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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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WILLIE'S DAY

Today, in addition to it being Old Timers Day at the Stadium, there will be a dedication ceremony in Monument Park for one of my all-time favorite Yankees – Willie Randolph.

(In Photo: Horace Clarke)
Ironically, the Yankees of my “formative years” were the ones that marked the beginning of the Steinbrenner era.  The earliest teams I remember rooting for had players like Ron Blomberg, Horace Clarke, Celerino Sanchez, and Jim Mason littering the lineup.  While the 1972 through 1975 teams only had a losing record once, they never reached the post-season, and I can remember my frustration as I witnessed them limping through season after season.

At the time, I most identified with the second basemen.  It was the position I played in Little League, and then High School / Babe Ruth.  I’d watch their positioning in the field and how they handled double-play turns, and then attempt to duplicate it in the fields where I played.  Unfortunately for me, even though I was a good “glove man” like the players I watched, I also hit like they did.  Clarke (.257 with 27 HR in 10 seasons with Yankees) and Sandy Alomar (.248 in 3 seasons in the Bronx) were mediocre batsmen at best, and they both manned second in the “lean years” of the early 70’s.

It’s no coincidence that when Willie Randolph came along, the organization’s fortunes changed.  From the moment I saw him play for my favorite team, I knew he was a ball player I could identify with.

Acquired in a trade with the Pirates in the off season prior to the 1976 campaign, he went about his business quietly and professionally – staying out of the limelight that people like Reggie Jackson and Billy Martin thrived in.  From 1976 through 1988 Willie was the Yankees’ rock at second base, hitting .275, stealing 251 bases (75% success rate), and scoring 1027 runs while playing solidly in the field (.980 fld pct).

During that time, the team had a losing record just once, and from ’76 through ’81 appeared in three World Series (winning 2 – in 1977 and ’78).   As a 5-time All-star with the Yankees, he projected class on a team known then as “The Bronx Zoo”.

He would go on to try his hand at managing with the New York Mets, and in a little less than 4 seasons compiled 302 wins and a .544 winning percentage (winning the NL East and losing the NLCS to the Cardinals 4 – 3 in 2006).  Simply put, Willie Randolph is a winner and someone kids everywhere should emulate.

Some may question why he is getting a plaque on Saturday, but those of us who rooted for the Yankees and watched them play in the mid-1970’s know what Randolph meant to the team.  With the turmoil generated by, and the volatility of Reggie, Billy, Goose, Cliff Johnson, and George Steinbrenner, Willie Randolph provided the calming balance and steady play the team needed to survive. 

He never drove in – or scored - 100 runs, never hit more than 7 home runs, and only once led the league in a category (119 walks in 1980), but Willie represented the best of the Yankees team that won back-to-back World Championships in 1977 and ’78. He deserves his spot with other teammates from that era (Munson, Jackson) on the cherished wall in Monument Park.

Congrats Willie, you have earned all that you receive on Saturday.


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--Steve Skinner, BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1

 

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BRETT GARDNER EXCLUSIVE: A RUNYON 5K RUN INTERVIEW

Since the birth of Bleeding Yankee Blue, we have done our best to make our audience aware of the great work that the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has done for cancer awareness and research.  We have jumped in to let people know about the Runyon 5k Run held at Yankee Stadium, an event that is in it's 6th year this year and takes place tomorrow, August 3rd at the stadium. BYB is very lucky to interview some of the official starters for this amazing event.  They are gentlemen like Roy White, Ron Blomberg and Mickey Rivers, former Yankees and people that have taken time out of their schedules to bring awareness to an amazing cause.  As Roy White told us in our interview with him 3 years ago:

 ( Photo By:JAMES PETROZELLO. In Photo: Roy White; Lorraine Egan, executive director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation; Alan Leventhal, Damon Runyon board chairman; and Tom Werner, chairman of the Boston Red Sox.)

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

True... and it is.

Well, Bleeding Yankee Blue is very lucky once again, because we have a special treat for all of you.  It was announced back in June that Brett Gardner was named the Official Ambassador of this year's Runyon 5k Run at Yankee Stadium, the second time for him.   The red hot New York Yankee with alot of heart and dedication on the field was chosen because not only does he believe in the cause, but he knows his celebrity can bring more attention to it.  In short, he's doing something noble and appreciative. 

I share with you now, our interview with New York Yankee, Brett Gardner.  Thank you Brett for talking to Bleeding Yankee Blue!  

Enjoy this Ladies and Gentlemen... I certainly did:

BYB: So, you were named the Official Ambassador for the Runyon 5K run at Yankee Stadium. How important is this honor for you?

Brett Gardner: This is my second year as the Ambassador for the Runyon 5K. I am honored and humbled that they asked me back!  They are a wonderful non-profit that is doing amazing work in the area of research to help end cancer. 100% of the funds raised go directly to research.

BYB: That is great that they had you back.  How important is cancer research and a cure for cancer to you personally?

Brett Gardner: I think all of us know someone who has battled and we need to work together and find a cure. My wife Jessica and I, spend time visiting with children and their families at the various children's hospitals. In fact, we were just at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. We also are very active in the support of the Ronald McDonald House. We see far to many children with cancer and it does truly affect the entire family.

BYB:  Let's talk so baseball. How does being locked up for the next few years with the Yankees help you relax more and just concentrate on being the best player you can be?

Brett Gardner:  For me, it was a matter of making the decision obviously based on numbers and what I was comfortable with, but also a big part of my decision was I felt like by signing that contract, it gave me the best chance to stay in New York and hopefully finish my career in New York.  Signing the contract gave me the best opportunity to do that.

BYB: How important is it for a team to have a guy like Derek Jeter in the clubhouse?

Brett Gardner: He's our captain. He is first class and the best there is. A true champion and consummate professional.  He's such a positive force in our clubhouse and a true leader, a teacher.  It's an honor and a privilege to play on the same team with him.

BYB: You are in good company with the Runyon Foundation by the way. Joe DiMaggio was on the Board of Directors for Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser as well. How important is it to be part of such a great cause with such leaders like Joe and Mickey?

Brett Gardner: That's incredible to hear!  The Damon Runyon 5k is very special and they do wonderful research work to end cancer.

BYB: For anyone hesitant about registering to run in the future, but aren't sure they'll be successful, what kind encouragement can you give them?

Brett Gardner: Sign up! It's a fun day and a person can walk, run or walk & run.  It's for a great cause & Yankee Stadium is just beautiful!

So true! Thank you, Brett Gardner for taking the time... and keep your hot streak going! We're all pulling for you! 

A special thanks to Rachel Klein and Kathy Jacobson for making this all possible for Bleeding Yankee Blue. You are true professionals! BYB appreciates the relationship we have with you both!

If our audience would like more information on the run, or to donate, check out their website at:

http://www.damonrunyon.org/

You can also read Bleeding Yankee Blue's past interviews about the event:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG
RUNYON 5K RUN EXCLUSIVE: MICKEY RIVERS

RUNYON 5K RUN AT YANKEE STADIUM

This is just an important cause and something that we have helped promote every year since Bleeding Yankee Blue has began.  It's the Runyon 5K run and if you aren't familiar with it, you will be after reading this.

Since the inaugural event back in 2009, the 5K run has raised more than $2 million for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation's effort to strike out cancer.

On August 18th, there will be thousands of people at Yankee Stadium. They will be runners, cancer survivors, Yankee fans, and people! People that want to make a difference.  They will gather and they will run to raise money.

Do you want to be one of those who takes a moment out of their busy schedule to make a difference? Well, Registration has opened! Go to www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium. (Participants are responsible for a $40 registration fee and a $60 fundraising minimum. On July 1, the registration fee increases to $50.)

We've talked to plenty of people who have given their time for this important cause over the past few years.  I asked my friend Kathi Sheehan, who ran in 2011, why people should jump in: (Read WHY THE RUNYON 5K RUN BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER)

Kathi: It is for a good cause! Remember the reason you are there. Having been fairly athletic growing up, I was a little nervous knowing that I wasn't in the shape I could have been for this event. But then I remembered that my ultimate goal was to raise money and awareness for this cause.

And how about my Twitter friend Rodney Zayas (HERE) who just registered for the run.  I got this Tweet from his yesterday:

Of course, I am happy to re-tweet that any time and I'll do it for anyone who signs up and gets the word out about the 5k run! Send me a tweet like this and I'm happy to.

Take a moment, go to the website today, think about committing and think about making a difference.  Here it is again: www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium

And if you need more convincing, remember the Yankee heroes that have come out, volunteered their time at the 5k run and have talked to Bleeding Yankee Blue about it.  Roy White, Mickey Rivers, Ron Blomberg.  3 great guys, 3 great Yankees and as Ron Blomberg told us HERE: "Anytime you’ve been out of baseball for many years and they ask you to do something like this, it makes you feel very wanted.  I’ve been very lucky in my life that I have two doctors as kids that I understand what cancer is all about.  I travel all around doing charity events like this across the country.  Just to be part of this at Yankee stadium and to do something with the ribbon (ceremony) it means an awful lot to me."

You gotta know how important this is now. Take a moment, register and make a difference.

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A YANKEE FAN'S TRIBUTE TO HIS DAD

My dad turned 80 this week and the landmark occasion opened up reflection on my part.  I’m 49 so by no means am I a spring chicken, but the baseball memories I have of moments with my father remain crisp and clear.

I am a New York Yankees fan because of him.  Growing up in Binghamton I was able to watch their games on WPIX, and it was a rare day when my dad wouldn’t have the TV tuned to that channel so that we could watch them play.  Whether they were good or bad – and until George took over the team they were mostly bad – we seldom missed watching them from the comfort of our living room.

I can remember the days of Horace Clarke, Celerino Sanchez, Ron Blomberg, and Mel Stottlemyre because of it. I also remember Reggie’s three home runs in game six, Freddie Patek crying on the Royals bench, and Ron Guidry’s 25 – 3 season. I watched them all with Dad.

(In Photo: Ron Guidry)
My memories aren’t restricted to sitting in front of the TV with him though.  There were a number of bus trips to Yankees stadium – excursions that my father booked for us that are forever among my most cherished days.

He taught me how to keep score, and while sitting in the stadium, I would be glued to my seat so that I wouldn’t miss a play in my scorecard.   Afterward, during the three-plus hour ride home on the bus, I’d “review” the game by examining my scribbling in the program, and would tally up each player’s summary (the scorecards had columns off to the right where you could write the total number of AB, Runs, RBI, Hits, Errors, Stolen Bases for each batter, and the Innings, Runs, Earned Runs, Hits, Walks and strikeouts for each pitcher).  I suppose it was an early indication then that I’d go on to be a Math major in college.

The best parts of my childhood aren’t only the ones that revolve around the Yankees.   Actually, the best baseball memories I have of my dad are the ones that had nothing to do with the professional level of the sport.

Instead, the times that I most hold dear include Little League and playing catch in our backyard. My father rarely went to my practices for the local LL team, but I really don’t remember any games where he wasn’t in the stands.  There may have been one or two – I’m sure there had to be scheduling conflicts along the way – but they have long since faded into forgotten moments.

He may not have realized it, but I always felt better in a game when I knew he was in the stands.  I’m sure as a kid I never told him, but I really appreciated coming to the plate and seeing him sitting among other parents and fans.   It made the game, and my performance, more meaningful.

We’d talk about each game afterwards and discuss how I played, and why certain things happened the way they did as the contest ran its course.   I’d never show that I valued his advice.  Heck, I was a cocky, know-it-all, kid and no one understood my game better than me.  Truth is, I took each and every word of his to heart, and loved the fact that he cared.

It is the reason I have tried to be at every one of my kids’ sports events as they have grown up.  In the event that I couldn’t be there, I’d make sure someone who was there would give me updates.

My dad taught me baseball, and his love for the Yankees and the sport found its way into my heart.  More importantly, the example he set as the parent of kids who played sports will forever remain the standard to which I have aspired.

Thanks Dad, and Happy Birthday.

   
--Steve Skinner, BYB Guest Writer
Twitter: @oswegos1

 

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40 YEARS AGO TODAY, SOMETHING DIFFERENT HAPPENED...

"On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first designated hitter in Major League Baseball history, facing Boston Red Sox right-handed pitcher Luis Tiant in his first plate appearance. Blomberg walked."

That quote is from the Tennessean, read HERE. I wanted to post a piece that was not from New York, because the Designated Hitter is a big part of the game of baseball these days! Plus, Frank Daniels III sets the stage pretty great in his piece.

We interviewed Ron Blomberg here at Bleeding Yankee Blue.  In that interview, Steve Skinner asked him about it. Here's that exchange:

BYB:  Ron, everyone knows you as the first designated hitter in MLB history.  How did that come about, and did you enjoy it?

Ron Blomberg: Well, you know I screwed up the game in 1973 being the first DH.  To be honest, I thought I was a glorified pinch-hitter.  When I played DH, it was just a pinch-hitter.  No one knew what it would eventually be.  How I became it – I had a pulled hamstring down in spring training.  I came off a good year in 1972 and was having a good spring in ‘73.  They didn’t want to put me on the DL because we were supposed to break camp five days later .  They asked me if I would be the DH against Luis Tiant up in Boston.  I said “of course” because I didn’t want to go on the DL.  I thought it was going to die just like the designated runner did.  I never thought it was going to be this big.

Recently, I had Paul Konerko come up to me and thank me for extending his career five more years. 

Yes, I changed history in ’73 and 50% of the people liked it and 50% of the people hated it.  I don’t think the National League will ever adopt it.  It’s great to be part of baseball history and be noticed because of it.  People recognize me when I make airplane reservations or hotel reservations.  It’s really been fun for me. 

The full interview is here at EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG.

So Happy Birthday DH and great work Ron Blomberg!  It's been an amazing journey and I'm happy to have Ron Blomberg as part of the BYB family.  Thanks again to Steve Skinner for nailing down that interview.

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RUNYON 5K RUN, JOB WELL DONE

The Runyon 5K run at Yankee Stadium was a huge success! On August 12th,  thousands ran to support cancer research. of avid runners, passionate baseball fans, cancer survivors, and supporters of cancer research took part in the fourth annual Damon Runyon 5K at Yankee Stadium, the only charitable run/walk that uses the legendary ballpark as its course.

The event sold out four weeks in advance, with 4,000 participants raising nearly $715,000 for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The run has raised more than $2 million since 2009. The funding allows today's best young scientists to pursue innovative cancer research.

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue love to support this run and will continue to do so as long as we're around.  We've had some great interviews promoting this run with the special thanks for Doug Drotman.  Thank you Doug.

Here are those interviews:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE

RUNYON 5K RUN EXCLUSIVE: MICKEY RIVERS

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG

To all the runners... way to go! We look forward to helping out next year as well.

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RUNYON 5K RUN EXCLUSIVE: MICKEY RIVERS

You know just how dedicated Bleeding Yankee Blue is in making  you aware of the Runyon 5K Run at Yankee Stadium.  This year the run is on August 12th, the information can be found here.  Last week we had the pleasure of interview on of the "official" starters of the run, Yankee great Ron Blomberg. His interview is (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG.)  Today it's our pleasure to share with you our interview with Mickey Rivers, the other "official" starter of the run.  We interviewed Mickey Rivers when we first started Bleeding Yankee Blue and he was a great sport then, read HERE. This time around, it's even more special. This time, he spoke to BYB to help us promote the Runyon 5k Run.  A Special thanks to Doug Drotman for helping bring these interviews to you all. Doug you are a man of your word and we truly appreciate your help! OK Ladies and Gentlemen... Enjoy this... I did.

BYB: What would you tell anyone curious about running in the Runyon 5k run, but nervous about the endurance part of it?

Mickey Rivers: We always try to support cancer research. Everyone has a sister or a brother or mother affected by it. If these scientists can find a little better solution, people can live a lot longer.

BYB: How did you meet and get to know Ron Blomberg, the other Runyon 5K official starter?

Mickey Rivers: Bloomy was a teammate of mine. I’ve known him a long time. We used to do a lot of things together. His family would visit in Florida and the kids loved me. I did a lot of things for him and he did a lot of things for me coming up. We’ve been friends for many, many years.

(In Photo: Tommy Harper)
BYB: Who was your baseball idol growing up, Yankee or non-Yankee and why?

Mickey Rivers: Tommy Harper. What he did really gave me the incentive to get out there and work hard. When I got older, I got the chance to meet the guy. He always gave me some good advice – how do to this and that.

BYB: Who came up with your nickname "Mick the Quick"?

Mickey Rivers: My grandma. Back in the old times, they always had a slang name for the kids. They always had a nickname, something they could remember. She called me "Mick the Quick" and she stuck with it until her dying days.

BYB: Tell me about Thurman Munson the man, not the player? What was he like one on one?

Mickey Rivers: He didn’t talk too much. I’m a guy who likes to talk to people in general. Going into the press conference when I joined the team, we had different opinions at the time. But you just had to get to know the guy. After a while, we got to talkin’ and talkin’. He saw how I played, and that’s all he cared about. He would say: “Well, you can play ball. I know my job. I come to play ball.” I don’t blame guys like that. We got to talkin’ and had some different opinions, but we had a better understanding of each other. That’s all it takes. Sometimes people judge at first sight. But once we started playin’ together and talking, we started doing good things together.

BYB: The Bronx Zoo was a nutty clubhouse; how would someone like Robinson Cano handle it?

Mickey Rivers: Well, you know, I think Robinson would handle it great. I think he’s a great guy. He works hard. I watch his work ethic. He’d do a great job. I think he’d probably fit in nice with the group. They knew what to do. They knew how to handle the pressure. They knew what they had to go out and do. For me, I love Robinson. I know he goes out there and works. I talk to him on different occasions. He has a certain attitude. He can play ball. That’s what "the Zoo" wanted to do; Play ball and have a good time together. You just had to be yourself.

BYB: Who would be your all time Yankees outfielder?

Mickey Rivers: Dave Winfield was the top. He was a great guy and a great baseball player.

BYB: OK, you get a free plug, tell me about your website mickthequick.com ...

Mickey Rivers: The website helps promote a lot of things. I used to have the Foundation in Florida to support a lot of kids in the schools down there, so it promoted that. I’m doing a lot of corporate appearances for the Yankees and kids clinics at the Stadium and for Wish You Were Here Productions.

Be sure to check out the information involving the Runyon 5K Run at Yankee Stadium on August 12th.  Go tO www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and sign up today, you won't be sorry. Trust me.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG

Family.  Beyond the obvious, it’s a term generally used to describe a special bond between two or more people.  The word represents images of caring, unity, and kinship.

(In Photo: Ron Blomberg)
I had the privilege to speak with Ron Blomberg – the former Yankee first baseman/outfielder, and Major League Baseball’s first ever designated hitter.  He, along with Mickey Rivers, is an honorary starter for the Damon Runyon 5K run/walk for CancerResearch at Yankee Stadium on August 12th.

Through our entire discussion, the theme of “family” repeatedly came up – and rightly so.  How can it not when discussing the courageous fight of those affected by cancer?  They form a very large, close-knit community of victims and supporters, and in the end...they are family.

Our talk transitioned from one “family” to the next – the Yankee family.  With both, I could sense a deep passion from Mr. Blomberg.  He genuinely cares about those he directs his generosity to, as well as those he shared dugout steps with in the early 70’s. 

As a kid in upstate New York, I remember plopping down in front of the TV to watch my beloved Yankees during those years.  They didn’t win championships, and often they struggled.  It was a frustrating era for fans of the Bombers.  One of the team’s real offensive threats was Ron Blomberg, and I can recall thinking each time he stepped to the plate that number twelve was our best chance at either getting back into a game, or taking a lead.  He really was, for me, one of the good memories of those barren seasons.

Without further ado, and with a very special “thank you” to a true-blue Yankee, here is our interview with Ron Blomberg.

BYB:  Mr. Blomberg, how special is it to be an honorary starter with Mickey Rivers for the Damon Runyon 5k run/walk at Yankee Stadium for you?

Ron Blomberg:  It is a big honor for myself and for Mickey. Anytime you’ve been out of baseball for many years and they ask you to do something like this, it makes you feel very wanted.  I’ve been very lucky in my life that I have two doctors as kids that I understand what cancer is all about.  I travel all around doing charity events like this across the country.  Just to be part of this at Yankee stadium and to do something with the ribbon (ceremony) it means an awful lot to me.

BYB: I know you’ve been Honorary Chairman of the Israel Cancer Research Fund.  Is that how you came to be so involved with cancer research?

Ron Blomberg:  No, not really.  I was however very involved when Catfish Hunter passed away with ALS.  I do so many events in Atlanta, New York and all across the country.  To be affiliated with something that you really truly believe in makes you feel good.  As an athlete I was very lucky in my life and I look at fans as the heroes, not me as the hero.  So, if I can help somebody in different situations, it’s great.

BYB: You played nearly all of your career with the Yankees.  Describe the Yankee clubhouse from 1971 to 1975 – how was that? 

Ron Blomberg: When I first signed with the Yankees it was not with the Steinbrenners and it was not a good team.  When George first took over it was probably a middle-of-the-road team.  The clubhouse was unbelievable.  We still had players like Thurman Munson, Roy White, Bobby Murcer, Fritz Peterson, Mike Kekich, Gene Michael.  I’m very close with the Steinbrenners – Hal, Hank and Jennifer.  They are like second parents to me and they take very good care of me.  I do many things at the stadium and am so much involved.   I bleed Yankee blue and I’m very, very proud of it. When George came along, you could tell we had a great team.  

(In Photo: Oscar Gamble)

We had Mickey Rivers, Oscar Gamble, Catfish Hunter, Chris Chambliss, Spark Lyle and Reggie of course.   George Steinbrenner was like a second father to me and he was a wonderful human being.  To this day I think that he is by far the greatest boss I’ve ever had, and they are by far – outside of my own family – the best family I’ve ever met throughout my lifetime.

BYB:  From those teams you played for, who were the guys you hung around with?

Ron Blomberg: Well I was very, very close with Thurman.  He was my roommate for four years.  My friends on the team included:  Chris Chambliss, Mel Stottlemyre, Oscar Gamble, Mickey Rivers and Elston Howard - who was a coach.  I also hung around all season with Phil Rizzuto, Frank Messer and Bill White.  Back then, it’s not like it is today.  We became very close because number one- we did not make any money.  We had to do things together.  We had to go to the ballpark together, and we went out together in the evenings to eat on road trips.  We couldn’t go out and spend $50 - $60 back then for a steak because we made like $8 or $9 a day for meal money.   The financial situation is much easier now, but I would not trade my time that I played with the Yankee organization with the time now because we were so close knit.  You know, we go to Old Timers’ Day and see Derek, Mo, Tino, Posada, and all those guys and they are like brothers to us.   It was big for us (when we were players) when we’d go and see Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra.  We go into the clubhouse these days and the guys open their arms to us because they know that one day they’ll be in the same situation.

BYB:  Ron, everyone knows you as the first designated hitter in MLB history.  How did that come about, and did you enjoy it?

Ron Blomberg: Well, you know I screwed up the game in 1973 being the first DH.  To be honest, I thought I was a glorified pinch-hitter.  When I played DH, it was just a pinch-hitter.  No one knew what it would eventually be.  How I became it – I had a pulled hamstring down in spring training.  I came off a good year in 1972 and was having a good spring in ‘73.  They didn’t want to put me on the DL because we were supposed to break camp five days later .  They asked me if I would be the DH against Luis Tiant up in Boston.  I said “of course” because I didn’t want to go on the DL.  I thought it was going to die just like the designated runner did.  I never thought it was going to be this big.

Recently, I had Paul Konerko come up to me and thank me for extending his career five more years. 

Yes, I changed history in ’73 and 50% of the people liked it and 50% of the people hated it.  I don’t think the National League will ever adopt it.  It’s great to be part of baseball history and be noticed because of it.  People recognize me when I make airplane reservations or hotel reservations.  It’s really been fun for me.

BYB:   How do you think Derek Jeter would have handled the clubhouse of the ‘70s – back when you played?

Ron Blomberg:  Derek is a unique player.  He is a wonderful human being.  He never gets into trouble and he is great with the people and great with charity.  He is great for baseball.  He would have conformed to our clubhouse.  I think the guy that would really relate to our clubhouse would be Nick Swisher.  Swish is great for the game of baseball.  He puts a smile on people’s faces.  People love him because he’s fun.

The Yankees as a whole are a different breed.  George Steinbrenner has conformed, but didn’t force,  these guys into a family and that’s why Old Timer’s Day is so gratifying. 

Here’s a prime example: Cecil Fielder spent most of his career in Detroit, and he comes back (to Old Timer’s Day) because he spent a couple of years with the Yankees.  He told me there’s no way that the Tigers would do this.  The Yankees are the only team that would.  It’s a family.  It’s a very simple thing.  If you feel you are a part of a family you react to it and you do things for others in the family.

(In Photo: Mickey Mantle)

BYB:  Growing up, who did you admire the most in baseball?

Ron Blomberg:  Mickey Mantle.  Mickey Mantle was my idol and I met him when I was 17 and signed with the Yankees.  He was always very nice to me.  He was part of the “family” and was great to me and my family.

BYB:  What player or players from your day do you still stay in touch with?

Ron Blomberg:  Mickey Rivers, Oscar Gamble, Ron Guidry, Goose Gossage, Roy White and lots of guys. I talk to them in the off-season and see them at golf tournaments.  We are all part of a “family”.  It’s like anyone’s family.  You don’t call them up every week , but we contact one another if say, unfortunately someone is ill.  We stay in tune with each other.

BYB:  People don’t realize that your nickname was “Boomer” long before David Wells had that nickname.  Who gave you that name?

Ron Blomberg:  Phil Rizzuto. I used to hit my home runs way up into the upper deck.  To this day so many people recognize that. 

BYB:  One final question.  Do you have anything (website, autograph session, etc) that you’d like to plug to our readers?

Ron Blomberg:  I do have a website.  It’s ronblombergyankees.com.   If people want to email me, they can at ronblomberg12@gmail.com.

A special thanks to Steve Skinner for conducting this interview with Ron Blomberg.  And again, be sure to check out the information involving the Runyon 5K Run at Yankee Stadium on August 12th.  Go to www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium and sign up today, you won't be sorry. Trust me. --Casey
 


--Steve Skinner, BYB Guest Writer

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