OUR .208 HITTING CATCHER'S SELLING BREAKFAST BURRITOS NOW

How about this guy does his job before he becomes an entrepreneur? This is what I do not get about this Yankee team and the front office that manages it.  It's all about greed, it's all about marketing and none of it is about baseball.  Reggie Jackson did the Reggie bar, but Reggie Jackson was a household name by that time.  

Austin Wells is batting .208, he has a pornstache and nice smile and he's been in the league 2 years.  Can we pump the breaks on this ridiculous venture and go and actually play baseball good? Do that Austin... do that.

I hate the way Austin Wells and Anthony Volpe are protected for doing essentially nothing. And the culprit is not only the front office, but Aaron Boone.  This latest bullshit makes no sense. A $12.28 breakfast burrito that you can buy at the ballpark, (think about that, $12.28) you can make it home... the ingredients are on the packaging.  What a joke.

Let’s be clear: Austin Wells isn’t here to catch strikes—he’s here to chase clout. While his batting average circles the drain at a robust barely-.200, the Yankees are apparently fine letting him play Yelp critic for breakfast burritos on Instagram. Yes, seriously. The guy has an entire account—@wells.ranked.burritos—with over 80,000 followers, dedicated to rating burritos in opposing clubhouses. Because, obviously, what this team needed was less focus on baseball.

And now, we’ve reached the natural conclusion of this farce: Wells has a branded burrito being sold to Yankees fans. For $12.28, you too can experience The Wells Favurrito. Former Yankee Jeff Nelson torched it: “Glad it wasn’t a flavurrito, cause it didn’t have a lot of it.” Oof. Max Goodman noted that it looked nothing like the promo photos and was “pretty small and pricey.” Chris Kirschner chimed in with the kind of brevity usually reserved for crime scene reports: “Quite small. $12.28.”

You’re being robbed, folks. Again. But this time it’s not just overpriced hot dogs or another year of “wait ‘til next year” baseball. This is the Yankees dressing up mediocrity in a tortilla and hoping you’ll swallow both it and the fact that Austin Wells has done nothing to earn this spotlight—except smile smugly and flail at fastballs.

Let’s cut through the crap: Austin Wells isn’t good. Not yet. Not close. He’s not seasoned, he’s not producing, and he’s not helping this team win. He’s a .208 hitter who was hyped like some top-of-the-order breakout. Aaron Boone wanted him leading off at one point. Boone must’ve been told that was a stupid idea. 

But instead of developing quietly or grinding to earn his place, Wells has been handed the keys to the marketing department. He’s more burrito brand than backstop. And that’s a slap in the face to fans who remember when Yankees wore pinstripes, not hashtags.

Meanwhile, Aaron Judge—the only grown-up in the room—sticks to his business. He has endorsements too, sure. But he understands that job one is to produce. He hits. He leads. He delivers. And then, maybe, he sells. Not the other way around. Wells? This stunt is embarrassing. It reeks of a franchise that's lost the plot. And if you want to know just how out of touch the front office is, here’s the quote Pinstripes Nation got from a Yankees spokesperson:

“He’s got a personality, and fans love it. We thought, why not lean into it?”

Why not? Because HE CAN’T HIT. That’s why not. This isn’t a cooking show. This is the Yankees—or at least it used to be. By the way, that spokesperson did not want to get named, I wonder why.

Pinstripes Nation had it right when they said, “While his bat has shown flashes this season, it’s his side project that has earned him cult status.” Which is corporate speak for: “He’s bad at baseball, but TikTok likes him.”

This is what the Yankees are now—a glorified Times Square souvenir shop with a pitching staff. They sell vibes, gimmicks, and $12 tiny burritos while telling you it’s part of the experience. It’s not. It’s garbage. This team used to be a baseball institution. Now it’s a lifestyle brand propped up by mediocre talent and marketing interns.

So yeah, call me a crank. Call me the “get off my lawn” guy. But back in my world, you had to deliver before you got a signature sandwich or a sneaker deal. Now? You just need an Instagram account and a swing that occasionally doesn’t miss.

Wells. Volpe. Boone’s pet projects. Neither hit but the Well Burrito and Volpe Torpedo bat matter more apparently. None of it works for me. When it comes to the Yankees and these young players, it isn’t development—it’s delusion. 

The Yankees have become a circus, and Austin Wells is their sideshow act with a stupid burrito cart now. The Bronx deserves better. Yankee fans deserve better. Hell, even burritos deserve better.

DAVID WELLS, AARON JUDGE & CHANNELING BABE RUTH!

The Yankees kicked off the 2025 season like they were shot out of a cannon. Scratch that—more like they brought the cannon and started launching baseballs into orbit like it was their full-time job. And honestly? It was glorious.

From the jump, Yankee bats weren’t just hot—they were volcanic. I lost count of the home runs somewhere between my third slice of pizza and the fifth souvenir ball flying into the seats. It was a festival of dingers, and nobody was enjoying it more than... Russell Wilson? I loved what Wilson tweeted a few weeks back.

By the way, Wilson is now fully living his best New York sports life being with the football Giants. He took to Twitter during the homer-fest and posted:

“So sweet! The Great Bambino is smiling!”

Now that is elite-level fan energy. Wilson is out here referencing Babe Ruth like he’s quoting scripture. The man is in it. And honestly? Same. The Bambino might actually be smiling, somewhere up in baseball heaven, puffing a cigar and watching Aaron Judge go full Paul Bunyan with the bat.

Because let’s talk about Judge for a second. The guy isn’t playing baseball; he’s putting on a power-hitting clinic. Six home runs in his first seven games—including a grand slam—because when you’re Aaron Judge, you don’t “go deep,” you go galactic.

And he’s doing it his way.

While some Yankees players have been experimenting with the so-called "torpedo bats" (which sound more like something out of Star Wars than the MLB rulebook), Judge wants no part of that.

“I’m not hopping on the bat trend,” he said, casually after launching another moonshot.

And to drive the point home—literally—he went out the next day and crushed another homer in his very first at-bat. Four homers in the Yankees’ first three games. No Yankee has ever done that before. Not even Ruth. Not even Reggie. Not even Alfonso Soriano in his "I’ll hit the first pitch I see into the East River" days. I kid, I kid.

 

The numbers are absurd. Judge is batting .379 with six home runs and 17 RBIs through just seven games. This after putting up a ridiculous .322 average with 58 homers and 144 RBIs last season, on his way to winning his second AL MVP in three years.

At this point, Judge isn’t chasing Ruth—he’s walking right alongside him. Fun fact: both hit 321 home runs in their first 1,000 games with the Yankees. That’s not a stat, that’s folklore. Judge is becoming a living legend, and if you’re watching this era of Yankee baseball, you are witnessing something genuinely special.

If you know me, you know how much I LOVED being a part of this series on Babe Ruth and the Called Shot. Check it out! https://t.co/qMVX2Mn88P

— Brian Brenberg (@BrianBrenberg) April 3, 2025

Speaking of Ruth, there’s a must-watch FOX documentary out now about The Called Shot and it is hosted by one of our favorite BYB contributors, Mike O'Hara! 

Apparently, Babe Ruth calling his shot has been debated since the 1932 World Series when Babe Ruth (supposedly) pointed to the stands before blasting a home run off the Cubs. It’s baseball’s version of Bigfoot, but with pinstripes and hot dogs.

I caught David Wells talking about it during one of the shows on FOX—still one of the most entertaining voices in the game—and he swears Ruth did it. “No doubt in my mind,” he said. 

Technically? Ruth was probably pointing at the Cubs dugout with some good ol’ fashioned Bronx attitude, not the bleachers. But who cares? Bill Dickey, Ruth’s teammate, once told the Washington Post:

“So we just made an agreement not to bother straightening out the facts.”

Translation: the truth is boring. The myth is better.

Back in 1992, the Babe Ruth Museum asked fans if they believed in the Called Shot. 85% said yes. That tells you everything you need to know about baseball fans—we’re romantics with great taste in legends.

For what it’s worth, I don’t think Ruth literally called his shot. I think he taunted, then obliterated. But hey, semantics. Ball left the park either way.

Fast forward to 2025, and while Babe Ruth may be a myth, Aaron Judge is pure reality.

Now let’s clear up two things:

1. Torpedo bats? Fake news. Despite what Dave Portnoy might be yelling from a rooftop somewhere, Judge isn’t using anything fishy.

2. Judge’s power? 100% certified real.

“What I’ve done the past couple of seasons speaks for itself,” Judge told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.

And he's right. What he's doing is absurd. He's already rewriting the history books—and he’s doing it while carrying the most legendary franchise in sports. The Yankees are launching bombs like it’s 1927 all over again, and Judge is the one swinging the sledgehammer.

Yes, the pitching needs some work (and yes, I’d like to see someone other than Anthony Volpe field a routine grounder cleanly). But when this offense is clicking, it's like watching The Avengers assemble every night—with Aaron Judge playing the role of Thor, hammer and all.

So, here's to Yankee bombs, Babe Ruth smiles, and Russell Wilson fully leaning into his inner baseball nerd. It’s all just... fun. And in a sport built on drama, nostalgia, and raw power, fun is the secret sauce.

Now if we could just get a little better defense and a manager who doesn’t treat the bullpen like a game of spin-the-bottle, we’d be set.

But hey, Ruth didn’t need perfection. He just needed a bat—and a little belief.

So do we.

WE AIN'T IN KANSAS ANYMORE SOTO!

Yes, here is another "typical Yankee fan" popping off about Juan Soto taking his big payday with the other ball club in Queens. 

No, I'm not running the Mets or their fans down. What bothers my about the Orange and Blue...and sometimes black team and their fans is that WE DON'T HATE THE METS! They want us to! 

They want us to hate them. They want a rivalry... but they, as Derek said, they're "just the Mets". They are the place holder wearing the colors of New York originals... THE BROOKLYN DODGERS and THE NEW YORK GIANTS. They will always be the "other team". 

Steve Cohen will never change that. Why? Because all the money in the world can't erase The Babe, The Mick, Joe D, The Iron Horse, Reggie, The Bronx Zoo, The 90s etc.  No, this isn't me holding onto the past either. IT'S JUST BASEBALL HISTORY, that's all, and there happens to be a lot of YANKEE BASEBALL in that proud story of the American Pastime. Full stop.

I'm glad for my pals that root for the Metropolitans. Truly. They have a great park over there. It's a quantum leap over the big "Ashtray near LaGuardia" as my Pop once called it. Yea... remember Shea Stadium? They have some great players these days and the Mets of the 1980s were fun to watch.

My issue is with guys like Barstool's KFC puffing his chest out on WFAN today saying, "NOBODY CARES ABOUT MONUMENT PARK AND THE PINSTRIPES ANYMORE!" Seems like Yankee fans live rent-free eating nothing but high scoring Portnoy Pizza's in Kev's head. Take your big-time player! Steve had the money, Soto has Boras and so it goes and so it goes. I enjoy KFC on the Barstool podcast, and know he's breaking balls, but the glee people get from the Yanks not signing someone outweighing the rush of getting a big bat like Juan is nuts.

Signing Soto would've been awesome for the Yankees. He seemed to like the Bronx, playing with #99 and the fans loved him...BUT it's a lousy move. It hamstrings you from getting anything else, even having Cohen's monopoly money. The luxury tax is heavy and buying all-star teams does not work.

We are so far gone on players and these contracts. 700 plus million? For a one ballplayer? Think on that. Yes, dollar amounts increase as time passes, but that is insane. Even if they do a little presto chango like Ohtani and backload it all...it still sucks. WE AS FANS END UP PAYING THE NOTE, GANG! Higher ticket prices. Higher concessions prices, Taking a family of 4 to a game? Call your bank and take out that second mortgage.

I don't blame the players. They take what is offered. If the owners put a cap on cash the Union will strike. Agents like Boras don't care about you and your love of the game. They don't. Juan Soto doesn't either. You cheering him as a Met or booing because he ain't a Yankee anymore makes NO difference to him. He is a hired gun. He NEVER claimed to be anything else.

Don't the Mets still own Bobby Bonilla? Baseball is a clown show of contracts these days. For every Juan Soto story we see flame outs, injuries... or they lose the hunger because they got all they wanted. S

Sickboy's line in Trainspotting - "First ya have it. Then you lose it. Then it's gone forever. In all walks of life." 

THIS WILL HAPPEN. The Mets just overpaid for a guy who is GREAT! He is a great ballplayer...but in 2 years he'll be really, really good. In 5 years he'll be a strong power hitter who will be a permanent DH. In 7 years, Mets fans will be calling into WFAN saying, "I said it then! We should never have given him that type of money! 15 years??"

Look, the Yankees have PLENTY of problems. I don't think much of the GM. The owner ain't his old man. The team has stars...and a lot of black holes too. The new stadium is a nice outdoor mall, and there are loud mouth Yankee fans spouting off with the sad, "27 championships, bro!" But they're still the Yankees for better or for worse. Steve Cohen and Juan Soto can't make them a lesser franchise in the world of sports or baseball lore any more than Rolling Stone could try to make the Beatles a lesser band. In short, some things just stay gold in this world. The New York Yankees were never about one player. They are, whether KFC and his ilk like it or not, what people think of when baseball is uttered - fan or not.

What Soto did was great for Soto, good for the Mets and lousy for baseball fans. It will keep pushing our game more and more out of reach. It's not because the slugger passed on the Yankees either. I feel the Yankees are culpable too. No organizations are innocent. No superstar player is either.

We always hear the cliche', "hey, it's a business." That may be true. It's a business for the owners and big-time players...but for us fans? We're outside looking in at a sign that reads : BASEBALL FANS NEED NOT APPLY.

A 90's song about greed ought to do it... Silverchair for the Golden Throne Juan Soto now sits on.

--Mike O'Hara

BYB Contributor

Twitter: @mikeyoh21

 

THAT TIME JOE DIMAGGIO WORE ANOTHER UNIFORM

Many don't know this, but after Joe DiMaggio's iconic run with the New York Yankees, he was actually with the A's. Crazy right?

Joe DiMaggio is, was, and always will be a New York Yankee icon. The man who so eloquently thanked "the good Lord for making me a Yankee" is etched in pinstriped legend. But wait—did you know that for a brief, colorful stint in the late 1960s, DiMaggio traded the Yankee navy for the A’s green and gold? It sounds like a baseball urban myth, but it’s true. 

In 1968, after nearly two decades out of baseball, Joltin' Joe returned, not to the Bronx, but to the freshly relocated Oakland A’s. Yep, the man synonymous with Yankee greatness joined forces with Charlie Finley’s band of merry baseball misfits. This wasn’t a return to playing—Joe’s baseball days were long behind him—but as a coach in 1968 and a vice president through 1969, he became a surprising part of the A’s story.

Now, let’s clarify: Joe didn’t spend much time flaunting his green and gold threads on the field. He avoided the base lines like a man dodging autographs at a crowded diner, preferring to remain in the dugout. This strategy not only kept his dapper demeanor intact but also limited the number of photos documenting his allegiance swap. Clever, Joe.

A’s owner Charlie Finley, baseball’s resident maverick, wasn’t shy about making bold moves. He’d lured the A’s to Oakland from Kansas City, where they’d been perennial cellar dwellers, and he had big dreams of transforming them into contenders. Step one? Bring in a Bay Area legend like DiMaggio.

It made sense geographically—Joe lived in San Francisco, just a short drive from Oakland. It also made sense financially—Joe was two years shy of qualifying for MLB’s maximum pension allowance when he retired, and this gig got him over the line. Was he nostalgic for the Yankees? Sure. But if the Yankees weren’t going to offer him a post-retirement role, well, Joe wasn’t going to wait around polishing his championship rings.

For one season in 1968, Joe DiMaggio became a mentor to the A’s up-and-coming talent. His “kids,” as he called them, included future stars like Reggie Jackson, Sal Bando, and Joe Rudi. DiMaggio didn’t just teach baseball fundamentals—he gave them the kind of advice only a legend could.

Take Reggie Jackson, for instance. DiMaggio encouraged him to ditch his skinny college bats and opt for something with more oomph. The result? Reggie hit 29 home runs that year, even as he led the league with 171 strikeouts. DiMaggio probably winced at every whiff, considering he struck out a mere 369 times in his entire career. But hey, those 29 homers? Not too shabby for “green as grass” Reggie.

Joe Rudi later called his time with DiMaggio a "doctorate on playing the outfield." And when Joe DiMaggio is your professor, you listen, even if he also sneaks you some postgame lasagna, as one iconic photo seems to suggest.

The 1968 season was a turning point for the A’s, who posted their first winning record since 1952. DiMaggio played his part, imparting wisdom to players and adding a touch of Yankee class to a franchise finding its identity. After one year in uniform, he shifted to full-time front-office duties in 1969. With his pension vested and his job done, he returned to his leisurely pursuits of golfing, fishing, and eventually hawking Mr. Coffee machines to America.

Joe left the A’s on good terms, often returning to throw ceremonial first pitches and receive standing ovations. Of course, those ovations came with a fee, because even in retirement, Joe knew the value of his legendary name.

While it’s true that for a fleeting moment Joe DiMaggio wore green and gold, his heart—and baseball immortality—remained firmly in Yankee pinstripes. His time with the A’s was like a curious chapter in a book full of New York triumphs, a side quest in the epic saga of Joltin’ Joe.

So, the next time someone tries to argue that DiMaggio wasn’t always a Yankee, remind them: Sure, he moonlighted in Oakland for a bit. But the man’s legacy, his lore, and his love will forever belong to the Bronx.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

REGGIE WASN'T "PROMISED" A ROLLS- ROYCE... ACCORDING TO REGGIE

Recently, Reggie Jackson addressed a long-standing rumor on social media about his iconic signing with the New York Yankees. When a fan tweeted, “George promised Reggie a Rolls-Royce if he signed with the Yankees and Reggie, as a collector of classic automobiles, was enamored. Also, Olympic Stadium’s rock-hard turf would have curtailed his career by age 33,” Jackson responded directly and with clarity:

"Don’t believe all that you hear; most is heard 3rd or 4th hand. This is an example of ‘didn’t go down that way, brother.’"

Jackson’s professional but firm rebuttal highlights his commitment to setting the record straight. But what’s the truth about the Rolls-Royce and the Yankees deal?

An article published by ESPN in 2003, recounting the events of November 1976, provides some context. According to the report, “George Steinbrenner's Thanksgiving Day is complete with the signing of free-agent Reggie Jackson to a $3-million, five-year contract that included a Rolls-Royce.” This anecdote has since become a hallmark of Steinbrenner’s flamboyant style, though its accuracy is still debated.

At the time, Jackson was coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Orioles and was one of the most sought-after free agents in baseball. Describing Steinbrenner’s relentless courtship, Jackson famously compared it to “trying to hustle a girl in a bar.” Determined to rebuild after the Yankees were swept by the Cincinnati Reds in the 1976 World Series, Steinbrenner initially set his sights on Bobby Grich. However, when Grich opted to sign with the California Angels, Steinbrenner shifted his focus to Jackson and refused to be outmaneuvered.

The effort proved worthwhile. Signing Jackson gave the Yankees not only one of the game’s most formidable sluggers but also a major box-office draw. As Jackson later put it, "The reason I'm a Yankee is that George Steinbrenner outhustled everybody else," a testament to the owner's unyielding determination.

While the story of the Rolls-Royce remains part of the legend, what’s undeniable is that Jackson’s arrival marked a turning point for the Yankees, laying the groundwork for their resurgence as baseball’s dominant franchise.

--Alvin Izzo

BYB Yankee History Contributor

"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

THE BRAWL OF THE BRONX: YOGI VS. MOOSE

Sure, let's dive into one of the most infamous brawls in New York Yankees history that doesn’t involve Billy Martin and Reggie Jackson. Enter, the legendary tussle between Yogi Berra and Bill “Moose” Skowron. This event is legendary in the Yankees’ folklore for its sheer absurdity and the colorful characters involved.

The year was 1957, the Yankees were in the middle of another dominant season, and tensions were high. It was a hot July afternoon, and the team was stuck in a bit of a slump, which often makes professional athletes a bit testier than usual. The Yankees' locker room, typically a sanctuary of camaraderie and shared triumph, became a cauldron of brewing discontent.

Bill “Moose” Skowron, the team’s hulking first baseman known for his prodigious power at the plate and a frame that could double as a refrigerator, was at the center of this particular storm. Yogi Berra, the team’s beloved and slightly undersized catcher, famed for his paradoxical wisdom and malapropisms, was on the other end. What could these two possibly fight over, you ask? Well, dear reader, the trigger was something so quintessentially baseball, it almost sounds made up: a bat.

Let's set the scene. Yogi, ever the meticulous veteran, had a favorite bat. This wasn’t just any bat; this was a bat with a soul, a bat that had seen him through countless hits and even more of his trademark Yogi-isms. Moose, in the throes of a hitting slump, decided that perhaps borrowing Yogi’s bat might change his luck. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.

Yogi walked into the clubhouse to find Moose using his beloved bat, and like any reasonable person whose prized possession was being mishandled, he reacted. "Hey, Moose, you got your own bats, use ‘em!" Yogi barked.

Moose, not one to back down, especially not to someone he towered over by a good six inches, retorted, "Relax, Yogi. A bat's a bat!"

Yogi, embodying the spirit of David against his Goliath teammate, lunged at Moose. What followed was not the most technical of fights. There were no jabs or uppercuts, just a flurry of flailing limbs, and maybe a few well-placed baseballs for good measure. Teammates, initially stunned by the sight of the pint-sized catcher attempting to throttle the mammoth first baseman, quickly intervened. According to Mickey Mantle, who was reportedly doubled over with laughter while trying to separate the two, "It was like watching a bulldog take on a bear. You didn't know whether to laugh or call animal control."

The scuffle didn’t last long, thanks to the intervention of their teammates, but the locker room was abuzz with excitement and the incident quickly became legend. Moose, to his credit, was contrite. “I didn’t mean to swipe his bat. I just figured if it worked for Yogi, it might work for me. Turns out, I’m better off with my own sticks.”

Yogi, dusting himself off and adjusting his cap, simply said, “Nobody touches my bat without asking. That’s just how it is.”

The Yankees’ brass was less than amused by the fracas, but fans loved it. It added to the mystique of the team’s colorful clubhouse, a place filled with outsized personalities and no shortage of drama. If there’s a moral to this story, it’s that sometimes, even the most cohesive teams have their moments of madness. And in the Yankees’ case, those moments just happen to involve a Hall of Fame catcher trying to take down a man whose nickname was "Moose."

So next time you find yourself in a heated debate over something trivial, remember Yogi and Moose. Sometimes, you just need to step back, take a deep breath, and realize that, as Yogi might say, “It ain’t over till it’s over,” especially when it involves a bat and a lot of pride.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

YANKEES- DODGERS RIVALRY IS BACK AND IT'S BETTER THAN EVER

Source: Yahoo Sports

I love it. I have been waiting for this since the late 1970s when it was Billy Martin against Tommy Lasorda. Those were the days when Tommy John went toe to toe with Ron Guidry and when Steve Garvey and Reggie Jackson belted bombs across the diamond. Today, that fierceness is back with guys like Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts heating up the Dodgers lineup against the Yankees with the mighty Aaron Judge and young shortstop Anthony Volpe. This Yankees-Dodgers rivalry is fire. And it feels better than ever.

Writes the New York Post, "It is one of the most unique rivalries in all of sports, one that tugs at heartstrings and memory banks, and whenever there is a game and those two teams are on the field, it seems like it should be televised in black and white, feels like Mel Allen and Red Barber should share the call." And the games against the Dodgers yielded so many great moments like the only World Series perfect game in 1956. 

Despite being one of the most well-known, well-established rivalries of all time, it has not been this anticipated since those days in the late 70s and early 80s. And no wonder. It has been some time since the Dodgers and Yankees were both this good at the same time. It has been some time since the Dodgers trotted into Yankee Stadium with this much confidence backed behind slugger Shohei Ohtani. And speaking of Ohtani, I don't remember a time when the Yankees sold an out of town jersey in their very own stadium team store. And a collaborative New Era cap featuring Judge and Ohtani on the front which is making Yankees fans dizzy.

As Fox Sports reports, "Judge and Ohtani are, without a doubt, the two faces of Major League Baseball, and the Yankees are taking advantage in what many perceive to be a peculiar way. First of all, the Yankees are selling Ohtani Dodgers jerseys in their own team store this weekend. But what got fans really riled up were the bodega-style hats featuring Judge's 99 and Ohtani's 17 side-by-side." One fan even called the hat a felony while another said "you have to pay Juan Soto somehow." Soto is eerily absent from the lineup with forearm inflammation. Probably the only downer for this well-anticipated and attended series. 

The Saturday game was played under the lights, which is atypical for the Yankees on Saturdays. And this game has been featured among other must watch events: The London Series, The Belmont Stakes and yes, the Yankees vs. the Dodgers. Yankee Stadium is in a fan's word, "mobbed with so many Dodger fans" this weekend.

1941 was the first time the Bronx Bombers and "Dem Bums" faced one another in the World Series. Back then, they were cross-city rivals; now they a cross-country, bicoastal rivals, driving huge crowds whenever they have the chance to face one another. Altogether, the Yankees and the Dodgers have faced each other in the Fall Classic 11 times, with the Yankees dominating the Dodgers for most. Could this weekend be a preview of what's to come? With all the energy and excitement, one can only hope.

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

GEORGE STEINBRENNER MAKES APPEARANCE AS GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST

Source: Chris O'Meara/AP

I think the Yankee organization is trying to bring back the big guns of the Steinbrenner Era. I grew up in that era when the Bronx was burning, Billy was fired and Reggie hit home runs in style. But those days grow dim, and the Yankees organization today is nothing like those days of Steinbrenner. But I caught a glimpse- this week with the acquisition of Juan Soto. Not so much that the Yankees went out there and got him but more about "we aren't done yet" mentality. It seems that George is present (or at least his ghost is) in this off season and so it appears that Hal remains all in on getting the pitcher that can carry our rotation to greatness in 2024.

Newsday even has a piece that simply says, "Hal is more like his father than we thought." And goes on to say that his father would approve of both adding more offense from the left side which is what Soto brings and going after the young Japanese hurler Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Source: NY Post

"MLB insider Andy Martino of SNY noted earlier this week that sources "familiar with owner Hal Steinbrenner's thinking" said Steinbrenner is willing to raise the club's payroll to over $300M amid the franchise's interest in Soto and in signing Japanese ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto," stated MLB.com.

And even Brian Cashman sounds like the warrior Steinbrenner built, moving away from blaming to going out gaming.

Source: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

"George Steinbrenner always felt the best players in the world should play here for the Yankees," Cashman explained, according to Chichester. "The Steinbrenner DNA has always been willing to go all-in," reported MLB.com.

These words solidify that this is not your typical off-season we've seen in recent years. This is also indicating that the "evil empire" is back and is going to be relentless in pursuit of a championship next season.

"The Yankees, meanwhile, have a strong desire to land Yamamoto and a willingness to show Evil Empire levels of financial aggressiveness," Martino said. "The Mets had hoped that the Yanks’ acquisition of Juan Soto would take them out of the Yamamoto sweepstakes, but Hal Steinbrenner remains all-in on spending even after completing the Soto trade, per sources." writes FanNation. 

I will be honest, I was a bit skeptical in the Yankees when they first picked up Alex Verdugo from Boston. I had that 'here we go again' feeling and I was not having it. Then, I was still concerned, and still am, about the Yankees ruining the young career of Juan Soto because that's what they do in recent years. How would they play him? Are they going to give him days off for a hangnail? You know the drill. But something clicked when I heard Brian Cashman's words about how George would go after more. And I have bought into the fact that nostalgic Yankee mentality of going after the best is back. 

Let's hope the new of Yamamoto signing comes early next week so the Yankees can get down to business at the strike of 2024. This is an early Christmas present for fans who can place some single season tickets in their stockings with confidence to usher in a new era in Yankee baseball with Boss George Ghost of Christmas Past in the clubhouse this off season. 

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

CASHMAN THROWS STANTON UNDER THE BUS, BUT FAULT LIES ON CASHMAN

Giancarlo Stanton is injury prone. No doubt about it... everybody knows this.  But when the Yankees brought him to New York December 11, 2017, Cashman played this move up as the greatest upgrade to the Yankees since Reggie came to the Bronx.  At the time of the Stanton signing, many touted Cashman as a genius.  Cashman touted himself as one for sure.  Even some of us at BYB praised the move.  But here's the thing... we all knew he was injury prone.  

Here's the thing though, I find it incredibly unprofessional that the same General Manager that signed the guy is now slamming him to the media all these years later. That's right... Cashman and his loose lips strike again.  No filter, just speaking his mind... kind of like an idiot. And my point is this; How does everyone in the room know that Stanton is injury prone, you throw the guy under the bus and don't surround Stanton with depth as the fix?  Seems like a Cashman problem... not a Stanton problem.

CBS Sports writes that Cashman said this of Stanton:

"He's going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game?"

Cameron Maybin went after people who feel the same way about Stanton and the notion that he will finish his career in the Bronx. Much respect:

Now look, he's right.  Stanton did good things in New York. Cashman just appears to be ditching G... the same guy that went after G to make the Yankees better.  Weird.

But who do you blame for all this? Well, it's certainly not Stanton. We knew the player we were getting.  You have to blame Cashman.  CBS Sports again:

"It's true Stanton's injuries have become seemingly inevitable and that he did not perform in 2023. That larger issue is Cashman's roster construction and not having suitable depth players to step in. New York's single biggest issue right now is so many of their top young position players have come up and not performed, which has contributed to their depth woes."

The bottom line is this... you never sign a guy like this and have a plan in place.  Cashman did not... years later we still don't. That's on him. The boy wonder has clearly blown it again.

Say what you will Brian... but you're no genius.  You've driven this terrible team into the ground. Go look in a mirror.