EXCLUSIVE: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM TY HENSLEY TO THE BLEEDING YANKEE BLUE FAMILY!

I'm a fan of Ty Hensley. You all know this. We've seen a kid with a dream and plenty of setbacks continually get back on the horse and try again. Fight is something that makes a champion. Fight is something that people will rally behind. Why? Because when you see a guy with that much courage, you can't help but fall in love with the story and the individual and how he just never gives in.  

Let me be clear... there is no giving up here... there is no quit or retirement. What we have here is a refocus of priorities and the will and desire to be the best, just in a different space. It's in a new role as husband and father.  Read this... and then read after his post.

For Ty, it was about priorities, something that just proves to me that these Hensley kids were raised right. They lead with character and integrity in everything they do. I tip my cap.

Ty send me this to post to all of the BYB freaks out there. An exclusive to all of us here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. You gotta love it. 

"I cannot wait to be a father and figure out what is next for us! Thanks to BYB for making me feel like part of the family since I was a kiddo. Love you guys!"

It takes a big man to take a temporary step back in following a dream. It takes a bigger man to know their role in life and show strength and courage to mold a loving family.

Ty and Madi... you will always have my personal support. Ty, I've literally watched you grow up and could not be prouder in all you do.

Marci and Mike. Bravo. Ty and Jake are incredible kids.  You raised them right.

Love you guys. Stay in touch.

TY HENSLEY PITCHED A NO HITTER, GUYS

 Prove the doubters wrong.  That's what I know about this kid. 

It's true, With the Utica Unicorns, Ty Hensley did what he set out to do when he was drafted by the Yankees back in 2012... pitch and play baseball... his passion... his love.

It doesn't really matter where it happened, be it the major league level of an independent league.  Everyone's journey is different, and for Ty, this is his journey. No one can take that away from him... it's unique to him.

We're big Hensley fans here.  We love the guy, we love his family.  His parents instill values and resilience in their kids and that's why when I see glimpses of achievement in he and his brother JR, I can't help but be happy about it and share it with the BYB audience.  

Here's the call from that no hitter the other night.

Congrats to Ty.  

Big things happen to those who don't quit.  Remember this moment all those years ago when you were a little kid starring out at a big field... the one your mother gave us?  Dreams do come true, don't they?

I'm proud of you kid! I'll call you soon, brother.

NOTHING IN LIFE IS HANDED TO YOU. NO ONE KNOWS THAT MORE THAN TY HENSLEY

You know who gets up and continues up the mountain after years of setbacks? My Superhuman friend, Ty Hensley.

For my Bleeding Yankee Blue audience, you all know him. The tall lanky 2012 first round draft pick for the New York Yankees.

Back then, things were coming up roses.  Everything was working in his favor and it was like a dream come true. I mean, how could it not be... this is a kid that worked his tail off to get there, and now he was there, signed, and ready to one day pitch for the New York Yankees in front of a 50,000 crowd at Yankee stadium. Something that, when you hear my interview with him today, you'd think it was part of his path, mostly of course because of how he was raised.

"My mom and dad have always done an extremely good job of always pushing me outside my comfort zone.... before I do something, like anyone does, I always have this anxiety, excitement and then it finally gets there and says it's some sort of presentation or game or whatever it is, I have all this built up excitement, anxiety, whatever you call it. And then I get out there an I relish in it. I love it. I love that feeling."

Kudos to mom and dad.  And yes, after signing with that Yankees... that's when things started to change for Ty. I'm not saying his path was easy before that.

I'm saying he earned his spot, but in life, nothing is easy and that's when injury, setbacks took place.  But it's right then and there that you need to figure out as a person what you want out of life. Do you want to give up, go work in the local hardware store, or do you want to follow your dreams?

Ty chose his dream, because Ty was raised right. Perseverance is in this kid's DNA. That's what pro baseball teams saw early on. That's what the Yankees saw. That's what the Tampa Bay Rays saw. That's what the Utica Unicorns saw.... so much so that they took a chance on this now bigger, stronger kid from Oklahoma, and they won a USPBL Championship because of it.

And now, looking to make it back to the pros again, Ty has been working out like a mad man, like a true athlete with a dream. He'd back folks... there is no question.

Free Agent Ty Hensley's 3000 RPM Curveball. @tyhensley17 @Matthew_c252 pic.twitter.com/Hp3WIrGDMZ

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) January 25, 2020

Little target practice @DVSbaseball
Really liking where all the stuff is at, check it out! 🔥🔨@PitchingNinja @drjoshheenan pic.twitter.com/SnC25dvgpY

— Ty Hensley (@tyhensley17) March 17, 2020

Side note... as Ty is developing his new path, Bleeding Yankee Blue has been working toward our own. Slowly changing the way we deliver news and information. Sure, we will always be about writing for our audience first, but we have moved on to BYB Media. We are developing a podcast. A new, raw way so you can hear your favorites in their own words. We have only done 2, and both podcasts have been with Ty Hensley, but here's the thing... he's our guy. He's always been our guy.

We will have more interviews with many more people as we move forward, but as we have always said here at BYB.... we stick with the winners... and when you see a dude like Ty Hensley, you know he's something special. That's why we've never left his side at BYB. That's why we will always interview him on progress and updates for all of you. We are loyal.

So here it is, Podcast 2 of Ty Hensley as he gives us some updates on his curveball, wanting to go pro, his brother JR, Coronavirus... and a message to the BYB audience... "Keep Watching", he says... because trust me when I tell you, he is on a mission... again.... and this time he will make his dreams come true.

I do not doubt it.



Please give it a listen and please share. Love this kid and love his drive.

He's an inspiration.

TY HENSLEY IS SUPERHUMAN

How many of you know I love and support Ty Hensley, Jake Hensley and love their work ethic? Many hands are raised. I mean... I can't see them... but in my imaginary auditorium... I see everyone's hands up. OK... anyway... let's get to the point...

Ty Hensley throws 100 mph. HE'S BACK MOTHER F-ERS!

Not trying. He IS. We know because we’ve watched this dude grind through all of it every single day. #TysTheLimit #BYB #CAN

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) January 21, 2020

He's back and he's getting better every day.

Ty Hensley's journey was long and hard... but in the end, when everyone wrote him off... he kept coming. Working out like a monster, staying healthy... finding his happy place... the love of baseball, the love of life. Hensley could have given up about 10 to 20 times since I've known him. Lord knows I probably would have.

The deck was stacked against him many times. But last season he had an incredible time with the Unicorns, an independent ball club out of Indiana, and then, yesterday it was proven that he is superhuman... hitting 100 on the gun, as reported on Twitter.

For the record I want to state that the Bleeding Yankee Blue family has been in this guy's corner since he was drafted by the Yankees. We stood by his side through all the highs and the many lows and you know what? I am thrilled and honored to say that the Hensley's are my friends... great people.

Many will see this story and think that it's ridiculous that I wrote a story on BYB about how Hensley hit 100 on the gun. It's not ridiculous... it's just another major achievement that needs to be reported. Challenges are always in life. But's it how you navigate that makes you the person you are. I have always been impressed with Ty.

Unstoppable folks. Where he goes next is anyone's guess, but I can tell you one thing... BYB will be right there with him. No doubt.

THOSE HENSLEY BOYS ARE WINNERS

Photo Credit: Marci Hensley /Facebook

You know my relationship with this family and how much I love and appreciate the Hensleys.  They are good, solid people.  Marci and Mike raised their kids right.  They are fighters, warriors, determined.  I love that. Talking to Marci on and off over the years I have used that parenting model when raising my own kids.  Teaching about tough breaks, but still keeping a positive spin on it. Using loss as fuel... turning it around and staying focused on the goal.  And through it all... never... EVER giving up on what you want out of life.  In the end, it's about being your best you.

Ty Hensley got the win last night for the Evansville Otters and now they are one win away to clinching a playoff berth for their League out there.

14 News writes:

"The Evansville Otters are now just one win away from a third consecutive postseason berth after the Otters cruised to an 8-3 victory over the Normal CornBelters on Friday night at the Corn Crib... Ty Hensley gets the win, his second on the season for Evansville. Hensley went a career-high six innings, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out six."

As I've always said when it comes with this kid... baby steps.  Sure, he may not be a Yankee, he may no longer be with the Rays.  But what he is is in love with the game and nothing will keep him down.  I tip my cap to this kid who is still following his dream after all he's been through.

Photo: Honolulu Star-Advertiser

And speaking of that, what about JR Hensley? Ty's brother. A big time player and now Captain for the his football team at U of Hawaii.




You remember Jake right? We wrote about him on BYB. This kid is leading the Warriors in his college career, but don't get it twisted, there is a very humble side of Jake and that's why I love these kids.  He says "Everybody's gotta be captain".  Yes, in name he is, but if you rally the troops right, that entire team works together... and wins together.

Anyway... I know, I'm gushing like their my own kids.  It's crazy to think about it, but I've known this family now since Ty was the Yankees first round pick in 2012.  It's been a long time. Since then we have done countless articles about Ty and the Jake... (Read NEW TY HENSLEY INTERVIEW: CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN and CHASING DREAMS: INTERVIEW WITH JR HENSLEY)

They are good kids. They have a great family... they have dreams.  You can't help but root for these boys. They're winners.

I tip my cap to the Hensleys.

Never give up... don't ever give up!

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SENDING PRAYERS TO THE BIGGEST YANKEE FAN EVER!

In life, we do things to help others.  In life, we try to help the less fortunate, bring joy to people that need it most, and support each other in difficult times.  That's what we do as human beings.  That's why when you read a story about 2 baseball coaches, running into an automobile fire to save lives, it brings a tear to your eye.

That's why when you hear that someone lost a son or daughter, a community will rally to raise money to help that family get back on their feet again.  Whatever it takes to help... it's a human trait and we all have it in us and it's very noble.

I want  to bring you a story about a guy named Tanner Huddleston, a huge Yankee fan, but something more.  Tanner has happens to be a very close friend of Ty and Jake Hensley.  Mr. Huddleston has a courageous fight ahead of him and needs your love, support and prayers now more than ever.  

The Hensleys have reached out to Bleeding Yankee Blue, asking for not only the support of the BYB family, but the support of ALL Yankee fans, asking to send prayers his way.  Huddleston is dealing with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and doing his best to get through it.

I've been in the hospital since Friday and have officially been diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Send prayers pic.twitter.com/K0fT8GiKQV

— Tanner Huddleston (@tannerhuddle22) January 12, 2016

Sure, having family help you through it is great, but sometimes you need a community to bring your needs to the forefront.

Tanner is a tough kid, but he's a young kid and while I don't know the young man, I DO know that it's very important that we help another human beings with a smile, or support or a post about love for this individual.   

I'm asking my BYB community to take a minute, click on his twitter handle, @tannerhuddle22, follow him, and let him know you have his back.

More so, if you find it in your heart to help raise money for him, please go to his Go Fun page HERE.

Tanner, Ty and JR are pulling for you pal.  So is the entire Bleeding Yankee Blue and Yankee family.  You will fight because it's in your nature.  Now you have friends surrounding you! 

Sometimes people are handed a raw deal in life.  
Sometimes a community needs to rally. 
Do the right thing, help Tanner fight!



Thank you for your loyalty to Bleeding Yankee Blue. 
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On Twitter: @BleednYankeeBlu 
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Don't forget to check out the BYB Hub.

TY HENSLEY JUST CRUSHED ANOTHER ACHIEVEMENT!

Gotta love and appreciate the Ty Hensley journey!

We have been lucky enough to interview him throughout his entire journey. We are family friends. It's wonderful. If you haven't read our interviews with Marci, Ty and even Jake, Ty's brother, just click on their names and read away.  The Hensley family are terrific, driven people and official members of the BYB family.

The latest update on Ty comes from Marci:

"And just like that there are the true blessings in life that matter the most. My boy is pitching to hitters again!!!"

She even posted video of Ty and I'm happy to share it with our audience because a lot of you have emailed me wondering the status of Ty, here it is, courtesy Marci:

And just like that there are the true blessings in life that matter the most. My boy is pitching to hitters again!!!...
Posted by Marci Frick Hensley on Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Love this!

Dreams do come true.  Remember that when you look at this photo of Ty below, given to us by Marci exclusively to BYB a few years back.

That's a young Ty Hensley with a dream. Today, after several unfortunate sidesteps... the boy from Oklahoma is BACK!

(Photo Credit: Robert Anderson)
We are thrilled to know and love this family and root for Ty every day.

We will get the BYB audience a full interview from Ty and the rest of the family soon.  It is our policy to not bug athletes when they are going through their journey. We look for the right moment... you can respect that.

Keep crushing it Ty! We're proud over here at BYB!

 










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

BONDING OVER FAMILY

I’ve known the Hensley family since Ty Hensley signed with the New York Yankees in 2012.  They are wonderful people.  I'm not gonna lie though, I never really knew how Bleeding Yankee blue would be persecived by a new comer to the Yankee family.  Luckily, the Hensleys realized I was a family man like them and so, a few years later, BYB and me personally stand with Ty Hensley as he powers through obstacle after obstacle to get to his goal… standing on the mound at Yankee stadium.

Marci Hensley is a truly sweet woman and I got to know just how the Hensley family thinks through her.  She often tells me about the struggles of a ballplayer.  She lived it with her husband Mike Hensley, a minor leaguer for the Savannah Cardinals. 

Back then, it was much different. No big payouts or major bonuses. It was about signing a deal and getting a check and making ends meet and hopefully making it to the Major Leagues.  Minor League baseball life is tough, but if you love baseball, you stick with it.  I appreciated Mike’s struggle to make it and admire him very much.  I admire Marci for holding the family together.

Something happened with the Hensley’s though… in their journey, they raised 2 incredible kids.  Kids with a ton of heart and determination to do great things in their lives.

I speak to Ty’s brother Jake once in a while too.  The kid’s pretty amazing.  He plays football in Hawaii and we actually featured him here on BYB because I was so taken with not only him, but with the close bond Ty and Jake have. They are wonderful people.  Hardworking, determined, incredible.

Family is important here at BYB and Marci and I will catch up on Ty’s progress and I’ll tell her of my own son’s triumphs and failures on the baseball field.  We have a bond and that bond is family.

My son has a picture of Ty Hensley hanging in his room.  While he doesn’t ask me recently about Ty's progress, mainly because his school work has consumed him, he knows the picture's still there. Ty’s picture is a reminder of grinding it out no matter what.  My son has never been the greatest baseball player, but my son has never walked away from the game when it got hard either.   Ty’s picture is a reminder of that work ethic.  Many of my son's friends stopped playing baseball when the “field got big”as they’ll say.  Not my kid.  My kid saw it as a challenge.  See the similarities? It’s pretty neat actually.

Bonding over Family.  It’s what the Caseys and the Hensleys do. That’s because we have very similar values, we raise our kids very much alike, and we understand that sometimes winning means working hard to get there, no matter how hard it is… no matter how complicated or frustrating it is.  It’s about getting passed your obstacles and climbing that mountain.

That’s why I appreciate Ty, Jake and the Hensley family so much.  They get it… and I appreciate it.
Thanks for being such great folks. I appreciate you guys very much.

By the way, be sure to check out the other stories we've put together here as part of our BYB "Bonding over" series.  It's a way to say 'Thanks' for certain folks who has helped Bleeding Yankee Blue develop into an important Yankees / Family site.

Check these out:

BONDING OVER A PINT 
BONDING OVER STRENGTH 
BONDING OVER MUSIC













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

THE DRIVE THAT IS TY HENSLEY

That quote above is from Mama Bear, Marci Hensley speaking of her son Ty Hensley last night.  Yup... you're not gonna get this stuff anywhere else because when Ty went down in the spring for Tommy John Surgery, he went off the grid... and with good reason. He wanted to rid himself of the distractions and, for the last time, make a solid push to get to the Major Leagues and pitch for the team that drafted him... the New York Yankees.  He wants to do his best to dominate  with the club that took a chance on him.  He doesn't want to let them down, and a source hold me that the Yankees are "very high on him".  See how that works? There's a respect there.

Marci and I spoke for a bit last night.  I like her. We raise our kids similarly. She's just a great person and I always like to hear about the kids.  Both Ty and JR are doing great.  But this post is about Ty and life after Tommy John.  

She said that Ty is coming along wonderfully.  He feels very good.  He is working out at the Tampa complex and throwing from 90 feet.  He is looking forward to getting back on a mound. 

Then she said, "He's never been in better shape!"  To me, it's not a surprise.  Ty is a gamer. I knew it from the first time we interviewed him at BYB in 2012. (Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TY HENSLEY: YANKEES 1ST ROUND PICK). Since then, there were setbacks, many of them, including an attack on him when he was home during the holidays last year.  That trial is set for this October.

Meanwhile, Ty kept coming back, literally throwing after that attack with his jaw wired shut. We went to Tampa, reported to practice and continued his work.  Why? Because he is determined.

When things were coming together back in April , Tommy John was another obstacle, but not anything he couldn't overcome.  That's because it's Ty Hensley.  If you know Mike and Marci, you know that nothing gets in the way of Ty and JR. They're built to succeed because they know that you gain success through hard work... and here we are... Ty's working his tail off once again in Tampa, trying to get back on the mound to pitch for the New York Yankees...again, for the last time.

Now someone's gonna read this and say, 'Well, you really didn't give us anything.'  No, actually I gave you more than any other media outlet out there. Look, I'm not trying to trump the Yankees here.  I'm trying to be respectful to the Hensley family, as well as the New York Yankees.  There's protocol here.  Morally and ethically, I want to protect the family unit as well as get the story for you all.  This isn't some rag.  I treat stuff like this seriously.  It's about respect.  Remember, Ty went off the grid. No one knows or knew anything.  For all you know, he had complications because it's been silent.  Fans are writing me asking, 'I fear that Ty is not gonna make it back.'  Never fear. Ty Hensley's here. All this post does is puts those fans at ease.

Here's the facts... you want information on a player, a person? Go to their mother.  Luckily... Marci is good like that, and I wanted to share this nugget with you.  Ty is making his way back, because Ty Hensley has the guts to do it.  It's drive, and it's taught from within the family. As your children get older, as a parent you hope they understand the importance of it and grow up to do great things on their own.  But it starts at home... and Ty... JR... they get it.

We're glad you're progressing Ty.... Grind kid... Ty's the limit.

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

THE BOY FROM OKLAHOMA: A TY HENSLEY EXCLUSIVE

(Photo Courtesy:  Robert Anderson)
I'm a huge fan of drive in a human being.  I like to see a man or woman tell me what their plan is, and then execute and succeed.  It's a rush, not only for them, but for a person like myself who craves the appreciation of them perfecting their craft.  It's also addictive and inspirational. And so, it rubs off.  I find myself sharing these stories with my children, and they keep that in their memory bank for another time in their life. Here's an example; My son said to us the other day, "I'd love to take a break from swimming today."  My second born swims competitively. Now, my wife and I are hardly pushing our kids into anything and so, she simply said to him, "Today you get that day off. You've earned it. But think about what happens if you keep missing.  Someone else on your team will take your spot because the coach may think you're not dedicated."  He hasn't missed since... and that's what I'm talking about.  Drive. It's in all of us, and it sure as hell is in Ty Hensley... my friend.

Ty had an abdominal strain during his journey to the majors. It affected his pitching rotation and so, he had to have hip surgery because of it.  So, when we all heard about "the hip", it was all connected and we at BYB wrote about it extensively in BYB EXCLUSIVE: TY HENSLEY TALKS POST SURGERY while the others just said he was "put on a shelf."  The thinking for the reader was "Oh, too bad... but we have other pitchers." For them, the story was over.  Not for BYB.

BYB's stance has always been you follow the story through.  If we get to the nugget of the problem, explain it to the reader. We did and our audience rallied behind this young man.  Ty felt it and he came back.

After Ty was attacked this past winter back in his home state, he showed up in Tampa just a few days later with a wired jaw and his dreams and got back to work.  Why? Drive. Desire... focus and dedication.  He won't give up on himself and I'm damn proud to see this man follow his dreams. Again... inspirational.

(In Photo: young Ty Hensley)
He's the boy from Oklahoma... who grew up to be a New York Yankee.

Here's Bleeding Yankee Blue's latest interview from our friend Ty Hensley. Thanks kid...

BYB: Ty, it's been a long time.  Tell me about Staten Island and you getting there last year?

Ty Hensley: I had a good time playing up there, learning, and getting better! It was definitely a good change of pace to get out of Tampa and play some ball under the lights again!  After being out of the game as a game for so long, the longest in my life actually it was just awesome.  My debut fell on my birthday and I considered it the best gift in the world.  No one should ever take any day they get to play the game for a living for granted, at any level.

BYB: What's the plan right now? I mean, I hate to rush you as a fan, but what are the chances you can work toward Charleston RiverDogs this year, or, is it more of a 1 day at a time mentality?

Hope everyone is just as excited for the 2015 season as I am!

A video posted by Ty Hensley (@tyhensley17) on Jan 11, 2015 at 3:36pm PST

Ty Hensley: I'm not to worried about all that... All I can control is my attitude and effort every day. Just wanna do the best I can day in and day out!  It may sound like I'm trying not to answer the question, but in my mind nothing is impossible.  I don't even put where (unless it's Yankee Stadium) in my brain.  It just doesn't matter, wherever it is is just a stop on the way to where I want to be.  I don't see any reason I couldn't break with Charleston or higher for that matter.  Ultimately it's not up to me, but I will turn wherever into whatever I need to do to get where I need to go.

 BYB: Tell the BYB audience about your recovery after the incident over the holidays back in Oklahoma.  Many were concerned, and for the record, we understand it's a sensitive subject...

Ty Hensley: I'm doing fine and I'm right where I need to be for the 2015 season.  I can't really discuss the issue in any detail right now due to the legal case that is pending.  I just am very blessed and thankful that my body is healing well and the injuries have not affected my ability to throw a baseball for strikes. The fact that I have no front teeth at the moment makes me feel a little stronger right now, and provides a little entertainment in the locker room.  I was overwhelmed by the support BYB and others not only gave to me, but my family as well.

BYB: I love the bond you and your brother have.  When signing day happened for JR, did you just happen to be in town or was that something that was planned out?

Ty Hensley: I planned on being there no matter what... Wouldn't miss it for the world! We have always been there for each other and I'm his biggest fan.  I don't know if I have ever been prouder of someone then at that moment.  JR decided to pave his own path away from baseball and I am very happy for him.

BYB: JR calls you his idol... someone he looks up to. His mentor... tell me about your relationship.

Ty Hensley: It's unlike anything to be honest with you... As we've gotten older we have only grown closer. Not too many people would call their younger brother their hero, but I would. We have always gotten along really well (along with the occasional brotherly arguments and what not). I'll be his biggest critic and fan at the same time. There's nobody I am closer with in my life than my brother. He's my best friend. It's truly a special bond.

BYB: How's the "bum hip" as one blogger wrote you. Unfortunate. Are you back in business? How is the rotation, how does it feel to be throwing 100%?

Ty Hensley: Yeah. One blogger tweeted "bum hip", and that hit me at a tough moment. I don't normally respond to tweets and such, as everyone is entitled to there opinion, but at that moment, I was more or less telling myself "I'll show you."   Unfortunately things out of my control have caused me to take a different path then I envisioned on signing day, but I look at it as being prepared for something bigger.  I'm not here to please the doubters, I'm here to respect and play the game to the best of my ability and I know that if the Lord has it in His plan to let me do that it will be enough to make an impact at the Major League level. I feel great and I'm ready to go.  Not much more to say other then that.

BYB: Tell the BYB audience the plan for you... what happens over the next few weeks for you personally to get ready for the season?

Wear it @heandog8 !!! PRs boyyyy... Lmao Dave the hype man in the background 😂😂 #wemissyou

A video posted by Ty Hensley (@tyhensley17) on Feb 13, 2015 at 12:02pm PST

Ty Hensley: Work as hard as I can in the weight room, on the field, watching video... Anything I can possibly to do better my game!  In addition I have really re-tooled my nutritional program.  I eat much cleaner then I used to, have cut the carbs and have gone heavy on protein and vegetables. I reported to camp at 8% body fat.  I have a little more work to do, but I am extremely pleased with how my fitness has progressed this off season.

BYB: Random question: What's on your iPod these days... no so much for leisure, but for your workouts. What gets you revved up?

Ty Hensley: If people knew what I listened to when I workout, then I'm sure I would be judged hardcore...Ha ha.

(Photo Courtesy: Robert Anderson)
BYB: I'm pretty close to Staten Island. Should I bring Fratelli's to you or are we gonna get a pie in
 the city sometime soon?

Ty Hensley: We can share a pie someday when I am in the city again for sure!  I wouldn't miss an opportunity to see those guys again, they are great!

BYB: What would you like to say to the Bleeding Yankee Blue audience who has been with you since day one...

Ty Hensley: Thanks for following my journey so far. I promise this next part is gonna be a lot more exciting. I'll make y'all proud! Baseball is back!

Thanks Ty. We love your personality here and we love your honesty and drive.  We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue have your back and look forward to watching you shine in 2015.  We can honestly say... we've been with you since the beginning of your Yankees career.

Push yourself Pal.  We'll see you soon, no question!

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

CHASING DREAMS: INTERVIEW WITH JR HENSLEY

You gotta love hard work.  When you chase dreams, fight for what you believe in, dreams can come true.  It happens to so many in the world and we've run down the list of players and people that blow us away because their drive is unbelievable.  

As many of you know, we've told Ty Hensley's story since the day he signed with the Yankees... read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TY HENSLEY: YANKEES 1ST ROUND PICK and BYB EXCLUSIVE: TY HENSLEY TALKS POST SURGERY for more on that.  Since then, we've communicated quite regularly with the Hensley family. We love them.  

When news broke that Ty's brother JR signed to play football for the University of Hawaii... it was like my own son signed on.  I say that because I appreciate just how hard these kids work.  And when goals are accomplished, you can't help but love how it all unfolds... especially for the person it happens to.  You just hope that that kind of stuff rubs off on your own kids... it's inspiring.

I decided to chat with JR Hensley and find out how he felt after signing with Hawaii.  We also asked about his family and his brother Ty... You 're gonna love this if you love hard work and commitment! 

So, here he is, JR Hensley... enjoy this, I did! 

BYB: Tell us about "Signing day."  Many don't understand how it works. Is the University of Hawaii in contact with you already, and then on signing day you sign your intent? 

JR Hensley: Yeah. It's just like baseball. You get recruited, and when the right offer comes in, you can commit and sign. For me personally, I waited until that morning of Signing Day to commit. 

BYB: I gotta tell you, I was blown away by the NewOK story about your close relationship with your brother, Ty.  I had no idea you guys were that tight!  Tell me about your relationship? 

JR Hensley: Since I was a young age, and ever since I can remember, my family has been unbreakable. My mom and dad preached that me and my brother solid values. 

So yeah, we are close. We are best friends and I would do anything for him just like he would do anything for me. I talk to Ty every day, even when he's not home. I love that guy! 



BYB: Did you play sports together as kids? 

JR Hensley: Yeah, alittle. We started football at the same time, but since the age difference is alittle over 3 years, I haven't been able to play with him other than when I was a freshman and he was a senior in the 2012 baseball season.
 

BYB: You spoke about hard work when you spoke of Ty at Signing Day. You said:  "I looked up to him so much and the amount of work he put in to get to the place he was." I was touched by that, but that stems from your background and your upbringing.  How important is hard work in the Hensley home? 

JR Hensley: Hard work is everything. There are no excuses. If you want something, you go get it. You can do anything, if you work for it.  My family has preached that for as long as I can remember. 

BYB: So, I guess I know who your mentor is...  

JR Hensley: My brother. No doubt. 

BYB: You’re a football guy and we’ll get back to that in a moment, but you played baseball too.  A southpaw, huh?  Me too.

JR Hensley: Ha ha. Yes sir!  I wasn't a bad baseball player,  but you don't really see many OLINE and pitcher combos, and there's a reason why.  My body just kind of decided for me!  But look,  I will always miss baseball. 

BYB: What’s your nickname? The Bear? I'm kidding. You got a good one? 

JR Hensley: Well, JR isn't really my name. It's actually Jake Ryan Hensley.  That's why I'm called JR.  I was named after the movie "Sixteen Candles". 

BYB: How important is God in your life? 

JR Hensley: In my family, God comes first over anything.  

BYB: You’re going to play football in Hawaii because you climbed the ladder of hard work and dedication to your craft.  What athlete do you most admire who shares the same goals? 

JR Hensley: Not to sound cheesy, but it's my brother. His work ethic is unreal. 

BYB: If you had a chance to go Pro, what team are you secretly hoping calls your name one day?

JR Hensley:  Oh...  the Pats, BABY!!

BYB: Finally, I want to personally thank the Hensleys for being such an inspiration to not only to the BYB audience, but to children everywhere including my own. What do you tell kids who become frustrated and want to quit in their life goals? 

JR Hensley: Don't give up! You'll never know if you don't give it your all.  Don't lose sight of what you want in life.  

BYB: Hey JR, do you read BYB? If so, what do you think?

JR Hensley: I read it a lot more than you think, and I freaking love it!

We support you Jake and we support Ty and the Hensley family 100%.  The Hensley family is like my family... we have the same values and we have the same commitment to life and it's goals.  I appreciate our friendship with the Hensleys and I am pleased to be able to speak to Ty and JR pretty much whenever we need to.  

Shout out to Marci and Mike, you guys did it right... be proud!