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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love you guys. Stay in touch.

A BYB PODCAST INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVE WITH TY HENSLEY

There are many baseball players I could have interviewed here at BYB for our first podcast. But I believe in loyalty. And for me, there's no one better to go to for our first one than Ty Hensley.

I am happy to say the Bleeding Yankee Blue has stuck with this guy through all the "shit".  When many walked away from Ty because of his setbacks or because they were disappointed in his progress, we did not and I'm proud of that.  That's our character.  That's what makes BYB unique and important in this space. That's why you read us.

We love Ty and his family here at BYB. And so, I decided that with our loyalty to him, rooting, cheering and supporting him, it would be only fitting to ask him about where he stands right this second in his mind, his life and definitely his career in baseball.

It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows for this guy. And that's what I wanted to ask him about. And so, we spoke in this podcast for you all to enjoy and listen to. While it's not perfect, the honesty and enthusiastic Ty Hensley doesn't hold back about wanting to even quit at times. It's hard to believe because he just kept coming back no matter what obstacle stood in in way. But it's true and you'll hear about that. But I call him Superhuman for a reason, and that's because he just keeps on coming.

After many surgeries, a lot of heartbreak and struggle, he made it, not only getting a championship in the Frontier league with the Utica Unicorns, but also finding his way back to being a success on the mound. He's throwing 100 mph again.  He's working out like a maniac, and team... yes... major league ball clubs are interested again. And so, the newly married Ty Hensley has a new reset in life and another chance. The drive is still there. The heart, the determination is still there, but now more than ever. Now he's seen success again... and now... he's more hungry than ever.

This is BYB Raw folks, our first podcast interview. It's a world premiere with my good friend, Ty Hensley. Enjoy it. I certainly did.

Hey Marci and Mike... I hope I did you proud.




Ty, thanks. We'll be doing more of this soon. Thanks for taking the time.

THOSE HENSLEY BOYS ARE WINNERS

Photo Credit: Marci Hensley /Facebook

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

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

14 News writes:

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

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

Photo: Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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




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

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

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

I tip my cap to the Hensleys.

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

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NOW PITCHING FOR THE OTTERS... #50... TY HENSLEY... #50!

You've all been asking me about Ty Hensley for a few years now.  Just so you know, I know the family, but I don't go hanging with Ty Hensley. It would be cool, but I rather my 15 year old son do that and learn some stuff. I'll go hang with Marci and Mike and have a few margaritas.

Now this is true, I have been getting updates from Marci, but there's something that I value when it comes to friendships, and that's privacy. I have never revealed anything that a friend doesn't want revealed, and that doesn't stop with the Hensleys.  Well... now I can reveal an update, and it's a pretty cool one.  Ty Hensley is an Evansville Otter, and yes, it's an independent league and he's still pitching.

Now before some of you guys get all uppity about how he's no longer in the majors, I want you to look at yourself and think... "What am I doing that's better? What am I doing that's something I'm passionate about?" Not much, right?

(Ashley Marshall/MiLB.com)

Here's the key to this whole story... Ty Hensley is doing EXACTLY what he's wanted to do all his life.  He's pitching.  In baseball, it doesn't matter if it's the pros or independent ball. What matters is that your passionate in what you do, and you compete.

Stranger things have happened... and if that dream's still in his head and heart like I know it is... he's still thinking about the Bigs.  You never know when it comes to athletes with heart like Ty Hensley's. Believe it.

Best of luck friend. I hope I'm invited to the wedding.

A CAREER IS NOT DETERMINED BY 1 GAME

Yankee fans can be harsh.  Hell... baseball fans can be harsh.

(Bill Kostroun/AP) 

Now I will be the first to criticize ballplayers on bad play, maybe Girardi on using the binder too much... stuff like that.  But I know how hard it is to get to the Bigs, and then stay there.  Players have long careers or short ones based on not only game play, but sometimes in the decisions they make to come to a new club.  For Matt Holliday, it's been working out for him in the Bronx.  For Chris Carter, not so much.

But I am often reminded by something that the wise Marci Hensley said to me a while back when she spoke of her husband, Mike Hensley and his minor league playing days with the Cardinals and her son Ty, now with the Tampa Bay Rays. She said this:

"...I do know that making it to the majors is more about a bunch of factors such as health, opportunity, and work ethic coming together.  That doesn't happen in one season with kids coming out of high school. It takes some time, in pinstripes or in some other jersey, it doesn't matter."

It takes time.  Think about that.

Not gonna lie, I remember hearing that from her and it softened me.  I realize much more seeing these guys, even watching my 14 year old working hard to follow his dream. 

Instead of ripping a guy because he struck out, calling him 'terrible' or a bum, and there's no real body of work or time in the majors, you really have to put things in perspective and be quiet for a moment.  The game's hard, bottom line... and for some players, they peak and disappear.  Maybe that's Chris Carter... who knows...

Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

I only bring this up because our pal Tyler Austin was given a shot yesterday, and it wasn't a nice 2017 debut. But while he may feel bad about it... today on the June 25th, he's already moved on because that's what ballplayers do.

Now, you know my perspective on players and body of work and my new "nothing is instant" mentality, I had to share this silly comment from I guess, a Yankee fan. This popped up on Twitter yesterday to me:

"Tyler is terrible..."

When I tweeted, "...from the dude sitting on his couch. Got it."

That was followed up with:

"Quick question: Are you watching this train wreck? Or just looking through the world through pinstripe glasses? This is a bad team?"

Now how would he know anything about that? Tyler's terrible? First at bats of the season? SHally we call it a career? Ship him off? Are we expecting 3 homers?

And then the bad team comment.  Bad team? Here's their record... you tell me...

My point is you can't make a determination after 1 at bat, one game, one season.  People get impatient, I've been there too... but the bottom line is, it's ridiculous.  Knee jerk reactions from one bad game is insane.  Everyone needs to calm down... including the media:

Photo: NJ.com

NJ.com gave a subtle rip at Austin yesterday too:

"His first big-league game of the year was like a lit firecracker that didn't go off.

Everything about his showing in the Yankees' 8-1 loss to the Texas Rangers was a dud. Playing first and hitting seventh, Austin took an ugly 0-for-3 collar. He struck out his first two times up, then bounced into a double-play in his last at-bat.

This was just one bad day, which is no big or little deal over a six-month season, but Austin pinpointed a reason for his bad at-bats.

"I let the game speed up on me a little bit today," Austin said.

Photo: New York Post

He probably was extra fired up over knowing he's being handed a starting job (at least until Greg Bird comes off the DL) and badly wanted to make an immediate impact for a club that has been losing a lot of games of late while getting very little production at first base."

This is a kid that works harder than any prospect I know, other than Ty Hensley.  This is a dream for these kids.  This is a moment, that yes, sometimes they get jacked up about it.  Suddenly his debut doesn't go the way YOU want it to and the kid's terrible? I am respectfully asking you to shut up.

So what's the point of all of this? Maybe this...

Before you write off the New York Yankees... calm down.  Before you crucify a player for 1 bad game... put it in perspective.  Before you get silly on Twitter... check yourself.  One thing that I have learned in life is nothing is instant.  Skill, determination, confidence... it takes time and Tyler Austin, the Yankees... hell... even Tyler Clippard who's struggling right now... every player and person out there has a bump in the road...but it's what you DO with the bump.  Do you take your ball and go home? Or... do you try and turn it around.

One bad at-bat or bad game, or even bad season does not determine a career.   And if you're sitting on your couch with zero perspective on how life works... I kindly ask you to stop trying to be part of the conversation, but instead, learn about how achievement is done.

Happy Sunday.  Go out there and do something great today.

Hey Tyler, you have our support at BYB. Always.


Buy Casey BYB Merchandise (2017)

OUTRAGE FROM THE MINOR LEAGUES!

Minor League baseball is a grind.  Anyone who tells you differently has never been part of that struggle.  Once you sign, there are many doing the same, and you work up the ladder, barely making ends meet at times and still following your dream.  But I gotta tell ya, it's not easy.  But the key there is "the dream", because if you talk to minor league baseball players, and I've talked to several, the money is little, the travel to away games can be brutal, the sleeping arrangements aren't great and as much as you work hard, there's always someone else working just as hard.  And so, you work, work, work to try and make it to "the Show" to fulfill your dream and eventually sign a nice contract so you can make millions.

Tim Tebow isn't following the same path, and I have a problem with that.  It's being reported by the New York Daily News that he'll be getting a $100,000 signing bonus. Outrageous if you ask me:

"Tim Tebow just wants a chance.The former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner will get the opportunity to chase his baseball dream with the Mets beginning Sept. 19 in Port St. Lucie. The Mets signed the former football player and media fixation to a minor league deal Thursday that includes a $100,000 signing bonus. They have assigned him to start his professional baseball career in the team's instructional league at their spring training complex."

But why should that type of money be allowed?  Because he's Tim Tebow?

I immediately thought about a brilliant piece by Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel speaking specially about how hard it is to be a Minor Leaguer. Garrett Broshuis spoke to Real Sports and talked about how difficult it was to survive on his, then salary of $3000.



And there's more. Check these tweets out going after the Tebow signing bonus:

 (In Photo: Cody Decker)

Just so we are clear. Tim Tebow just got a 100K signing bonus to play baseball.... Mine was 1K....

— Cody Decker (@Decker6) September 8, 2016

The fact Tebow got 100,000 to sign let alone him even getting signed is a joke

— Corey Walter (@Corey_dubv) September 8, 2016

Every minor leaguer gives up so much to chase their dreams, @TimTebow doesn't even have to give up his day job. #justnotright

— Peter Moylan (@PeterMoylan) September 8, 2016

And I think about my conversation with Ty Hensley's mom Marci a while back, and how when her husband Mike was in the minor leagues, it was pretty hard:

Marci Hensley: "I lived through it with my husband, Mike Henlsey. I lived through the highs, the lows, the injuries and his heartbreak when he was released. We worked 4 jobs between us to allow him to finish school, most of the time not knowing where our next dollar was coming from. "

And so I guess the question is "Why?" and why does this type of thing have to happen? I'm not gonna lie, I'm disappointed in the Mets and I'm disappointed in the fact that Tebow can demand this type of bonus and he hasn't played ball in 10 years.

You gotta wonder what's going on here.  When you find out, please tell me, because the whole thing sucks.

BONDING OVER FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check these out:

BONDING OVER A PINT 
BONDING OVER STRENGTH 
BONDING OVER MUSIC













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

THE DRIVE THAT IS TY HENSLEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BYB, FAMILY & THE HENSLEYS

You guys all know how important it is to have a solid foundation in your life, right? That's why you read BYB. You understand we love the idea of family here. It's that support system that helps nurture and provide confidence in our children, in our spouses, in our lives.  It's not a religious thing, although, you can go there if you'd like... The truth is, it's a life thing and it's damn important.

That picture above is of Marci Hensley, Ty Hensley's mom and a terrific person.  She and her husband Mike appear to be incredibly parents. I say that because from what I can tell, Ty and Jake Hensley work their tails off to be the best, not just in sports, but as human beings.

This is Ty Hensley in 2013 rehabbing from injury. He's with his teammates. Since the day we first interviewed him in 2012 (Read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TY HENSLEY: YANKEES 1ST ROUND PICK), we've always been in touch.

We were there when he was signed.  We were there when he was hurt.  We were there when he was on the mound in Staten Island this past year.   We believe in this kid, but it's goes further than baseball. We believe in him because we see the drive in this kid. We see respect in this kid.  Respect for the game, but respect for others.

I will never forget when Ty asked if he could thank the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers. It was the equivalent of a Thank you note in cyber space. TY HENSLEY THANKS THE BYB READERS was published in January 2013. In that note, he wrote:

"I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate the support you have shown me, my family, and now a cause I believe in.  I can't tell you how much my life has changed since the night of June 4th.  There have been big highs and big lows and I don't even have full season under my belt yet!    I had no idea what uniform I was going to get to wear, but I don't believe in accidents, I believe in purpose.  It is on purpose I am in pinstripes  and from day one BYB has made me feel like a real Yankee,  and part of something bigger than myself."

You know why I'm impressed? Simple. It's just good manners. It's basic life skills.  As you know, being on Facebook or Twitter, people need to learn a thing or two about that.

I teach my kids the same values Marci and Mike teach their children.  When you see it outside your circle, you recognize strong young individuals with determination and focus.  That's why I've always been drawn to the Hensleys, to the Sabathias, the Posadas.  The values all ring true and are very, very similar to mine and how I raise my own children.

I was once asked by Greedy Pinstripes about our interviews at BYB (Read YUP, I WAS ACTUALLY INTERVIEWED).  This is that exchange:

TGP: Who do you think has been your favorite interview while on BYB?
 
Casey: I would love to give you 1 interview that was my favorite, but you have to understand something, it’s not an interview… it’s a courting.  I am personally invested in meeting these people, learning about them and wanting others the hear things they’ve never heard before, you know what I mean?

This is true. I like learning about how people tick.  I've learned how many tick, how their lifestyles are and appreciate them all very much.  Throw the Hensleys in that category. They're top notch.

What's this all about? Respect. Friendship. Kindness. Ambition. Drive.
All of the above.

It's the holiday season.  It's the last kick off before Christmas. I saw more disrespect in the stores than I ever did on Saturday, but I noticed something else.  I saw a ton of respect.  I saw a kid around 12 years old hold a door open for an elderly woman.  Unfortunately I also saw a man about 30 with his headphones on cut in front of her on the way into the door. 

Be aware. Be respectful.  Teach your children right.  Understand kindness.

(In Photo: Ty Hensley as a kid)
It all goes back to that kid from Oklahoma.  A little kid with a big dream. A little kid that was raised right. You can't make that up.  At any point Ty Hensley could have packed it in. "I don't want to work to get better, I'm tired."  He could have said that during surgery... he didn't.  He jumped hurdles to make it to Staten Island.

What's next for Ty? His next step... and one day the RiverDogs and then Scranton.  And soon enough... standing on the mound at Yankee Stadium.  Those are big dreams and if you believe you can... well, then you can do anything. And that's being raised to have drive and determination.  That's a testament to Marci and Mike... and it's nice to see.

I leave you with this. Something very touching.  I wrote COMING BACK STRONGER about my own son's ordeal with a recent injury and now recovery... unrelated to baseball, but directly affecting his ability to play.  In it, I wrote:

"Months later, the (bone) chip was removed.  After rehab, and a long break, my son has the itch again, but you know 12 year olds,  they think they can just pick up where they left off after 1 workout.  He quickly learned that wasn't the case.
 
'How'd you do today?' I asked him after his return.  'I sucked,' He said.  He was depressed.  'Don't worry, it's December, not April. Plenty of time.'  He nodded and went up to change."

Ty wrote me on Twitter shortly after that article's release:

@BleednYankeeBlu @Mike_Tursi @ZeppieriTony @mhensley17 @MarianaBichette @Jeterlover @StellarMaria tell him to keep pushing! Work hard!
— Ty Hensley (@TyHensley17) December 19, 2014

Stand guy guy.

I tip my cap to the Hensleys.  In fact, I tip my cap to all that believe in kindness, in determination, drive, ambition and just wanting what's right for you and your family.  Shoot for the stars.  Never give up.  Grind it...

and be a nice person.  It's the right thing to do always, but especially during the holiday season.

Love you guys. Thanks.

 

 
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! 

WHEN TAKING THE HILL IS THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT IN THE WORLD

For some, it’s that exciting.  

For Ty Hensley, it’s the greatest gift ever.  Especially if you woke up with a new club today.  Ty Hensley is with the Staten Island Yankees and on his birthday, no less.  But it's not only that.  Today he takes the mound in a start for the S.I. Yankees, after a long journey, a few setbacks and a lot of hopes, dreams and determination. Bottom line, he made it back, not by sitting on the couch waiting for it to come to him.  He went to it. That's a competitor. That's what we want on the New York Yankees.  

@BleednYankeeBlu did u see Ty is headed to Staten Island today ? Yay!
— Marci Hensley (@mhensley17) July 29, 2014

Marci Hensley tweeted me the news yesterday. I was on the train... and I smiled big.  

Now let me be clear, I have never personally met the Hensley family. But they, like my family, see the big picture and it’s because of that, that we get along so well. I appreciate what Ty brings to the table. His faith and family keep him grounded and he has known his mission for a while now in his short life... work hard and succeed. No doubt that stems from his upbringing.

No one can be prouder than his parents  right now.  Marci spoke with BYB about the struggles of minor leaguer player, like her husband and Ty's dad, Mike Hensley. The desire is enormous to make it to the major leagues, but sometimes the struggle is difficult. She spoke about how different it was back in the late 80's early 90's compared to now. I wanted to share that exchange from our interview with her:

BYB: Did you always know Ty was going to play professional ball? What is your earliest memory of him playing baseball?

Marci Hensley: Professional baseball?  No.  In fact, I was not a fan, and until his sophomore year in high school, I avoided the thought of it.  I lived through it with my husband, Mike Hensley.  I lived through the highs, the lows, the injuries and his heartbreak when he was released. We worked 4 jobs between us to allow him to finish school, most of the time not knowing where our next dollar was coming from.  It's different now, signing bonuses are bigger and back then the scholarship program didn't exist.  That piece made me much more supportive of Ty's career choice.

No doubt, these days, Mike and Marci are smiling wide seeing Ty following his own dreams.   

It's been suggested in life that you want your children to do better than you did, and as parents you try and set them up and steer them straight so they have that opportunity. Well, if I asked Ty how he got there, he’d point Marci and Mike’s way. Much like Derek Jeter and his parent's guidance,  there is not better teacher than a parent.

So, today in Staten Island, Ty Hensley pitches again. He takes the mound on his birthday and it’s significant because since being picked first round in 2012, he’s had a few setbacks.  But quitting never crept into his mind… winning and succeeding did.  You know how I know? Because Ty Hensley is in Staten Island today.  Another goal achieved, but more to go.

Happy Birthday kid.  I said it once and I’ll say it again. I love your drive, love your focus and we’re all rooting for you here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. You make us proud.

Tell me when you’re in NYC. You and I are sharing a pizza at Fratelli’s… I’m buying.

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GOTTA LOVE THAT MOMMA BEAR EXCITEMENT!

Parents are proud of their children.  Marci Hensley is damn proud of hers!

You know Marci and Mike Hensley are the parents of 2 great kids, Ty and Jake. Both have achieved great things in life.  Both will achieve more because of their inspirational and positive parents.

We all know Ty Hensley was struggling with an injury last year and it set him back.  In our BYB Exclusive interview with him, he explained the whole recovery after his abdominal strain and surgery. Read NEW TY HENSLEY INTERVIEW: CLIMBING THE MOUNTAIN.

In it, Ty said: "my body is adjusting to the new rotation my hips have and I am working on building up muscle strength while doing a lot of PT to stretch out that area and increase flexibility. My doctors and I couldn't be happier with the progress I have made since my surgery, but I wouldn't be telling the truth if I didn't say there have been some pretty tough days along the way.  I am not throwing yet, outside of simulation, but I am not far off.  I am able to start a running program soon and I can't wait!"

Remember, that was August 2013. Hensley kept fighting and building his strength and through communications with him, he told me just how great he was feeling and appreciated the support.  Then he had another setback... a hernia, and the recovery started all over again.

Now you know life and the curves it throws you. Many times, you want to give up. Many do. Others, like you, me, definitely Ty... don't, and that's encouraging, because if you have a goal, you need to keep fighting.

And that brings be back to Momma Bear... Marci Hensley, a terrific woman with a ton of encouragement, faith and confidence in her children.  She just tweeted this, about our pal Ty:

7ks in 3 innings today for TY! Yay my boy is coming baaaacccck!!
— Marci Hensley (@mhensley17) July 18, 2014

Believe and you can! Fight! Grind it! Never give up! Yup... that's Ty Hensley. Atta boy kid! Thanks for the note, Marci, you are the best!

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!