SABATHIA, BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE & A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT

Some Yankees become favorites because of what they do on the field. CC Sabathia was that guy from the moment he put on pinstripes. He took the ball, carried the pressure, and helped bring a championship back to the Bronx.

But at Bleeding Yankee Blue, our connection to CC and Amber Sabathia became more personal than a box score.

BYB was still young when the Sabathias gave us their time HERE. That was our interview from 2013. We talked about baseball, of course. We also talked about their family, their work helping kids through the PitCCh In Foundation, and how much New York had come to mean to them. They let our readers see the people behind the famous name.

At the end, we asked Amber if they read Bleeding Yankee Blue. She said yes and thanked us for the support. That was a huge moment for us. We were building this place one story and one reader at a time, and the Sabathias knew we were there. 

We will always love this clip of CC speaking about BYB to a reporter years ago is another reminder of that connection. Their generosity toward a growing fan site is something I’ve never forgotten.

We’ve been rooting for the Sabathias ever since. CC gave Yankees fans a pitcher they could count on, but he and Amber also showed us why they were so easy to admire as people. That’s why this honor feels personal to BYB.

Now No. 52 has been retired, and CC has a plaque in Monument Park. The rest of the baseball world sees a Hall of Famer getting the recognition he earned. I see that, too. I also think back to a Christmas morning, an interview we were proud to share, and a family that made time for Bleeding Yankee Blue when we were finding our way.

That’s full circle. Congratulations, CC. You and Amber have always been part of the BYB family. Love you guys!

BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE'S FAVORITE 5 INTERVIEWS

Because there is literally no news, except for the pandemic... I thought we'd have some fun. In the past we have done a ton of great interviews here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.  I was just reading through all of them.  I want to right now take a moment and share the people, the links and my favorite quotes from those interviews. Also, keep in mind, these are my 5 favorite interviews.  Mine... Robert Casey's... the BYB Chief.  I have great writers and if they want to make an extra companion piece follow-up  to this with their favorite 5, I will welcome it. It can be fun.  Anyway... here it goes.

NUMBER 5:

My 5th favorite interview from BYB has to be with CC & Amber Sabathia. These 2 are amazing people, and they agreed to do an interview with us for a Christmas morning release back in 2013.  Please read: CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: INTERVIEW WITH THE SABATHIAS.

Here's a great quote from that interview: 

CC Sabathia: "I enjoyed my years in Cleveland and they will always be a part of my baseball family, the city is great and the fans are great. It's never easy to leave an organization you played with since day one…but I was traded to the Brewers and though I was there for only a few months, I enjoyed my teammates, and the fans were very welcoming. But nothing can compare to New York. It really is a family organization, with great players around you and you have a chance to win every year, and that’s what you want as a player. The fans are the best, very passionate and knowledgeable and we’re playing on the largest stage….We love being here in NYC!" 

NUMBER 4: 

My 4th is with Paul O'Neill. A class act all the way. Loved that he took the time to chat with us, and always wanted to interview him. This interview was done in December 2011. Please read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: PAUL O'NEILL. Here's a great quote from that interview.

Check this out:

BYB: My son once asked me why you got so angry if you got an out in a big moment. I told him because Paul O’Neill wanted to hit the ball every time. Would that be a safe assessment of your passion for the game? 

Paul O'Neill: That’s half of it. I tend to be a perfectionist, hating failure. That may have started long ago as the youngest of six. There were so many of us, you sort of had to vie for dad’s praise and attention. But baseball is a game where great hitters get beat 7 out of 10 times. Where a guy could play fifteen years and feel accomplished because he has two World Series rings. Over 95% of roster players go home losing every year in baseball. I probably needed a thicker skin. I spent too many sleepless nights going over strikeouts or popups. 

NUMBER 3:

My 3rd has got to be our first interview on BYB ever... back in May of 2011, and it was with my man Steve Karsay who was candid and honest and awesome. Please read: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: STEVE KARSAY.

Karsay helped get us some exposure and we will always appreciate him. In fact, I may reach out to him again and do a follow-up, this time by podcast on BYB Media. Anyway, this is my favorite quote from him:

Steve Karsay: Growing up and enjoying the game, I had many favorite players. There were so many it is hard to choose just one. I'll do my best. From the time that I was young, I always liked Thurman Munson and Ron Guidry. Goose Gossage was a favorite to watch as was Darryl Strawberry and Dwight Gooden, Oh and you can't forget Gary Carter. The last one I would have to clump in there would be Roger Clemens and the reason was, I liked to watch him play and compete. For me, to be able to watch these guys and be able to meet them and to actually have a chance to be their teammate was definitely something special. 

NUMBER 2:

My next favorite is Nancy Newman. She's smart and sexy and just the best and appreciates us and we appreciate her! And by the way, we love Bob Lorenz, Meredith Marakovits, Kenny Singleton, Jack Curry too.  All I'm saying is Nancy was just a smidge extra special for me personally. We did this interview with Nancy in January of 2015. Please read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: NANCY NEWMAN

Here's my favorite quote and a fun one for me:

BYB: I just want to say, chatting with you over the past few weeks, it's refreshing to know that I am not the only one who still uses a Blackberry. Apparently you do too, huh? Random I know, but explain to our audience why you like it when it comes to correspondence... Frankly, I'm tired of explaining myself... ha ha 

Nancy Newman: I find myself explaining my Blackberry status to people, too!! I just love my Blackberry and have not been able to "consciously uncouple" with it ! You can't beat the security features and that classic keyboard! Glad to have you with me on that! I'm a Blackberry and iPad girl.

Nancy and I will always have the Blackberry bond.

NUMBER 1:

Laura and Jorge Posada of course. Love these 2 and always have.  They are good people, private and family oriented.  Laura is building a successful career these days now that Jorge is retired and these 2 have always been amazing with it comes to support for Bleeding Yankee Blue.

Please read THE FULL POSADA INTERVIEW. 

Here's my favorite quote from each of them:

BYB: We have to know... How did you and Jorge meet? 

Laura: 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. 

BYB: Jorge, how do you feel about the phrase "Core Four" describing you, Jeet, Mariano and Andy? 

Jorge: It's an honor because they are my brothers. We grew up together and spending so many years as teammates is something I will never forget. 

I hope you all enjoyed this. Hey, Suzanne, Jeana and Missy... you guys go next!

YOU'VE ALREADY HAD 9 YEARS OF BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE!

It's hard to believe, but September 14th was the 9 year anniversary of Bleeding Yankee Blue.  Back then I was just a fan who had some problems with the way Joe Girardi was handling the Yankee bullpen and how the idea of "winning at all costs" wasn't about sitting a better player for a worse one, but WINNING with all you got! And so, frustrated, annoyed and aggravated... I make a blog and posted a story.  The story was titled WHY LAST NIGHT WAS IMPORTANT.

That story was then sent to a few friends that had no idea that it was me.  With that, a few shares and when I woke up the next day, nearly 30 people had read it. I didn't know them, but it just goes to show that the power of social media is important.

Since then BYB has seen writers come and go, we've sold sweatshirts, shirts, underwear... we've interviewed Yankees present and former... we even built solid relationships.  I consider people like Pete Caldera of the Bergen Record a friend.  I can email Jack Curry whenever I want. I am friends with Ty Hensley and his lovely family. Mike O'Hara and I are like brothers at this point. Clay Rapada and I keep in touch, Brendan and Sharyn Ryan are my friends... just good people.  And being fans of the Sabathias is one thing... but knowing them personally and seeing just how sweet Amber truly is...is just dynamic.  I will also always be grateful to Laura and Jorge Posada, who, not only supported BYB back then, but we can still stay in touch and Laura is making her own career now, while Jorge can retire.  Hey... and how often do you get to break chops with Bob Lorenz?  I know I can whenever I want.  Same with Nancy Newman... one of my favs and just an incredible person to boot! Nancy, I owe you a text!

The point is, it may have taken a while, but Bleeding Yankee Blue is legit. We found friends through trust, and that's what we wanted. We wanted our audience to first love us, but then share us, talk about us, all the while allowing us to build solid relationships with regular folks as well as the Yankee family.  We wanted a piece of it to call our own, without being snobs... without being ego maniacs.

We've done that!

September 14, 2010 is our 9 year anniversary, but we wouldn't still be doing this if you didn't believe in us.  We wouldn't be a thing without my truly diehard writers in Suzie Pinstripe, Jeana Bellezza and Ike Dimitriadis and of course newcomer Missy O'Rourke.  They've helped push the brand forward. They've helped find our audience of die-hard readers.

Thank you.  Thank you to our amazing audience. You wow me every time.  Without your opinions, your likes, you disagreements, your shares and your banter with us, we would not be here.  But while blogs like River Ave Blue have called it a day, we don't and that's because of you.

I am forever grateful for your passion for the Yankees and for us.  My friendships, even with many of you readers is so incredible to me.  Becki, Jessica, Charles, Joey, Rose, Deb, Joan, Doug... and so many of you have made me blessed.  I love you all for that bond. It's tight... tighter than I could have ever imagined! I appreciate you.

Life goes pretty fast... but with a bond, friends, I will never feel rushed. It's a steady pace... and we hope to keep going. Why? Because you deserve it and because we love to deliver it to you.

Thanks for being loyal.  Happy 9 year Anniversary to us.  Wow.

--Robert Casey
BYB Chief and Head Writer
Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu

WE'RE GUNNA MAKE IT AFTER ALL

"We're gunna make it after all."

These six words have incredible significance for me and for many women journalists, business employees, entrepreneurs and even those who have chosen to switch careers and try something new.  This week we lost an American icon.  Someone who paved the way for women and self-starters all across the nation at a time when women weren't "ready" to take on the jobs of men.  We lost Mary Tyler Moore but because of her, we all got an extra dose of "spunk" and you have to love "spunk."

Mary Tyler Moore grew up in Brooklyn and slowly made her way to television.  Starting her career in commercials, she got fired after she got pregnant with her son, Richard.  Could you imagine a woman getting fired today for being pregnant?  Soon Moore would rise again and this time for good playing a single woman, who answered the question, "how will you make it on your own?" probably a million times between the years of 1970-1977, when the original The Mary Tyler Moore Show ran on CBS.  I was one of the lucky kids who sometimes snuck in to watch the show late at night with my sister on my parents' small black and white television in their bedroom while they hosted parties downstairs.  I caught every episode later on via Nick at Nite.

Source: Biography.com

"Loyal viewers who grew up watching the independent, intelligent, and perky career woman named Mary Richards always knew that she would make it after all. Younger folks who’ve only seen the show in reruns likely don’t realize just how groundbreaking The Mary Tyler Moore Show was. While some of the scenarios presented seem dated by today’s standards, the show's portrayal of how women in general, and single women in particular, were treated in the workplace—and by society—was very accurate for that time," according to Kara Kovalchik of Mental_Floss.

I write this today because I think how far we have all come in our careers, particularly women, because of Mary Richards.  She told us it was okay to stand up for ourselves and reach for the stars. When she tossed her cap up into the air in the middle of the marketplace in Minneapolis, she gave us all a pass to try something new, to go for your dreams, to not let anyone stand in your way.  So millions of women entered the journalism field, like me, like our writers here at BYB.  Men and women alike, we write together about something we love, the Yankees.

Mary inspired generations of young people to go out and make it on their own.  Mothers' of today's Yankee stars watched the show.  Mothers' of today's Baby Bombers watched the show.  Mothers' of mothers' of Yankees tuned in each week to watch Mary make history as she stood up for the American woman and paved the way for people like Erin Andrews (ESPN), Savannah Guthrie (NBC), Robin Roberts (ABC), and Katie Couric.

There's a connection between Mary and our blog too.  The strong women we follow here at BYB in Life Coach Laura Posada and Entrepreneur Amber Sabathia, they have spunk in them too.  And then there's Jeana and myself, BYB writers who write because we can.  Because we took the chance to reach out to our editor and say, "we have spunk and we can write, we want to write for BYB."

When the show's final episode aired in 1977, the show was at the top of the ratings but chose to end on top instead of continuing.  Mary had done her job and left all of us to go out and make it on our own.  She sang with her cast mates..."It's a long way to Tipperary...it's a long was to go."  We here at BYB recognize how far we have come and where we are headed in 2017, more than 40 years after the lights went off for the cast and crew of WJM-TV.  As the New Yorker Magazine suggests, "there are lots of us (Marys)" out there making their way.

And so we take a little piece of American culture with us as we continue to write stories that bring to life our Yankees, in a way that no one else can, with the backing of fans like you who keep reading.




--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

CC's HONEST TALK ABOUT ADDICTION

Back in October, the day before the AL Wild Card Game, CC Sabathia made the very difficult, and very courageous decision to check himself into alcoholic rehab. It was, perhaps, the greatest thing I have ever witnessed him do.

I wrote about BYB's support of CC back then in BYB STANDS WITH SABATHIA. I recounted my personal experience, watching someone very close to me suffer from alcohol addiction, and ultimately lose his life because of it. I wrote about the characteristics of alcohol addiction, as well as the horrible withdrawal symptoms. It is a difficult journey to beat addiction of any form. So when I state that his choice to check into rehab for himself, his wife, and his children, is the greatest thing I have witnessed him do, I am not being disingenuous.

CC has been very public about his journey. That too takes courage.Very many people would rather shy away from their reality, choosing to ignore it publicly. But this, I have learned, usually leads to relapses. CC is acknowledging his problem, stating that he is trying to fight it, and making us aware that he is capable of falling down again. In a way, it is a plea to us, and those closest to him, to support him and fight to keep him steady.

In an effort to keep his transparency in this, he has published a piece in The Players' Tribune. It is powerful, and beautifully, painfully honest. In it, he discusses how he managed to get to the point that required his rehab.

"...Nothing scared me more than saying these three words: "I need help."

Well, it's not even the words, really. Words are easy to say, particularly when you don't believe them. I was fine saying that I needed help well before I actually believed it."

"I never actually wanted to stop drinking. And I didn't think I needed to. I thought I had everything under control. 

But last October, while sitting alone in a hotel room, I finally accepted the reality that I had been avoiding for so long. 

'I NEED help.'" 

He continues on to speak candidly about coming up in baseball. He speaks about the pressure he felt to have people like him... the pressure to fit in. Like many, he turned to alcohol to 'boost' his personality. To make him more likable by people. He also speaks about the timing of his choice.

"Honestly, it would have been easier in a lot of ways if I had waited - I would have drawn much less attention to myself. But if I didn't enter rehab right away, I knew I wouldn't go through with it. With addictions, it takes so much effort to convince yourself to do something to fix the problem, but it's very easy to talk yourself out of going through with it." 

This, I believe, is one of the most important things in his piece. Back in October, a very small pocket of fans felt the need to chastise him for the timing of his choice. Back then I wrote:

"And you can wax poetically about how much he is being paid, and state with disgust that he is irresponsible for not waiting until the off-season, and doing it quietly. Keep sitting on your haphazard moral pedestal. Some things transcend baseball."

CC understood what those fans couldn't seem to wrap their minds around. Addressing an addiction is not something that could be or should be put on hold. Once an addict comes to the point where they are willing seeking help, asking them to wait until it is more 'convenient' is vile.

CC is doing incredibly well. He has taken steps to get back to being himself. But he still has such a long road. Addiction is an on-going battle. He is openly, and honestly stating that he is trying to fight. He acknowledges his problem and realizes he still has to push forward. And it's incredibly uplifting and encouraging to those who are suffering from addiction as well.

To CC, Amber, and everyone closest to them and their family, BYB STILL stands with you!

To anyone who in need of help, please, do not be afraid or ashamed. You are not alone in this. You can overcome this. I buried someone I loved dearly due to addiction. Please, please fight your demons! You are mightier than you think. Positive energy and love to you all.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer 
Twitter: @e_morales1804







Thank you for your loyalty to Bleeding Yankee Blue. 
Please shop at the BYB store!  
On Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu 
On Facebook, LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue!
Don't forget to check out the BYB Hub. 

FOUR MILLION!

Four million visits to our website is something else. It’s a humbling statistic that shows how much you, our readers, have been there to support us. It is something all of us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue truly appreciate. As many of us know, what we have here is special.

I remember when I first heard of BYB, reading and enjoying the pieces as they came out. They were insightful and had a colorful mix of news, opinion, and an occasional rant. It was a fun source of Yankees information. Most people I run into and talk about Bleeding Yankee Blue tell me that this site is different, unique.

One of my favorite things about the site is the opposing views that we bring to our articles. Most sites you find has their own slant on issues that affect baseball and the Yankees. Here, we recognize that people have different opinions and that as long as we’re all being respectful, we have the right to express and defend them. We express opposing views on Pete Rose, on Alex Rodriguez, on who should be in the Hall. Mark Teixeira should be the starting first baseman. Mark Teixeira is done and should sit in favor of Greg Bird. I think SABERMetrics tells interesting stories about how a player performs. Others here, one of whose names may be Robert Casey, believe the game is more than just stats and thinks reducing players to stats ruins the game. I think the reason it works is because it reflects how you, our readers, feel about the game. The one common bond we share is that we all love the Yankees. Everything else is up for grabs.

I am still in awe of the members of the Yankee family that have supported us, for which we will always be grateful. The exclusive interviews with former players like Brendan Ryan, Fritz Peterson, and Garrett Jones were amazing. People like Laura Posada and Amber Sabathia giving their support was fantastic. All of you amazing readers wearing our T-shirts and tank tops - we appreciate the love. I could write paragraph after paragraph about all the Tweets and ReTweets and likes and shares. That’s not to mention all the comments that kick off a healthy discussion about the things we care about and are mad about and are thrilled about regarding the Yankees’ moves and non-moves and statements and …. I could go on for days.

On a personal note, I didn’t join until the second full season, and at the time, I was writing my own blog. I remember feeling a little intimidated when I first joined. Sure I could write, but these writers were on another level. I will always be grateful to them for the way they raised the level of my own writing, and seeing how they handled the pressures of the job. Rob, Jeana, Erica, Suzie, Mike, Dan, Steve, Alexis - you guys are absolute friggin rock stars! As a remember to our audience, none of us get paid for this. We each have our day jobs, our families, and other commitments in our lives. That's not to mention the unfair criticisms and hate mail we sometimes get. But as we like to say around here, when the pressure is on, we grind it and we make sure it’s the best quality possible.

One last thing. I want to thank Robert Casey, for all the hard work he puts in to keep the site going and being as good as it is. Most of you will never see how much effort it takes to do that. There is always new, fresh content every day. Even if that day is a holiday. Even if that day is a rough day. It always goes out. He gets in front of any abusive comments directed at us, his writers, and he always has our back. Again, nobody here gets paid to do any of this. We do it for the love of the game and the love of writing about it. So if you get a chance, if you've enjoyed a few of those 4 million visits, maybe drop him a note and thank him.

Four million visits make a statement. It tells us how much you, our audience, enjoy the way we share our thoughts on baseball and the Yankees. It seems trite to say it this way but thank you. We truly appreciate it.

Casey will share his own opinion on this achievement soon.  Look for it. 

--Ike Dimitriadis, 
BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon






Thank you for your loyalty to Bleeding Yankee Blue. 
Please shop at the BYB store!  
On Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu 
On Facebook, LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue!
Don't forget to check out the BYB Hub. 

CC MONSTER IS A BIG TEDDY BEAR

You know how much I love and appreciate the gamer in CC Sabathia!  And for those of you who don't know why we refer to him as CC Monster here at BYB, let's review.  Years ago when my 6 year old was much tinier, he liked Cookie Monster on Sesame Street.  I also had plenty of Yankee baseball on and they witnessed me watching, and rooting for CC.  Somewhere along the way, CC Sabathia's name changed. 

One day watching the game, I heard, 'CC Monster' and the name just stuck in my house, and so, the gamer, the tough guy, the hard nosed lefty in CC Sabathia became a role model and gained a bunch of fans in my home.  CC Monster lives, and while he's that monster on the mound, he's also a big Teddy Bear. 

As many of you know, we stand with CC as he tackles his alcohol addiction, and we appreciate everything he and Amber do for the less fortune.  They are simply tops!

Wally Matthews of ESPN has a terrific piece today about CC and not only about him getting ready for the 2016 season, but the charity work he's doing with the New York Yankees.  You really can't dislike CC Sabathia, folks.  For those who do because of his recent struggles... get educated.

Matthews writes:

" CC Sabathia was at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to take part in the New York Yankees annual holiday food drive to benefit the city's needy...'I always come in to work out here a couple of times a week in the offseason,' Sabathia said.

Sabathia -- who has two years left on the five-year, $122 million contract he signed right after the 2011 season -- says he is well ahead physically of where he usually is at this point of the offseason.

'I'm probably light years ahead, being able to fully work out and do the things I want to do totally healthy,' said Sabathia, who appeared noticeably lighter than he had been at the end of the season.

'My workouts are a lot more tougher but it's kind of what I need at this point in my career... I'm definitely looking forward to getting back out there... I'm ready to get to spring training. I'm kind of excited. Usually at this point I'm ready to get down to Florida, but the weather has been so nice here that I'm enjoying New York here, so it's been good."

Say what you want about Sabathia.  The guy's no quitter.  I am revved up to see this dude in 2016, and hopefully he'll prove the doubters wrong and have a successful season.  After all, it's a new year... with that year, comes a clean slate for this CC Monster fan.

Great piece Wally Matthews.  Merry Christmas.

And Merry Christmas to the Sabathias as well!

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store! Follow me on Twitter@BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook! Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

CC SABATHIA OPENS UP ABOUT ALCOHOLISM

I just wanted to share with you a very touching interview with CC Sabathia and how he started to realize that he may have had a drinking problem.  Much of the interview is stuff that we expected.  CC and Amber are working through it, and that's important. He received calls from all the Yankees, Torii Hunter, Big Papi... that's class when players reach out to support...there's no denying that. Over all, it's a touching 5 minutes and you should watch it.  I will tell you though, the best part was when Amber speaks of their oldest son and how the son is smart enough to know it's happened to his father because of social media and how you just can't hide it. Anyway, Amber says their son said:

"Dad is going to learn to not abuse alcohol and there are other ways to handle stress and anxiety. I'm so proud of dad for being a great father."


It's near the end of the interview... and it got me right in the heart.

Look, CC will be fine because he knows he has a problem.  I applaud him.  We love this family.

Go get'um big guy. Beat it.

 

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store! Follow me on Twitter@BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook! Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

THE BIG SABATHIA INTERVIEW'S COMING

A quick and important note.  CC and Amber Sabathia will speak out for the first time Friday on Good Morning America with Robin Roberts.  That was just tweeted by Robin and Retweeted by GMA a short time ago.

I will share with you my candid interview with @Yankees @CC_Sabathia and his wife Amber..this Friday morn on @GMA. pic.twitter.com/WEMhv95OVh

— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) November 4, 2015

As you know, Bleeding Yankee Blue are fans and supporters of the Sabathia family.  We have covered several Sabathia events in the past, we're interviewed them, (Read CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: INTERVIEW WITH THE SABATHIA) and released it on Christmas morning in 2013. 

We even stepped up recently asking many of you to Retweet #BYBSTANDSWITHSABATHIA. 

We love the big lug, and we appreciate all Amber does as well. As I've stated here before, the first time my wife and I met Amber, my wife and her couldn't stop chatting, and she later told me, "Oh my god, Amber is gorgeous and she is a sweetheart". It's true.

The fact is my wife and Amber spoke like old friends, talked about kids, life... baseball wasn't part of the equation... that's because these are real people and sometimes real people have real problems.  That goes back to CC and his addiction to alcohol.  A family rallies when something like that comes to the forefront, and I applaud this family for circling the wagons.

Anyway, I'll be sure the tune in Friday morning to watch the Sabathia interview.  I applaud this family... I'm one of their biggest fans!

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub!

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BRENDAN & SHARYN RYAN

We're big when it comes to family here at BYB just as much as we are with the New York Yankees.  It's quite evident when you see who we have aligned ourselves with over the years.  Laura and Jorge Posada (THE FULL POSADA INTERVIEW), CC & Amber Sabathia (CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: INTERVIEW WITH THE SABATHIA), David & Erin Robertson (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HIGH SOCKS FOR HOPE), Garrett & Cassie Jones (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: GARRETT & CASSIE JONES), plus we got to know the Hensley family through Ty, getting to know mom Marci and his brother Jake as well as Lory Ankiel whose husband Rick is with the Washington Nationals.  In other words, the bond runs deep, and we continue to do it differently here at Bleeding Yankee Blue than all the others out there.  While everyone wants to know about the player, we go deeper. We want to know how they've not only become the player, but how they became great people.  That starts at home... with their families.

Enter Brendan Ryan.  A guy who I appreciate in pinstripes and a guy that clearly has a terrific family. Sharyn Ryan is a great chick and it's clear, these 2 kids are crazy about each other.  So, now I have something special for you all. I bring you our interview with Brendan & Sharyn Ryan.

Oh, and here's the best treat of them all.  In something that has never been done here at BYB, we present Brendan's part of the interview via audio.  Sharyn came up with the idea and so, we thought it would be awesome to present it to you to bring that extra personal element to it.

So enjoy this ladies and gentlemen... I certainly did.

BYB: Brendan, I've been a fan since Seattle.  Tell me about when you heard that you were coming to the Yankees.  What's going through your mind? 



BYB: Sharyn, My wife and I both read your tweet about Brendan and you from last December. You tweeted about your 2 year anniversary. Brendan was on Piano. 

Celebrating our 2yr today! Thanks Brendan for always keeping me entertained:) pic.twitter.com/Fxa9ti28Fv

— Sharyn Ryan (@SharynRyan17) December 1, 2014

We loved it!  How did you and Brendan meet and did you know he was the one?

Sharyn Ryan:  Brendan and I actually met when I was in 7th grade and he was a sophomore in high school. He is one of my brothers best friends and played baseball together. Two years later we're at Notre Dame High School together. I was a freshman and he was a senior. There was definitely an instant attraction but nothing could happen... Minus the age difference at the time, I was his best friends little sister and nothing could happen! Eventually as I got older we hung out more and became really good friends and my brother watched us like a hawk! Finally, my brother Tim realized there was a definite spark between Brendan and I. He gave us his blessing and as they say, the rest is history.

BYB: Sharyn, you mentioned to me that Brendan is very funny.  Expand on that for the BYB audience?

Sharyn Ryan:  I don't even know how or where to begin with this question. That was actually one of the things that attracted me to Brendan, besides his handsome good looks!  Rarely is there a dull moment in our lives, there's always laughter going on in our household. I know at the moment Brendan is known for his mustache but he really should be known as "The Man of a Thousand Voices". We all know he loves to do impersonations but the voices and characters he comes up with on his own are pretty special.  

I swear our son is going to be very confused when he gets older. You really have to be on your toes to be married to Brendan, he's always cracking jokes and is looking for participation in his witty banter. He's always looking to laugh and have fun and I love that about him.

BYB: Brendan, what's up with the Harry Caray impersonation? I have to say, it's the best, most exaggerated and most hilarious one I've ever seen... better than Will Ferrell. I'm not kidding.  How the heck did you come up with that?




BYB: B, tell me about Seattle for a sec.  What's it like to play for a guy like Eric Wedge and compare that to Joe Girardi.  Different Strategy? Personalities? Give the audience alittle insight. 




BYB: Sharyn, Your son is absolutely adorable and We loved your tweet about your "Irish boys."

My Irish boys🍀💚 pic.twitter.com/uDT8B4d5iQ

— Sharyn Ryan (@SharynRyan17) March 18, 2015

Tell the audience about what makes parenthood so special for you both...

Sharyn:  Parenthood is everything I thought it would be and more. I mean yes I'm tired, yes I have no free time and I, we can't go to dinner or anywhere like we used to but I wouldn't have it any other way. His smile and laughter melts my heart and makes all those sleepless nights worth it. 

We are truly blessed and lucky to have Hudson, he's such a good and HAPPY baby. What makes it extra special for me is watching Brendan with Hudson, I see that and my heart is full.

BYB: Brendan, what's the best quality about Sharyn?

BYB: Brendan, growing up... what baseball player did you admire most and why?



BYB: Did you always know you wanted to play baseball? And to follow up... what's it like to put on the pinstripes compared to wearing a Cardinals or Mariners uniform?



BYB: Sharyn, I currently have a bet going with one of my friends on who is going to sport Bleeding Yankee Blue gear first... Cassie & Garrett Jones who we interviewed on Opening day, or Lory Ankiel, a friend of BYB's (wife of Rick Ankiel) and just a cool chick.  Should we add you guys into the mix? Are you in? Will you put the others the shame? I have a BYB onesie with Hudson's name on it!

(In Photo: Garrett and Cassie Jones)
Sharyn:  The Jones' are awesome and I'm friends with Lory. She was actually one of the first baseball wives I ever met when Brendan was in AAA Memphis forever ago, she's the best!! But we will have to put them to shame with our BYB gear!

BYB: Finally... Do you read Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do you think?

Sharyn:  I read BYB, not all the time, it"s hard with a little one, but what I have read I liked! You guys seem pretty positive which I appreciate. Brendan does not read anything! Whatever he finds out is from me! He stays away from blogs and articles.

Hey, I get that!

A very special thank you to Sharyn and Brendan for taking the time to speak to Bleeding Yankee Blue.  You 2 are now part of the BYB family!

To my audience; I hope you enjoyed this.  Bottom line, I like these 2. They're crazy about each other and their family and that's what we like to share here at Bleeding Yankee Blue!