on the scene getting the soundbites that the others don't have.  You are one of the best writers on the Internet! Br Proud... keep grinding it!

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WHY THE BOMBERS STILL GOT IT

(In Photo: Ron Guidry)
After Opening Day, Old Timer's day is probably the best day at Yankee Stadium during the baseball year. It gives the fans a chance to see some of their favorite Yankee players comeback and play a friendly game with the rest of the old timers. They also saw the Bombers beat the Clippers 2-0 in two and a half innings of entertaining baseball.
(In Photo: Joe Pepitone, Mike Torrez)
Ron Guidry, aka "Louisiana Lightning", started the game for the Bombers. He allowed the first two to reach. But, Rick "Goose" Gossage came to the rescue and made Lee Mazzilli to hit a shallow fly ball into center field, caught by Bernie Williams, and Joe Pepitone grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
(Photo: David Wells, David Cone, Darryl Strawberry)
David "Boomer" Wells started the bottom half of the first on the mound for the Clippers as he faced "Mick the Quick", Mickey Rivers. After throwing one behind Mickey, he forced him to ground to third. You can read our interview with Mr. Rivers titled: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MICKEY RIVERS.

Then, Boomer faced Bernie Williams--who received another nice ovation from the crowd--drilled a double in the left center field gap for the first hit for the Bombers.

Wells' good friend David Cone relieved him and gave up a big two run homer which reached about the seventh row in the first deck of the right field seats. The crowd went crazy, and rightfully so. It brought back some great memories, and I even got a couple of chills down my spine when he hit that blast.

Final Score: Bombers-2 Clippers-0 in the 65th annual Old Timers Day Game.
(Photo: Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News)
It was certainly an entertaining game to watch. It was great to see Bernie Williams, Joe Torre, and Lou Piniella--who grounded out in his at bat against Jeff Nelson--back, along with all of the other Old Timers who played in this game, and were apart of the on field ceremonies.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




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