"MICK THE QUICK" IS ALWAYS A YANKEE FAN FAVORITE

Yankee fans today continue to celebrate Mickey Rivers as a cherished figure in the team’s storied history. Despite leaving the Yankees in 1979 after being traded to the Texas Rangers, Rivers’ contributions during his time in pinstripes left an indelible mark. His lively personality and clutch performances remain a source of pride and nostalgia for those who remember his time on the field.

Decades later, Rivers’ legacy is alive and well, thanks to his lasting impact on the game and his enduring connection with fans, both in person and through his active social media presence. Before Rivers became a Bronx icon, he was turning heads on the West Coast, but he was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves. 

Mickey debuted in 1970 with the California Angels, where his blazing speed and penchant for triples made him one of the league’s most electrifying young players. By 1975, he led the American League in steals with 70 swiped bags, a career high. But it was the trade that sent him to New York in December of that year that truly altered his trajectory—and that of the Yankees.

Rivers, along with pitcher Ed Figueroa, was acquired from the Angels in exchange for Bobby Bonds. While Bonds was a great player, Yankees fans quickly realized they’d won this trade in a landslide. In his first year in pinstripes, Rivers hit .312, stole 43 bases, and set career highs in home runs (8) and RBIs (67). The cherry on top? He finished third in AL MVP voting and earned a spot on the All-Star team. Mickey’s infectious energy and knack for making things happen at the top of the lineup immediately endeared him to the Bronx faithful.

Rivers didn’t just shine in the regular season—he thrived when the stakes were highest. In the 1977 ALCS against the Royals, Mickey came through in the clutch when the Yankees needed him most. Facing elimination in Game 4, Rivers led off with a double and went on to collect four hits in a pivotal 6-4 win. In the decisive Game 5, Rivers tied the game in the ninth inning and later scored an insurance run, propelling the Yankees to a 5-3 victory and a World Series berth.

And in the Fall Classic against the Dodgers? Mickey didn’t miss a beat. His three-hit performance in Game 3, including two doubles, ignited the Yankees’ offense and helped secure a crucial win. It was moments like these that cemented his place in Yankees lore as a player who thrived under pressure. Rivers wasn’t just known for his skills—his personality was larger than life. Whether it was his trademark shuffle to the plate, his habit of twirling the bat after every pitch, or his unique lexicon (he famously called people “Gozzlehead”.

His one-liners are legendary. The rumor is when Reggie Jackson bragged about his IQ being 160, Mickey quipped, “Out of what, 1,000?” His approach to life? Equally unforgettable:

“Ain’t no sense worrying about things you got no control over, ’cause if you got no control over them, ain’t no sense in worrying. And ain’t no sense worrying about things you got control over, ’cause if you got control over them, ain’t no sense worrying.”

Asked by Bleeding Yankee Blue about his closest teammates during his Yankees years, Rivers gave an answer that perfectly captured his team-first mentality:

“Oscar Gamble, Roy White, Catfish Hunter, Chris Chambliss, Thurman Munson, and Ken Holtzman. But in all fairness, I can probably name 10 more because I was close to the whole team.”

That sense of camaraderie and loyalty is a big reason why Mickey remains so beloved.

Even though Rivers left the Yankees in 1979, his connection with the team and its fans has never wavered. His stooped shuffle to the plate, lightning-quick speed, and knack for making something out of nothing are memories that continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who saw him play.

Today, Rivers stays connected with fans through his vibrant social media presence, sharing stories, cracking jokes, and reminding everyone why he’s one of the most colorful figures in Yankees history.

His clutch performances, charismatic personality, and deep bond with teammates make him a legend who transcends the game. Yankees fans don’t just remember Mickey—they celebrate him, proving that his impact, both on and off the field, is truly timeless.

--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

THEY DON'T MAKE 'EM LIKE THEY USED TO

We've all heard it, "I walked uphill to school...BOTH WAYS!" We've all been given the tales of guts and glory from generations past. "In my day..." was ALMOST ALWAYS a better day than today. Music meant something! Kids had jobs at 11 years old and it usually entailed lifting blocks of stone...in short, they were tough and we are soft, self-centered, gimme gimme brats. Ya know what? They're sorta right on the money.

Let's take Baseball as a smaller scale example of the larger problem when comparing generation to generation. In fact, let dial it in further to our oft injured WWE wrestler of an outfielder...Mike "But I go by Giancarlo "Now" Stanton. Yes, he's hurt again. It's his hamstring. He'll be out 4 weeks or so...this song is more familiar than the Piano Man! "Oh Giancarlo at the bar is a friend of mine...he's on the IL again tonight...and he's making big money...so it's not too funny...that he probably will be for life..."

Think of it...a hamstring. Cast your mind back to not even a generation ago. 1996. World Series. Atlanta. Paul "The Warrior" O'Neill chases down a smoked rope to the gap on ONE GOOD HAMSTRING!! The other blew out earlier in the series like the inner tube of an old Schwinn!! Yet O'Neill played. He play his ass off. 

 

Think about Munson, Nettles, Goose, Bucky, Bobby, Mick the Quick...do actually think any of them would've lasted in the Bronx Zoo claiming a tender hammy? NO. A. PRAYER. Am I saying Stanton is soft? YES!! Sure he's a muscle bound adonis, but the guy makes Tex look like a blood and guts type....by the way, Tex wasn't.



We are soft. Why? Because it's all about the image these days. The sizzle more than the steak. We specialize training, celebrate Tik-Tokers, take selfies...we are soft. Nobody is expected to go all out anymore. It's not about the fight, it's about sitting near the ring.

Look there is a much deeper undertone to this post that takes a shot at the lack of backbone in the world on a whole...but let's frame it with Mike Stanton. He's big, he's strong, he's wealthy, he's a handsome cat, seems like a good guy....and he's soft. And don't get me wrong...it ain't all Stanton's fault...he is a product of the environment of today's sports/celebrity culture. 

They get hurt so often because they train to be true specimens of the Greek Gods...it's show in THE SHOW...the game, sadly is no longer the reason...it's making that Nike swoosh flash on the pecks stretched pinstripes. They aren't ballplayers the way we remember ballplayers...they are comic book heroes...

Yes, I'm getting older and becoming my Dad in many ways...and I'm darn proud of it. He taught me things that you just don't see anymore. 3 inning saves...gone. Grinding out innings to save a taxed pen...nope. Playing so hard that you launch yourself, and that moneymaking mug into the stands to catch a foul ball against Boston...thing of the not-so-distance past. 

We won't fight. We won't sacrifice. We won't put ourselves out there....because it's just too damn hard.

Hopefully Giancarlo and this generation of Bombers will look harder....its not just about the pinstriped uniform on the player...it's about the hardened resolve and passion underneath that helps the player make those stripes mean something.

THIS ONE'S FOR THE GUY THAT PLAYED THE GAME ON RIPPED UP HAMMY....BUT MORE HEART THAT STANTON'S GOT MILLIONS!!

Where have you gone Paul O'Neill our NATION turns it's lonely eyes to you!! Atta boy, #21

 

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

TIME STOOD STILL FOR A WHILE

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

When you engross yourself in your passion for a day, it changes you.  Now, share this day with your son, who shares the same passion, and time stands still, at least for a while.  As luck would have it, I was able to obtain two tickets to the Red Sox-Yankees game at the Stadium for Saturday, but on top of that, I learned late Friday night that #WFAN was having its FanFest and hosting a number of players from days past including David Wells, Mickey Rivers, Bucky Dent and Cecil Fielder across the street from Stan's, in the place where the old Yankee Stadium once stood.  Yankee announcers Suzyn Waldman and John Sterling along with GM Brian Cashman also joined in to sign autographs for fans across the Tri-State before the evening's twilight game against the Sox.

For me, and I think my 19-year-old, time stood still or I lost track of it as I introduced my son to some of my favorite players from days long gone but with memories as thick as a foggy day in April or a black and white milk shake from Shake Shack.  I thanked David Wells for his Perfect Game, I appreciated Mickey Rivers for his incredible speed, I expressed to Cecil my delight in introducing him to my son as the Fielder before Prince and then, I needed to make no introduction to Bucky Dent.

My son said to him confidently, "You're my mom's favorite."  

It's like the day stayed on pause, for four hours and everyone at the FanFest, knew each other.  As one fan said to us as we moved through the different lines together throughout the day, "We are like family; get in line with us!"  But, then at the stroke of four, reality set in and the game began and we quickly realized that the winning teams I reminisced about with my son just moments before first pitch, were not reflective of the team spirit on the field on Saturday evening as the Yankees blew their lead early, only to fall to the Sox, 10-5.

Source: Mike Stobe/Getty Images North America

Losing last night really hurt not just because Aaron Judge went 0-4 and Andrew Benintendi had six RBIs after belting two three-run home runs.  Last night hurt because the season appears to be slipping away from the Yankees and there isn't a darn thing we as fans can do about it.  We can't just press the pause button...June is long gone.

Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images North America

According to ESPN, "Benintendi's big day came with his grandfather Robert, a Brooklyn native and recovering Yankees fan living in the Cincinnati area, in the stands, a gift for his 85th birthday. It also continued a torrid two-week stretch that followed a team-imposed two-day breather intended to clear Benintendi's head and and help the 23-year-old remember everything that has made him one of the game's most promising young players." As the article goes on to say, "Judge would likely find a similar break to be useful, and if the Yankees weren't scratching for every victory to keep pace in a pennant race, they might consider giving it to him." 

Source: Brian Blanco/Getty Images North America

We only have six or seven weeks left of the baseball season right now.  Judge, a clear contender for Rookie of the Year in June, is falling fast while Boston's Benintendi seems to be on the right road again and could take the would-be crown away from Judge, despite not having a special section dedicated to him at Fenway.  "Odds are, though, the award will still belong to Judge, who nevertheless could learn a lesson from Benintendi. "He's having an unreal year, and he's kind of struggling right now," Benintendi said. "I went through that for two months. I'm sure he'll figure it out," reported ESPN.

When we engross ourselves in the passion of the sport we love, time does stand still and we can relive the memories of our childhood, the fond memories of come from behind home runs, perfect games and World Series championships.  We need times like I had today to reminisce on the way things were so that we can believe that these days could come around again for the Yankees.  It's the calm before the storm perhaps...and who knows, the Yankees' 28th World Championship, whenever it happens, will be worth the wait.  Slumps happen and then they go away.  Let's hope that Judge's luck changes with the Yankees' luck and time can move ahead to better days and World Series wishes.

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Managing Editor
Follow me on Twitter: @suzieprof

TOP FIGHTS IN YANKEES HISTORY: #5-1

As I mentioned in the first half of this series, the Yankees have had some great rivalries, and most of us remember where we were and how we yelled at the TV when certain fights happened. Here is the second half of my top 10 fights in Yankees history.

5. Shelley Duncan and the Spring Training Melee

I cannot think of a single good reason why a fight breaks out in spring training. Veterans are getting their work in, rookies are trying to make an impression. Everybody's biggest worry is getting hurt and missing opening day. The last thing anybody thinks about is a fight. The 2008 Rays had other ideas. After a home plate collision a few days earlier, Shelley Duncan retaliated by sliding into second with spikes up. Tampa Bay right fielder Jonny Gomes charged in and the benches cleared. It was the birth of a division rivalry with the division newest member.

4. Alex Rodriguez vs. Jason Varitek

July 24, 2004, was a flashpoint in the history of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. After getting hit by a pitch, Alex Rodriguez started yelling at Jason Varitek and it was very easy to read lips ("F--- you! F--- you! F--- you, M---r f---r, c'mon!"). Varitek puts his mitt in Alex's face, and Alex grabs him in a headlock and throws him around like a rag doll. After Varitek was rescued by his teammates, a bunch of other fights broke out on the field. This fight was a clear indicator of what the rivalry with Boston looked like in 2003 and 2004. It wasn't as bad as 1976, ut it was intense. Do hard feelings linger? Neither Alex nor Varitek will sign a picture from that game. Tanyon Sturtze, who started that game for the Yankees, grew up in Boston. In an exclusive interview with BYB (read Bleeding Yankee Blue: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TANYON STURTZE), Sturtze said that after this fight, he threw out a bunch of Red Sox memorabilia and despises the Red Sox to this day. Enough said.

3. Graig Nettles  vs. Bill Lee

Speaking of 1976 .... it started as a war of words. In 1973, after an altercation between Thurman Munson and Carlton Fisk, Red Sox pitcher "Spaceman" Bill Lee said the Yankees looked like "a bunch of hookers swinging their purses". Three years later, in 1976, Bill Lee was pitching against the Yankees when Lou Piniella barreled into Carlton Fisk in a play at the plate. All hell broke loose. Piniella and Fisk went it for a while before it was broken up. Then Lee got the brilliant idea to yell at Graig Nettles. Nettles knocked him to the ground with a single punch. Mickey Rivers and a bunch of other Yankees got into it as well. When it ended, Bill Lee walked away clutching his arm in obvious pain, causing the Yankees Stadium crowd to erupt in cheers. Was it connected to the 1973 comments? After the game, Bill Lee would call manager Billy Martin a Nazi, who responded by leaving a dead fish at his locker with a note telling him to stick it in his purse. Graig Nettles asked after the game, "I'd like to know, does he look like he's been hit with a purse?” Bill Lee was never the same pitcher after that injury. Those were the days.

2. Armando Benitez hits Tino Martinez

Armando Benitez came in to save a 1-run lead with two on when Bernie Williams sent a fastball over the fence for a three-run home run. Maybe it was the fact that the Orioles had lost 7 of their previous 9, or that they were in dead last. Regardless, Benitez lost his composure and hit the next batter, Tino Martinez, on the first pitch. Darryl Strawberry led the charge from the dugout and the fight lasted for 10 minutes. It spilled into the visitor's dugout, with lots of people getting involved. Most notably, Graeme Lloyd flew in with a wild haymaker, which earned him a loud standing ovation the next game he appeared in. Curiously, Cal Ripken was pulling people away from the fight. He was in the middle of his consecutive game streak, so I wondered why he would risk getting injured. Nevertheless, it was a stupid move by Benitez, even prompting some of his teammates to say the same. To add insult to injury, the next batter, Tim Raines, hit a home run. It was a nice touch. 

1. 2003 ALCS Pedro Throws Zimmer to the Ground

Betting on baseball gets you banned from the Hall of Fame. Throwing a 72-year-old man to the ground apparently does not. Roger Clemens was pitching to Manny Ramirez when he threw a pitch that angered Manny. If you see the footage, the pitch was high but over the plate. That little detail didn't stop Manny from walking to the mound and yelling at Clemens, who was yelling back. Benches cleared, and Don Zimmer charges Pedro Martinez. Pedro grabs him by the head and shoves him down into the ground. The fight literally stops and both Yankees and Red Sox players come around to see if Zimmer was okay. It drew universal condemnation from the announcers to baseball journalists all over. Even Mayor Bloomberg suggested that perhaps assault charges should be considered. Despite rationalizations from Pedro that he was trying to defend himself, absolutely nobody was buying it. It was an ugly game, with 3 separate altercations, and deepened the hatred between the two teams.

So that's it. I gotta tell you, recalling some of these incidents got me heated. And it's the offseason. So what did you think? Did I get it right? Did I miss any of your favorites? Let us know. 

--Ike Dimitriadis, 
BYB Senior Staff Writer
Twitter: @KingAgamemnon






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

GET INVOLVED IN THE RUNYON 5K RUN AT YANKEE STADIUM!

We do this every year at Bleeding Yankee Blue and it's for an incredible cause.  It's the Runyon 5k run at Yankee Stadium and this year will be the 7th annual run.  I just wanted to take a second and promote it... 

 "Sunday, November 15, 2015, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation will hold the 7th Annual Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium – and 100% of funds raised by participants will directly support innovative cancer research by brilliant early career scientists.

The course winds through the ballpark’s concourses and ramps, and up stairs between levels. Participants will have the opportunity to take two laps around the warning track that circles the field, appear on the centerfield video board, and meet scientists funded by Damon Runyon.

Additionally, this year the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation will kick off the event with a Kids Fun Run – allowing children between the ages of five and 12 years old to take one lap around the warning track before the 5K begins....

Registration will open in August at runyon5k.org. Participants can register for $40 through September 15th. The entry fee will increase to $50 from September 16th through October 15th, and to $60 from October 16th through November 5th or when capacity (4,000) is reached. The entry fee for the Kids Fun Run is $25. For additional registration details, visit www.runyon5k.org or email runyon5k@damonrunyon.org ."

As you may or may not know, Bleeding Yankee Blue has a terrific relationship with the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, and we are happy to promote this event every year.  Last year we spoke to Ambassador Brett Gardner about it:

Brett Gardner: They are a wonderful non-profit that is doing amazing work in the area of research to help end cancer. 100% of the funds raised go directly to research... I think all of us know someone who has battled and we need to work together and find a cure. My wife Jessica and I, spend time visiting with children and their families at the various children's hospitals. In fact, we were just at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. We also are very active in the support of the Ronald McDonald House. We see far to many children with cancer and it does truly affect the entire family."

A few years ago, we also spoke with Roy White about it because he too was involved in the program:

Roy White: "... It is a great cause because everyone has someone close to them who has been affected. It is a great event they put on at Yankee Stadium so it was a win, win and a no brainer."

Mickey Rivers and Ron Blomberg also worked with us in promoting the program.  We are lucky to be apart of such a great program!
 
So, be sure to check out the website and if you have the chops to run it, or you just want to raise money for cancer research or have your kids participate in this year's Fun Run, sign up and go for it.  

Bleeding Yankee Blue supports this cause! It's an important one!




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

BRENDAN RYAN COULD BE THE WB MASON GUY

As I watch the Yankees, I regularly look for things to entertain me besides of course the game itself.  When I was a kid, I looked for the ticks in the guys on the field.  Ron Guidry used to launch himself off the mound after a final strike of the inning.  Luis Tiant with is dance of a wind up and Mickey Rivers and his bat spinning between pitches were always entertaining moves much like those of America's Loves Talent.  The flavor of the month right now, however, has to be Brendan Ryan and his new WB Mason look.

I am not alone in this observation as Michael Kay made a comment the other evening and even prompted his producer to throw up an image of the WB Mason avatar with a split screen with Ryan.

Now, again, the game itself is entertaining enough right now for me as the Yankees score runs and consistently maintain their lead in the American League East.  But, I have to say, it is sort of funny to find these little comical moments in the characters who take the field each night.  I am not sure I love the 'stache, frankly but if it helps the Yankees win, well so be it.

You have to admit, despite the strict dress code policy that the Yankees have enforced for many years, our players have still been able to express themselves in the locker rooms and on the field.  Ryan is just one of the examples of this self expression.  His facial hair just makes him look like WB Mason and that is just entertaining.

In the grand scheme of things, who cares, but in reality, we should.  Many have said that the Yankees have the best chemistry as a team in years, perhaps since 2009.  If our guys are developing trusting relationships with each other and their coaching staffs, if they are laughing, building rapport, and not shaving because it is the culture not to, and we are winning because of it, great.  Good for you, Brendan Ryan...way to come back from an injury and get right into the thick of the deep chemistry our 2015 team has built.  You make me laugh, but mostly, you make me proud!

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof

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

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JIM LEYRITZ

Jim Leyritz was always a lot of fun to watch over the years.  He was a good Yankee, coming up with some pretty incredible moments when we really needed him.  He was clutch, no question about it.   

October 1995. The ALDS, Game 2 versus the Mariners. A walk off home run in the 15th inning that night. 

October 1999. Game 4 of the World Series...a home run.

And of course, the 1996 home run in Game 4 of the World Series against Mark Wohlers. Yet another.  It started right there for me and continued with some very candid answers to some very personal questions, that included that horrific drunk driving accident in 2007 killing another driver. Jim was later acquitted, but Jim realizes so much more these days and is trying to stay strong, for his family and for others as he moves forward in his life. It was a moment I wanted to ask Jim about and I truly appreciate him opening up about it to our audience today. 

Anyway, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jimmy Leyritz for Bleeding Yankee Blue.  Let me tell you, this is now one of our favorite interviews to date, and it was a pleasure to chat with him.

So here it is... a BYB Exclusive... Jim Leyritz.  Enjoy this... I certainly did...

BYB: Jim, Bring me back to 1996. Game 4. Mark Wohlers on the mound.  I still remember Joe Buck like it was yesterday... "Back, at the track, at the wall... we are tied!"  

I screamed at the top of my lungs that night. What the heck is going through your mind running around the bases?

Jim Leyritz: Honestly, my mind flashed back to 1995 when we won Game 2, then lost 3 in a row. All I was focused on was winning that game and the series. I knew the home run was big. But would be even greater if we won. When we finally did, people could point to that moment as what really started it all! It was a great feeling finishing what we started.

BYB: Who was the toughest pitcher for you and why? 

Jim Leyritz: Randy Johnson in his day. Not as a Yankee but with the Mariners. He was 6'10" and just wild enough to scare you. 

BYB: Tell me about playing for 2 guys I really admire from fan perspective... Buck Showalter and Joe Torre.   What are their styles like as managers? 

Jim Leyritz: Buck Showalter in his first stint was the greatest manager in the game that I have ever seen to this day!  He had to learn and knows now that communication with the players is also pivotal. He didn't have that his first go round. He does now, and that's why things are so good in Baltimore.

Joe Torre was the best manager of people I had seen. He knew how to handle egos, myself included. He also surrounded himself with great people. To this day I have never seen a better combination of manager and bench coach then him and Don Zimmer.

BYB: You once signed a photo for my kid who was born in 2003 in Hackensack Medical Center. Our Dr at the time, Dr. Clachko said he once delivered your child as well. That's when I knew I was a true Yankee fan! Anyway,  here's the question;  What's it like for fans to embrace you as an athlete? Can it be a hassle to deal with the photos and the autographs? 

Jim Leyritz: It's never a hassle for me.  I can see if I was as popular as Jeter was. Then it might be. But I think I have just the right notoriety.  People recognize and respect, but don't go crazy.  Oh, and yes, Dr Clachko did deliver my middle son Dakota.

BYB: Everyone wants to know. You played with Derek Jeter. What's the guy like in the clubhouse. Work ethic, professionalism, leadership...

Jim Leyritz:  He was everything as a ball player you could expect! He reminded me a little of Donnie Baseball.  A great leader by example. 

BYB: I've always been weary of #13. Why that number and why did it work for you? 

Jim Leyritz: Well, Wade Boggs came to New York in 1992 and wanted number 12. Next number available was 13. Then, I had my two best years so number 13 stayed for that reason.

BYB: Growing up, who was your favorite baseball player and why? 

Jim Leyritz: Pete Rose and Johnny Bench. Rose because of his work ethic and drive. He wasn't the best athlete, but worked to make himself a great player.  Johnny because as a kid, he gave me his catchers mitt when I was age 12 and I became a catcher because of that. 

BYB: I love your batting stance.  Explain how it evolved for you... the lean back, the bat twirl.. 

Jim Leyritz: My stance developed because of a broken leg in high school. I was still hitting with a cast on my front foot, so I had to hit with my front leg stiff.  The bat twirl  was from watching Mickey Rivers.

BYB: Serious, yet important question; You were acquitted of DUI manslaughter in a terrible and unfortunate car accident back in 2007.  How do you pick yourself up, be strong for your family, for others, in a situation like that? Is faith involved in your life? 

Jim Leyritz: It was a tragedy and horrible night. Both drivers made poor decisions that night. But I knew that I didn't cause the accident and when I would finally get my day in court, I would prove that. I knew the only mistake I made that night was to have a few drinks and drive. Wearing my seat belt saved my life.

Faith was the only reason I made it through. My three boys gave me the strength to fight, but my faith is what made me not take a plea and the easy way out. I waited 3 grueling years for that outcome.  The jury saw that I did not cause the accident within 45 minutes of deliberating. I had a State Attorney using my name to try to get her elected to become a Judge.  To this day, I know God had a hand in everything that happened.  It taught me never to take one day on this earth for granted. 

BYB: Powerful Jim and thanks for giving us that insight.   Let me get back to baseball.  If you got the call, and a club wanted to talk to you about being a bench coach or hitting coach... do you answer the call, or do you stick with your family and enjoy retirement?

Jim Leyritz:  I would go back to the field now only if it was the Yankees or one of the teams here on the west coast where I would still be with my family the extra 81 days. Teams like the Angels or Padres or Dodgers.  My boys are older now, and most of the time are with their friends. So I would be open to it. 

BYB: Finally, Do you ever read Bleeding Yankee Blue? If so, what do your think? 

Jim Leyritz: Yes I do!  I get notices when articles come out that mention things. It's a great site for Yankee fans to connect!

Jim thanks, and thank you so much for opening up. I know we got some great info that I've never heard about in your life.  Really great and I appreciate you taking the time to speak to the Bleeding Yankee Blue audience.

And to my audience. I hope you enjoyed this interview with Mr. Leyritz.  He was great to speak with us, and now forever part of the BYB family!


 

You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!