REIGNITING THE YANKEES-ROYALS RIVALRY

Few rivalries in baseball history have sizzled quite like the Yankees vs. Royals showdown of the late '70s and early '80s. This wasn’t just some friendly competition over who could grab more beer sales at the stadium; it was a full-blown, bad-blooded feud that had more drama than a soap opera and more punches thrown than a heavyweight boxing match. For five straight years, these two teams clashed in the postseason, and trust me, if you were a fan back then, you didn’t need fireworks on the 4th of July—this rivalry lit up the skies on its own.

Let’s rewind to 1976. The Kansas City Royals, a bunch of scrappy up-and-comers, made their first playoff appearance, only to find themselves staring down the barrel of the Yankees—who were fresh off an 11-year World Series drought. Talk about bad luck. The Royals were the new kids on the block, thinking they could hang with the big boys, while the Yankees were ready to prove their Bronx swagger was still alive and kicking. And boy, did it all go down in Game 5 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. George Brett—yes, that George Brett, who’d go on to terrorize New Yorkers for years—launched a towering three-run homer to tie the game in the 8th. 

But the Yankees were like, “Nah, not today, junior.” Chris Chambliss stepped up in the bottom of the 9th and smacked a walk-off bomb, barreling through a sea of lunatic fans who stormed the field. Classic New York: wild, chaotic, and straight to the World Series.

That game didn’t just crank up the heat; it dropped the match into a powder keg. The Royals were furious, and the Yankees? Well, they were just getting started. Fast forward to 1977. The Royals, still salty, held a 2-1 lead in the ALCS, thinking they finally had the Yankees right where they wanted them. But in typical New York fashion, the Yankees snatched victory out of their hands, breaking hearts and beer bottles all over Kansas City. 1978? Same deal. Brett gave it everything he had—three homers in Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, practically trying to carry the Royals on his back. But Captain Thurman Munson, playing with a bum shoulder, said, "Not on my watch," and blasted a two-run, go-ahead homer. Once again, the Yankees sent the Royals packing.

By this point, the tension between the two teams was hotter than a New York sidewalk in July. The Royals were tired of being the Yankees’ punching bag, and George Brett was turning into a one-man wrecking crew, determined to settle the score. 

And in 1980, he finally got his shot. Facing Goose Gossage—who made hitters wet their pants just looking at him—Brett smashed a three-run bomb into the upper deck of Yankee Stadium in Game 3, sending the Royals to the World Series with a sweep. It was sweet revenge for Kansas City, and Brett probably still has dreams about it. As for the Yankees? Let’s just say the champagne stayed on ice that year, and manager Dick Howser was unceremoniously booted from the Bronx despite leading the team to a 103-59 record. How’s that for gratitude? He wound up in Kansas City, where he led the Royals to their first World Series title in 1985. Oof.

And then... the Pine Tar Game. If you don’t know about this one, are you even a baseball fan? It’s 1983, and Brett, already a nightmare for Yankees fans, steps up and smashes what looks like a go-ahead homer. But hold up—Yankees manager Billy Martin, always the crafty one, noticed something fishy. Brett’s bat had more pine tar on it than a lumberjack convention. Martin waited, patient as ever, for Brett’s homer to hurt the Yankees before pouncing with the protest. The umps sided with Billy, calling Brett out, which sent George into one of the most iconic meltdowns in sports history. The man lost it—charging out of the dugout like a madman, fists flying, eyes bugging out like someone told him the Royals were moving to New Jersey. The clip is pure gold. Of course, the call was eventually overturned, and the Royals were awarded the win when the game was resumed. But by then, Brett's freak-out had earned him a permanent spot in the Yankees-Royals Hall of Infamy.

Sure, the rivalry fizzled after 1980 when the Yankees stopped bothering with Kansas City in October. But those few years? They were electric. Punches were thrown (literally—thanks, Brett), homers flew, and Yankees fans saw their team rise above the scrappy Royals time and time again. Whether it was Chambliss knocking out fans like bowling pins, or Brett’s infamous pine tar tantrum, the Yankees-Royals rivalry will forever be one of baseball’s greatest—and most hilariously heated—chapters.

The Yankees and Royals are back at it in the playoffs, and the rivalry is officially reignited. Sure, legends like Chambliss, Thurman Munson, Hal McRae, and George Brett are long gone, but this ALDS is about to explode with stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Seth Lugo, and Salvador Perez. For all the old-school baseball fans out there, let’s hope the Royals can at least keep it interesting—because the Yankees are about to remind everyone who really owns October. Get ready for fireworks, because this one's going to have all the drama and dominance of the glory days!

In New York, we don’t just win; we do it with flair, fireworks, and a little controversy for good measure. 

Royals fans? Thanks for playing.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE FAMOUS NETTLES-BRETT BRAWL TEACHES US BASEBALL TODAY IS SOFT

In Game 5 of the 1977 American League Championship Series (ALCS) between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees, the intensity of the rivalry was on full display, culminating in a memorable brawl.

The incident took place on October 9, 1977, at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees and Royals were tied 2-2 in the series, and the game was crucial for both teams to advance to the World Series. Tensions were already high due to the competitive nature of the series and the prior history between the two teams. 

As Brett slid into third base, he did so aggressively, which was typical for Brett, who was known for his hard-nosed style of play. Graig Nettles, the Yankees' third baseman, attempted to tag Brett out, and in the process, Nettles' foot came up, and he kicked Brett in the face. This kick appeared to be intentional, probably because Brett seemed to shove Nettles as he came into third and this let to immediate tension.

Angered by the kick, Brett responded by punching Nettles in the head. This punch did indeed connect and the confrontation between Brett and Nettles quickly escalated into a full-blown brawl involving players from both teams.   Despite the intensity of the brawl, no players were ejected from the game. Think about this. In this day and age there would be ejections, fines, suspensions. It shows how soft our society has become. Back then it was a truly competitive, passionate game.  But yeah, after the brawl the umpires managed to separate the players and restore order without resorting to ejections, allowing both teams to continue with their full rosters.

The Yankees went on to win the game 5-3, advancing to the World Series, where they eventually defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers.  George Brett and Graig Nettles embodied their respective teams' competitive spirit. Nettles, known for his tough and sometimes abrasive demeanor, often played the role of the antagonist, particularly against the Royals. Brett, on the other hand, was the fiery leader of a Royals team that repeatedly clashed with the Yankees in the ALCS from 1976 to 1978.

In an interview reflecting on the rivalry, George Brett admitted that the intensity of the Yankees-Royals matchups was a significant factor. He noted, "It wasn’t just me and Graig, it was the whole team. We were all out there trying to win, and it got heated. There wasn’t any love lost between the two teams".

Graig Nettles, in his autobiography Balls, described Brett as one of the toughest competitors he ever faced, but he stopped short of expressing personal animosity. Nettles wrote, "We respected each other as players, but when you’re out there, it’s all about winning. The Royals were in our way, and that’s all it took".

This is baseball the way it should be played.  And forever it is my opinion that the brawl between Brett and Nettles remains one of the most memorable moments of that ALCS, encapsulating the fierce rivalry between the two teams during the late 1970s.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

YOU DON'T LIKE THE YANKEES, VLAD? WE DON'T LIKE YOU EITHER

It was great to see Vlad Guerrero Jr. plunked last night by Greg Weissert in the Yankees loss to them.  Was it calculated? Was it an accident? Either way, the problem we all have with Vlad Guerrero is that he's literally obsessed with our team.  This is a guy that made his own problems, and pissed off the entire Yankee fan base, not the mention the Yankees.  No one cares about you, Vlad. Your father was a true baseball professional. You however are not. You're trash... and you're obsessed.  You don't want to be a Yankee? You would never sign with the Yankees you say?  Have you thought about how ridiculous your ego is? We don't want you!

Fansided writes a great article on last night's events, and it involved one true Yankee leader... Anthony Rizzo!

Anthony Rizzo on what he said to Vlad: “Just walk to first base. I just took exception. I’m just going to back my teammate up. He was just staring him down. It was obviously an accident. I get Vlad’s side of being pissed. I’ve been hit many times.” pic.twitter.com/SL5fcm5cq9

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) April 22, 2023

"Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reiterated his point that he really doesn't like the New York Yankees, and that he will never sign with them. The reason why is something he cites as "personal," and he has let the world know on numerous occasions in the past year that he likes to "kill" the Yankees. He certainly did that earlier in the series-opening game, crushing a two-run homer in the top of the first inning, and had some fun on his trot around the bases.

Well, things got a bit more chippy later on in the game.

In the top of the ninth inning, Guerrero was hit in the left elbow guard by Yankees relief pitcher Greg Weissert. Guerrero took exception to this, seemingly thinking there was intent behind the throw, and stared down Weissert. As he continued to stare him down, Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo began jawing with Guerrero, telling him to take his base.

Rizzo said that "I'm just going to back my teammate up" and that the plunking was an accident.

Weissert said that he didn't intentionally hit Guerrero, telling reporters, "you guys watched the game, I didn't have my best stuff." 

It just shows the ego of Vlad to think that we were out to get him.  But more to this... this reminds me of the rivalry in the past of Yankees and George Brett and the Royals, of when things ran hot with the Red Sox.  Trust me, if that's what Vlad wants to accomplish, he has... we all can't stand him.

I have no doubt the Blue Jays will plunk one of our guys today at the Stadium.  All because Vlad's obsessed.  He needs to really just shut up and play. That's the bottom line.

ROD CAREW & OTHER HALL OF FAMERS GO AFTER MANFRED ON "RUINING THE GAME"

Baseball can change back. Ted Simmons made that statement in his Hall of Fame speech in 2021 and it was incredible. He said:

“Our game can change back,” Simmons said. “Eventually, another George Brett will surface. He’ll hit .360. He’ll homer 40 times. He’ll drive in 160 runs. He’ll strike out 75 times. He’ll walk a hundred times. His on-base percentage will be .420. Our game is fluid. Hitters will begin to beat the defensive shifts, and the pendulum will swing back. The game evolves. It’s just a matter of time.”

And the reason he said it is simple. For one, he's a catcher, one of the most important jobs on the field... and for 2, baseball has been ruined and the real game of baseball that we know and love has changed for the worse. And the old timers and true baseball enthusiats are tired of it. We're tired of this commissioner and his cronies and all they are doing to ruin games, line pockets and find TV time to make money. I mean sure, it's a business... but it's also the most incredible game in the world full of talent, wit, strategy and hustle.  

Ted Simmons is and has been one of the smartest guys on the field. He like many are tired with the game right now, with the strikeouts, walks and home runs being mostly the only thing that happens. Watch that speech if you haven't already. It's amazing.

But it's more than Ted Simmons... it's about many who have played this game the right way and are just fed up. Mark Powell from Fansided writes:

"It's custom for the commissioner of baseball to have a private dinner with all the Hall of Famers in Cooperstown the weekend of the ceremony. Typically, the conversation is predictably about baseball, and the state of the game today.

In recent years, that conversation has become more contentious, and reached a boiling point in late July. Carew and a group of other Hall of Famers raised their voices about what they perceived to be issues with the game today. Manfred was clearly taken aback, and has since openly complained about Carew making that conversation public. Typically, that dinner has a 'what happens in Cooperstown, stays in Cooperstown' feel. Not this year."

Ken Rosenthal writes:

"...the Hall of Famers include the rise of defensive shifts and the offensive emphasis on launch angle, as well as rules changes such as the three-batter minimum and automatic runner on second base in extra innings. "

But here's the problem. MLB has no time limit and that's also something that Carew was annoyed about like many fans are. But MLB wants to change that, but only because of the TV dollars attached to it. If games linger, TV stations mess up schedules and so Manfred and his nerds found a way to do it so if these games fit in a certain amount of time, they get paid, TV doesn't lose and everybody wins.  But sadly... that's not baseball.

And then Powell said this: "Sadly, for Carew and many of the old heads in baseball, the game is merely moving forward in hopes of intriguing a new generation of viewers. Those who don't change with it are left behind, for better or worse."

Bad comment about being left behind. These baseball legends are not the "get off my lawn" folks Powell thinks they are. They are true baseball people, like you, like me. We don't want the change because it ruins the game. So being left behind doesn't make sense. We're baseball enthusiasts... traditionalists... loyalists to the way the game should be played.  It's a bad statement from someone that was never in Rod Carew or Ted Simmons shoes.

The fact that this spat with Carew and Manfred went public is huge. The fact that Manfred thinks he was probably disrespected is laughable. Bottom line... baseball DOES need to change back like Ted Simmons says. It not only effects MLB, it trickles down to College where even in D3 college scouts are looking for Big Boppers, not guys that hit for average. When compare guys, 6'4", 220 and hitting dingers compared to a guy that's 5'10", 160 and batting .360... they are now inclined to choose the big boy, because that's what MLB commands right now. But the .360 hitter is ACTUALLY baseball. Have we forgotten?    

What happened to the authentic hitter? Where's the George Brett? Will they ever come back... because hitting is a true craft, and guys like that are unique. I grew up idolizing Tony Gwynn, Don Mattingly and Wade Boggs because every year I knew they'd bat .350 and I was always amazed by that. Those days are over. If you don't believe me... just watch teams continually give chances to Aaron Hicks and Joey Gallo.

Baseball needs to change back. Rod Carew is right. Ted Simmons is right.  And once again, Rob Manfred sucks.

Buy a shirt. Support Bleeding Yankee Blue.  Manfred Clown shirts are here at the link. Go nuts!

TOP FIGHTS IN YANKEES HISTORY: #10-6

The Yankees have had many great rivalries, ones which often spilled beyond just the game of baseball. Tempers often flared up, emotions ran high, and most of us remember where we were and how we yelled at the TV when certain fights happened. I thought it might be fun to take a walk down memory lane and look at the top 10 fights in Yankees history. One disclaimer, though. These are from my recent memory. So, you’ll forgive me if I missed that one fight in September 1938. I mean, these memories are not just about what happened. It is about how it made us feel as it was happening. If any of these still make your blood boil, join the club and grab some popcorn!

10. Graig Nettles kicks George Brett in the head

It was the 1976 ALCS in the winner-take-all Game 5 (it was a best of 5 back then) and George Brett hit a triple to the wall. Brett was coming into third and Graig Nettles was close to the bag. As Nettles stepped away, it became clear that Brett wanted to knock him over – so much so that his momentum caused him to fall forward. That put his head in perfect position for a subtle kick from Nettles. Brett got up and took a not so subtle swing at Nettles. Nettles was quickly on top of him pounding him into the artificial grass while the benches cleared. When it ended, they were tending to Brett, who looked a mess. If you look carefully at the video, Nettles needed no attention. He picked up his glove and took his position as if it was all in a night’s work.

9. Jesse Carlson Throws Behind Jorge Posada 

September 15, 2009. With a 9-2 lead, Toronto reliever Jesse Carlson, retaliating for Aaron Hill being hit earlier in the game, threw a pitch behind Jorge Posada. Clearly angered but maintaining his composure, Posada got on base and came around to score. After crossing home plate, his fist found Carlson’s forehead. Benches cleared, Posada was ejected, and the camera got a shot of a nasty gash on Carlson’s forehead. This is what happens:

8. 2000 World Series: Roger Clemens Throws the bat at Mike Piazza

It was Game 2, and tensions between Roger Clemens and Mike Piazza were already running high. Clemens had hit Piazza in the head in July of that year, and this was a showdown. Piazza breaks his bat on a foul ball, a shard of it bounces towards Clemens, who grabs it and throws it at Piazza. Benches cleared and there was some shoving. It escalated an already fierce rivalry. Cooler heads prevailed, and the Mets would not be able to settle the score until June 2002. That is when Clemens had to pitch at Shea Stadium and take an at-bat, and everyone anticipated Clemens being beaned by Mets pitcher Shawn Estes. He missed. I still laugh about it.

7. 2003 ALCS Karim Garcia and Jeff Nelson vs. the Grounds Crew Member

This series was filled with fights, and it will get more than one entry in this Top 10. This one, however, was just bizarre. The benches had already cleared earlier in the game, and the atmosphere was heated. According to Jeff Nelson, a member of the grounds crew had begun antagonizing him in the bullpen, and a fight ensued. Right fielder Karim Garcia, who had been hit earlier in the game,  sees this and jumps the wall to help his buddy Nelson. After they restored order, they took the guy to the hospital and kept him overnight. He appeared the next day in a neck brace. Was it real? I have my opinion, but we will let you decide.

6. Reggie Jackson vs. Billy Martin

It was June 18, 1977, and the Yankees were in Fenway Park. In a tight race for the AL East, the Yankees were down 7-4 in the sixth. Reggie Jackson lets a Jim Rice fly ball drop in front of him, which Rice was able to stretch into a double. Reggie was never a superstar fielder, but manager Billy Martin thought he should have gotten to the ball. He decided to send Reggie a message with a fielding substitution, sending Paul Blair out to play right. Reggie gets to the dugout and the shouting ensued. The two had to be separated, resulting in one of the most epic moments of the 1970’s Yankees.

Well, that is all for now. Next week we will have one through five. Think you know which ones will be on the list? Let us know if we got it right, or if there are any which HAVE to be on the list.

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

THE BEST OF THE WORST

If you are a New York Yankee fan you’ve probably heard from fans of other MLB clubs that you are part of an awful, obnoxious fan base.  If I had a nickel for every time I read an anti-Yankee tweet or heard a jab about how awful people are in the Bronx, I’d have a lot of dough!  In fact, I’d have so much cash that I’d buy the Kansas City Royals and contract them…I’m kidding.  I actually see the Royals and their organization as a class act and a club of hungry, talented, young players.  Their fans however…

I’ve sort of had it with other fans and their nonsense.  I usually just scroll by the B.S. on the time line or laugh off the nonsense that I’ll hear.  But as I'm writing this, it’s raining, the Yankees dumped 3 in a row to the Jays over the weekend and I’m done letting the clowns run their mouths.  Shall we play a game? Super.  Let me run down the list of fans that need a check up from the neck up when it comes to their verbal sewage.

1.     The Toronto Blue Jays

Yes, the Jays are a great club this season.  They hit big and now, with Tulo and Price, they are in the hunt to win big.  But their fans are outrageous.  Nobody cares that you’re in the longest Post Season drought of any other team.  You don’t deserve your turn.  Your club can earn it.  If they do, super.  If they don’t, toss the Leaf’s sweaters in the wash and have them ready for hockey.

Tell me more about the American Pastime, Canadians.  Please.  You are all such experts in all things USA.  I’ve always liked visiting “The Great White North”, but it’s hard to leave there without feeling as if Canadians simply tolerate Americans.  And don’t dare bring up hockey and have an opinion. If an American mentions the NHL folks up North lose their Touques and choke their your Tim Horton’s.  The Roger’s Center is only recently getting crowds.  Jays’ fan are not exact “thick and thin” type…but they’ll take shot after shot at the empty seats behind home plate at the Stadium.  Oh Canada, you guys are swell. 

2.     The Baltimore Orioles

The O’s play great team baseball; especially under “Buck the Builder”.  I love Adam Jones’ game.  The ballpark is sparkling jewel.  OPACY is simply one of the best places to watch the game.  I have many pals that root for the Black and Orange Birds, and all of them know their stuff…but many others just don’t.  They are unbelievably self-righteous.  It’s staggering.  Yes, ARod took juice…but shall we go into your history of users?  Guys you cheered for and paid…and now suddenly “misremembered”them.  

Brady Anderson?  Boom Stick?  I’ll save my rant on Chris Davis…he’s probably all natural.  Yes, Babe Ruth was born in the Charm City.  You guys invented the game I guess. How dare anyone run down the Baltimore Orioles?  They do everything the right way…just ask their fans.

3.     The Los Angeles Angels of…oh shut up

It is no secret that I am not a fan of the West coast when it comes to sports.  No, let me clarify that.  I actually really like San Diego, the entire Bay Area and even the clubs in the Great Northwest.  It’s more the teams in and around the greater Los Angeles area.  It’s not a knee-jerk reaction.  I lived out there a long time and this conclusion formulated over many trips to their stadiums.  Angels’ fans are pretty much EXACTLY as you’d imagined.  They look a great deal like Guy Fieri, and with all the fireworks, rally monkey’s…I just can’t.

I wish Mike Trout were with ANY OTHER CLUB.  I would go see the Yankees when they played at the Big A and would hear heckles like, “What does El Duque mean anyway?!” (AN ACTUAL DIE HARD HALO FAN SCREAMED THIS OVER AND OVER).  Or my favorite, “Yankees Suck!”  However, more than half the joint was jammed with locals clad in crisp Yankee caps. The ladies all sporting their pink Jeter and ARod T shirts…wait, I thought the Yankees Suck? By the way Jeter and ARod are only 2 of the Yankees…we have other players. Anyway, when they sound off on the Bronx Bombers and their fans it hard to stay quiet.  I can’t listen to it, Brah.  Save it for Disneyland and the Dodger fans.

4.     The New York Mets

I will make this sort.  You remember that kid in the neighborhood who just hated you because…well, because he was just miserable.  And no matter what he had to say something negative about you.  Your folks would say, “Rise above it.  Don’t give him the satisfaction.”  Yep, he became a Mets’ fan.  Do with that what you will. Anyway, Mets’ fans are #4 on the list.  Somebody run this post over to their Mom’s house, run down to their “studio” in the basement and let them know would ya? Thanks.  Oh wait, it’s 1pm…they are playing Halo online.  Maybe go around dinnertime.

5.     The Kansas City Royals

These guys are priceless.  They are a small market team.  You didn’t know that?  Its true KC is a smaller city than New York, Boston, LA, Chicago, Philly…hell; New Haven makes the place look like Mayberry.  So they are the true baseball fans and the rest of us are posers.  The crime here is that the Royals are a fun team to watch.  They play full tilt and I really like their players.  Kaufman Stadium is also a great ballpark.  But the Royal Rabble has lost the plot like George Brett in the Pine Tar Game.

A small market team making another run IS something to celebrate and be proud of.  The organization grew the farm system, made smart moves and watched it come together…. but, that doesn’t mean that the Yankees held you down.  It doesn’t mean that you somehow deserve credit for sticking with your team through the thin years.  Just root for your boys and enjoy the ride.  Small market doesn’t mean you deserve sainthood.  That being said, I love Arthur Bryant’s and David Cone is a native son…but calm down a bit, folks.

Now, you are probably saying where are the Boston Red Sox fans?  How did Philly not make the list?  No Dodgers?  Look, the list is a living thing.  It changes like the seasons.  The Nation fell off because since they’ve won a few rings they are…softer.  They don’t seem to be as angry.  Philly Phans are wearing bags on their heads these days and practicing their best E A G L E S - EAGLES! And the Dodgers...well, maybe next time.

Anyway, take heart Yankee fans.  We are who we are.  We do what we do.  Don’t take sh*t off nobody.

** From the Great RUN DMC to you!**



 
--Mike O'Hara Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21








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MEET THE BYB FAMILY: INTERVIEW WITH MIKE O'HARA

It's been a while since we did the MEET THE FAMILY SERIES, but we continue it today with a guy with alot of heart and alot of dreams.  It's Mike O'Hara and he's one of our top writers here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.  If anyone knows BYB, they know it because of Mike's great work.  He brings alittle extra spunk to his stuff, and we are happy to have him here.

You have read about our other writers on BYB over the past few months.  Be sure to check out everyone so far.... just click and read away:

• Meet Erica
• Meet Ike
• Meet Jeana
• Meet Steve
• Meet Suzie

 But now it's time for 'O'Hara', as I call him.  It's Mike O'Hara and he's a member of the BYB Family...

BYB: O'Hara, when do you remember being a true Yankee fan? Who was the player and why was it the Yankees?

Mike O'Hara: I was born into this thing.  My Dad was a big Yankee fan as a kid and would go to games with my grandfather.  I guess if I had to pinpoint one moment, it would be when I was 6 years old.  I was at the Stadium with my Dad and some of his buddies from work.  In the 7th, John Osborne, one of my father's closest friends, took me down to the lower level. I remember he spoke to the section attendant (possibly slipping him a 10 spot) and we walked right down near the on deck circle.  Ozzie, as I knew him, put me on his shoulders and said, "There he is, Mikey! Call him, buddy!"  It was #44, my hero, Reggie Jackson.  I built up all the courage I could and yelled, "Reggie! Reggie!"  Crouched on one knee Reggie gave a quick turn, looked at me and gave me the thumbs up.  I was forever a New York Yankee fan.

BYB: I love that story you tell of Graig Nettles and your little league team at the time, the Cubs. Briefly tell the audience about that, and to follow-up, have you seen Nettles since?

Mike O'Hara: Nettles was the best.  I used to imitate pounding my glove like him and bouncing back to third after the ump ruled George Brett's bat was loaded with pine tar.  I loved the way he played.  The outstretched dive to snag a liner.  

The way he'd crush a dinger into the Bronx night on the WPIX telecast. He just played with his heart.  When I was in Little League I got to meet Mr. Nettles after a game to grab an autograph.  I was wearing my team cap...the Cubs.  Graig asked, "Cubbie fan, Mike?" 

I explained that it was the team I played for and they we were pretty lousy.  Nettles smiled and said, "Play your game and maybe you'll get traded." I haven't run into Graig since, but that's a moment I'll always remember.

BYB: What's with the hate for Mark Teixeira? Is it the contract or him?

Mike O'Hara: For the record, I don't hate Mark Teixeira.  What I know of him off the field, it seems that he is a class act and a nice guy.  But like I always say, my uncle Paul is a nice guy and I don't want him hitting 3rd or 4th for the Yanks either.  Tex was a great player...WAS.  By is own admission he is in "decline".  WHAT? Who says that? Then quit!  Tex just never seemed like a Yankee to me.  Yes, the contract is ridiculous, but it just seems like he doesn't get it.  The shift KILLS him...but slap one the other way to get on? NO! Not Tex.  That is awful.  He is not a switch hitter any longer.  He should STOP doing that knockoff "Foul Territory" thing, stop telling us that he is off sugar and that he is a slow starter and JUST. HIT. THE. BALL!  Again, I don't wish him ill personally and cheer when he does come through, but I'll be happy when he is no longer on the roster. Sorry, Tex.

BYB: When did you first read BYB and think 'Hey, I like these guys'. Do you remember the piece that sucked you in?

Mike O'Hara: I had to be on the web quite a bit when I did the Fan Cave thing.  I needed to present myself as an all around baseball fan, which I am. But I had to play down the fact that I was a die hard Yankee fanatic.  I would look for stuff on the Bombers in the Internet.  Just something for myself.  I found BYB and was hooked.  I can't say it was one particular post, I just remember checking in everyday to read what was up.  The voice sounded like me.  There was a personal side.  It wasn't stat geeks throwing 'WAR' around.  The pieces read as if the authors just loved to watch Yankee baseball and maybe even played a bit.  There was a human side.  And baseball is a human game.  I remember hoping you would allow me to contribute a post or two.

BYB: Explain to the BYB audience about your time with us so far. How am I doing as 'Skip'?

Mike O'Hara: I've really enjoyed writing for BYB.  Everyone that contributes to the site seem like great folks.  Their posts are always a good read, whether you're a Yankee fan or not.  There is a great back and forth and it isn't loaded with the snark and venom that social media usually breeds.  Skip, you... are my pal.  I can see how much you care about what you create and for our gang.  I always like getting a text from you during a bad game.  To everyone reading, Casey and I are usually on the same page, and it makes me laugh to see that he was thinking the same thing I was.  He knows how to run a show, and I'm happy to call him 'Skip.'

BYB: Who's you're favorite of the Core Four and why?

Mike O'Hara: That is a tough one.  I can make an argument for all of them.  I will say right off that I will always be a fan of all four of these Yankees.  The Captain is an all-time favorite.  Mo and Andy are guys I'll tell future generations about as well.  But if I had to pick at this very moment, I would say Jorgie is my favorite.  I am a fan of players that play with passion.  The infamous Yanks vs. Sox playoff game, where Pedro decked Zim, made me a Jorge fan for life.  You could see his fire as he barked back at the Red Sox hurler.  Posada never wanted to come out of a game and never gave up! He was a 'win and win' always type guy.  He'd get in their face and let them know how it was done if need be.  I loved that about Jorge. HIP! HIP!

BYB: Tell us about some of the players that you really took a liking to during your him as host on MLB Fan Cave?

Mike O'Hara: That was the one thing I will always have from my time at the Cave.  I got to meet and get to know some players.  Goose Gossage was and is one of the best guys I've met.  

That was a great day and he actually did name my dog.  I wouldn't have ever believed you if you told me as a kid that that would happen one day.  Joba Chamberlain is a friend.  I wish he was still pitching in the Bronx, but Justin is just a solid guy and friend and I'll root for him wherever he is...aside from LA.  I also have to admit that I really enjoyed meeting and getting to know another Captain.  Jason Varitek is a great guy.  

He would have been an all time favorite of mine if he'd been a Yankee.  He played the game the right way.  We had a blast when he came to shoot his sketches.  I have a signed BP jersey that I will soon hang in my office from Tek.  I will do it out of respect for him and the rivalry.

BYB: Music is a big part of your life as it is mine. What bands do you listen to these days?

Mike O'Hara: I love music the way I love baseball.  I like to think my life has it's own soundtrack. Touring with a band was more fun than I can describe, the good and the bad times.  These days I listen to so many different bands.  I love Punk.  I will always have some Bouncing Souls, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Flatfoot56, The Ramones and The Clash on my playlists.  I also love Billy Joel, Harry Connick Jr, Sinatra, Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.  

 I dig good hip hop.  The Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Public Enemy, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Eminem, Common and the Wu Tang.  I love to go see my buddies in The Mighty Mighty BossTones (best live show around) and the Pogues.  My mom got me hooked on the Who, Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Animals.  But right now I'm listening to a lot of Frank Turner, The Replacements and a band called Old Man Markley.

BYB: OK, you can only hang for a pint with 2 Yankees All-time and 1 other person. That person can be anyone else in your personal life or sports... but not baseball. Who are the Yankees and why... and who's that other person and why?

Mike O'Hara:  I'd grab a few pints with my all-time favorite Yankee, 'Number 21, Paul O'Neill, Number 21.'  I'd also pick my Dad's guy.  The great number 7, Mickey Mantle.  To me "The Mick" more than any other player will always symbolize Yankee baseball. I know. People will say 'what about the Babe, Lou or Joe D?' Hey, for me, it's Mickey) The other person I'd invite would be the man who made me want to be an actor, Bill Murray.  

I think the 4 of us would have a blast.  Bill knows sports and I can image that we'd laugh, talk baseball and enjoy some of Ireland's finest brew...That'd be something.

BYB: Explain the importance to you winning the BEEB in 2013. What did it mean to you?

Mike O'Hara: It was great! I really do love reading all the post on BYB and I just hoped I'd be in the mix with the rest of the writers.  They are all so unique and really write their voice on all things Yankees.  It was nice to be recognized, but in my opinion it could have gone to anyone on the staff. We'll see what happens this year.

BYB: Final question... what makes the Bleeding Yankee Blue experience great to you? Be specific.

Mike O'Hara: BYB isn't like any other sports blog site.  It mirrors the game itself.  You get a taste of personality, professionalism and playfulness.  The heart of every post may revolve around the Bronx Bombers, but that is just the beginning.  The stories almost always have a bit of the person they are written by.  We share bits and pieces of who we are and what family, friends and baseball mean to us.  You just get a well rounded product here.  It's a great club to be a part of.  It's like talking to an old friend.  People all have their lives to deal with day in and day out.  It can be hectic and stressful. But for many of us the game of baseball, New York Yankee baseball, is a way to connect and realize that no matter what we are going through, tomorrow is another game, there will be another at bat and we all have teammates that are there to pick you up when you're slumping.  It might sound a bit corny, but it's true.

O'Hara, it is an absolute pleasure to have you with us at Bleeding Yankee Blue.  You're a good friend and I appreciate you there all the time, with great stories and just to talk.  Thanks!

I hope everyone enjoyed this... who's next? You'll see soon enough.




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