ANALYSIS: DONALDSON AIMS TO MENTALLY BREAK PLAYERS... BUT THAT'S ABOUT IT

Look, it really doesn't matter what I say though, because everyone has an opinion about Josh Donaldson's "comment" to Tim Anderson today, which started a brawl between the White Sox and Yankees.  Donaldson called Anderson "Jackie". Anderson said it was "disrespectful". Those are facts.  

Was Donaldson's ribbing on Anderson obnoxious? 1000%.  Guys on the baseball field razz each other and knowing that Anderson and Donaldson had a past already, it would make it much easier for one of them to give the other more razzing in this series.  It just so happens that Donaldson didn't think before he spoke today. And now? Well... the whole Twitter verse has gone fucking crazy.

Now people are going to read this post on BYB and form opinions about me.  Don't.  I don't know you guys and I'm not about to go reading your twitter and judging you. That would be dumb.  All I am trying to do is cut through this and understand it... not just the Donaldson, Anderson thing, but all of it.  But let's start there...

Tim Anderson is quoted as saying this in an article in 2019:

"I kind of feel like today's Jackie Robinson... That's huge to say. But it's cool, man, because he changed the game, and I feel like I'm getting to a point to where I need to change the game."

Now reading that quote as a 50-year-old man, I see a hungry, excited ballplayer that doesn't realize in what capacity that statement means. It's immature in my opinion.  

Think about this... Tim Anderson was 26 years old when he said that.  If you think about the struggle, the hardship, the racism, the death threats, the survival mode that Jackie Robinson had to go through in his lifetime in this country, there is literally no comparing him in the 40's when it comes to Tim Anderson playing baseball now. Yes, racism still exists, but playing in the major leagues as a black exists now too.  

But look, if Anderson feels this way about changing the game at 26 years old, I root for that... but what does that mean?  Does it mean showing his ability on the field? In 2019 he batted over .330... I was rooting hard for this guy, I still am. He's incredibly talented.  But "change the game". Again, what does that mean?

Now since that quote, it was stated today the Josh Donaldson and Tim had a thing.  They joked about it.  Here's what Donaldson said:

“I called him Jackie. He came out with an interview that says he’s the new Jackie Robinson… We’ve actually joked about that. I’ve said it to him in years past, not in any manor than just joking around.”-Josh Donaldson on his altercation with Tim Anderson pic.twitter.com/BJE1NqfP19

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 21, 2022

So, I guess now we need to think about this further. Josh suggests they've joked about it before.  Do you know that? Do I? No idea. No one knows.  

Here's what I do know. This beef between Tim Anderson and Josh Donaldson first started on Friday May 13. That was how this all began.  The Sporting News writes:

"In the first inning of their second meeting, Anderson was sent back to third base by catcher Jose Trevino's throw. As Anderson was getting back, Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson applied a hard tag that knocked Anderson off the bag, and also apparently drove his knee into Anderson's arm. The third-base umpire immediately spotted the move and called time, ending the play there and allowing to get their bearings."

Was Donaldson kind of being a bully? Probably. Was he trying to get a rise out of Anderson? I think so. Was it racist? I say no, but that's my opinion.  But let me tell you something. I've seen plenty of baseball over the years from High School to the pros, and every once in a while, there's some asshole on the field that wants to get someone revved up. And I firmly believe that day it was Donaldson.

But the Sporting News goes on:

"What followed was a strange, slow saunter onto the field by both sides. Neither one seemed to know what it was trying to achieve. Anderson and Donaldson both seemed to say that things were fine, but some wires apparently got crossed. The situation on the field calmed down quickly and Anderson and Donaldson appeared to be OK with each other afterward.

Donaldson gave his viewpoint after the game..."

This is the first time Donaldson uses the phrasing "not intentionally".  At the time no one is thinking anything other than what Josh is suggesting, two competitive guys competing. OK fine. 

Today was another round of Anderson v. Donaldson. This time it was different.  This time Josh Donaldson wants to continue the ball breaking. I mean after all, since the last time the two teams met, there appears to be no bad blood at all. And do, Donaldson being the instigator decides to get under Anderson's skin again and thinks back to 2019, and calls Anderson "Jackie". 

The Athletic writes:

"Josh Donaldson said Saturday night that he called White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson “Jackie” during that afternoon’s game in New York, leading to tension on the field and a benches-clearing situation..."

Donaldson claimed he was trying to 'defuse' the on-field tension. But my opinion is he was razzing once again, because if you read the timeline, the tension wasn't really existent, was it?  But what followed is what's now in play... how the word Jackie is being interpreted.

“He was basically trying to call me Jackie Robinson. Like ‘what’s up Jackie?’”

Tim Anderson explains what led to his frustration toward Josh Donaldson this afternoon pic.twitter.com/nLqhRtjolN

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) May 21, 2022

Now read that quote: 

“It was a disrespectful comment...I don’t play like that. I don’t really play at all. I wasn’t really bothering anybody today, but he made the comment, and it was disrespectful, and I don’t think it was called for. It was unnecessary.... "

But this is what's not being reported. After Anderson says that there's more:

Reporter: That was when you guys crossed paths at shortstop there at the end of the third?

Tim Anderson: Yeah, but that happened in the first. The first time he got on. You know and I spared him that time and then it happened again."

So, what does this tell me? Well, a few things. For one, Donaldson is just a pain in the ass. He was a pain in the ass with Gerrit Cole and now he's moved on to Tim Anderson. 

I love his competitive nature. I love that he can rev up a clubhouse. But I've played with guys like this and I've ignored people like this, but yes, I do know they exist. Donaldson is annoying. Donaldson will get in your head. Donaldson is looking for a way to get you off your game.  Donaldson is obnoxious, and ladies and gentlemen, let me also state that Donaldson is playing his brand of baseball.  This is just the way he is.  He will beat you down mentally as a tool and strategy to try and take your mind out of the game.   This is clear tactic, and reading that second conversation between the reporter and Anderson it makes sense. He kept doing it to Anderson... it got on Anderson's nerves.

Now, I'm a white analyst giving you my opinion of a white Donaldson razzing a black Tim Anderson.  I have no skin in this game, pardon the pun. I am merely trying to break this down. It's the way my mind works.  It is my opinion that Donaldson is more of a dumb jock than a racist ballplayer. Do I know this for a fact? No.  Do I see how Tim Anderson could take today's "Jackie" razzing? Absolutely I get what Tim is saying. All I can suggest based on Josh's behavior is that he is just one of those guys that likes to stick his finger in your eye because he knows baseball is a very mental game.

And that brings me back to the context of this. As I posted earlier, Josh said he was saying it because Tim called himself "Today's Jackie Robinson."  Does he mean that? I think so. Did he mean for it to be racist? I personally do not.

Donaldson has made a public apology. 

He said "I apologize, it's not something I wanted to do", meaning, he didn't do it intentionally. But let' not sugar coat it... he was still trying to F with Tim. That's clear.

Now let's see if Tim Anderson responds.  

Anderson is a top-notch guy. He's intense. I believe for the better of the game though, he and Donaldson will hash it out and be done with this once and for all.  I think Donaldson has learned a valuable lesson... to keep his annoying mouth shut. I think he has learned that you can't razz everyone because some players don't like jokes when they're competing.  And you know what else I think? I think this whole thing is blown out of proportion because Anderson's been frustrated with the Sox losing to the Yanks so often.  

What I don't like is that it's way too easy to call someone a racist.  We know nothing about Donaldson other than he plays ball. We see all these people on Twitter fighting about who's racist and who isn't. I literally asked a ton of questions tonight on Twitter trying to understand all sides of this. It's not easy. And don't worry... it happened to me too:

they weren’t friends. they didn’t know each other. Tim was doing his job when a white player started calling him Jackie which he later learned was that player making fun of him for an interview he did three years ago.

— miggy (@mrmetistrans) May 22, 2022

And dude. Don’t ever accuse me, someone you don’t know as racist. Because that’s racist. You don’t know me. And we’re not friends. To quote you. I was asking questions. Bad look.

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) May 22, 2022

Too often people like to accuse without knowing anything. It's all about one side stories and headlines. No one researches, no one reads and no one actually thinks. I don't know if Josh Donaldson meant to be racist, but I suspect he didn't. I don't know if Tim Anderson doesn't want to be teased or if he really had a problem with being called Jackie after he already suggested he wanted to be him.  

I do know that being razzed continually while your team's under .500 can make some ballplayers pretty unhappy, and I suspect that's where Tim Anderson is right now.

Let me finally state that I have no bad feelings toward anyone. This was an exercise that I really wanted to dig into because everyone was going crazy on Twitter, and I needed to form my own opinion on it.  

Am I right? Maybe. Am I wrong? Maybe. 

But at least I thought it through and that's all that matters.

I hope these guys can get past this, I really do.

FORGET MLB! SUPPORT YOUR MINOR & INDEPENDENT LEAGUES!

The world is going to hell in a hand basket and we all want to hear some good news....but sadly I have none. Neither do the Yankees or team president Randy Levine, it's all infuriating.

Oh and this lockout is "embarrassing" and it's nothing we didn't already know but this is a direct quote from Randy Levine HERE. If you were looking for something eloquent and thought provoking there was zero chance of that happening from him.

But yes, this is embarrassing. MLB canceled another week of games last night so now the earliest the season will start is April 14h. What did that do to the schedule? Well, that canceled four games at the Rangers, three games at the ASSTROS, three at home against the Red Sox and four at home against the Blue Jays. That sucks but you know what else is now in jeopardy? Jackie Robinson day that happens every year on April 15th. Yup, pray for a miracle otherwise a time honored tradition could be sacrificed all thanks to this nonsense. Some may not care but I look forward to Jackie Robinson day EVERY YEAR.

It's a sad day for baseball as this lockout continues and for once I agree with Levine that this lockout IS embarrassing but I hope he is also embarrassed for over paying players year after year and losing in the playoffs! What about the roster and performance his pitiful GM Brian Cashman has put together the last 13 years while outspending every other team? There's just so much to be embarrassed by but Levine probably isn't smart enough to understand that.

If he was smart enough he may also realize people like me have an increased interest in minor league baseball. There is one comforting thought for me in all of this madness. If millionaires and billionaires continue to argue and not play there are minor league AND independent leagues all across the country that will PLAY BALL.

As long as they continue to play I will continue to support them. So GO FIND those teams. Bring your significant other and your family. While you are there buy a hot dog, a soda, some popcorn or ice cream and find a new young kid that catches your interest. Follow him like you do your favorite big leaguers and support them. Spend your money in your local baseball communities because that makes a difference. I know because there are over 6000 people where I live that should be working at a Spring Training facility RIGHT NOW and they aren't. THAT is embarrassing!

In the current world climate this behavior is beyond tone deaf. I hope both owners and players wake up because this is a BAD look for both sides and the sport we all love.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE DEATH OF A LEGEND

Hank Aaron died. It's a sad day in baseball. 

The New York Times writes:

"Hank Aaron, who faced down racism as he eclipsed Babe Ruth as baseball’s home run king, hitting 755 homers and holding the most celebrated record in sports for more than 30 years, has died. He was 86.

The Atlanta Braves, his team for many years, confirmed the death on Friday in a message from its chairman, Terry McGuirk. No other details were provided."

Baseball is hard enough. Now add in the death threats because of the color of your skin and still try to play with that kind of pressure.  You'd think that it was hard for Jackie Robinson, but then to see it so prominent in the 70's was just as disturbing. Hank Aaron earned everything that came his way because of hard work and a dedication to his craft. He's a legend, and it's a sad day in baseball when something like this happens.

Rest in Peace, friend. You are and will always be an inspiration!

WHAT'S BEST ABOUT BASEBALL

I woke up this morning like most people in America did I'd guess.  I felt heavy.  I'm tired.  You're tired. WE are all tired.  Pandemic?  Yep.  It sucks to put it mildly.  It's taken so much from us.  All of us.

Political stuff... which we don't necessarily touch here at BYB... Yes.  That's a BIG 10-4.  It's like hearing "Mmm Bop" on loop on speakers that go to Spinal Tap's "11", 24/7, 365.  It is exhausting.

Nobody is wrong on their side, everybody is right on your side... Side? That's what tires me the most. There isn't supposed to be a side.  Just one team.  Look at the great success stories in modern history. Talent was key, but team chemistry was PARAMOUNT!  Even on clubs that had personalities that didn't jibe all that well.  Chemistry boils down to respecting your teammate and knowing they'll play their asses off for the team. 

We need to find that again here in the Good ol' U.S. of A.  And what better time then now?  We are all commonly dealing with struggle, loss and heartbreak.  Why not pick a teammate up?  Be a spot starter for a friend nursing a real life injury.  Come up big for a struggling rookie who whiffed at a ball in the dirt trying to make something happen for his or her family.  

The unforgivable evil of this Covid-19 slog is that it has separated us.  People (even those you disagree with politically) NEED other people.  We are not, that is each of us, an island.  Social Media has merit, but the bad massively outweighs the good in my opinion.  It has killed the "PUB CULTURE" (why an Irishman like myself believes the Irish could save the world).  That is face to face interaction.  Real conversations where we can see and feel the connection we share.  An iPhone screen or laptop doesn't bring you in for the "real thing".  It just doesn't.  But thanks to coronavirus we are more dependent on that which causes us the most unwanted stress, anger and exhaustion.

I was scrolling through Instagram... a shocker given the time we live in, right?  I found a video of Derek Jeter's final All-Star Game in Minnesota.  It was just what I needed after the news cycle the past year.  It was America at it's best.  Nobody seemed to be tweeting as they panned around Target Field.  No one was arguing in the stands.  People from all over the country...New Yorkers, Minnesotans, Chicagoans , Floridians...hell, even those wicked pissah Bostonians stood and cheered for an American Baseball Player.  

Jeet wasn't a Yankee that night.  He was the little boy on the tee ball diamond and we were all his folks.  Chatting it up with other parents. Enjoying the game and each other's company.  

"Who'd you vote for?"  wasn't asked.  "Should we tax Jim more?  He has made a killing in the market!" not on anyone's mind or lips.  We were together and watched baseball.  It is truly surreal how it can calm the country, and allow a map to how we SHOULD be acting.  Sure Boston fans will never like the Bronx faithful.  LA and Frisco's battle started when they were still Giants on the Polo Grounds and guys named Jackie and Pee Wee were still dodging trains in Brooklyn.  The North side and South side may share a great love for "Da Bears", but the line is drawn when it comes to Sox and Baby Bears surrounded by Ivy covered brick.  

BUT... we still love those other teams in some strange way.  We do.  I can't stand the LA Angels of Anaheim, near Disneyland, close to the 5 Freeway, by the mall with Tony Roma's, close to the Olive Garden where No Doubt got their start...but I still love to watch them play.

Baseball heals us.  It really does.  I watched "City Slickers' recently. A totally underrated movie in my opinion, and there is a scene where Daniel Stern's character, a broken man down on his luck...sorta like most in 2020 says that baseball has always been there to help him talk with a father he didn't have a great connection with.  Many of us have that sort of relationship with others in America right now... but baseball always acts like the old friend we all have in common.  The guy that comes to town and gets us all together.  It's then we are reminded that differences don't add up to much...but commonality very much does.

I miss you guys.  Sure I don't know any of you really.  Not in the sense that we are close friends or family.  But at a ballgame we really are.  How many hugs and high 5's have you thrown around to the folks in the row behind you at moments like when Paul O'Neill and Donnie Baseball caused Gary Throne to exclaim, "HOLD ON TO THE ROOF!" in 1995...a series the Yanks lost...but I remember the good stuff because of baseball.  

Baseball isn't a game to us.  It's a family member. It's hope. It's a great album we can play until the needle breaks. It's home.

We need it back.

Credit: Elite Sports NY

Much love to you and yours in 2021 (my lucky number and the number of the Warrior.)

--Mikey 

Yes, it's a little on the nose and a lot cliche'... but sometimes you need to remember that we are.

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

MLB SLOW TO MAKE A STATEMENT ABOUT GEORGE FLOYD'S DEATH

There's been chaos all across America ever since George Floyd was wrongfully murdered at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.

Many people have gone to the streets or the Internet to voice their support in the fight against racism. But nine days after Floyd's death, the MLB finally broke their silence and issued a statement concerning this tragedy:

"We offer our condolences to the families of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and all the families that have lost loved ones due to senseless killing and injustice. To be clear, our game has zero tolerance for racism and racial injustice. The reality that the Black community lives in fear or anxiety over racial discrimination, prejudice or violence is unacceptable. Addressing this issue requires action both within our sport and society. MLB is committed to engaging our communities to invoke change. We will take the necessary time, effort and collaboration to address symptoms of systematic racism, prejudice and injustice, but will be equally as focused on the root of the problem." 

It's somewhat reassuring to see the MLB supporting the protestors in their movement against racism. This action even got the ball rolling for more leagues to address the matter, as the NHL and NBA also made statements the next day. Although, what the league plans to do about racism and prejudice inside their communities was vague in their statement.

The MLB might not even know what they plan to do right now, as they're still reeling from having to shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This knowledge will probably have to wait until the league reopens from quarantine.

Some people have criticized the league for taking too long to address the event, especially with their significant history fighting discrimination with Jackie Robinson.

However, it's understandable as they might have had to take their time to figure out how to address such a sensitive matter. What matters is that they joined in the conversation against racism instead of remaining silent...finally.

Nevertheless, critics argue that the MLB didn't mention the police, let alone condemn them, in their statement. Like how those in the Minneapolis police who are guilty must be held accountable, the MLB must address the source of the problem to make a real difference.

--Anthony Orlando
BYB Contributor
Twitter: @landi52orlando

THANK YOU, JACKIE!

Thank you for being strong. Thank you for believing in yourself.  Thank you for pushing yourself to the limit. Thank you for allowing people to open their eyes...

Thank you for your abilities. Thank you for your words.  Thank you for being the right man at the right time. Thank you for your courage...

Thank you for allowing others to follow. Thank you for your unbelievable talent. Thank you for continuing your journey after baseball.

Thank you... just thank you.

There is so much you can say about Jackie Robinson.  But there is one thing that will always amaze me.  It was never about him.  It was always about the future of diversity in America. He knew that and he fought long and hard to change the way people thought.  He had unbelievable strength and courage, and all I want to say is Thank God for Jackie Robinson.

Love ya, 42! You did it! We stand by you today... on your day, no matter what.

Shout out to Mike O'Hara who was part of a documentary last year called "42 Faith". He just tweeted this a short time ago.

To honor the GREAT #42 checkout @foxnation for the documentary “42 Faith” pic.twitter.com/WJMMLtuPMU

— Mike O'Hara (@mikeyoh21) April 15, 2020

Very proud of Mike as you know, but forever proud of Jackie for breaking barriers!

#42

NO ONE HERE BELIEVES THE ASTROS ARE GETTING DEATH THREATS...

And that's the problem when you lie and cheat and get caught. You're reputation is questioned... you live in a world of doubt. You are not trustworthy. In short... no one believes you. We don't believe the Astros who are clearly scrambling for sympathy.

Both Carlos Correa and Josh Reddick have come forward to state that they have received death threats, another story put out in the midst of the chaos that is the #AstrosCheatingScandal, created by them... now covered-up by Rob Manfred and Jim Crane, and protected by Tony Clark.

Photo: Josh "Loser" Reddick

Reality would tell you that death threats are serious, but here's the thing; the Astros players, clearly feeling pressure and clearly with their backs against the wall are playing victim. But they aren't the victim, they are the enemy in this entire scandal. They took integrity from the game, and sadly, they are trying to find public support for something that I believe NEVER HAPPENED... death threats.

KHOU 11 writes:

"Josh Reddick said he and his teammates are even getting death threats on social media. Reddick said his wife Jett has also been threatened. One Instagram commenter even said he hopes the couple's twin sons, 4-month-old Ryder and Maverick, get cancer, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan."

And the Houston Chronicle writes this:

Carlos Correa: "When you open social media these days, it’s the norm. You don’t see positive comments anymore. You just see ‘If you come to New York, you better watch out. Your wife better watch out.’ They start talking about raping, killing.” - https://t.co/rq1ErHchDA

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 21, 2020

Notice they are Houston publications which means one thing... it was planted, it was editorialized on purpose. It written for sympathy. Don't buy it. My opinion of course... but I'm pretty good with judgement of character and the Astros character? It's out the window.

You want to know about death threats? Talk to Rachel Robinson who experienced it on the daily when husband Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in a world where black men were not accepted in the major leagues.

That's real problems. That guy just wanted to play the game he loved, but wasn't accepted.

The Astros? They cheated, got caught and now are crying about it because social media is having a field day with these losers. They're not receiving death threats... they're just being mocked and ripped apart verbally and on the daily.  They need tougher skin... especially because the consequences of their cheating scandal is now too big for them to handle.

Own it losers.

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE "CHASING DONNIE BASEBALL" GUY

Well, it's here. With the Yankees consistently winning and every night breaking the consecutive home run record I have decided to step away from that world for a moment and talk about that card collecting dude on YouTube. We got the interview!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, you need to first check out:
I LOVE THIS DUDE'S BASEBALL CARD YOUTUBE CHANNEL! 

After that we snagged an interview and here we are. Love this one very much, I think you will too.  Here he is, a very opened conversation with my man Mikey from the YouTube channel, Chasing Donnie Baseball.

BYB: When did you start collecting baseball cards?

Mikey: My earliest memory goes back to 1977. I had an older brother who collected all the 1977 Yankees cards: Thurman Munson, Chris Chambliss, Graig Nettles, Bucky Dent, Rob Guidry, Don Gullett, Ken Clay, etc - he has them all and so did I. 

I can still see those cards as clear as day in my mind. I was only 6 years old.

2. Obviously this is passion of yours. I collect too, but my collection is unique to me. I don't go looking for perfect cards, but rather cards for my own collection. What are some of the more interesting cards you have in your collection?

Mikey: I collect too, but my collection is unique to me. I don't go looking for perfect cards, but rather cards for my own collection. What are some of the more interesting cards you have in your collection? I really love this question because, as you said, many of my favorite and most interesting cards have zero monetary value to me no matter what Beckett's has it listed at. Well, for starters, I am obviously a Don Mattingly card and since I have over 1,500 of his cards I will leave them out of this answer. 

From my older collection cards like my 1956 Jackie Robinson and Hank Aaron are both in terrible condition but I don't care. I love pulling them out often and just looking at them. Especially the Robinson card because he is a historical figure. The late 1970s and early to mid-1980's are the bulk of my collection. So my Topps Ron Guidry rookie from 1977 is a prized possession. I love my two 1979 Topps Danny Ainge "error" cards (see pic). Again very little value but they were so cool to own back then. 

I was a huge Dale Murphy and love his 1977 Topps Rookie Card. Whenever I see a Gorman Thomas or Cecil Cooper card from early 80' with the Brewers I have to buy them. Sometimes at a flea market when I asked "how much" the person usually just says, "you can have them for free". Lol. I don't know why, but those two cards just remind me of my childhood years of card collecting. My 1981 Topps Rookie card of Fernando Venezuela is another one that brings back great memories. It was the card EVERYONE wanted in 1981. Fernando-Mania was everywhere. Now they are worth maybe 25-cents but I always buy it when I see it.

3. This idea is brilliant and I love this idea of breaking open packs on YouTube. Why did you come up with this idea?

Mikey: I cannot take any of the credit for the idea. About 8 months ago I happen to click on a video on YouTube from a channel called "Jabs Family". 5 minutes into the video I was hooked. Here was this guy, all you see is his hands and the cards, and you hear him just talking about the cards he was opening on camera. It was a live stream so people were interacting, He was so great. Really easy to listen to and was very interactive. It was fascinating to me and seemed like so much fun. So after that night, I started to do some research on how I could start my own channel and 8 months later, "Chasing Donnie Baseball" was born. There are now many others on YouTube doing the same thing but each with their own spin. But the biggest difference we all bring to our channels is one thing: Ourselves. People will either like to hear you talk as you open packs or they won't. I'm hoping people enjoy listening to me an I share my own memories of card collecting as I open packs. I have a lot to learn but in the meantime, I am having a blast! 

4. Obviously your favorite player is Don Mattingly. With Donnie as your first top player, give me your top 9 after Mattingly.

Mikey: #9 Cody Bellinger
#8 Christian Yelich 
#7 Curtis Granderson 
#6 Freddie Freeman 
#5 Bernie Williams 
#4 Rickey Henderson 

#3 Jim Abbott 
#2 Dale Murphy

5. You mentioned in one of your videos that you had Muscular Dystrophy. Why do you want people to know this about you?

Mikey: Wait! I do?! LOL, kidding :) 

So when you watch my videos after a few minutes you will quickly realize there is something off with the way my hands move; the way I grab the box and cards; very little hand strength. Plus I am much slower than the guys on the other channel and it's not by choice. So I just wanted to be real with my viewers. Look, I never have been one to shy away from my disability. When people meet me they are usually very comfortable asking about my disability because they can see I am very comfortable discussing it. So why not be that open and honest with the viewers on my channel? I tell them I'm not letting them know as some excuse, but to just make them aware as to why I may be struggling or going a bit slower than most. The other reason s I hope maybe someone will see one of my videos and hear me mention my disability and just maybe it motivates him or her. Perhaps someone is feeling sorry for themselves and sees my video and it inspires them to get going, move forward. If you are motivated and enjoy doing something, NOTHING should ever prevent you from pursuing it. 

6. What's the one thing you want people to take away from these card videos?

Mikey: Card collecting should always be about having fun. I am NOT doing this for monetary gain (their isn't any, lol!) - I am doing this because collecting cards brings me joy. Plain and simple Sure I mention the prices of cards and we are always looking for the big "hits, however, in the end, my viewers and I have to be having fun. The day it stops being fun I will turn the lights off on the channel.

7. Side track. Big Yankee fan? What do you think about the Yankees this season?

Mikey: Love the question cause I'm always ready to talk Yankees baseball. The obvious equation for them to hold onto this high level of play is to get their studs back, it's that plain and simple. However. what these young men have done filling the shoes of Judge, Stant, Didi, etc is beyond remarkable. I don't know if it happens like magic when you put on a Yankees uniform but this crops of players EXPECT to win, not just compete and I love that! But, I think unless we get 90%-100% healthy this ride with this group of incredible players may end come October baseball. Just my opinion.

8. Final question, do you ever read BYB? Did you ever hear about us before we did that surprise post for you?

Mikey: I have read BYB for years, and I'm not just saying that because you did a write up on Chasing Donnie Baseball or because you are interviewing me now. In fact, if you watch the quick video I made on my channel after I discovered your article you will hear me explain how surprised, humbled and honored I was to get recognized by such a reputable site. I absolutely love what you stand for, like a family. 




That is exactly what I am hoping attracts subscribers to Chasing Donnie Baseball. BYB is absolutely my go-to site for Yankees news and analysis. want to personally thank you, Robert Casey, for giving Chasing Donnie Baseball such a large platform to share who I am and what we are all about. Maybe we can flip a few piles of some old 1982 Topps I have laying around?

I had a lot of fun with Mikey and this interview.  You can always see Chasing Donnie Baseball on YouTube, here's Mikey's page. Subscribe. It's a really clever concept and I personally love and endorse it.  CHASING DONNIE BASEBALL.

I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did.  Happy Tuesday... stay dry if you're living in the Tri-State.  Hey... go look through your old baseball cards. Maybe you'll find a few gems!