REMEMBERING THAT ITALIAN YANKEE... JOE PEPITONE

Joe Pepitone wasn’t the greatest Yankee to ever don the pinstripes, but he may have been one of the most unforgettable. A Brooklyn-born local with a personality that could light up the Bronx, Pepitone brought style, swagger, and a whole lot of fun to the game. For fans of the Yankees in the 1960s, he wasn’t just a player; he was an experience.

Nicknamed “Pepi,” Pepitone burst onto the scene in 1962, a charismatic kid with a slick glove, a sweet left-handed swing, and a smile that could charm an umpire. He wasn’t just playing baseball; he was putting on a show. While the Yankees’ glory days were fading, Pepitone gave fans something to talk about, both on and off the field.

Pepitone’s talent wasn’t just flash — he could play. After a solid rookie campaign in 1962, he took over first base from Yankees mainstay Bill “Moose” Skowron in 1963. That season, Pepitone batted .271 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs. He followed it up with a 100-RBI season in 1964, earning three straight All-Star nods from 1963 to 1965. His defense was even better: Pepitone snagged three Gold Gloves for his stellar play at first base.

But for all his talent, Joe wasn’t destined to be a cornerstone player. The Yankees of the ’60s were in decline, and Pepitone’s game couldn’t quite carry them back to their former glory. Still, he gave fans moments to remember — both dazzling and maddening.

Pepitone had his share of highlights on baseball’s biggest stage. In the 1964 World Series, he delivered a grand slam in Game 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals, a shining moment in an otherwise frustrating series. But just a year earlier, in the 1963 World Series, his infamous error in Game 4 cost the Yankees dearly. Losing a routine throw in the sunlit chaos of the Los Angeles crowd led to the Dodgers’ winning run — and the Yankees being swept.

That was Pepitone in a nutshell: flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of chaos.

If Joe Pepitone wasn’t dominating the headlines for his play, he was doing it for his antics. He was the first Yankee to bring a hair dryer into the clubhouse, a move that scandalized the old-school veterans and delighted everyone else. His perfectly poufy hair, often aided by a toupee, was the stuff of legend.

And then there were the nights out. Pepitone was a regular at New York’s hottest clubs, from the Copacabana to late-night haunts, where he basked in the spotlight. He wasn’t just playing baseball; he was living the life. Before Joe Namath became the poster boy for New York cool, Pepitone was laying the groundwork as the city’s lovable rogue.

Pepitone’s star burned brightly, but it didn’t last. By the late 1960s, as the Yankees tumbled into mediocrity, his own performance plateaued. He still had power in his bat — belting 31 home runs in 1966 — but his batting average hovered in the mid-.240s, and his off-field escapades began to wear thin. In 1969, after leaving the team without permission, Pepitone’s time in New York came to an end.

He went on to play for the Astros, Cubs, and Braves, with flashes of the old Pepi charm but little of the magic that made him a New York icon.

For all his flaws, Pepitone’s connection with the fans never wavered. He wasn’t Mickey Mantle or Yogi Berra; he was Joe from Brooklyn. He had the kind of charisma that made people root for him even when he stumbled. Whether he was cracking jokes in the locker room, making a diving stop at first base, or buying a round of drinks for strangers at a club, Pepitone was unapologetically himself.

Unfortunately, his post-baseball life was marred by troubles, including a stint in prison in the 1980s. But even then, Pepitone’s name carried a certain charm, a reminder of a time when baseball was more than a business — it was entertainment.

Joe Pepitone may never be mentioned in the same breath as Ruth or Gehrig, but his legacy in Yankees lore is secure. He was a player who made baseball fun, a Bronx showman who could field a Gold Glove grounder and tell a Gold Glove joke in the same inning.

For those who saw him play, Pepitone was more than stats or highlights. He was the guy who made the game feel alive, who reminded everyone watching that baseball isn’t just about wins and losses — it’s about moments. And Joe Pepitone gave us plenty of those.

Here’s to Pepi, the Italian Yankee with a heart as big as his hair. Baseball, and the Yankees, were better because of him.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE BEST YANKEE-RED SOX BRAWL YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT

 

Photo of Thad Tillotson

Let’s set the stage: June 21, 1967. Yankee Stadium. The Yankees had hit a rough patch. The golden years of Mantle, Maris, and a seemingly endless string of World Series titles were starting to fade in the rearview mirror. They were 28-34, just half a game ahead of the basement-dwelling Washington Senators. But let's remember, the Bronx Bombers had already claimed 20 championships, cementing themselves as the crown jewel of baseball. The Red Sox? Well, they had been the perennial underdogs for years. A team America loved to pity, not exactly a group you’d bet the house on.

That June day, however, it seemed like Boston had the upper hand. The night before, they’d slapped the Yankees around with a 7-1 win, and now they were trotting out Jim Lonborg—an ace who didn’t just throw heat; he threw fireballs. Lonborg was the kind of pitcher who owned the inside of the plate and dared hitters to challenge him. Thad Tillotson, a Yankees rookie, was on the mound for New York. Tillotson was green, sure, but don’t forget—Yankees rookies always come with a spark.

Boston wasted no time jumping on the Yanks. A few singles, a passed ball, and a massive three-run shot from Tony Conigliaro, and just like that, it was 4-0 in the first inning. Ouch. The Yankees, though, were made of sterner stuff. They clawed their way back into the game, putting runners on base in the bottom of the first, but Lonborg danced out of trouble, striking out Mickey Mantle and setting the tone early. The Red Sox extended their lead in the second inning, but that’s where the fireworks really began.

In a game already dripping with tension, Boston's Joe Foy was the match that lit the powder keg. After taking a Tillotson fastball to the helmet, Foy dropped to the ground. Yankees fans held their breath, but Foy popped back up, seemingly no worse for wear. But don’t be fooled—the stage was set for the real drama.

 

Tillotson came to bat in the bottom of the second, and Lonborg didn’t waste any time getting his "revenge." With a five-run lead, Lonborg drilled Tillotson square in the back. Cue the chaos. Tillotson started jawing, Foy, in true Red Sox fashion, tried to play hero, and before anyone knew it, the benches cleared. Pepitone, never one to back down, challenged Foy, and even the bullpens came streaming in. It wasn’t just a fight; it was an all-out brawl worthy of Broadway.

And here’s the thing: while the Red Sox may have "won" that scuffle and the game, 8-1, they were never going to win the war. The Yankees have always been about more than just one game. They embody grit, resilience, and a refusal to back down—traits that align with the spirit of America itself. Sure, the Sox took their punches that day, but who was doing the punching? Ralph Houk’s Yankees—led by a man who stormed Omaha Beach during World War II, a man who knew that in the end, victory is about stamina and heart.

You see, that’s the thing about the Yankees. They were down, but never out. Even as Jim Lonborg and the Red Sox landed blow after blow, there was always a sense that the Bronx Bombers would rise again—and rise they did. History doesn’t remember this game as the day the Red Sox dominated; it remembers that these were the scrappy Yankees, the team that, even when backed into a corner, never lost their fighting spirit.

As America’s team, the Yankees represent the best of the country’s ideals: persistence, power, and an undying commitment to excellence. That day in 1967 may have been a Red Sox victory in the box score, but in the story of baseball, the Yankees remain the enduring giants. Whether it's about claiming 20 championships or fighting their way through a rough patch, the Yankees know how to come out on top.

So, sure, Boston won the battle, but as the brawl proved, the Yankees would always win the war. After all, they’re not just New York’s team—they’re America’s team.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

JOE PEPITONE WANTS HIS BAT BACK! FILES LAWSUIT

The old timers never really got paid the way the MLB players get paid today. And with that, many of these guys have a chip on their shoulder. They want what they want and if they need to ask for alittle extra for signings or when people send cards in the mail, they have that right. I get it. I totally do.  

I was just reading a very interesting story involving Joe Pepitone and a Mickey Mantle bat he lent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. And, according to the lawsuit, he wants it back.

USA Today writes:

"Pepitone has filed a lawsuit against the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum seeking the return of the Louisville Slugger bat that Mickey Mantle used to hit his 500th career home run more than five decades ago.

The suit claims that Pepitone agreed to lend the bat to the Hall of Fame “with the understanding and upon the condition that it would be returned to him at any time upon his request.” Pepitone claims he's visited the Hall of Fame many times since and was always reassured by museum staff that the bat would be returned whenever he wanted it.

The Hall of Fame says the bat was donated and that it has owned it for more than 50 years.

“The Hall of Fame has preserved it and proudly put it on display for millions of fans to see," the museum said in a statement. "This bat is where it belongs — on display in Cooperstown for fans everywhere to see.”

Now here's the thing... while I understand the Hall of Fame's stance on this... if the bat is actually owned by Pepitone and there is no written contract and he wants it back, it's clearly because the guy needs a few bucks and wants to put it out there for sale. It's his... according to him. 

The Hall of Fame should do the right thing... if Joe wants the bat back... give the bat back. The Hall of Fame has thousands of artifacts on display and many times each year more come in while some are circulated out.  It's the right thing to do... give it back to Joe!

Anyway... I found this interesting and wanted to share. Happy Sunday!

OLD TIMER'S DAY WILL ALWAYS BE AMAZING!

I know, I know, I was supposed to write this right after the Old Timer's Day game concluded.  Let's just say that in life, it's family first and while BYB is my family... my real one needed me.  I was out doing my dad thing all weekend... it was nuts!  To be honest, coming in tonight, the last thing I want to do was write.  But I know you want to get some of my thoughts and see some pictures of the "old timers" and maybe wake up to read this tomorrow morning, or today... oh whatever... here it goes...

Old Timer's Day has always been a truly great day. I love it.  It's funny, looking back, I don't ever remember it being rainy or overcast on Old Timer's Day. It always seems to be perfect. Today it was mad hot, alittle humid and I'm sure Yogi Berra was not exactly happy about that, but you'd never know it, he was all smiles. 

He and Whitey were introduced in a golf cart today. Hey, whatever they want! They are Yankee legends, we should be happy they are still celebrating with us. We are very lucky to have them. It's very cool to know how much they have done in their careers and they still come back to us so we can give them a standing "O"... that's Yankee baseball for you!

Seeing Paul O'Neill and Bernie Williams introduced is still so weird to me.  I see Pauly as a player still.  Bernie, well, he's a fan favorite and he still looks like he could play a season.  I love those 2 and they were so important during the Yankees run in the 1990's. 

One of my rare favorites has always been Hector Lopez. Now, to be honest, I never saw the guy play, but as a kid, I was in my grandmother's attic and along with a few other no-name cards, I found a 1966 Hector Lopez.  That card was probably one of the first "old" cards I ever owned after that.  I remember reading the stats on the back and not being sure who he was.  But years later, I could rattle off his stats, along with the Mick, Roger Maris and several others.  Today, Hector Lopez was there at the Stadium and damn, he still looks great! 

(In Photo: Hector Lopez / Mariano Rivera)
There is something quite beautiful about seeing all the greats in 1 place for a few hours like the Yankees do every year.  It's a huge event, many are invited and the stadium always provides that extra energy.  The Yankees have always been gems in my eyes.  These are legends. These are greats that were created when they put on the pinstripes. They've won championships and every one of us has a special memory of one of them.  Maybe it's Whitey Ford, or Joe Pepitone.

(In Photo: Joe Peptione)
Maybe it's Steve Balboni or Willie Randolph.  For me personally, there are so many, but you know my idol is Ron Guidry. I even still use the baseball glove I got on my birthday many years ago.  I also loved Andy Stankeiwicz. 

Now, you can laugh at me, but there was an energy about Andy that I loved.  That, and he was short guy like me... but it was his heart I loved the most.  He was there, he understood the pinstripes and how important it was... and he played his ass off.  I had tremendous respect for that.

I hope everyone enjoyed today's Old Timer's Day.  Watching it on my DVR tonight, well, I really had a smile on my face.  I love seeing the legends... and you know what? Us Yankee fans at the stadium today? We're the freaking best too!  We love our guys, don't we!!! Go Yanks!

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"I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GONNA TAKE IT ANYMORE"

Here's another installment from my good friend Dave Goode, a die-hard Yankee fan... and my friend.

As your blog says, The Yankees are looking to 2014. I am going to be like a bear and go to sleep.  You can wake me just in time for Spring training 2014.  It is my opinion that this Yankee team sadly reminds me of being a young Yankee fan.

(In Photo: Jake Gibbs)
I remember being around 11 years old and seeing that 1967 Yankee roster... an aging Mickey Mantle in one of his last years. Jake Gibbs as catcher, Charley Smith at 3B. There was Tom Tresh, Joe Pepitone, Ruben Amaro, Steve Whitaker and many other so-so players past there prime.

Last season they BATTLED to barely make the playoffs with so-so pitching and no clutch hitting. Now I see this off season and there is nothing. It has been the "Off Season of Stugots."

Yeah, we signed Kevin Youkilis because we had no choice. Alex Rodriguez is down through mid-summer at best and he "could" be out all season, read HERE.   Youk could surprise us, true, but his better days are behind him.  We couldn’t even get a so-so Scott Hairston to sign with us, never mind a Justin Upton who ended up going to the Braves. Plus, instead of going after Michael Morse, we signed Dan Johnson, a .237 lifetime hitter. To me, it's pathetic. BYB blogs have talked all the players the Yanks have missed the boat on and I'll tell you, I wish I could talk to both of the Steinbrenner boys and tell them that's it's been a disappointment.

We are in the toughest division in baseball and after the Toronto Blue Jays made that trade with the Miami Marlins, things just got tougher. Plus, who's left to sign? Michael Bourn?  I don’t see that happening.  I've been in sales for over 30 years. We usually have mock sales sessions. But look, until you actually interact with customers, it is all nonsense.  That is why the time is NOW to get the kids on the farm up to the bigs! Another year down on the farm won't matter that much. not when we sign  guys like Dan Johnson. Instead of waiting, give the kids a shot.  My gut tells me they can't do any worse and it will mature them and give them the big league experience they need. Who knows, we may actually get luck too! Forget about Giancarlo Stanton. The Yankees just won't spend the money.

I think the only way the boys wake up is if us fans revolt. I back BYB's idea, hit them in the pocket book. Read YANKEE FAN'S REVOLT: "ENOUGH'S ENOUGH". Let the attendance dwindle, let food and souvenir sales fall flat and all revenue sources dry up and if in 2014 they put a team that can win #28 on the field, we will be back, but not before!  Hey, when they spend money, fans will spend money.  As was said in the movie Network. " I'm mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore!"

Finally, on paper, I don’t see a team that can go out win the division, a pennant and a #28 championship, so wake me in 2014.  Hopefully I'm wrong.  If I'm not, hopefully next winter these guys will wake up and go after some quality players.  Hey, it never hurts to start looking early... right?

 --Dave Goode, Die-hard Yankee fan
Interviewed for his 30 plus years experience as a vendor at Yankee Stadium
THE VENDOR FROM THE HOUSE THAT RUTH BUILT



 

"YOU GOTTA HAVE BALLS": A BRANDON STEINER EXCLUSIVE

I'm a memorabilia freak.  I don't save up a ton of dough to just dump it on a $5000 piece of memorabilia, I have priorities, but I collect what I want to collect. Inexpensive and personal and something that I can pass onto my kids over time.  I even wrote a fun piece about it called WHAT'S IN YOUR JUNK DRAWER? Sometimes people have stuff they forget even have.

But enough about me. Let's chat about Brandon Steiner, founder and chairman of Steiner Sports Marketing one of the biggest Memorabilia guys in the world dealing with some of the most expensive pieces in the world. Mr. Steiner recently released a book titled "You Gotta Have Balls" and I was interested in asking him about what's it like to walk in his shoes. I got some pretty interesting answers and you'll enjoy this interview...I sure did.

BYB: Was sports memorabilia something you always wanted to get into? I read you started your empire with $8000 and in 2 years made $5 million. Is that even true?

Brandon Steiner: No, that’s not true at all! I started Steiner in 1987 with $4,000 and for a long time it just consisted of me doing small athlete marketing projects and arranging paid appearances for players. $5 million? 

I was literally operating check to check. Around 1993 I took $10,000 and started Steiner collectibles, with two clients on board - Mark Messier and Phil Rizzuto - and a closet of collectibles I had. I thought the items would be used mostly for corporate promotions and gifts to get new clients, but it quickly became more than that. But the business never really “took off” until 1999 and 2000, with the Subway Series.

BYB: Who was the first New York Yankee you worked with after your agreement with the Yankees in 2005?

Brandon Steiner: By 2005 we had them all.  My relationship with the Yankees really started in 1998; after that season, we had half the team under contract. In 2005 we were actually more Red Sox-centric, since they had just completed their crazy run of 2004.

BYB: After Christian Lopez caught Derek Jeter's 3000th hit, a home run, you reached out and offered to pay $25,000 toward his student loans. How did that come to be?

Brandon Steiner: Christian had given the ball to Derek voluntarily, when he could have gotten a lot of money for it, and so I was toying with the idea of helping him in some way because that was such a tremendous thing to do. But I couldn’t figure out the best way to help him – he didn’t want anything, really - and I almost gave up!  Then one morning Mitch Modell called me and said “I want to help this kid out, he’s a great kid.” So of course I was on board. Finally we got through to Christian and the idea of paying off the loans came up.

But this is more a story of Mitch helping the kid. He quarterbacked the whole thing, and besides the generous check, Mitch gave him his World Series ring and a full-time job. I was happy to help Christian and his family deal with the frenzy that surrounded him after he caught that ball. What a great story and a great kid.

BYB: What's your favorite piece of merchandise in the Steiner Collection and why?

Brandon Steiner: This one’s easy: it’s a photo of Mark Messier holding the Stanley Cup up, grinning from ear to ear, with his inscription “We did it – ’94 Cup”. The morning after the Rangers won that year, everyone I saw on the train to work was reading the Daily News coverage, with that photo on the back of the paper. That’s when it clicked for me - that there was a market for that kind of collectible – not just a photo, but the athlete making an inscription that brought all the emotions together. Also, Mark has always been such a great friend to me, through the years. He’s the best guy you could have on your team, period.

BYB: Growing up, tell me 2 athletes that you admired and why?

Brandon Steiner: Clyde Frazier, because growing up, all I wanted to do was become a NBA player and Clyde was the coolest and had “the shoes.” Also, Roy White, a solid baseball player and a very cool and calm player - never got too emotional – just played the game.

Bobby Murcer was a favorite as well as Roger Staubach. How can you not love Roger, with those great last minute comebacks and the way he served our country - and then came back and played some serious football! 4 Super Bowls.

BYB: As a kid, tell me who was the first autograph you received from an athlete? Do you still have it today?

(In Photo: Tom Tresh)

Brandon Steiner: Yes, of course I still have it! It was Yankees Tom Tresh and Joe Pepitone around 1970. That story is in the book. I was 11 and some older kids took me to the game that day and we sat by the on-deck circle and met those two guys. Another real big autograph I got as a kid was Thurman Munson. I met him in a hotel in Boston and he signed my program. You bet I got that!

BYB: What do you want people to learn about you in your new book "You Gotta Have Balls"?

Brandon Steiner: I hope they learn that all the grains of sand are what makes up the beach. That all the little things you do in life add up and if you pour yourself into doing them, they end up being big things.  And you never know when your luck can change so follow your dreams by making a commitment and sticking to it. Eventually you discover passion and fun. Don’t be afraid to fall, especially when you’re young!

BYB: Final question, do you ever read my website Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do you think? 

Brandon Steiner: Honestly, I have not gone to your site before, but I just gave it a look and it’s awesome, very well done!  I can see how Yankee-centric you are, which of course I love.  I will be back and we should do some promos with you with Yankees seats and signed items. Why not? By the way, that's another question I ask in the book,  What else? and Why not?

Mr. Steiner, I think I'll be calling you about maybe working together on something, you've inspired me.

What a pleasure and such a likeable guy! We hope you enjoyed this interview with Mr. Steiner and I suggest all of you go out and get his book.  It's a great read.  Buy "You Gotta Have Balls", it's a must, I swear!

 

RAY NEGRON: A TRUE YANKEE MIRACLE

On a hot summer’s day in 1973 in the Bronx, a seventeen-year-old boy, attempting to fit in with his cousins and siblings, decided to spray-paint the New York Yankee symbol on the side of Yankee Stadium. He was caught in the act by George Steinbrenner himself and made into a batboy. He grew up to be a special advisor to the Yankees, a community leader, children’s book author and a close friend to several Yankee legends. This kid is none other than Ray Negron.

(In Photo: batboy, Ray Negron (center), Joe Pepitone (left))
In his new book “Yankee Miracles”, Negron recounts his life since that fateful day in 1973. He tells of his special friendships with many Yankee greats including Billy Martin, Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, Alex Rodriguez and the Boss himself. He gives us an insight like none I have ever read before to the very human emotions that some of our favorite players have encountered.

I think my favorite part of the book were the sections on Reggie Jackson and Alex Rodriguez. The similarities between the two are incredible and it makes sense to me now more then ever that they later became friends. But I especially loved reading the chapter on Alex. Alex is one of those players that gets a lot of bad press. It’s almost as if the media wants to fault him with the failures of the entire world. The section is brief, but you get a whole new perspective on Alex, the man, not the ball player. It really is touching and gave me a whole new respect for Alex.

“Yankees Miracles” was an incredible read, not just for Yankees fans but also for everyone who loves baseball. It is a wonderful reminder to never stop chasing your dreams and believing in miracles. We live in a world where that message is often muted into nonexistence. Ray Negron uses anecdotes and truly heartfelt stories to convey that beautifully.

“Yankees Miracles” is available now at bookstores. A portion of the proceeds goes to help the Boys and Girls Club and Cancer Research. I highly recommend this book to everyone who is a Yankee fan and who has ever wanted a deeper, truer understanding of the men who have worn pinstripes.

Ray's website is YankeeMiracles.com. Stay tuned for my interview with Mr. Negron soon on Bleeding Yankee Blue!

--Erica Morales, BYB Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



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WHY MATTINGLY IS YOUR FAVORITE YANKEE FIRST BASEMAN

I promised to get you a piece on the results of our "Who's your favorite Yankee First Basemen? poll and finally it's here.  Great poll and great results and I really appreciate everyone who participated. The winner? Donnie Baseball...

It comes as no surprise considering in this generation, there are so many that saw Don Mattingly play and another handful that heard all the great stories from their fathers and mothers about this man. That being said, Lou Gehrig, the Iron Horse is right there and for good reason…he was one of the greatest baseball players ever.

But let's check out the poll, which actually fell into place the way I thought it would. In first place was Donnie Baseball, Don Mattingly with 52 votes, followed by Lou Gehrig with 43.  In  third place was Tino Martinez with 22 votes.  Tino was on some pretty incredible Yankees' teams and no doubt he would be in the Top 5. Let's not forget how when Mattingly left and Martinez showed up, many we still stung by the 1995 playoff loss... a loss to the Mariners, Tino's old team.  But he came in and did his job.  He contributed so much while he was in pinstripes and fans fell in love with him.

Mark Teixeira and Moose Skowron each had 6 votes each.  Each player outstanding in their time, and poor Moose just lost his battle with cancer recently so it’s significant that we remember a great Yankee in this poll. (Read about Moose HERE). 

Mark Teixeira is known as one of the greatest defensive first basemen ever and perhaps he should have scored higher in the poll, but let’s be honest, there are too many great Yankee first basemen ahead of him. Plus, Tex is getting hammered right now carrying a .221 batting average so far in 2012.  Not good, really not good.  Tex knows he's better than that. Come on Tex, get it together!

Chris Chambliss was on a few great Yankees teams too, in 1977 and 1978 and received 5 votes. Good choice. Next with 4 votes was Joe Pepitone. 

Trust me, if we were voting on hair, Pepitone would have won that poll!  Joe was a good first baseman for the Yankees and another good soldier in the Yankees army.

Jason Giambi never won a championship with the Yankees, but when we signed him, that was our intention and he was going to be the muscle behind it.  He hit a lot of home runs, but was an awkward first baseman. We all know why we signed him…power. He ended up with 3 votes.

With only 2 votes was Nick Johnson.  To be honest, I’m shocked he received any votes.  Because of injury, he just became a dud in my eyes and only had alittle hope when he went to the Washington Nationals… but even now, he’s just not a threat offensively or defensively. It's a shame how this guy's career tanked because of injury and bad luck. 

Those numbers total 143 votes. Great poll! Look, let's not forget, this poll was based on personal opinion.  The truth is there is no wrong answer, it’s just fun.  If you liked a certain first baseman, that’s your pick and no one could really dispute that.  I’m just thrilled you guys voted and contributed.  Thank you so much.

Next we’re going to do second basemen.  Keep checking back here at Bleeding YankeeBlue for the new poll and we’d love to have you vote again.  Thanks!

ORDER A BYB SHIRT NOW, DROB WEARS ONE! Also, Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE YANKEES FIRST BASEMAN EVER?

When I was really following the game of baseball and the New York Yankees, it was around 1980 and by 1982 there was a guy I heard about coming up through the farm system named Donald Arthur Mattingly. This guy, who clearly didn’t look much bigger than many Yankee players, had this porn stash going, he wore eye black that dripped down his face, his uniform used to be filthy and after he ditched #46 for his memorable #23 and drove balls into the stands like nothing I’d ever seen, I was hooked. Don Mattingly was the guy that every kid wanted to be and if you didn’t you we’re missing out. You know my fascination with Ron Guidry and clearly I was him most of my childhood, but if I wasn’t pitching, I was begging to play first base and rarely did I ever do it, but when I did, I was Donnie Baseball. I was never a great first baseman at that age, by 1985 I was in 8^th grade and really starting to develop into my own, but no where near outstanding. It didn’t matter, as a Mattingly impersonator, you needed to dive around a lot, get grimy and stand at the plate just like he did. We all did it, it was almost comical.

There were plenty of incredible first baseman in Yankees history. Some were OK, yet some were outstanding and some you didn’t even realize were first baseman in their careers. Like Mickey Mantle in his last few seasons of his career, 1967 and 1968 for instance. Alittle known fact…stick with me kids, I’ll teach you something. I remember when Tino Martinez filled the shows nicely after Mattingly left at the end of 1995 and he was part of a few great Yankee championships.  Many fell in love with Tino. Is he your favorite? Some say yes and some say no. (In Photo: Bob Watson)

Back when I was much younger, I was fascinated with Bob Watson’s stretch at first, one of the best stretches I’ve ever seen. How about Steve Balboni… or John Mayberry? How about Joe Pepitone and of course Lou Gehrig and Mark Teixeira... Tex being one of the best defensive first basemen the Yankees have ever had.

The role of first baseman is a big deal and was to me as a kid, it was a defining role because you never know what’s about to happen when the balls coming your way, bad throws, scoops…how about trick plays. I remember seeing Dave Bergman of the Tigers once hide the ball in his glove and when the guy on first went for his lead, he tagged him out. 

It was amazing.(Coincidentally, Bergman started out with the Yankees.) That kind of stuff is fun to me.

So here’s your chance, I’ve provided 15 Yankees first basemen in our poll on the right side of BYB. Vote for your favorite and at the end we'll analyze the results. You can’t have a wrong answer, it’s a personal opinion and if your guys not on the list, write him in the comments section…Let’s have some fun for crying out loud!

ORDER A BYB SHIRT NOW, DROB WEARS ONE! Also, Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY THE BOMBERS STILL GOT IT

(In Photo: Ron Guidry)
After Opening Day, Old Timer's day is probably the best day at Yankee Stadium during the baseball year. It gives the fans a chance to see some of their favorite Yankee players comeback and play a friendly game with the rest of the old timers. They also saw the Bombers beat the Clippers 2-0 in two and a half innings of entertaining baseball.
(In Photo: Joe Pepitone, Mike Torrez)
Ron Guidry, aka "Louisiana Lightning", started the game for the Bombers. He allowed the first two to reach. But, Rick "Goose" Gossage came to the rescue and made Lee Mazzilli to hit a shallow fly ball into center field, caught by Bernie Williams, and Joe Pepitone grounded into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning.
(Photo: David Wells, David Cone, Darryl Strawberry)
David "Boomer" Wells started the bottom half of the first on the mound for the Clippers as he faced "Mick the Quick", Mickey Rivers. After throwing one behind Mickey, he forced him to ground to third. You can read our interview with Mr. Rivers titled: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: MICKEY RIVERS.

Then, Boomer faced Bernie Williams--who received another nice ovation from the crowd--drilled a double in the left center field gap for the first hit for the Bombers.

Wells' good friend David Cone relieved him and gave up a big two run homer which reached about the seventh row in the first deck of the right field seats. The crowd went crazy, and rightfully so. It brought back some great memories, and I even got a couple of chills down my spine when he hit that blast.

Final Score: Bombers-2 Clippers-0 in the 65th annual Old Timers Day Game.
(Photo: Ron Antonelli/NY Daily News)
It was certainly an entertaining game to watch. It was great to see Bernie Williams, Joe Torre, and Lou Piniella--who grounded out in his at bat against Jeff Nelson--back, along with all of the other Old Timers who played in this game, and were apart of the on field ceremonies.



--Jesse Schindler, BYB Staff Writer




Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.