THAT TIME WADE BOGGS PITCHED

Yes, you heard that right.

Wade Boggs is a baseball legend—one of the best hitters to ever step up to the plate. The man was an absolute machine with a bat in his hands, racking up hit after hit for years in the major leagues. And, of course, his dominance landed him in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 on his very first ballot. But while everyone knows Boggs could hit, did you know he also had a secret weapon? A knuckleball.

For years, Boggs dreamed of taking the mound in a real MLB game, reports are he was always bugging his managers to let him pitch and even showing off his surprisingly wicked knuckleball in warmups. But, of course, when you're one of the greatest players in the game, teams tend to prefer keeping you in your usual spot. That all changed on August 19, 1997.

The Yankees were getting walloped by the Angels, trailing 12-4 in the eighth inning. With a doubleheader coming up the next day and the bullpen running on fumes, manager Joe Torre knew he needed a position player to finish things off. His first thought was Charlie Hayes, but the Yankees players had a different idea—they wanted to see Boggs' infamous knuckleball in action. Torre hesitated. This was Wade Boggs, a future Hall of Famer, a hitting savant—was it really right to send him to the mound in an eight-run blowout?

The answer? Yes please.

Boggs finally got his shot, stepping onto the mound with the confidence of a seasoned pitcher. And guess what? He absolutely delivered. He pitched a scoreless eighth inning, allowing no hits, walking just one batter, and even striking out Todd Greene swinging to end the frame. That knuckleball? It danced. The ballpark may not have been packed with tension, but for Boggs, it was a moment of pure baseball magic.

And that wasn’t the last time Boggs took the hill. Two years later, in 1999, now playing for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, he got another chance to pitch when his team was on the wrong side of a 17-1 rout against the Orioles. Tampa Bay manager Larry Rothschild didn't think twice. "There wasn't much of a choice. It was going to be a position player, and Wade had done it before. He throws a knuckleball, so I don't worry as much about him hurting his arm."

After his pitching debut in 1997, Boggs had said: "It's something I've always wanted to do in my career, and I never really had the opportunity. Then I started feeling like Phil Niekro. I was Phil Niekro and Charlie Hough all rolled into one. It was great. I was glad it worked out."

Wade Boggs wasn’t just a Hall of Fame hitter; he was a guy who loved baseball with every fiber of his being. 

Whether he was lining doubles into the gap or floating knuckleballs past unsuspecting hitters, he made the game fun. And let’s be honest—how many Hall of Fame hitters can also say they’ve struck out a batter in a major league game? 

Just another reason Wade Boggs is one of the all-time greats.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

KNUCKSIE, PHIL NIEKRO... THE BASEBALL LEGEND HAS DIED

It's another reminder that 2020 sucks A LOT. The baseball world lost another legend over the holiday weekend, Phil Niekro passed away at 81 years old from cancer.

Did you know that the baseball world has lost SEVEN Hall of Fame players this year? Just more proof that it's not just a tough year for you and I but for the sports world as well. We lost a good one this past weekend, Niekro was a unique gamer.

We may never see a story like his again. They don't make them like they used to....and he's proof. He's a unicorn and one hell of a knuckleballer. He had a long career despite debuting in 1964 when he was 25 years old. He pitched for 24 seasons and called it quits in 1987 at 48 years old. 

Niekro was a gamer. He threw 104 complete games and 1,977 innings after turning 40. He was a master of pitching the complete game and is ranked third-most in the modern era. He wasn't just good at raking up innngs pitched though, he has 3,342 career strikeouts in his career with 318 career wins.

These are just a few of the many accomplishments of Niekro's career. He was a unique talent and a great ambassador to the game who will be missed. He spent 20 years with the Braves, and two as a Yankee but he has a legacy that will last forever. Chipper Jones is right, it's a sad day.....everywhere.

It's another sad day in 2020. It's a sad day for baseball and another reminder that cancer sucks. Prayers to his family....rest in Peace, Knucksie.

  --Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

     BYB Managing Editor

    Twitter: @nyprincessj

CHARLESTON RIVER DOGS WILL HONOR PHIL NIEKRO

I just wanted to bring this to your attention.  I turns out that the Charleston River Dogs will be honoring Hall of Famer Phil Niekro & Atlanta Braves All-Star Javy Lopez at a "Hot Stove" Banquet. That's pretty cool.

The event is sponsored by Tom McQueeney State Farm Insurance.

According to the press release sent to Bleeding Yankee Blue:  "Niekro and former Atlanta Braves All-Star catcher Javy Lopez will be the featured guests at the Charleston River Dogs 10th Annual Hot Stove Banquet & Auction on January 31 in Charleston."

The Hot Stove Banquet is an annual event hosted by the Charleston River Dogs that brings all baseball fans together to celebrate the magic of America’s Favorite Pastime. These standouts will share behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions and pose for pictures all of which will create memories that last a lifetime."

If you are in the Charleston area,  the reception begins at 6 pm with the dinner starting at 7 o’clock. Tickets are $65 per person and include dinner, a table gift and autograph or photo opportunity. Tables of eight with preferred seating are available for $550. That's pretty cool if you can get a group of baseball fans together.  Sounds awesome actually.

As many of you know,  Niekro  had a 24-year career playing for the Braves, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians and Toronto Blue Jays. His lifetime record of 318-274.

We are big Niekro fans here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. We recently had an opportunity to interview Natalie Niekro, the daughter of pitching great Joe Niekro to talk about her father and make people aware of brain aneurysms.

Read it here in ONCE A YANKEE, ALWAYS A YANKEE.  It's eye opening.

Anyway, for tickets to the River Dogs event and additional information, please contact the River Dogs at (843) 577-DOGS (3647).

Tickets may also be purchased online at www.riverdogs.com or www.rileyparkevents.com.

Thank you to all the Bleeding Yankee Blue readers for continued success.  You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in the history of Yankees fandom.  Thanks for reading, sharing and enjoying. Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.

REGGIE STIRRED THE WRONG DRINK

It appears the New York Yankees did what they had to do, tell the great Reggie Jackson that he needed to stay away from the club until they feel he should come back. This is coming from ESPN, read HERE.  As a senior advisor to the Yankees, he works for them. He’s also Reggie Jackson so unless he made a racial charged comment or punched a Yankee in the head, it appears the Yankees aren't going to fire the guy,  but instead, he disappears for a while. Like Goodfellas, Jimmy Conway tells Henry Hill to go on vacation in Tampa.  The difference is Henry Hill thought he was about to get whacked.  The Yankees are working like Jimmy Conway right now. They're saying to Reggie, "You made trouble. Go away for awhile, we’ll call you.” 

Now, Reggie has come out and made a statement about the situation and said this to USA Today's Bob Nightengale (HERE): "The Yankees think that the timing is not right for me to be around the team right now. When the Yankees feel that the timing is proper, I'll return.''

Don't forget, this has happened because of what Reggie said about Andy Pettitte, Alex Rodriguez, Kirby Puckett and Gary Carter. (Full interview HERE.) Here are the quotes below:

  "I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer... I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer. As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not so sure he's a Hall of Famer." What about Bert Blyleven? "No. No, no, no, no...Blyleven wasn't even the dominant pitcher of his era -- it was Jack Morris."

 "I don't think the fans really count them, and I agree... I believe that Hank Aaron is the home run king, not Barry Bonds, as great a player as Bonds was."

"Al's a very good friend... But I think there are real questions about his numbers. As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records."

Look, the Yankees are about to make a big push toward the playoffs this second half and right now they don’t need to extra BS.  Couple that with negativity placed on someone like Alex Rodriguez who’s struggling as it is and that’s just added pressure and aggravation no one on the Yankees needs right now.

Reggie Jackson is an iconic Yankee.  It is my opinion that what he said was diarrhea of the mouth, but the point he was trying to make is actually in there.  Reggie believes he played hard and to the best of his ability for years.  He not only thought he was the best during his playing days, he’d tell you he was and probably still would to this day.  Reggie has never ever shied away from a camera or microphone, but what he forgot this time was he worked for the Yankees in an advisor role when he made those comments. You never crap on the hometown guys.  When you do, you need to pay the price.

Look, I need to be honest with you. PEDs make me queasy.  I shouldn’t be surprised when I hear that someone new had tested positive for anything any more, but maybe that's the traditionalist in me.  I want to believe that guys today are healthy and run on just all human ability.  That’s the kid in me I guess. Many do, but some don't.  Now look,  I’m not getting into a debate about PEDs and who did and who didn’t…I don’t know and I don’t know who to believe anymore. Plus, it’s not my job to figure it out.  But what Reggie was trying to say in his ridiculous rant was to try and suggest that certain guys “in his opinion” didn’t have the same work ethic and drive as “the great Reggie Jackson.” And I left that line in about Barry Bonds because I too don't count him as the all-time home run champ.  Why? Because I'm suspicious.  But I'm just a fan.  Reggie is a ballplayer, a Hall of Famer and a peer. Believe me, it's different. So yes, I see Reggie's point, but he just fell flat.  As far as guys like Alex and Andy Pettitte go…saying what he said about them was just plain stupid.  

Reggie deserves his lumps and should take them like a man and if I’m Reggie, I resign from the Yankees and go beg the Oakland Athletics for a job because there is no question that Yankee fans are passionate about their New York Yankees and I believe we’d be more willing to let go of this incident if he left the organization as a whole and not just temporarily.  Then, one day in 3 years they can invite him back for Old Timers’ Day and all is forgotten. Now…it just lingers.

Look, everyone makes mistakes and talks out of turn once in a while.  Reggie did that, and it’s time to step aside and realize we all can’t be like the great Reggie Jackson. Lesson learned, never talk smack about the guys we love, especially if you're one of those guys.  The pinstripes are powerful and we fans take it seriously.... apparently so does Yankee brass.  I'm happy about that, they got this one right. That’s my take anyway.

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DOES A UNIFORM NUMBER REALLY MATTER?

Since 1929, the New York Yankees put numbers on the back of their players’ uniforms and they were the first team to regularly do so. We are in the day and age where most teams have players’ names on the back of their jerseys along with several alternate jerseys to choose from. You almost don’t know what team is playing half the time.

The Yankees have retired 15 uniform numbers in their illustrious history and will undoubtedly be retiring a few more in the coming years. There are some uniform numbers in recent history that are not retired, but are not being regularly used as a tribute to important former players and a manager. For instance:

• #6: Joe Torre. This number hasn't been worn since Joe left in 2007.

• #21: Paul O’Neill. Paulie's number was only used 1 time since he retired in 2001, briefly by LaTroy Hawkins in 2008.
• #51: Bernie Williams. No one has worn #51 since Bernie left the Yankees in 2006.

• #55: Hideki Matsui. Matsui was beloved and wore #55 for 7 years. No one wore it in 2010, but now Russell Martin wears it because it was his number in Los Angeles.

My concern is reserved for #35. This number was used by notable Yankees such as Manager Ralph Houk, Hall of Famer Phil Niekro, and John Wetteland. Mike “Moose” Mussina wore #35 for 8 seasons as a New York Yankee too. There is a lot to be said for what kind of pitcher Moose was for the Yankees. To me, he was a fierce and determined competitor. He walked very few batters and was also a very good fielder. Moose was sometimes on pitching staffs where he was the second or third best starting pitcher. But when your starting rotation has the likes of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte or Orlando Hernandez, there is no shame in that distinction.

Here is what Mike Mussina did for the Yankees in his 8 years in pinstripes:

W-L: 123-72, W-L%: .631, ERA: 3.88, ERA+: 115, IP: 1553.0, K: 1278, BB: 318, WHIP: 1.212, K/9: 7.4, BB/9: 1.8, 3 Gold Gloves

He came within 1 out from pitching a perfect game against the Boston Red Sox in 2001 AND who can forget his performance in his only relief appearance in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

I was pleased to see the Yankees sign Michael Pineda in spite of us giving up Jesus Montero for him. He is a young workhorse that should give us a lot of innings. He has added a change-up to his repertoire and gets more comfortable with it every day. I figured since AJ Burnett was dealt to the Pirates, that Pineda could be given his old #34. I was wrong. #35 has been out of circulation for 3 seasons and is now being issued to Pineda for the 2012 season. Pineda showed up to Spring Training several pounds overweight and he has not totally recovered the usual speed on his fastball...yet. I hope that is not a factor once the regular season begins, but history has shown us what happens when pitchers show up out of shape. You can just ask Phil Hughes.

I always liked Moose so I guess it is a personal thing for me but I don’t like his uniform number being used so quickly after his retirement. I am sure to be questioned harshly by some when I suggest that Mike Mussina is a serious Hall of Fame candidate. Many would disagree and that's fine, you have your opinions and I'm allowed mine. I also know there is a difference in some fans’ minds about Yankee players who once played for other teams. In the meantime, I will hope for the best out of Pineda and see if he will earn that number the way Mussina did. Hopefully he too will make us proud like Moose did.




--Joseph Saucedo, BYB Guest Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @JD_Sauce70

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and look for the hashtag #BYB. Also, join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

ONCE A YANKEE, ALWAYS A YANKEE

For me and I am sure millions of other Yankee fans, Thanksgiving is all about family. I am very thankful for my family and friends and know that I have been blessed. I am also very thankful for having the opportunity to write for Bleeding Yankee Blue as it continues to grow each and every day. BYB has given me the opportunity to get to know so many of you fellow fans and to share in our love and passion for the New York Yankees. We really are like a family. And part of what is so special about this job is that I also get to meet some amazing people who are part of the Yankee family. Not just current and former Yankee players but often their families who are involved with charities and causes that help millions of people.Well, I recently had the opportunity to interview an amazing woman who is part of our Yankee family. Her name is Natalie Niekro. I am sure many of you recognize her famous last name and that is because she is the daughter of one time Yankee pitcher Joe Niekro. Which, of course, makes her the niece of former Yankee pitcher and 300 game winner, Phil Niekro. In fact, Phil and Joe Niekro are the winningest brother combination in baseball history, with 539 wins combined.

Unfortunately, In 2006 Joe Niekro passed away suddenly of a brain aneurysm and Natalie almost immediately began to research aneurysms and her tireless work led to her establishing The Joe Niekro Foundation. Below is our conversation about her father, the foundation, and how you and I can help.
BYB: Natalie, first thank you very much for giving us a few minutes. Fans are certainly familiar with the Niekro name. Can you tell us what was it like to be the daughter of a Major League baseball player?

Natalie Niekro: Well I get asked that question often and what I always tell people is that I wish I was able to appreciate it more, particularly the places we traveled, etc. I was young so I always felt like a regular kid. I mean I knew my dad was a Major League pitcher but to me he was just my dad. He was someone I loved very much and he was a great dad.BYB: What is your fondest memory of your dad?

Natalie Niekro: I was a little young to have taken away a specific memory or moment during those days but I will say that my fondest memory was going to the Astrodome and just being able to run around on the field and play with the other children of the players before games. In fact, I use to run around with Nolan Ryan's children.And I remember when we had to clear the field before the game started and we would take our seats to watch the game. It was a time of my childhood that I will always cherish.

BYB: Can you tell us something about your father that maybe many of us would not know?

Natalie Niekro: Well, when my Uncle (Phil Niekro) was traded to the Yankees in 1985 my father was with the Houston Astros. My father actually approached the Astros management and asked to be traded to the Yankees so he could play with his brother. Not sure a lot of people know that. He really wanted to play with my Uncle and the Astros and the Yankees made that happen.

BYB: Natalie, because everyone reading this is most likely a Yankee fan, can you tell us what is was like for your dad to be part of that 1985 Yankee team?

Natalie Niekro: My dad was so happy to be playing with Uncle Phil and he always said that the Yankee organization really is like no other. The way they treat their players and fans is second to none. I just remember him always giving the Yankee organization so much praise.

(In Photo: Phil Niekro)
BYB: How often to you see your uncle Phil Niekro these days? How is he?

Natalie Niekro: My Uncle Phil is doing great. I see him every so often and we talk frequently. Like me, he misses his brother very much and is active in helping get the word out on The Joe Niekro Foundation.(In Photo:Joe Niekro, Natalie, brother Lance Niekro)
BYB: Your father died of a brain aneurysm in 2006. What do you remember most about that day?

Natalie Niekro: My father's passing was a shock to me and everyone in my family. His aneurysm was sudden, unexpected and undiagnosed. Within 18 hours of Dad’s rupture, he was pronounced dead. In fact, it was just weeks before my wedding. It all happened so fast and it was literally at that moment that I decided to dedicate my life to educate the public on aneurysm.

BYB: So please tell us about the Joe Niekro Foundation?

Natalie Niekro: The Joe Niekro Foundation was established in 2007 in honor of my father. After my dad died from the aneurysm, I immediately started doing research to find out as much as I could about them. I was astonished by the lack of public awareness and under-support of research of such a widespread and often fatal condition. I decided that to launch the foundation to really bring awareness to this condition.

BYB: What is an aneurysm, and who are most vulnerable?

Natalie Niekro: Basically an aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out. The bulging aneurysm can put pressure on a nerve or surrounding brain tissue. It may also leak or rupture, spilling blood into the surrounding tissue (called a hemorrhage). Brain aneurysms can occur in anyone, at any age. They are more common in adults than in children and slightly more common in women than in men.
BYB: How can our BYB readers find out more information and help support The Joe Niekro Foundation?

Natalie Niekro: All your readers have to do is head over to JoeNiekroFoundation.org -- we have a wealth of information on the website. There is so much more research that needs to be done so any help your readers could give would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you Natalie for taking the time and many thanks to Mikey for getting this interview. It's important on such a special day because it's about love and family. We love that we were able to give you this interview on Thanksgiving. Natalie is now a part of the Bleeding Yankee Blue family and we appreciate her taking the time. Her father will never be forgotten. Thank you so much Natalie!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

--Casey

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer
Email: DonnieBaseball2323@gmail.com
Twitter: @MikeyBlu23