"MICK THE QUICK" IS ALWAYS A YANKEE FAN FAVORITE

Yankee fans today continue to celebrate Mickey Rivers as a cherished figure in the team’s storied history. Despite leaving the Yankees in 1979 after being traded to the Texas Rangers, Rivers’ contributions during his time in pinstripes left an indelible mark. His lively personality and clutch performances remain a source of pride and nostalgia for those who remember his time on the field.

Decades later, Rivers’ legacy is alive and well, thanks to his lasting impact on the game and his enduring connection with fans, both in person and through his active social media presence. Before Rivers became a Bronx icon, he was turning heads on the West Coast, but he was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves. 

Mickey debuted in 1970 with the California Angels, where his blazing speed and penchant for triples made him one of the league’s most electrifying young players. By 1975, he led the American League in steals with 70 swiped bags, a career high. But it was the trade that sent him to New York in December of that year that truly altered his trajectory—and that of the Yankees.

Rivers, along with pitcher Ed Figueroa, was acquired from the Angels in exchange for Bobby Bonds. While Bonds was a great player, Yankees fans quickly realized they’d won this trade in a landslide. In his first year in pinstripes, Rivers hit .312, stole 43 bases, and set career highs in home runs (8) and RBIs (67). The cherry on top? He finished third in AL MVP voting and earned a spot on the All-Star team. Mickey’s infectious energy and knack for making things happen at the top of the lineup immediately endeared him to the Bronx faithful.

Rivers didn’t just shine in the regular season—he thrived when the stakes were highest. In the 1977 ALCS against the Royals, Mickey came through in the clutch when the Yankees needed him most. Facing elimination in Game 4, Rivers led off with a double and went on to collect four hits in a pivotal 6-4 win. In the decisive Game 5, Rivers tied the game in the ninth inning and later scored an insurance run, propelling the Yankees to a 5-3 victory and a World Series berth.

And in the Fall Classic against the Dodgers? Mickey didn’t miss a beat. His three-hit performance in Game 3, including two doubles, ignited the Yankees’ offense and helped secure a crucial win. It was moments like these that cemented his place in Yankees lore as a player who thrived under pressure. Rivers wasn’t just known for his skills—his personality was larger than life. Whether it was his trademark shuffle to the plate, his habit of twirling the bat after every pitch, or his unique lexicon (he famously called people “Gozzlehead”.

His one-liners are legendary. The rumor is when Reggie Jackson bragged about his IQ being 160, Mickey quipped, “Out of what, 1,000?” His approach to life? Equally unforgettable:

“Ain’t no sense worrying about things you got no control over, ’cause if you got no control over them, ain’t no sense in worrying. And ain’t no sense worrying about things you got control over, ’cause if you got control over them, ain’t no sense worrying.”

Asked by Bleeding Yankee Blue about his closest teammates during his Yankees years, Rivers gave an answer that perfectly captured his team-first mentality:

“Oscar Gamble, Roy White, Catfish Hunter, Chris Chambliss, Thurman Munson, and Ken Holtzman. But in all fairness, I can probably name 10 more because I was close to the whole team.”

That sense of camaraderie and loyalty is a big reason why Mickey remains so beloved.

Even though Rivers left the Yankees in 1979, his connection with the team and its fans has never wavered. His stooped shuffle to the plate, lightning-quick speed, and knack for making something out of nothing are memories that continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who saw him play.

Today, Rivers stays connected with fans through his vibrant social media presence, sharing stories, cracking jokes, and reminding everyone why he’s one of the most colorful figures in Yankees history.

His clutch performances, charismatic personality, and deep bond with teammates make him a legend who transcends the game. Yankees fans don’t just remember Mickey—they celebrate him, proving that his impact, both on and off the field, is truly timeless.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

FONZIE'S STILL THE COOLEST

I hated losing Alfonso Soriano. Hated it. Thought it was a terrible move then, and still think that now. He was productive, exciting, and just loads of fun to watch. He was a key part to the Yankees offense.

And yeah, he has dropped a ball or two. Soriano has led the league in errors from two separate positions. He never would have held on to Second Base even if Robinson Cano was not on his way to claim it. But I didn’t want to lose him.

Bobby Bonds was the first Yankee to hit 30 dingers and steal 30 bags in 1975. Alfonso was the second, in 2002, and he did it the next year as well. Two years in a row. I didn’t want to lose a two-time 30-30 Club member.

(In Photo: Bobby Bonds)
Soriano’s bat made up for any defensive gaffes. It didn’t matter that his favorite candy bar was Butterfinger if he brought power and basepath savvy. Oh yeah, he also set a record in 2003 for lead off homers with 13. Why wouldn’t you hate to lose that?

Detractors will also talk about how much Soriano whiffs. That can’t be denied. Fonzie racks up a lot of Ks. But that’s also the sign of a guy who can put the ball out of the park. Let’s review his dinger history shall we?

Soriano’s first MLB hit was a game winning homer against Tampa in 1999. He followed this by snagging the MVP Award in the 1999 All-Star Futures game with two home runs during that contest.

Were it not for Luis Gonzalez singling off of Mariano in game 7, Soriano wins the Yankees their 27th Championship back in 2001. Remember that? He had the go-ahead home run. He got it off of Curt Schilling, no less. Oh, and that was the same year he came in third for Rookie of the Year.

I. Hated. Losing. Alfonso Soriano.

Now, of course, he’s back. It’s nine years later, and he isn’t quite the same guy we traded away in 2004. But he’s still capable of meeting his career average of .272. He is still capable of swatting dingers. According to his career stats he is probably good for at least a dozen or so until season’s end. He is still a threat on the basepaths.

In short, Fonzie is capable of injecting some heat into the Yankee offense. He is already beginning to. He is more likely to do that than the guy the Yankees traded him for. That guy is still here. Remember him? It’s Alex Rodriguez.

Alfonso is now a respected veteran. He is famously good in the clubhouse. He is just the tonic for the ARod mess. And it’s poetic that Soriano can help the team deal with the issues of the player they traded him away for.

Soriano will remain cool under fire and steady the others. He will relieve tension and pressure. He will add power and speed. He will provide insurance for Robbie and Curtis Granderson. He will provide leadership.

The only thing about Fonzie that’s not cool is his bat. He is capable of helping the Yankees make the post-season. I hated losing him, and I am very glad he’s back.

 
Chad R. MacDonald
BYB Features Writer
Facebook: New York Yankees the Home of Champions
My Blog: ChadRants


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THE VENDOR FROM THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT

I'm a freak for baseball history.  I've heard the stories of the Babe calling his shot and the monuments out in center field in the old Yankee stadium.  I remember the home run call of Roger Maris' 61st home run and I was lucky enough to watch Bucky Dent's home run against the Red Sox when I was a kid.  Yankee history is some of the best history. That's why I am such of fan of guys like Marty Appel, the former PR guy for the Yankees.  Not because he can tell me those stories but because he knows a million others...stories that I never heard of.

In my crazy Yankee world, I met a guy named Dave Goode. Dave is a regular guy like you and me, but he did something in his life that many never did. He was a vendor at Yankee Stadium for 30 years.  So, I had to know about what he saw and what he experienced during that time.  So I decided to reach out and talk to him.  Let's just say I have a feeling Dave and I will be friends for a long time.  He's a friendly guy who says it like it is and has amazing stories.

It's July 4th, so I wanted to bring the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers something special.  So, here it is, our interview with Dave Goode, the vendor from the House that Ruth Built.  Enjoy this...I did.


BYB: When were you a vendor at Yankee stadium and what were your primary duties?

Dave Goode: I started working the baseball season 1970 and the last game I worked was the 1998 World Series.  My duties were vending food in the seats, walking up and down aisles to fans in the seats. I did that until I was 18 when I could sell beer, I mostly sold pizza rolls. Many great stories about those. They knew me as Suds the beer man. Later, I actually got a sales job from a VP of a company I met while vending at Yankee Stadium. That was in 1987.

BYB: I know you were working, but you probably experienced some pretty incredible moments. Tell me 2 or more that you'll never forget. Who was involved and what happened?

Dave Goode: There were many moments...I was done working and in 1976 was able to sit next to the comedian Robert Klein and watch Chris Chambliss hit the home run to beat the Royals and put the Yankees back in the playoffs for the first time since the 1964 World Series.  Also I was at the game when Reggie Jackson hit those home runs. There were many many other great moments too. Old Timers' games of the 1970's and 1980's. And how about being there for Dave Righetti's no-hitter on July 4th. My gosh,  too many to mention here.

BYB: What happens after the game for the Yankee vendors?

Dave Goode: Since the early 80's, beer vendors were done selling  2 hours after the game started or the 7th inning... which ever came first. Most of us would get changed back into our street clothes and go home or get a bite to eat.  During Giant football games in the early 70's, before they moved to New Jersey, there were about 10 or so vendors that would go bowling after a Giants game.

BYB: Describe the stadium back in the day. How different was it compared to the feeling of the new stadium now?

Dave Goode: The old, old, original  Yankee stadium was like the Coliseum in Rome. I have been in the old locker rooms where Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and all the other great players dressed. I was in the room that Gehrig sat in and wow, the feelings I had in there... unreal. Before I worked there, I went to games and remember sitting in the upper deck behind a pole on the first bat day and couldn’t see much, but I didn't care, I was in the cathedral of all baseball. When the stadium reopened after the renovation in 1976, the poles were gone but so was some of the history from the bowels of the stadium. For example, in 1973,  I walked underneath the seats and saw all the championship banners that were hung from the upper deck, a memory I will never forget.  The old and renovated stadium rocked when fans would get up and cheer, many of you probably remember that.  Now, I have been to the new stadium twice and to me, a bit of a Yankee stadium purist ...it is not Yankee stadium.  It is more sterile, the old bullpens are gone, the place doesn’t rock during a big game. It's different. The stadium is not on hallowed ground the way the original and renovated stadium was. A few years ago when I got off the Major Deegan and made the left going to the stadium, 

I felt like I was in Berlin after World War 2. Sections of the stadium were gone and being torn down and as I watched, it made me sick.  But what's done is done.  Now I hope we can start a new dynasty in this park but to me, it will never ever be the ballpark I remember, it's a new beginning. 

BYB: What player did you love growing up and why?

Dave Goode: Like many kids in the 60's... as Bob Shephard would say...NUMBER 7...MICKEY MANTLE...NUMBER 7.  I saw many home runs he hit in person and on TV as a kid. He was my childhood idol. I was also a fan of Whitey Ford, Mel Stottlemyre and Al Downing.  For me though, Mantle by far was #1.

BYB: Did you get to meet the players as a vendor?

Dave Goode: In the old original stadium, I would stand outside and get autographs and met many players.  When the Yankees played at Shea (yeah, I worked there too...during the 1970's renovation), the player parking lot was next to the vendor waiting area and I met almost every player on the 1974 & 1975 Yankees team. I was friendly with many and got to shag fly balls with Walt "No Neck" Williams, a great guy. I  hung out with Elliott Maddox a few times.  

(In Photo: Bobby Bonds)
I also remember when the Yankees signed Bobby Bonds. I remember he came in with Willie Mays and a little kid. When I told Bobby that I was glad the Yankees signed him, Willie told me if you think he is good, wait until you see his son. That kid was Barry Bonds. Once the stadium re-opened, we were no where near the players and we were looked down on by the Yankees and management and were told to stay away from the players. It was different, but I still have great memories.

BYB: Would you ever consider writing a book?

Dave Goode: If I could tell my stories to someone who is a better writer than me,  I would love to write a book on the tales from the bowels of the stadium as well as some players and celebrities I met, yes.

Dave, thanks and I hope all you BYB readers enjoyed this treat today on July 4th. Comment....let my man Dave feel good! Thanks for reading everyone.

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WHY HE'S STILL JOHNNY BRAVO

Being a Yankee fan, I was always envious of any team that had Johnny Damon. Before the Red Sox had him, I thought for sure the Yankees were going to snag him. I think it was around the time when he was with the Oakland Athletics. I always loved the way Damon worked, his speed and his grit in the field. It was clear to me he wanted a win more than anyone out there.

When he came to the Yankees, it was beautiful the way it unfolded, taking him away from the evil Red Sox, and the New York sports media rubbed it in the Boston fans faces nicely with terrific headlines, but the reality was, it was quite a few years later and who really knew if Damon would contribute successfully in pinstripes. Well, he did, and I loved him as a New York Yankee and for him to get a championship with us in 2009, it was icing on the cake.

So,2 nights ago when Johnny Damon slid into second base, he stole his 400^th base. 400 isn’t easy. It proves 2 things, he’s old as dirt and has been around for a long time (that’s a bad joke), and he’s still got the speed, a valuable tool in baseball. Stolen bases have always been my thing. I remember growing up in awe of Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines as they dominated back in the 80’s and all I wanted to do in Little League was break the stolen base record and hold up second base like Rickey did. Little did I know that Little League did not compile stolen base stats at the age of 9 back then. It was however fun to compile them in my head. The point is, speed fascinated me because if players like Rickey, or Brett Gardner or Johnny Damon are able to get on base, eventually they could get around to score. I knew that because I did and I learned from the best.

Damon is now on the list of players that have compiled 400 stolen bases and 200 home runs in 1 career. Let's be honest, I didn't know they had such a list but I like that they do. Damon currently has 229 home runs. The list includes players like Joe Morgan, Craig Biggio, Rickey Henderson, Roberto Alomar, Marquis Grissom, Paul Moliter, Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonds. Pretty nice company.

This post is to congratulate a great player and a great Yankee. Congrats Johnny Bravo. Keep going pal, keep going.

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