BOONE'S BIGGEST FAILURE IS THE CULTURE HE CREATED

When the leader stops leading, is when the collapse happens. This is a historic fact.  I encourage you to read this. It will open your eyes allowing you to understand the hell us Yankee fans are in the middle of.

Winning organizations rarely implode because of one bad employee, one lazy player, or one unfortunate decision. They unravel when leadership stops leading. Whether it's a baseball clubhouse, a Fortune 500 company, a military unit, or the United States Congress, the pattern is remarkably similar. Standards begin to slip. Accountability disappears. Small problems become accepted behavior. Eventually, losing becomes the culture.

The old saying that "everything rises and falls on leadership" isn't just motivational fluff. History repeatedly demonstrates that organizations reflect the standards—or lack thereof—set by the person in charge.

This is a lesson worth reading.  Discipline and accountability is important. But it must come from the top. Every successful championship manager understands one fundamental truth: if the captain has to become the disciplinarian, Like Aaron Judge yesterday, the manager has already lost part of the clubhouse.

The manager, in this case Boone, needs to establish expectations. The players execute them. When those roles reverse, something has gone wrong.

One of the greatest examples came from Joe Torre with the Yankees dynasty. Torre wasn't known for screaming every day, but players understood where the line was. Veterans like Derek Jeter, Paul O'Neill, Jorge Posada and Bernie Williams never questioned who was running the clubhouse. Torre balanced personalities while holding everyone accountable. Players who didn't buy in didn't stay long.

Likewise, Bill Belichick built the New England Patriots on a brutally simple principle: "Do Your Job." It didn't matter if you were Tom Brady or the last player on the roster. Mental mistakes had consequences. Star status didn't exempt anyone from accountability.

Even fiery managers like Lou Piniella and Billy Martin understood that discipline wasn't optional. Their methods weren't always popular, but players never wondered who was in charge.

Contrast that with teams that spiral. Repeated defensive mistakes. Repeated mental errors. Repeated lack of hustle. Repeated public displays that would never be tolerated elsewhere. Those aren't isolated incidents. They're symptoms.

Believe me, don't believe me. Whatever. I'm right. Corporate history tells the exact same story. Look at Enron. Executives created a culture where ethical shortcuts became normalized. Financial manipulation went unchecked because leadership rewarded results instead of integrity. The company collapsed into one of America's largest corporate scandals, destroying thousands of jobs and billions in retirement savings.

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf and Community Bank head Carrie Tolstedt

Remember Wells Fargo? Employees opened millions of unauthorized customer accounts to satisfy unrealistic sales goals. Executives ignored warning signs for years because the numbers looked good. The eventual scandal cost billions in fines, permanently damaged the company's reputation, and forced leadership changes.

Boeing. Following the two 737 MAX crashes, multiple investigations concluded that cultural failures and weakened oversight contributed to catastrophic decisions. Engineers raised concerns. Communication broke down. Production pressure often outweighed safety priorities. The consequences were devastating.

Different industries. Same pattern. Leadership tolerated behaviors until they became disasters. Now think about Boone and the Yankees.  No true leadership, coddling, making excuses, and zero accountability. Wow.

Think about Government. Congress often becomes mired in dysfunction when leadership cannot enforce discipline within its own caucus. Party leaders rely on consensus, negotiation and political pressure to keep members aligned, but when factions ignore leadership or refuse compromise, legislation stalls, deadlines are missed, government shutdown threats emerge, and public confidence erodes.

Leadership in politics isn't simply about giving speeches, or in Boone's case, word salading press conferences. It's about maintaining order among dozens—or hundreds—of competing personalities.

When that disappears, so does effectiveness. the bottom line is history shows that leadership matters. Military history reinforces the lesson.

During the Battle of Gettysburg, Union leadership under George G. Meade maintained cohesion under immense pressure despite facing repeated Confederate assaults. Command discipline and coordinated execution helped preserve Union lines during one of the Civil War's decisive battles.

By contrast, historians frequently cite failures of coordination and command in numerous military defeats throughout history, where unclear authority, inconsistent discipline, or commanders ignoring warning signs contributed to disastrous outcomes.

Organizations succeed when leaders establish standards that everyone understands—and enforce. Am I being dramatic? Maybe. But it all goes back to leadership... something the Yankees are lacking with Aaron Boone in charge.

When Aaron Judge was forced to speak to players and address the team's lack of focus following another embarrassing stretch, it sounded like a captain trying to do the manager's job. in fact, he WAS doing Boone's job, because Boone doesn't command respect.  In short, he has no balls.

Now look, captains absolutely should lead. They should encourage teammates. They should set examples. They should speak after losses. But when the captain has to become the disciplinarian, one uncomfortable question naturally follows:

Where is the manager?

Aaron Boone has repeatedly defended poor performances, minimized prolonged slumps, and continued writing the same struggling names into the lineup.

Anthony Volpe entered this recent eight-game stretch hitting just .194 (6-for-31).

Austin Wells was even worse, batting approximately .077 between June 24 and July 2.

Yet both continued receiving opportunities while the offense spiraled. Slumps happen. Every player goes through them. Managers are judged by how they respond. Sometimes leadership means showing confidence. Sometimes leadership means making difficult decisions. Sometimes leadership means sending a message that performance still matters. he coddles Volpe and Wells. They should NOT see the lineup, they are automatic outs.

If poor performance never changes playing time, accountability becomes difficult to see. Then there are the optics.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. casually eating a lollipop while playing on the field may strike some fans as harmless personality, while others see it as poor timing during a stretch of embarrassing baseball. Regardless of where one falls on that debate, strong leadership often recognizes when a team's public image no longer matches its performance. Teams enduring prolonged losing streaks generally benefit from projecting urgency rather than comfort.

The Yankees have committed an alarming number of defensive mistakes, repeatedly looked fundamentally unsound, and suffered through extended stretches of lifeless offense. Eventually, fans like me stop asking what's wrong with the players. They start asking who's allowing it. That's Aaron Boone.

Look, leadership isn't about being nice. The best leaders aren't necessarily the loudest. They aren't always the smartest. They're the ones willing to make uncomfortable decisions. Bench a struggling veteran. Call out lazy effort. Demand fundamentals. Protect the culture before protecting feelings.

Every successful organization eventually reaches the same conclusion:

Culture doesn't maintain itself.

Standards don't enforce themselves.

Winning doesn't happen accidentally.

Leadership drives all three.

When players continually repeat the same mistakes, when accountability appears absent, when the captain feels compelled to deliver the message that usually comes from the manager, and when losing becomes expected instead of unacceptable, criticism naturally shifts away from the roster and toward the person responsible for leading it.

History has shown this in sports, business and government. Leadership either sets the standard—or allows the standard to disappear.

Hey Hal, are you paying attention? This manager is driving this team into the dirt. He's a loser.

YANKEES VS. DODGERS: A RICH HISTORY

As the New York Yankees look ahead to the 2024 World Series, they do so with the weight of history on their side—especially when it comes to their storied rivalry with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For many of us,1978 and the 1981 World Series are most memorable. It is true that 1981 may have been a rare blemish in that history, but it only serves as a reminder of the Yankees’ resilience and determination to come back stronger. After all, this rivalry has largely belonged to the Bronx Bombers, and with that legacy, the Yankees are poised to reclaim their rightful place at the top in 2024.

Let’s rewind for a moment. In the 1978 World Series, the Dodgers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Yankees, true to their championship spirit, stormed back with four straight victories to win it all. Lou Piniella's clutch walk-off hit in Game 4 was a turning point, igniting the Yankees' charge. Then, in Game 5, captain Thurman Munson led the way with a heroic five-RBI performance, putting the Yankees in control. With their trademark resilience and determination, the Yankees proved once again why they are baseball’s most iconic and unstoppable team.

Then the rematch, 1981. The Yankees appeared to be on track for another triumph against the Dodgers, much like they had done countless times before. From Brooklyn to Los Angeles, the Yankees had consistently outplayed the Dodgers, with iconic victories in 1949, 1952, and 1953, leaving Dodgers fans heartbroken and frustrated. New York simply had the Dodgers’ number.

The 1981 Fall Classic started much the same way. The Yankees took the first two games at Yankee Stadium, and it seemed like another chapter of their dominance was about to unfold. But the series shifted to Dodger Stadium, and suddenly, the tide turned. Rookie sensation Fernando Valenzuela ignited the Dodgers with a Game 3 win, sparking a comeback that led to four straight victories and an unexpected championship for Los Angeles. Pedro Guerrero’s Game 6 heroics capped off the upset, with the Dodgers winning 9-2 and sending Yankees fans into shock.

It was a rare moment of disappointment for Yankees fans, but even that loss can be seen as fuel for the fire. George Steinbrenner, never one to accept defeat lightly, famously issued an apology to the people of New York after the series. It wasn’t just a statement—it was a promise that the Yankees would be back, stronger than ever. And if there’s one thing the Yankees have always done, they work to deliver on that promise.

History, after all, is a Yankee stronghold. While the Dodgers celebrated their 1981 victory, it’s important to remember that this rivalry leans heavily in New York’s favor. In 11 World Series matchups, the Yankees have won eight, including a 6-1 domination over the Brooklyn Dodgers before they packed their bags for Los Angeles. Even in moments of defeat, the Yankees have bounced back, often with a vengeance. The 1981 loss? Just a blip in the grand scheme of things.

 

Look back at the defining moments of this rivalry, and you’ll see why Yankees fans should feel confident heading into 2024. Don Larsen’s perfect game in 1956 is still the only one in World Series history, with Yogi Berra jumping into his arms in celebration. Johnny Kucks threw a three-hit shutout in Game 7 of that series, sending the Dodgers packing and cementing the Yankees' status as the team of destiny. The Bronx Bombers have been built on these legendary moments, and 2024 could very well be the next chapter.

Yes, the Yankees have faced adversity before, but that’s precisely what has shaped them into baseball’s most successful franchise. And if history is any indication, the Yankees have a knack for rising to the occasion when it matters most. As they gear up for another World Series run in 2024, it’s not just about the present—it’s about drawing strength from their past. The Dodgers may have gotten the better of them in 1981, but the Yankees have shown time and again that they know how to bounce back.

With a record of dominance over the Dodgers and a tradition of excellence in October, the Yankees are more than capable of writing a different ending in 2024. The ghosts of their past triumphs—Larsen, Berra, Mantle—are all there, ready to inspire this new generation of Yankees to reclaim the crown, Soto, Judge, Cole. 2024 could be the year they bring another World Series title back home.

So, as the Yankees march toward another Fall Classic, fans can take comfort in the fact that history—and the heart of a champion—are on their side. The 1981 World Series may have been a painful chapter, but it’s part of a larger narrative, one that has the Yankees standing tall as baseball’s most iconic and successful team. Come Friday, don’t be surprised if the Yankees are once again celebrating on top of the baseball world, proving that in the end, the Bronx always finds a way to win, especially this team.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE BOND BETWEEN PINIELLA & STEINBRENNER THAT YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT

Lou Piniella joined the Yankees in 1974, and George Steinbrenner had already established himself as the team's principal owner since 1973. Steinbrenner, known for his demanding and often volatile management style, found a kindred spirit in Piniella, whose fiery competitiveness and dedication to the game matched Steinbrenner's own.

Steinbrenner appreciated Piniella's grit and determination on the field. Despite the owner's often harsh public persona, he had a soft spot for players like Piniella who played with heart and passion. Piniella, in turn, respected Steinbrenner's commitment to building a winning team and his willingness to invest in the team's success.

Throughout Piniella's playing career with the Yankees (1974-1984), he became a trusted player in the outfield and later, as a designated hitter. Steinbrenner and Piniella shared many conversations about the team's strategies and player performances. Their relationship deepened during this period, marked by mutual respect and understanding.

In interviews, Piniella often spoke fondly of Steinbrenner. “George was tough, but he was fair,” Piniella once said. “He wanted to win, and so did I. That was our common ground.” Steinbrenner echoed this sentiment, stating, “Lou always gave 110% on the field. You could always count on him to leave everything out there, and that’s what I loved about him.”

After retiring as a player, Piniella transitioned to coaching and eventually managed the Yankees from 1986 to 1988. This period tested their relationship, as the pressures of managing under Steinbrenner's watchful eye could be intense. Despite the challenges, their bond remained strong.

Steinbrenner once remarked, “Lou is like family to me. We may have our disagreements, but I know his heart is in the right place.” Piniella, too, appreciated Steinbrenner's unwavering support. “George was always there for me, both in good times and bad. He cared about his players and his managers more than people realized. 

Even after Piniella left the Yankees, their friendship endured. Steinbrenner’s loyalty to Piniella was evident when he attended Lou's managerial games with other teams, showing public support for his friend. When Steinbrenner passed away in 2010, Piniella was one of the many who spoke at his memorial, highlighting their close bond.

In an emotional tribute, Piniella said, “George was more than just a boss to me; he was a friend and a mentor. He had a big heart, and he always looked out for me. I will miss him dearly.”  Their relationship was one of the many fascinating dynamics within the Yankees organization, showcasing that beneath the public personas were two men who deeply respected and cared for each other.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

CASHMAN: WE ARE GOING TO BE A PHOENIX RISING OUT OF THE ASHES IN '24.

I have never laughed so hard in my life. Well, maybe once. But it was for a good reason and certainly not at the silly little one-liners Brian Cashman is dishing out in Arizona this week to the media. Now, Casey gave a great overview on what has been said by both Cashman and baby boy Hal Steinbrenner in his piece THE NEW YORK SPANKEES. I want to focus on one of the final soundbites that Cashman spooled out this week, “This winter, we go back at the wheel and it’s now about ’24,” Cashman added. “We look to be a phoenix rising out of the ashes to find a way," reported The New York Post. Yeah. Let's pause that for a moment and unpack.

Does Brian Cashman actually think that the Yankees are going to rise out of the ashes to find a way to a pennant? That's like me saying, I am going to a sub four-hour marathon without making any changes to my running discipline, training and work sessions. If the Yankees want to bring change, then they actually need to back that up, not skate the questions of how with nonsense like rising from the ashes. This is not Harry Potter for God's sake. 

“I know people want change just for change’s sake,” Cashman said. “I remember seeing great people walk in and out of this place like Pat Gillick before I got here, a Dick Howser or Lou Piniella, all these guys, because of impatience or we’re not tolerating the ebbs and flow of what the game brings sometimes," reported The Post. I'm sorry, has the last 14 years been just ebbs and flow? These are years we simply won't get back. And the fact that they don't realize this and are staying the course is just making us look foolish.

Cashman has no answers except to say that we need to win more ball games. How Brian? How do you propose the Yankees do that? What is the plan? What is timeline? What are the milestones and expectations? Throwing out silly cinematic lines, similar to the puppet they have in the dugout game after game, just isn't going to be tolerated anymore. I think the Kool Aid tank is empty. No one is buying this. I can't imagine the players are. 

What I hope is that the players take more matters into their own hands. Almost managing themselves and pushing back. Back in the day, we had player managers in baseball. Maybe it is time for that again. Because right now, the narrative isn't being written by the players. It is being written by public relations puppeteers and the last straw is the phoenix analogy.

If I was a free agent, I wouldn't want to come to the Yankees to play. They no longer hold the status they once did. I would rather go play for a manager and organization that backs up their claims to win. Like the Chicago Cubs and their new manager Craig Counsell, or Ron Washington at the Anaheim Angels. Of course, there are the clubs that actually made it to the ALCS and NLCS, and their leadership (minus Houston of course). They are the teams to watch. Backed by leadership, unafraid of change, willing to accept and use their mistakes as opportunities. 

So, until Cashman and his clowns consider some wise words by a franchise herself, Taylor Swift "It's me, hi, I'm the problem, it's me. At tea time, everybody agrees. I'll stare directly at the sun but never in the mirror. It must be exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero," they will go nowhere but right where they are now. Yea, I can be cute and creative too, Cashman. Stop treating us like fools. 

-- Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

BASEBALL'S CHANGING! BASEBALL PURISTS TO THE RESCUE!

I happen to agree with Rich Gossage and Lou Piniella. Call me old school, but there have been so many changes over the years to speed the game up or to make it more profitable for MLB, it's kind of annoying and disgusting.

The latest of course is the 'mercy rule' idea. An idea floated, but highly unlikely in the MLB. Still though, after the Yankees got demolished by the Indians the other night... there's talk, and it makes me sick.  Here's some from Deadspin:

"Aaron Boone wasn’t happy on Thursday. He didn’t like that his team was getting whooped by Cleveland, he didn’t like how his players performed on the way to the eventual 19-5 loss, and he especially didn’t like that he had to send first baseman Mike Ford to the mound to pitch through the final two innings of the game... Boone, however, believes the decision to put a non-pitcher on the mound does less to save the arms in the rotation, and more to transfer injury risk onto that player. With the Little League World Series approaching, he offers up the idea of a mercy rule to limit that risk.

'I think there would be a lot of benefits to that,' Boone said about the mercy rule. 'I think you’d probably eliminate a lot of unwritten rules; the people running and swinging at 3-0 pitches in the ‘wrong scores.’ If you get to this point after seven innings or whatever... there might be something to that, some merit to that and worth exploring.'”

And then of course comes Gossage and Piniella all hot and heavy on how the game is changing. And you know what? It is... it is, big time and it's not for the better. NJ.com here...

Read this:

"It’s no secret that there are many problems plaguing MLB in 2019. From the ridiculous number of home runs being hit to the number of relief pitchers it takes to finish a game and the expanding use of infield shifts, baseball isn’t what it used to be. No one knows that more than ex-Yankees reliever Goose Gossage. Now, Gossage has never been afraid to speak his mind. From ripping closers Mariano Rivera and Aroldis Chapman as one-inning wonders to targeting general manager Brian Cashman as a baseball “nerd," Gossage longs for the good old days of baseball.

'I can’t watch these games anymore,’ Gossage said. 'It’s not baseball. It’s unwatchable. A lot of the strategy of the game, the beauty of the game, it’s all gone. It’s like a video game now. It’s home run derby with their (expletive) launch angle every night.’ Gossage isn’t alone.

Former Yankees outfielder and manager Lou Piniella isn’t a fan of today’s baseball. Per USA Today:

'All anybody wants to do is launch the ball,’ Piniella said. 'They’re making the ballparks smaller, the balls tighter, and all we’re seeing is home runs. There are no hit-and-runs. No stolen bases. Nothing. I managed 3,400 games in the big leagues, and never once did I put on a full shift on anybody. Not once. And I think I won a few games without having to shift.'’’

Not sure if you remember, but I spoke about the changing of the closer role in an amNew York story about a month ago speaking about Mariano Rivera changing the game for closers everywhere when he showed up in the mid-90's.

"Rivera quickly was shifted to a relief pitching role and wowed with his low ERA, huge strikeouts and clutch performances, which ultimately led to his role as the closer beginning in 1997. Casey said Rivera's performances on the mound during his 19 years in pinstripes came at a time when bullpens prepared their relief pitchers to specifically focus on those final outs. 

'Mariano capitalized on that, became extremely dominant with that cutter and kept getting those hitters,' he said. 'He helped reinvent the closer role in baseball.'"

While Mo made the Yankees winners and a success... it was the changing of that role that helped that happen. Who knows if a closer like Goose pitching 3 innings would have had the same impact in this day and age.

Look, I just like that these old timers spoke out in general. There are problems in the MLB this year. I don't think Manfred is being truthful with the baseballs and the home runs and I hate the changing of the game each year just to "speed it up".

The whole idea of baseball is you come to the game and the game could take hours and hours for all you know. It could also be very quick. And that's the fun of it. At some point, you really have to keep the game structured the way it was invented.  Sure, I understand baseball is a business and with ad space and TV things change... but don't lose sight of the big picture when it's all over... IT'S A GAME. And we should never lose site of that.

GARDNER IS DAMAGING HIS ONCE SOLID REPUTATION

I'm over the bat antics, Veruca Salt. Please get back to business and do the job of leadership and productivity.  Brett? You're being a baby and now after doing your stupid bat banging multiple times, I can no longer take you seriously. Your reputation is now damaged.

Brett Gardner is a passionate guy. We all know this. The dude wants to win.  And so, why does he feel like he can package himself with Aaron Boone and yell and scream and bitch and moan and hit the god damn dugout roof with his bat every time things don't go his way? Why?

Aaron Boone is the manager. Boone's job is to protect his guys! Billy Martin used to do that. Lou Piniella did.  Earl Weaver was a genius with that. But the players? Sure, be mad... but move on. It's insane that guys like Gardy can't move on. It's pathetic too.

This is yesterday.

Should Brett Gardner stop his bat thumping?

pic.twitter.com/Be7LYpLB1E

— Chris Dixon (@cdixon25) August 17, 2019

Why? Why the tantrum? No idea who this Dixon tweeter is but the answer is YES. STOP IT! Gardy should stop for sure... like NOW! What has happened to our society where we can have public tantrums and think that that's OK?

What happened to leadership?  What the hell happened to not arguing balls and strikes and how come it's suddenly a right for passage for the Yankees?  WE'RE WINNING for Christ's sake!

Now look, we know umpires aren't always great at their jobs, but I got news for you.  Arguing balls and strikes is kind of ridiculous.   But that's another post for another time.

This bat garbage? It shows weakness. Hell, I saw all that Fredo stuff with that Chris Cuomo guy this week, but let's keep it real. Fredo isn't the "N" word for Italians, that's false. Fredo is symbolic for weakness. Maybe Gardy should be called Fredo.

Anyway, here's a recap of yesterday. Our guy Bryan Hoch has it:

"The 'Savages' were on the loose once again during Saturday afternoon's 6-5 Yankees win over the Indians at Yankee Stadium, resulting in ejections to New York manager Aaron Boone, outfielder Brett Gardner and -- though he isn't even on the active roster -- pitcher CC Sabathia.

'It was kind of crazy, to be honest,' Gardner said. 'I got ejected for hitting the top of the dugout with my bat; making too much noise, I guess. I wasn’t too happy about it. I didn’t feel like what I did warranted an ejection.'"

No Dummy, you got ejected because your antics have built a reputation around you for being a troublemaker, tantrum-throwing tool.  You are what you make yourself, Gardy. If you want to be a leader, you say your piece and move on.  If you continue to act like a 3 year old in an adult body and try to undermine the umpire... THE AUTHORITY ON THE FIELD, you deserve what you get, Gardy.  You're better than that!

Now people will come to me and say things like this:

Did you ever watch Paul O’Neil play? He did far worse than what Gardner does. And Gardner has done this about 10 times this year and all of a sudden he’s ejected for it today?

— Bill Kolbenschlag (@ProfessorBK) August 17, 2019

I don’t write so you and I can agree. We clearly have a different opinion. That’s it. Now let’s move on.

— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) August 10, 2019

O'Neill? Love the guy.  His antics?

Freaking ridiculous!

Did we love it when it happened? Sure, but when it starts happening over and over and over again, you really have to start to question what the goal is. Is it to make a point but then move on? OR... is it to have the spotlight on "ME" and to hell with the bigger picture... Team? Something to think about.

Now Boone or any manager? As far as I'm concerned, they are in charge of their team. If they don't like a call, they are the mouthpiece... they take it to the next level if they choose to.

A player? You are paid to play the game. You will not always get your way. Calls don't always go your way, and so while you want to lose your cool, scream, go for it. But it should end there. The ridiculous antics... bat banging, helmet throwing, game after game after game after game... it's old and it's tired. And sooner or later, you lose your impact in what you want to accomplish.

Even more importantly? You're no longer taken seriously. You're now a clown. And your reputation? It's cracked… altered, possibly forever.

Look, people will have a different opinion of this and that's fine.  We are allowed to disagree. All I can say is I hate cry babies. I always have.

Be a leader, Gardy. You have a dugout full of moldable youngsters on that Yankee team. Act like you've been there before and mold them into future leaders too! Stop bitching, bitch! Start being a leader.

And to everyone out there... I'm putting my name on this one so you know it's coming from me.

--Robert Casey
BYB Chief & Head Writer
Twitter: @bleednyankeeblu

NO INVITE NEEDED!

Photo: Associated Press

Rich "Goose" Gossage is an ALL TIME GREAT New York Yankee. Do we really want to debate that? He was one of the most feared bullpen arms in the Game's history. Period.

Gossage, a HALL OF FAMER, was recently told be the Yankee brass that he is no longer welcome at the Spring Training facility in Tampa. Why? Because the Goose is old school.

Photo: SI.com

He doesn't say the PC thing. He speaks his mind. He NEVER tows the company line. THAT IS PRECISELY WHAT MADE HIM THE GOOSE!! He was a fierce competitor and the Yanks were better because of it.

Photo: New York Times

And I'll go a step further, if the Boss were still running this show there would be more of the Goose in the organization...and wouldn't that be great! I, like all Yankee Faithful, love and respect the great Mariano Rivera. BUT MO AIN'T THE POPE! He was an all world closer who pitched in a different era than Gossage.

Photo: New York Times

He rarely had to go more than an inning and it most certainly help prolong a 1st ballot Hall of Fame career. Goose thinks the players today are soft...they are compared to the Bombers from the legendary BRONX ZOO of the 1970's.

Photo: Richard Drew/AP

No, many of the players today wouldn't have lasted in a clubhouse with Piniella, Gossage, Nettles and Munson.

They HATED the Red Sox....actually HATED THEM. They played for blood. It was a different time, but a time that has worth.

Look, Goose is one of my childhood heroes. I have met him on a few occasions and he is truly a wonderful guy (Hell, he named my dog!). He loves the game and even more he loves that he is, and always will be a NEW YORK YANKEE.

Photo: New York Post

How does the organization always manage to look like 1st rate ass clowns with former greats? They even turned on Yogi once upon a time! Yogi!! It's disgraceful. The best thing about the Yanks is that the players come back to lend a hand and help the next class of baby bombers. Goose can teach toughness.

That Yankee Baseball is a RESULTS BASED BUSINESS! You need to bring it everyday. But I tell you what front office brain trust (COUGH! Lon COUGH! Randy) you don't get to decide who is a Yankee Legend and who isn't.

The men that wore the pinstripes do that. Rich Gossage IS, and if he wants to be in Tampa you should thank him with a smile and hearty handshake. Otherwise start wearing a batting helmet to work. Because if the Goose uncorks one up and in on Old Timer's Day it may have your name on it....

** If they had music to enter to in Goose's day, I like to think this would be his cup of tea. We love ya, Rich.  Never forget it.**

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