THE WINFIELD CHOKE OUT

On May 27, 1983, Yankee Stadium witnessed a confrontation that drew as much attention as the Yankees' eventual victory over the Oakland A's. The game ended with a 4-2 win, thanks to a three-run home run by Graig Nettles off Oakland pitcher Mike Norris in the seventh inning. But before the crowd could celebrate Nettles’ heroics, a fiery altercation between Yankees outfielder Dave Winfield and A's catcher Mike Heath escalated tensions in the first inning. This incident became a memorable flashpoint in a game that was already charged with competitive energy.

In the first inning, the altercation was sparked when Norris threw a high, inside fastball to Winfield. The pitch, perceived as a knockdown pitch aimed at intimidating or possibly injuring the star outfielder, was not taken lightly. Winfield, known for his competitive spirit, immediately objected to what he viewed as a dangerous pitch. According to reports, Winfield reacted strongly, and his frustration quickly turned into action. He moved toward the mound, where Norris was standing, but Mike Heath, the A’s catcher, stepped in to block his path, preventing a direct confrontation with Norris. What ensued was a chaotic scene in front of the mound, as Winfield grabbed Heath by the throat, igniting a bench-clearing brawl.

Home-plate umpire Derryl Cousins, witnessing the incident unfold, wasted no time in making a decision. He ejected Winfield from the game, citing him as the instigator of the fight. According to Cousins, Winfield's aggressive response to the pitch and his actions toward Heath were the catalysts for the bench-clearing altercation. While the physical confrontation was quickly broken up, the tension lingered for the remainder of the game, and the fallout extended far beyond the final out.

In typical fashion, Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, never one to shy away from controversy, inserted himself into the conversation despite not being at the game. Shortly after the incident, Steinbrenner issued a scathing statement criticizing the umpires' handling of the situation, particularly Cousins' decision to eject Winfield. Steinbrenner was outraged that his star player had been tossed from the game, especially when he believed that Norris' pitch was intentionally provocative and dangerous.

Steinbrenner’s criticism drew a swift and pointed response from Lee MacPhail, then the president of the American League. MacPhail issued his own statement, condemning Steinbrenner’s remarks and promising disciplinary action against the outspoken owner. MacPhail described Steinbrenner's comments as "intemperate" and emphasized that such public criticism of umpires would not be tolerated. MacPhail's statement made it clear that a careful review of the events would lead to consequences for Steinbrenner, whose tendency to speak out about league matters had landed him in hot water before.

Not one to back down, Steinbrenner doubled down on his comments later that evening, issuing a second statement in which he denied that his remarks had been excessive. He maintained that his criticism of the umpires was based on "what I believe to be fact." Despite the threat of disciplinary action, Steinbrenner stood firm in his defense of Winfield and his belief that the umpires had mishandled the situation. This back-and-forth between Steinbrenner and MacPhail added an extra layer of drama to an already tumultuous evening at Yankee Stadium.

The Aftermath

While Winfield's early exit from the game dominated headlines, the Yankees managed to refocus and secure a crucial win. Graig Nettles, known for his clutch hitting, delivered the decisive blow with a three-run homer off Norris in the seventh inning, putting the Yankees ahead for good. Nettles' home run shifted the narrative back to the on-field action, but the tension from the first inning lingered throughout the game.

The incident also brought attention to the growing tensions between the Yankees and their opponents, as well as between Steinbrenner and Major League Baseball officials. Steinbrenner’s reputation for speaking out against umpires and league officials had long been a contentious issue, and this episode only added fuel to the fire.

For Dave Winfield, the incident on May 27, 1983, was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar career. Known for his professionalism and immense talent, Winfield's actions that day were a testament to his fiery competitiveness. Though he was ejected, many fans and analysts sympathized with his reaction to the dangerous pitch. Norris’ inside fastball had crossed an unspoken line, and Winfield’s response, while aggressive, was seen by some as a defense of his own safety. The confrontation between Winfield and Heath remains one of the more memorable moments from the 1983 season. It highlighted the fine line between competitive intensity and outright conflict, as well as the ongoing debate over the role of "brushback" pitches and player safety. The fight also underscored the volatile relationship between George Steinbrenner and MLB officials, a relationship that would continue to generate headlines throughout Steinbrenner’s tenure as Yankees owner.

Lee MacPhail’s stern rebuke of Steinbrenner reflected the league’s desire to maintain control and discipline over its teams, even when powerful owners like Steinbrenner challenged its authority. Ultimately, the May 27 game was not just about a fight on the field—it was a microcosm of the larger battles being waged off the field between the Yankees and Major League Baseball.

The May 27, 1983, clash between Dave Winfield and Mike Heath, set against the backdrop of George Steinbrenner's outspoken criticism and Lee MacPhail's measured response, serves as a reminder of the high stakes and intense emotions that often accompany professional baseball. The incident remains a significant moment in Yankees history, a blend of athletic confrontation, ownership drama, and league politics that defined an era for the Bronx Bombers.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

RIGHETTI'S NO-NO WAS THE GREATEST ONE IN YANKEES HISTORY IN MY HUMBLE OPINION

On July 4, 1983, in a sweltering Yankee Stadium, Dave Righetti delivered one of the most memorable performances in the storied history of the New York Yankees. On that day, Righetti etched his name into the annals of baseball lore by pitching a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox. The significance of the date was amplified by the fact that it was George Steinbrenner's birthday, making the feat not only a personal triumph for Righetti but a monumental gift to the Yankees' fiery owner.

The game began with tension thick in the air, as the Yankees and Red Sox renewed their fierce rivalry in front of a packed house. The Yankees were desperate for a win, clinging to hopes of climbing the standings in the American League East. Righetti, a young left-hander with a blazing fastball, took the mound with a quiet determination, unaware that history would soon be within his grasp.

From the first pitch, Righetti was locked in. His fastball had an extra zip, and his slider was as sharp as ever. The Red Sox batters, a formidable lineup featuring stars like Wade Boggs and Jim Rice, were left flailing helplessly as Righetti mowed them down one by one. The tension mounted with each passing inning, and by the time the seventh inning rolled around, the fans were on their feet, fully aware that they were witnessing something special.

Righetti's teammates, too, began to feel the weight of the moment. Yankees catcher Butch Wynegar, who was calling the game, later recalled, "You could see it in Rags' eyes. He was in the zone. I knew I just had to keep putting down the right fingers, and he would do the rest." The defense behind Righetti was flawless with his team backing him up in a wonderful display of defense.

As the game entered the ninth inning, Yankee Stadium was electric with anticipation. Righetti stood on the mound, just three outs away from baseball immortality. The first two batters went down quickly, and suddenly, Righetti was staring down Wade Boggs, one of the most feared hitters in the game, for the final out. With the count at 2-2, Righetti unleashed a wicked slider that Boggs swung through, sealing the no-hitter. Yankee Stadium erupted in celebration as Righetti was mobbed by his teammates. The final score was 4-0, a fitting conclusion to a day that would be remembered for decades.

Righetti, drenched in sweat and surrounded by a jubilant crowd, could hardly contain his emotions. "It was the greatest feeling I've ever had on a baseball field," he said in a postgame interview. "To do it on the Fourth of July, with my family in the stands and for George's birthday, it was like a dream."

George Steinbrenner, known for his demanding nature, was uncharacteristically emotional. "This is the best birthday present I could have ever asked for," he declared. "Dave Righetti has always been a special player, but today he became a legend."

But Righetti's story with the Yankees was far from over. Despite his success as a starter, the Yankees recognized that Righetti's electric stuff and mental toughness made him an ideal candidate to take over as the team's closer, a role that had been in flux. In 1984, Righetti transitioned to the bullpen, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Yankees manager Yogi Berra explained the decision: "We needed someone who could slam the door shut in the ninth inning, and Rags had the mentality and the arm to do it."

Righetti thrived in his new role, eventually becoming one of the most dominant closers in baseball. He saved 46 games in 1986, a then-major league record for left-handers, and became a cornerstone of the Yankees' bullpen for years. His ability to adapt from a starting role to a closer not only extended his career but also solidified his place as one of the most versatile and valuable pitchers in Yankees history.

Despite his success as a closer, Righetti's no-hitter on July 4, 1983, remains one of the greatest moments in his career and one of the most iconic performances in Yankees history. It was a day when everything came together—the emotion, the stakes, and the history—making it a game that will forever be remembered in the Bronx. 

As Righetti himself once said, "No matter what else I did in my career, that day will always be special. It was the Fourth of July, it was against the Red Sox, and it was for George. You can't script it any better than that."

--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

WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN BILLY MARTIN & REGGIE JACKSON THAT DAY?

The heated argument between Billy Martin, the manager of the New York Yankees, and Reggie Jackson, the star outfielder, on June 18, 1977, is one of the most infamous incidents in baseball history. This event occurred during a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park and was broadcasted nationally, making it highly publicized.

During the game, the Yankees were trailing the Red Sox. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Jim Rice of the Red Sox hit a ball to right field where Reggie Jackson was playing. Jackson appeared to misjudge the ball and did not hustle after it, leading to a double for Rice. Billy Martin, known for his fiery temperament, was infuriated by what he perceived as a lack of effort and commitment from Jackson.

Martin immediately decided to pull Jackson from the game. The decision to remove a star player, especially someone of Jackson's stature, in the middle of an inning was highly unusual and dramatic. Jackson was replaced by Paul Blair. When Jackson reached the dugout, Martin confronted him. The argument quickly escalated, with Martin shouting at Jackson and Jackson responding angrily. At one point, Martin had to be physically restrained by coaches and teammates to prevent the altercation from turning physical.

Thurman Munson, who was the team captain at the time, did not publicly criticize either Martin or Jackson, but he emphasized the need for the team to stay focused and united in pursuit of their goals. His primary concern was maintaining team cohesion despite internal conflicts.

Graig Nettles was reportedly not surprised by the altercation, given the volatile personalities involved. He understood that both Martin and Jackson had strong egos and that clashes were inevitable. Nettles later commented that the incident was indicative of the high-pressure environment in which the Yankees were operating.

Mickey Rivers had a more lighthearted take on the situation. He acknowledged the intensity of the argument but also noted that such conflicts were part of the game. Rivers believed that the altercation did not fundamentally disrupt the team's dynamics and that the Yankees were capable of overcoming internal disputes.

Lou Piniella, who was close to both Martin and Jackson, provided insight into the personalities involved. He highlighted Martin's fiery demeanor and Jackson's confidence, noting that while the argument was serious, it stemmed from a desire to win and perform at the highest level. Piniella suggested that both individuals ultimately respected each other’s commitment to the team.

Elston Howard, a respected figure on the coaching staff, emphasized the importance of strong leadership in managing such conflicts and maintaining team morale.

George Steinbrenner publicly downplayed the significance of the argument, framing it as a moment of passion and a desire to win. Privately, he took steps to ensure that the team stayed focused and that such incidents did not escalate further.

Despite the public nature of their altercation, Martin and Jackson managed to coexist for the remainder of the season. The Yankees went on to win the World Series in 1977, with Jackson playing a pivotal role, famously hitting three home runs in Game 6.

While the two men had moments of mutual respect, their relationship was never truly harmonious. They had a professional working relationship, but underlying tensions persisted. Martin continued to be tough on Jackson, and Jackson continued to be outspoken about his role and contributions.

The argument was a manifestation of deeper issues between Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson. Their conflicting personalities and the high-pressure environment of the Yankees contributed to their rocky relationship. While they may not have hated each other in the deepest sense, their interactions were marked by frequent clashes and disagreements.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

WHY HAS GRAIG NETTLES RECENTLY BEEN OVERLOOKED FOR OLD TIMER'S DAY?

Graig Nettles, an iconic figure in New York Yankees history, has been noticeably absent from the team's Old Timers' Day since around 2017. This absence has puzzled many fans, especially given Nettles' significant contributions to the team during his tenure. In 2022, Nettles himself expressed his confusion, stating, "They stopped inviting me about five years ago and I don’t know why, really. I don't know if somebody – whoever is in charge, doesn't like me. I don't know."

This statement opens the door to speculation about why one of the Yankees' most celebrated players has not been welcomed back for this cherished tradition. Here are some potential reasons for his exclusion:

Nettles hinted at the possibility that someone in the Yankees' organization might hold a personal grudge against him. During his career and even afterward, Nettles was known for his outspoken personality and candid comments. Is it possible that his forthrightness may have rubbed some people the wrong way, leading to lingering personal conflicts? If an influential figure within the organization harbors negative feelings towards Nettles, it could explain his omission from the event. But is that it?

The leadership of sports franchises often changes, and with new management come new policies and preferences. But Hal's been around for a long time. The Yankees have seen various changes in their front office over the years, and it's conceivable that new decision-makers might not prioritize or even remember Nettles' contributions as previous leaders did. This could result in a simple oversight or a deliberate decision to focus on different aspects of the team's history.

Of course, there could also be personal reasons on Nettles' side that contribute to his absence. While Nettles himself has expressed a desire to attend, there might be underlying health or family issues that make his participation less feasible. However, given his public statements, this seems less likely compared to the other reasons. After all, the Yankees have invited plenty of former players that have been ill or much older and slower due to age.  I can't imagine this is it either.

Old Timers' Day is a celebration that evolves over time, often reflecting the changing demographics and interests of the fan base. The Yankees might be shifting their focus to more recent retirees who are more familiar to younger fans. This shift might inadvertently sideline older legends like Nettles, whose prime years were several decades ago.

The true reason for Graig Nettles' absence from Old Timers' Day remains unclear, and it could be a combination of the factors mentioned above. His contributions to the Yankees are undeniable, and his confusion and disappointment over the lack of an invitation are understandable. Whatever the reason, it's a reminder that the bonds between sports legends and their former teams can be complex and subject to the changing dynamics of personalities, leadership, and time.

Reinviting Nettles to Old Timers' Day would not only honor his legacy but also bridge any existing gaps, ensuring that the history and tradition of the Yankees are preserved and celebrated in their entirety. In short, the fans would love it.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

WHEN THE BYB YANKEE FAMILY SPEAKS

Plenty of reaction to my post BEING A FAN WHEN YOU HAVE NO FAITH over the past 24 hours. I did not expect that. 

I'm fine. I'm not suicidal... I'm frustrated and I've lost the heart for my team right now.  Will BYB end? I've seriously considered it. There's only so many different ways you can write that the Yankees leadership has failed us fans.  You gotta appreciate Suzie Pinstripe's post today titled: YANKEES WIN NEW AWARDS... read it. It's about being a true Yankee fan and her mom's perfect words.  That mindset is beautiful.  

But fandom is really an individual thing and the idea of me writing about frustration for my team every day just seems manic and painful.  What's the point?  I did get some advice from many readers saying "See how the season plays out" and "this space won't be the same if you're gone" and that's fair and nice of everyone. I mean, I'll always be a "fan", I just wouldn't be presenting my heart's true feelings for my team every day.  

I did have one reader on Facebook write "It's OK to go away."  Trust me, you don't hurt my feelings with your 200 friends, pal.  You don't stick around in cyberspace since September 2010 if you weren't relevant.  Bleeding Yankee Blue is still here cause we have alot to say and we don't hold back... you still have those 200 friends. Have fun with that.  

But look, ultimately it comes down to the Yankees, right? We're all annoyed, frustrated, happy, concerned, hopeful... insert the word here.  I've always had the approach that it it's how I feel that moment and write about it. That is where I am and have been for months. the Yankees front office and leadership is awful.  They lie to the fans; they don't make true significant changes and a lot needs to change but won't.  We've all been fooled once again.  

And so yea, my problem is I feel this way every day when it comes to my team... that's just me.  But look, I am thankful for the notes and comments and rally cry to keep Bleeding Yankee Blue going.  I haven't truly decided yet.  We will see.  

In the meantime, I wanted to share this heartfelt fan's email.  His name is Rob, and he is a Yankee fan true and true and wrote this to me. I asked him to share it with our audience and he said sure... so here it is.  Thanks Rob

Hey Folks:

I'm not saying you're wrong about Marcus Stroman, but I am saying you might be.

Free agency has upset old notions of team loyalty, and the age of social media magnifies a lot of stuff. Like the NBA or a fight, there's a lot of hype on social media that should be taken with a grain of salt. One could even say that Stroman's brashness will help him in Da' Bronx. (It did wonders for Reggie Jackson, who never loved the Yankees but loved being the straw...)

I might remind you that some very significant Yankees in their day used to lambaste the team. Roger Clemens hated the Yankees–until he came to love them. Ditto Wade Boggs, Johnny Damon, Graig Nettles, and David Cone to name a few others.

There are, of course, players who came to town that hated it and did better elsewhere: Kevin Brown, Ed Whitson, Kyle Farnsworth, Sonny Gray, A. J. Burnett, Carl Pavano, Rick Cerone, Don Baylor. Jacoby Ellsbury never really fit in either and I sincerely wonder about Carlos Rodon.

But agents, GMs, and money talk these days. Jordan Montgomery prefers to stay in Texas, but do you think he'd love the Yankees again if they made him an offer that he & Scott Boras couldn't refuse?

For the record, I've never been a huge fan of Stroman, but if you ask me if I think he'll be better than Rodon or Schmidt, yeah, I do. I also think Cashman has worn out his welcome.

But if Hal's money was mine, I'd make that can't-refuse-offer to Montgomery. That's WAY better than dumping out the minors for Dylan Cease.


Cheers,
Rob


P.S. My MA residency notwithstanding, I've been a Yankees fan since the days of Mickey Mantle.

Sometimes you need an outside perspective to make you understand where we've been and where we need to go. Everything Rob said came back to me like a rush. He's right. He's right in many examples. Let's hope stuff like this can reset my mind and refresh me as we are walking into spring training. Great letter, Rob.... we appreciate you here at BYB.


Happy Sunday everyone. Make today great. Keep truckin'.

--Robert Casey
Bleeding Yankee Blue Chief
Twitter: @bleednyankeeblu

THEY DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO

We've all heard it, "I walked uphill to school...BOTH WAYS!" We've all been given the tales of guts and glory from generations past. "In my day..." was ALMOST ALWAYS a better day than today. Music meant something! Kids had jobs at 11 years old and it usually entailed lifting blocks of stone...in short, they were tough and we are soft, self-centered, gimme gimme brats. Ya know what? They're sorta right on the money.

Let's take Baseball as a smaller scale example of the larger problem when comparing generation to generation. In fact, let dial it in further to our oft injured WWE wrestler of an outfielder...Mike "But I go by Giancarlo "Now" Stanton. Yes, he's hurt again. It's his hamstring. He'll be out 4 weeks or so...this song is more familiar than the Piano Man! "Oh Giancarlo at the bar is a friend of mine...he's on the IL again tonight...and he's making big money...so it's not too funny...that he probably will be for life..."

Think of it...a hamstring. Cast your mind back to not even a generation ago. 1996. World Series. Atlanta. Paul "The Warrior" O'Neill chases down a smoked rope to the gap on ONE GOOD HAMSTRING!! The other blew out earlier in the series like the inner tube of an old Schwinn!! Yet O'Neill played. He play his ass off. 

 

Think about Munson, Nettles, Goose, Bucky, Bobby, Mick the Quick...do actually think any of them would've lasted in the Bronx Zoo claiming a tender hammy? NO. A. PRAYER. Am I saying Stanton is soft? YES!! Sure he's a muscle bound adonis, but the guy makes Tex look like a blood and guts type....by the way, Tex wasn't.



We are soft. Why? Because it's all about the image these days. The sizzle more than the steak. We specialize training, celebrate Tik-Tokers, take selfies...we are soft. Nobody is expected to go all out anymore. It's not about the fight, it's about sitting near the ring.

Look there is a much deeper undertone to this post that takes a shot at the lack of backbone in the world on a whole...but let's frame it with Mike Stanton. He's big, he's strong, he's wealthy, he's a handsome cat, seems like a good guy....and he's soft. And don't get me wrong...it ain't all Stanton's fault...he is a product of the environment of today's sports/celebrity culture. 

They get hurt so often because they train to be true specimens of the Greek Gods...it's show in THE SHOW...the game, sadly is no longer the reason...it's making that Nike swoosh flash on the pecks stretched pinstripes. They aren't ballplayers the way we remember ballplayers...they are comic book heroes...

Yes, I'm getting older and becoming my Dad in many ways...and I'm darn proud of it. He taught me things that you just don't see anymore. 3 inning saves...gone. Grinding out innings to save a taxed pen...nope. Playing so hard that you launch yourself, and that moneymaking mug into the stands to catch a foul ball against Boston...thing of the not-so-distance past. 

We won't fight. We won't sacrifice. We won't put ourselves out there....because it's just too damn hard.

Hopefully Giancarlo and this generation of Bombers will look harder....its not just about the pinstriped uniform on the player...it's about the hardened resolve and passion underneath that helps the player make those stripes mean something.

THIS ONE'S FOR THE GUY THAT PLAYED THE GAME ON RIPPED UP HAMMY....BUT MORE HEART THAT STANTON'S GOT MILLIONS!!

Where have you gone Paul O'Neill our NATION turns it's lonely eyes to you!! Atta boy, #21

 

--Mike O'Hara
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @mikeyoh21

LESSONS FROM THE ZOO

It seems that the argument has been around since humans were able to verbally communicate. Were times tougher then or now? Were people stronger then compared to now? Is that generation tough, while this one is weak?

The questions get posed and the answers come rapid fire…but who is actually right?

Could an overweight, orphan kid from Baltimore who became the SULTAN OF SWAT hit a dead, red heater from a guy known as THE CUBAN MISSILE (who once touched 105mph)?  The truth is we don’t really know…we guess. Short of Doc Brown showing up with McFly and the Delorean, that’s all we can do.

In this awful crisis I continue to put life squarely in the spectrum of baseball. This pandemic feels like slump we can’t shake. I mean sure, we got an “oops excuse me” knock yesterday, and seem to be seeing the ball better, but we want that 4 for 4 game with a dinger and 5 RBIs…it’ll happen.

The back of our baseball card will show up. I was lucky enough to experience a bit of the infamous Bronx Zoo years. Yes, I was a little kid, but I remember those guys so vividly. They embodied New York in the 70s. They were a snapshot of the city decked out in Pinstripes…and they were straight up animals.

When I think about Boonie telling that ump last season, “MY GUYS ARE SAVAGES IN THE BOX!” I chuckle a bit.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Aaron. His guys are tough customers in the box…but they ain’t savages like the Yanks from the Zoo. That's the truth! With all their quirky disfunction and infighting, the Yankees of the late 1970s were a magical team. They just wanted to fight for every single win.

They gutted it out day after day and night after night. Thurman, Reggie, Mick the Quick, Catfish, Goose, Nettles, Lou, Gator…they were just what we need today. Guys that didn’t win pretty. They weren’t manicured like ARod. They didn’t have personalized spikes…hell, even the field at the stadium was in rough shape…but they played through it all with fire.

THEY WERE TOUGHER Than our current generation of players.

Image Tex walking into the clubhouse to tell Billy, “Hey, this hangnail is really messing with my swing from the left side. I’m gonna sit tonight.” Martin would have bitten his finger off…not to mention his head.

We are in a spot now where we need that gritty Bronx Zoo head space. It sucks, but we play to win. We’re hurt, but there’s a game to win. We’re down…but we never stay that way. America IS the Bronx Zoo.

We don’t get along all the time. We believe that we are the individual that “Stirs the coffee”. We look to drill Jimmy Rice between the numbers just so Nettles and Bucky can bust Yaz and Pudge in the mouth when the benches clear.

We ain’t perfect, but damn are we great when we want to be. We can learn from the Zoo and we will win it all again.

Be safe, stay well…and KNOW that the streak is coming…and we will see a scrawny shortstop with caked on eye black send one “DEEP TO LEFT!” soon.

Here’s a little throwback from the Zoo to you!

A HIT FROM 1978! "HIS HAIR WAS PERFECT....DIP!"

--Mike O'Hara
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @mikeyoh21

THE YANKEES CRUSH THE TWINS - BRING ON THE ASTROS!

By now you know that the Yankees cleared the first hurdle in the journey to their 28th World Series championship. They swept the Twins in 3 games and now are waiting for the winner of the Houston / Tampa Bay series. If you watched the games you saw the Yankees completely dominate each game. That domination had some key elements that are going to be critical in the next two series.

First, I cannot say enough how excited I am at Luis Severino’s success in his Game 3 start. It allows the Yankees to lead with a starting rotation of three dominant aces. Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton have been excellent, but the Yankees needed that third ace. No one could have predicted Domingo German’s suspension, and without Severino, we would have been debating between starting Game 3 with J.A. Happ, CC Sabathia, or an opener from the bullpen. While I love those guys, none of them could have given us that ace start that Severino can. Having Severino at his current performance level allows us to go toe to toe with Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke. Luis Severino’s return took the Yankees to the next level.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

The lineup has been absolutely phenomenal. There is absolutely no weak point anywhere, from one to nine. You have to give special recognition to Gleyber Torres, who slashed .417/.462/.917 with an OPS of 1.379, and to Didi Gregorius, who slashed .400/.500/.700 and had an OPS of 1.200. With runners in scoring position the Yankees batted .313 in the division series.

Photo Credit: Ike Dimitriadis

Then there is the defense. I do not remember the last time I saw Aaron Judge making diving catches, jumping catches in the run, and running down balls in a way that reminded me of how Dave Winfield used to do it. Gleyber Torres’ slide and throw to end the 5th inning. Didi Gregorius’ diving catch that helped preserve the lead in the ninth. It’s like we have Graig Nettles at every position.

All this put together was more than just a division series win. It was a demonstration of dominance and hunger for a championship. Of course I assume that Houston will get past the Rays and meet us in the ALCS. The Houston Astros are a very good team. I feel nothing but confidence that we will beat them. We are playing like champions.

--Ike Dimitriadis
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon