THE IMPACT OF MARIANO DUNCAN

Mariano Duncan's influence on the New York Yankees during the 1996 season was profound and multifaceted. His arrival marked a turning point for a team on the cusp of greatness, and his leadership and positivity were instrumental in shaping the Yankees' championship mentality. This story delves into Duncan's journey to the Yankees, his role in the team's success, and the legacy of his famous rallying cry.

Mariano Duncan signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent on December 28, 1995. Coming off a stint with the Cincinnati Reds, Duncan brought a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to a young Yankees team. He had already won a World Series with the Reds in 1990, and his veteran presence was seen as a valuable addition to a Yankees roster that was looking to take the next step toward championship contention.

Duncan was 33 years old when he joined the Yankees, a seasoned veteran in the twilight of his career. Despite his age, he embraced the role of a mentor with enthusiasm. His experience and positive attitude made him a natural leader in the clubhouse. According to Joe Torre, the Yankees' manager in 1996, Duncan's influence was immeasurable. "Mariano brought a sense of calm and confidence to our team. He was always upbeat and kept everyone focused on the task at hand," Torre recalled in an interview.

Teammates echoed Torre's sentiments. Derek Jeter, who was in his rookie season in 1996, spoke highly of Duncan's impact. "Mariano was always there with a smile and a word of encouragement. He taught me a lot about staying positive and taking things one game at a time," Jeter said. Duncan's ability to connect with younger players and his infectious enthusiasm helped to foster a cohesive and motivated team environment. 

Mariano Duncan’s famous expression, “We play today, we win today… das it,” became a cornerstone of the New York Yankees’ 1996 championship season, capturing the essence of the team’s approach to the game and helping to build a winning mentality. This section delves deeper into the origins of this phrase, its significance, and how it encapsulated the Yankees' focus during their march to the World Series title. David Cone said, "That phrase, ‘We play today, we win today… das it,’ was on everyone’s lips. It became part of our identity. Mariano brought a level of positivity and simplicity that really resonated with all of us.”

Mariano Duncan brought his famous phrase to the Yankees from his previous experiences in Major League Baseball. Having played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, where he won a World Series in 1990, Duncan had seen firsthand the importance of maintaining a positive and focused mindset. His expression reflected his belief in taking one game at a time and giving maximum effort every day.

Why is that Mariano phrase so important? 

1. Focus on the Present: Duncan’s phrase emphasized the importance of focusing on the current game rather than worrying about the past or future. This mindset was crucial for a young Yankees team that had a mix of veterans and emerging stars. By instilling a one-game-at-a-time mentality, Duncan helped prevent the team from getting overwhelmed by the pressures of a long season and the high expectations placed upon them.

2. Building Confidence: The slogan also served as a confidence booster. By stating, “We win today,” Duncan instilled a belief in the team’s ability to succeed every day. This positive reinforcement was essential in building a winning culture within the clubhouse. Players started each game with the mindset that victory was within reach, fostering a competitive and optimistic atmosphere.

3. Simplifying the Approach: Baseball can be a mentally taxing sport, with players often overthinking their performance and strategy. Duncan’s expression simplified the team’s approach, cutting through the complexities and reminding everyone to focus on the basics: play hard today and aim to win. This simplification helped reduce anxiety and allowed players to perform more freely and confidently.

Duncan may not have been an overwhelming bat for the Yankees back in 1996, but he had a deep influence and to this day he is one of the most important and impactful Yankees of that 1996 team!

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE YANKEES ARE FOR REAL

I have been holding my breath for weeks.  I have been waiting for the other shoe to drop.  I am still of the belief that Juan Soto won't be with us when the season ends. I am positive he will take the money and go to the Mets and so I am having a really hard time rooting hard for a loaner. 

Yup, that's my world.  But let me just say that what this team has done and is doing is unreal and now with the surge of Aaron Judge, the dominance of Carlos Rodon and of course the talent of Soto and every player in between... I have to say it because it's incredible... the Yankees are for real.  It's glorious, exciting and as a Yankee fan... I just want it to keep going.  

This being said, I will never use a useless Aaron Boone quote in my writings on the New York Yankees ever here on Bleeding Yankee Blue pages. Boone is a worm, a slug, and has nothing to do with this surge of greatness. He is a mouthpiece; a puppet and I'm ignoring him. For this run... this is the players. It's all the players (and James Rowson) of course.

Let's also talk about the young guys that want to make a name for themselves.  Luis Gil? What a breath of fresh air.

ESPN writes:

"Gil continued his unforeseen breakout campaign Saturday, delivering the best start of his young career with 14 strikeouts -- a Yankees rookie record -- on 98 pitches over six innings as New York improved to an AL-best 32-15..."

"I have a teacher, Gerrit Cole, who's teaching me how to pitch, how to handle situations and how to execute," Gil said in Spanish. "And that's what we're doing, what he teaches me, and we're applying it in the game."

This alone brings me such joy.  This is teamwork. These are good teammates.  Hat tip to Cole.  

Then there's Clay Holmes. Jorge Castillo of ESPN wrote a great article about him.  

"STUD -- all capital letters there," Yankees reliever Luke Weaver said.

Holmes, in his second full season as New York's closer, has registered 21 strikeouts with three walks in 17⅓ innings and leads the American League with 12 saves. And ask anybody in the Yankees' clubhouse: Holmes' performance in Baltimore earlier this month is still a talker.

Holmes now has 13.

"A lot of it for me is nailing my direction," Holmes said. "I'm able to just move down the mound faster and I just think it helps my body move a little better. Just kind of knowing my lanes, the direction I need to get going. It's a product of me just moving down the mound better. It frees up my arm. The stuff moves from that."

And how about Anthony Volpe. Now I'm going to tell you that I'm not a huge Volpe guy.  But I do like what he's doing with his batting average.  Last year he ended at .209. This year his average is at .270 and that's great.

MLB.com writes:

"Anthony Volpe hit his sixth home run of the season and swiped his ninth base of the season on Thursday. The 23-year-old wasted no time as he launched a lead-off home run, which ended up being the game-winning run. Then, in the second inning, he hit a single and stole second base. After struggling in his rookie season last year, the former top prospect is clearly beginning to find his footing at the major league level. Across 44 games this season, he has posted a .273/.348/.432 slash line, which is significantly higher than his .209/.283/.383 line last year. Volpe was a 20/20 player last season and is on pace to repeat that feat this season."

As Judge said in the Athletic last year: “If he’s going to be the future and be the shortstop here for the next 15 years... you’ve got to have him up here now and just kind of getting used to it.”

And this is why this team is truly unique. Gil, Holmes and Volpe are not top Yankee names, but they are in the mix. They are in the mix of veterans and stars that are offering unique talent and making a contribution to the team.  For me? This team strangely reminds me of 1996. 

The Jeter's mixed in with the Mariano Duncans and Cecil Fielders and Wade Boggs of the team.  Meaning... everyone contributes in some fashion.  It just feels right.  While we have a long season to go, I believe that with the return of Cole, the team will just get better.  There is hope that the Yankees can sustain this run.  

Look, I am a Yankee fan. I have been one since the day I latched on the Ron Guidry all those years ago.  I have seen some great games, great teams and some really bad ones.  I become happy, I become frustrated and annoyed. But in the end, I love this team.  I just want them to do well.

If you're a Yankee fan... a believer... I applaud you for sticking around.  I was almost out of here. The Yankees horrendous season last year coupled with my busy life made it easy for me to try and walk away.  But this team is exciting, and I'll stick around for a bit more. 

To all you Yankee fans and to all you BYB freaks, thank you for being there.  We love you.  We're in it together.  

Go Yanks!

WE PLAY TODAY, WE WIN TODAY... DAS IT!

Yes, a drop in the bucket of positivity. Sure, I'm no doctor and don't claim to understand the pathology of a virus. Why write anything then you ask? Because believe it or not we ARE stronger than those on the 24-7 television broadcast are giving us credit for.

Am I being too "Rah, Rah!"?

Is this too much Micky telling a so-called "Bum Southpaw" to, "GET UP! GET UP, YOU SON OF A BITCH! DON'T LAY DOWN! DIE HARD! ONE MORE ROUND! Because Micky loves ya."? Maybe. Maybe it is...but I don't see it that way.

In 1996 a journeyman infielder coined the inspirational phrase, "We play today, we win today. Das it!" I wish Mariano Duncan was at the podium with the Coronavirus Task Force everyday. Why? Because that's the way we need to play this stretch.. NO DOUBT in who we are and how we fight.

Day by day we are bombarded with "experts" telling us why it's bad and offering no really glimmer of hope for the population. Well, they are the front office...WE ARE THE PLAYERS!  Due respect to Brian Cashman, I'd rather have DJ in the box with 2 down, down 1 with a runners at 2nd and 3rd in the ninth.

Hope is a wonderful thing. It leads us to a path that can lift the team around us to become the best version of themselves. Despair? Well, there's plenty of that out there if you'd rather buy that brand. That's your call.

I'm not asking you to change your mind any more than I'm asking you to suddenly be an Irish Catholic. HOWEVER, blocking out the noise of the crowd and seeing the stitches on the ball tumbling toward you give you a shot to make great things happen. Don't believe it? Grab a book, look up challenging times in history....ANY history.

I'm so tired of hearing that we can't... so to steal from the boys up the I-95 in 2004....COWBOY UP!

Yes, I invoked the battle cry of "THE IDIOTS"! WHY? Because they were actually geniuses. I've not written for BYB much lately. I have time... we all do now, and I wanted to chime in from the cheap seats today to let whomever reads this know that I believe in this team!  I always have. Maybe it's my upbringing. Maybe it's because I'm a coach myself these days. Maybe it's because I'm scared too, but I won't let this thing keep me on the mat!

I believe in the better days ahead. I believe, because if we play today, we win today! Das it!

Be safe. Be smart. Fight back! and Believe!

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



Sometimes it just takes a bit of music to shake you from the slump. Here it is:

THE YANKEES ARE STAYING AGGRESSIVE!

I am absolutely loving this!

The Yankees won again and it's amazing and just check the standing guys:

The American League East is tightening even more with the Yankees just 3 out of first place!  In the Wild Card race, the Yanks are just 1 game out.  Who the hell would have guessed it?

Now, the Yankee fan base is insanely happy right now.  I think Suzie Pinstripe put it best in her post COULD CHRIS ARCHER END UP IN PINSTRIPES?, 

"I love Yankee baseball right now.  I really can't believe the transformation."

No one can Suzie, it's truly incredible.

The perfect mix of youth and veterans working together toward a common goal.  That is a suggestion we at Bleeding Yankee Blue have been screaming about for years.  That's because when the Yankees were on their tear in the mid-90's with the same formula. That's when we had a young Derek Jeter... and older Cecil Fielder.  A young Andy Pettitte, an older Mariano Duncan. A young Jorge Posada... and older Joe Girardi.  You get the idea.  Things are happening again folks!

Last night the Yanks won.  This time it was that combination again... a young Gary Sanchez with the older Jacoby Ellsbury homering and match that with a great pitching performance by Masahiro Tanaka and things were great! 

By the way, Tanaka is 14-3 this season.  Last night he went 7.1 and gave up just 5 hits and 1 run while striking out 10.  That one run was the only one the Rays would score.  The pen shut them down.

And here's an interesting stat that needs to be thrown out there.  Last night the Yankees only left 3 men on base. That means they are doing their job... and things are working... that's because they are playing good baseball.

More today folks, we need to keep climbing.  This is a run, isn't it? Let's try and sweep the Rays!  Go Yanks!

Final: Yankees 5 - Rays 1

REMEMBERING 1996

If you can, try and find an hour today or this weekend to watch this.  It's called Pinstripe Destiny and it was put together by MSG and narrated by Al Trautwig.



This was when MSG carried the Yankees and it is an old special that is literally the making of that 1996 team we remember and love. Guys like Cecil Fielder. Mariano Duncan. Darryl Strawberry and New manager Joe Torre.

Enjoy it.

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PEOPLE HAVE TO STOP OVERTHINKING MONUMENT PARK

This year the Yankees announced that they would be putting plaques into Monument Park to honor Yankees who have done their duty while in pinstripes.  They chose, Goose Gossage, Paul O'Neill and Tino Martinez. I didn't blink. In fact, I was happy to see that they were doing it. O'Neill and Tino both contributed alot during the Yankees run in the late 90's and Goose did his thing better than any closer before that.

After all, it wasn't like they were retiring numbers, they were simply honoring them. I embraced it.  Many Yankee fans did too.

I remember at the time, some, including Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk was all over Yankee brass as if to suggest they made a stupid mistake.  I responded (not that he cared), with my own piece titled BE PROUD OF OUR YANKEES. DON'T MOCK THEM. In it, I wrote that after the announcement...

  
" It was then followed by every half-clever writer making jokes about who else should be honored by the Yankees. Names like Bobby Meacham, Hideki Irabu, Mariano Duncan and I'm sure the name Andy Stankiewicz was mentioned.  It was in a silly, mocking tone, read HERE and my question is why? What does it matter what the Yankees do and who they honor? Plus, why shouldn't they honor Tino, or Paulie or Goose or Torre?  It's their franchise and the guys they chose were pretty great Yankees.  Why a non-Yankee fan like Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk has it all figured out is beyond me. Craig, don't worry about it... "

Not that I changed him mind (because I didn't), but yesterday Craig wrote this:  "I scoffed a little bit at that when the news came out, but after the weighing-in by some Tino fans and a month or so worth of reflection, I’m feeling cooler about it. Indeed, if this is truly a move by the franchise to come down off its “Only The Titans Are Worthy” stance toward its history, I’m all for it."

Nice. But now Sweeny Murti  thinks more should be done, writing: "We could add dozens more names if we wanted to, and maybe we will.  But I’d like to start with two — Willie Randolph and Graig Nettles."

He goes on to make his great argument for why they belong, and I don't disagree, but the point is, isn't there other things to worry about? The Yankees history and it's players are fruitful.

The Yankees have had great players over the years.  The best part of these great players is, when the time comes each year, the Yankees will sit down and decide who gets honored. When they do that, and a name pops up you love, you will once again, pay money to go see them get honored.  The Yankees are a machine. This idea was strategic... don't over think it.  The best part is, these players come back to the stadium, they get a proper honoring and then if they are worthy, they also get a plaque. It's the new Yankees.  Sure, the retired numbers are running out, but that's not what this is about.  This is about giving the nod to other great Yankees... just not great enough to have their number retired.  It's an acknowledgment. It's a "Thank you"... and I love the idea.

And yes, for all you wondering, they'll be in the same park as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and the retired numbers of Don Mattingly and Yogi Berra will be there too. But it's an "atta boy"... it's a "Thank you for doing a good job in pinstripes". We don't need lists. We don't need to debate who should go in next and why they are better than someone else. Over time, all the greats will eventually be acknowledged.

The best part is, this type of honoring can go on forever. Why are we rushing it Sweeny? Why do you care so much Craig? Enjoy life. There are a ton of great things going on outside. Then, when the Yankees send out their press release... we will all hear who comes next.  Maybe it WILL be Randolph, or Posada, Williams or Nettles.  All apply, but it's not up to us... it's up the the Yankees organization, and trust me... they won't blow this.

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BE PROUD OF OUR YANKEES. DON'T MOCK THEM.

It was announced today that the Yankees will be honoring Paul O'Neill, Tino Martinez, Joe Torre and Goose Gossage with plaques in monument park.  That was tweeted by Jack Curry of YES:

Joe Torre, Paul O'Neill, Goose Gossage and Tino Martinez will be honored w/ plaques in Monument Park. Torre's #6 will be retired, too.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) May 8, 2014

It was then followed by every half-clever writer making jokes about who else should be honored by the Yankees.

Names like Bobby Meacham, Hideki Irabu, Mariano Duncan and I'm sure the name Andy Stankiewicz was mentioned.  It was in a silly, mocking tone, read HERE and my question is why? What does it matter what the Yankees do and who they honor? Plus, why shouldn't they honor Tino, or Paulie or Goose or Torre?  It's their franchise and the guys they chose were pretty great Yankees.  Why a non-Yankee fan like Craig Calcaterra of Hardball Talk has it all figured out is beyond me. Craig, don't worry about it...

And what about Yankee fans? Why is everyone so concerned about their favorites... Andy Pettitte, Jorge Posada being ignored? Trust me... it's coming ladies and gentlemen.  But it doesn't take away from the fact that there is a lot of bashing going on.  The Yankees can't win, can they? Even if they DO honor a player, there's criticism.  What the hell happened to Yankee fans or baseball fans just enjoying our past in this great game? What's the big deal anyway?

 

And just to clarify, no one except for Joe Torre is having their number retired.  All that's happening here is they're going to have a ceremony for the 4 guys and thank them for their service in pinstripes.  They are plaques ladies and gentlemen. They will be displayed in monument park.  They were good Yankees and they deserve it.  And most likely the Goose, Tino and Paulie will NOT have their numbers retired, but this is the next best thing. That's my opinion on what the Yankees are thinking by the way.  Look, as far as I'm concerned, all the haters should chill, because it makes no sense as to why you should criticize.

With the Yankees, Goose Gossage has 151 saves in 7 years.  He was larger than life when I was a kid. Tino Martinez had 192 home runs in New York and 4 championships to boot.

Paul O'Neill was right there with him in the championship department and compiled not only the nickname "the Warrior", but had 185 home runs and a .303 average in 9 years. Obviously, we all know just how important Joe Torre was in all of this, plus he's a Hall of Famer. But again, TORRE IS THE ONLY ONE HAVING HIS NUMBER RETIRED. There isn't some mad dash to retired 42 Yankees this season or anything. It's about honoring and respecting some pretty great Yankees with a plaque... and it's also a hot ticket to see these greats if you understand true fandom and the business of Yankee baseball.  I'm not so sure the ticket is as hot if Mariano Duncan is getting a plaque...and that's not a slight at Mariano Duncan... it's just a fact.

Stop the hate ladies and gentlemen... this is a nice thing that the Yankees are doing. Enjoy it if you're a Yankee fan.  It's fun.

Oh, and P.S... I was concerned Bernie Williams would be ignored... but Jack Curry put me at ease with this...

In addition to Torre, Goosage, Martinez and O'Neill, Yankees say Bernie Williams will be part of recognition series in 2015.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) May 8, 2014

Nice!

Go Yanks!

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THERE'S ONLY 1 "CORE FOUR", PATRICK MOONEY

Patrick Mooney of Comcast Sportsnet offers an interesting piece that many won't pick up on.  He connected the Yankees, and Mariano Duncan, to Derek Jeter.  Then he did something sneaky and sacrilegious. He anointed 4 Cubs' youngster as the "Core Four" in his title. I guess he was hoping no one would notice.  1 problem... I did notice, and it's just plain wrong.  There's only 1 "Core Four" and the Cubs don't have it, the Yankees do.

The piece was innocent enough at the start.  Mooney writes about Mariano Duncan mentoring Jeter, writing: "The Boss made sure Mariano Duncan got the message. The New York Yankees needed someone to look after the 21-year-old shortstop out of Kalamazoo Central High School.... Duncan remembered the conversation with Torre: 'Mariano, for now, you’re my starting second baseman. You know Derek Jeter is our shortstop and I want you to go ahead and take care of that guy.'

Duncan said Yankees owner George Steinbrenner also sent Mr. October: 'And then Reggie Jackson comes to me one day in spring training and says, ‘Mariano, I talked to George and he wanted me to tell you: If you go to dinner, you got to take Jeter with you. If you go out, take him with you. I want you to take care of that guy for us, because we want that guy to follow the right people.’” 

Then suddenly the piece changes gears and it speaks of Duncan's job these days with the Cubs and 4 kids who are "the next big thing."  Then, in the final paragraph he writes: "Whether or not the Cubs really have their Core Four, history shows elite young players can grow up fast."

Sure, you can backtrack now, but your title said it all:  "Cubs: After mentoring Jeter, Mariano Duncan connects with Core Four". You've tricked us, and while you're a "Cubs Insider", whatever that is, what you did was use a lot of buzz words to get the Yankee fans in.  But now I know and I'll be sure to not come back.  It was borderline irresponsible.

Now, to all the BYB readers... look...  I'm not asking you to go bash Patrick Mooney.  He was trying to be provocative and he was, he won.  But there are certain things that you just don't do....

You don't tug on Superman's cape, you don't piss into the wind... and you don't... YOU NEVER EVER call another group of 4 ballplayers the Core Four.  That, my friends should never happen. There's only 1 Core Four...

And there will never be another.

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THE MYSTERIOUS WORLD OF BRIAN CASHMAN

I’m now officially confused. 1 week ago, Brian Cashman made a joke about the Free Agent market and it not looking too good... OR, as he put it “It’s kind of like a baby pool. Kids pee in it.”, read HERE.  I understood what he was saying and what he was doing… he was being provocative as to say to the media, “Look, I don’t see a player that we could use, and so, we’re not going there.” OK… fine.

I’ve stated that life goes on in Yankeeland.  We have what we have and we just need to deal with it.  Try out a few guys at first, Juan Rivera, maybe Dan Johnson, move Kevin Youkilis over there, put Ronnier Mustelier at 3^rd. Basically, we do what we need to do and try to figure it all out.  It happens all the time with injuries with teams.  Then something weird happened.   Brian Cashman became nutty…and I say that in the most affectionate way possible.

These reports about Derrek Lee or Chipper Jones, or Scott Rolen are just mind boggling to me, read DERREK LEE, CHIPPER JONES OR FRED MCGRIFF? for that context.  I mean, it’s like Cashman doesn’t know what he wants to do either. I mean, am I right?  Is it possible that Brian Cashman would actually skip over the Free Agents left over, like Carlos Lee and Aubrey Huff and go straight to retired players and try to convince them to come out of retirement?  Derrek Lee? Chipper Jones? Hey, is Tony Clark available?

(In Photo: Glenallen Hill)
Hey, maybe we sign Glenallen Hill, throw him in the outfield and move Juan Rivera to first.  Jose Canseco is willing to play on the company softball team, maybe he’s available. The whole thing seems ridiculous.

My friend Mike said to me on Twitter this morning “What are the Yankees doing?”  The short answer is… I don’t know. The long answer is they are trying to get their bearings, moving things around, moving money around, saving when they can and most of all, going for the cheap alternative that can hopefully make a big splash quick and then, when their time is up, we send them home.  Sure, none of it makes sense to us, we’re Yankee fans. Many of us grew up with George and we got whatever the hell we wanted.  We’re spoiled, face it.  The hardest thing for us to do is understand this latest stunt by Cashman, and so, we don’t understand it and we become frustrated.

“Off with his head!”, some have screamed or written on Twitter of Brian Cashman.  Some suggest the broken ankle was karma for a crappy off-season.  I say this… let this whole thing play out.  I am pissed just like the rest of you. I don’t get it. But something is actually happening in the process…. The kids are playing and we’re seeing dudes like Zoilo Almonte and Ronnier Mustelier and Melky Mesa make a nice run this spring.  Ultimately, we’re going to see these guys at some point this season, maybe at the start, or later. Ultimately that's what we want anyway right?  So yeah, say we DO sign Derrek Lee temporarily and then Tex comes back.  No doubt we’ll have an injury down the road again from someone else and maybe we'll see Melky Mesa in July.  Then, maybe we make a trade for another veteran, and soon, maybe we bring up Ronnier Mustelier by August.  All I’m saying is, mixing up alittle veteran help with the kids may make for a brilliant formula… a formula for a championship team.

I often think about that 1996 team. A bunch of talent, mixed in with some veterans, some kids, and we won the whole damn thing!  Don’t forget, no one thought we had a chance under “Clueless Joe”, but we did it.  We did it with a guys named Charlie Hayes, and Mariano Duncan.  Old man Cecil Fielder was there and who could forget Luis Sojo.  The point is, we didn’t think those guys could do much either… but we did win it that year!

All I'm saying is, this is the mysterious world of Brian Cashman... but don’t panic yet Yankeeland.  It’s March 12^th, not September 12^th… we’re almost up to Opening Day.  Cash is just getting his team in order.  Let’s wait and see what we have before we get all nutty. Have faith. I know it's hard, but have faith.

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ROBINSON CANO IS YOUR FAVORITE YANKEE SECOND BASEMAN

As I’ve stated time and time before, doing these polls on your All-Time favorite Yankee players is always a personal choice and there is no wrong answer.  We also usually get the more recent players in baseball history chosen because they are constantly in our minds, on TV, the Internet and the highlights are plastered all over the place.  Is it fair? Not for the old time greats, but it’s still fun to vote.  It’s funny though, in our 1^st baseman poll a few weeks back, ya’ll chose Don Mattingly first, not as recent, but still in the public eye for many of us.  Anyway, no biggie, just wanted to point that out. On to the poll:

Robinson Cano was the clear winner in this poll, getting 40 votes from the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers, that was 38% of the vote.  A no-brainer honestly. The guy is truly a terrific 2^nd baseman and one of the best the Yankees have ever had and like I said, the highlights are constant.

(In Photo: Bobby Richardson)

He was followed by Willie Randolph who received 26 votes, or 24% of the voted in this poll and then finally, Bobby Richardson, another Yankee favorite who snuck in at 16 votes.  Everyone loves Richardson. I actually expected him to come in higher in the voting, maybe even higher than Randolph, but like I’ve stated, recent history helps the recent players in this poll.

(In Photo: Billy Martin)

After those 3 guys, there’s a distant separation.  Guys like Billy Martin received 5 votes and Horace Clarke…yeah that’s right, Clarke, received 4 votes…he was tight with the late great Tony Lazzeri.  I was surprised by that.I expect Lazzeri much higher.

Chuck Knoblauch and Steve Sax both received 2 votes each…must have been the throwing problem that grouped them together. I’m joking, but it’s ironic.    And who could forget Alfonso Soriano. He received 2 votes as well.

Mariano Duncan, our second baseman for the 1996 championship New York Yankees received zero votes.  Alittle surprised by that, but he wasn’t with us very long.  Mariano isn’t exactly considered a New York Yankee, he had a career before he came to us and retired soon after that championship team.

Look, this exercise is just for fun, like I’ve said, there is no wrong answer, it’s a personal choice.  I’m thrilled that you participated.  

Next up… your favorite New York Yankee shortstop of all time.  Clearly Derek Jeter will crush everyone… but hey, let’s see what happens. Look for it soon.

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.