Showing posts with label steve garvey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label steve garvey. Show all posts

Sunday, June 9, 2024

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







Friday, October 30, 2015

THANK YOU LA!


No, you read that right.  I titled this post THANK YOU LA!  Los Angeles, CA!  Tinsel Town, La La Land, The Coast!  I am tossing up a great, big THANK YOU to the town I have little to zero love for…why?  I’m glad you asked.  The Los Angeles( Should’ve Stayed in Brooklyn) Dodgers have “parted ways” with former New York Yankee Captain Don Mattingly.  That news made my year!  Donnie was canned.  Donnie was sacked.  Donnie was sent packing!!  It was music to my ears!  The Dodgers don’t want Mattingly!!

Now you might be asking yourself, “Mikey, isn’t it harsh to be so excited to see one of your childhood heroes out on his ass?”  No. No it’s not.  Donnie has already been rumored to be in line for the Miami Marlins gig, in fact, it happened, read HERE.  Donnie will be fine.  It’s not like he is a steel worker that got laid off from the mill in a working class Pennsylvania town with 5 kids to feed.  Mattingly is not hurting for dough.


The reason I’m SO UNBELIEVABLY excited to hear this news is simple.  I can stop hearing Yankee fans saying, “I hope the Dodgers win it…for Donnie Baseball.”  WRONG!  When Donnie was wearing that awful Dodger Blue uniform the Donnie Baseball ceased to exist!  He was Donnie Ocho.  That is a fact.  He actually sent me a bobble head back in 2011 and Donnie Ocho signed the card!  What?! Nope.


I don’t like the Dodgers!  I told Tommy Lasorda where to go once upon a time at Chavez Ravine (We’ve since reconciled).  I cringed seeing Garvey, Cey or Lopes.  I can’t stand Dodger Dogs; hate beach balls, fine Randy Newman hacky.  I hold 2 members (AND ONLY 2 MEMBERS) of the Dodger Family in the highest regard. 2!  Mr. Vin Scully and THE GREAT Jackie RobinsonThat’s it.

 Look, Donnie is out!  I feel like he just got paroled.  They didn’t treat him well.  The players were a bunch of clowns…YES!  I’m looking directly at you Puig!!  Donnie is out and we can stop with the “I like the Dodgers because Donnie is there” crap.


I love Mattingly.  I really do.  But we can also stop with making him Casey Stengel.  He ain’t the “Old Professor”.  He was a beloved Yankee great, became a solid bench coach and followed Joe Torre out of town because he felt the Yankees “Cano’d” him by giving Girardi the job. 


GI Joe was a MANAGER OF THE YEAR!  He was the no brainer call for the skipper seat, Donnie.  You still haven’t proven yourself a good manager.  Period.  I’m not bashing Mattingly; I’m just calling it as I see it.  Donnie shouldn’t have been the Dodger Manager in the first place and here we have Yankee fans, YANKEE FANS!  Pulling for the Dodgers because of Donnie.  What is that?!  No.  I say again, NO.

I’m having a beer and thanking the Baseball gods and the Ghost of Old Yankee Stadium that this day has arrived.  Now I don’t have to worry about Mattingly bringing LA a title…not that I did much.


Donnie, I love ya.  You will always be a Captain to me.  You are a NEW YORK YANKEE forever.  You are Donnie MUTHA TRUCKIN’ Baseball!  And I’m raising my pint to the loss of Donnie Ocho!  Good riddance

** From another proud Son of New York to you, Donnie.  Say G’bye, Cap!**

and always….BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!!



 

--Mike O'Hara Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21






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

Friday, February 20, 2015

YOU LIKE JOBA IN DODGER BLUE? I DON'T


I sat there listening in pain as the PA speakers blared Randy Newman’s famous tune.  The stands, which were really only full in the 5th, 6th & 7th, are now close to empty.  The beach balls are gone. Dodger Dog wrappers, the worst hot dog in the Majors, lay strewn on the stadium stairways.  The game at Chavez Ravine is now over. What was the score? Cubs 4, Dodgers 2…but aside from a collection of actual die-hards, nobody there noticed.


This was my experience going to many games in Los Angeles while I was a resident of the “Southland”.  “I Love LA”? You might, Randy.  I don’t.  I won’t go into the whole anti Los Angeles rant.  It’s not a terrible town; it’s not really a town at all. It’s a collection of spread out suburbs. 818, 213, 310, 323…an area code is your membership number.  I had a lot of fun in LA.  I met some great people (mostly native to New York, Chicago and Boston) in my years there.  It can be a good time.  It’s biggest draw for me? LA is only and hour and a half-ish from San Diego on the 5 Freeway.


Look, I’m just not and LA guy…and that’s okay.  I’m a New Yorker.  I call the east coast home.  I’ll take the bitter cold and subways over the earthquakes and gridlock.  It’s just me.  I don’t feel the need to bash the “WEST SIIIDE!” anymore.


However, I will never agree that LA is a great sports city.  Yes, the Kings beat my beloved New York Rangers for Lord Stanley’s Cup. Hey, the Kings had a better club.  You tip your cap and hope Nash shows up in the playoffs this year.  But does that mean the LA fans are equal to their club? No way.  It ain’t even close.  The Lakers stink now…suddenly the local population has Clippers jerseys and have given their purple and gold #8 a rest in the hamper.  The city cries out for an NFL team…slow down.  I think the NFL will survive without a return to the City of Angeles.

You might be asking at this point, “Mikey, why the post on the plastic city behind the Saints?”  I’ll tell you.  I “dislike” the Dodgers that much.  I read recently that my buddy and former Yankee Joba Chamberlain is getting serious looks from Lasorda’s darlings.  I wished him well and cheered him on in Motown…unless he was throwing against the Yanks.


I’m his pal and a fan of what he is capable of doing on the hill.  I could go into the ridiculous “Joba Rules” and the Bombers role in ruining a young talent…but why pick that scab?  The bottom line is I won’t wish any ill on Justin, but I can’t root for anyone on the Dodgers either.  I can’t. I won’t.  I have said many times that I’d rather see the Sawk win than see any happiness in Dodgertown.  I mean that. I am in NO way a Red Sox fan, but in a way they are part of the family...it’s hard to explain.  I can’t stand them, but they have my respect.  Their fans are delusional, but they know their club and live and die with what happens on Yawkey Way.  Dodger fans? Nope.


The Dodgers hurt me first.  I watched as they beat my Yankees in that World Series…I shutter to name the year.  I was a little kid but my distaste for Lasorda, Cey, Garvey and Company was at an adult level.  I am okay with Los Angeles getting a football team…as long as they play in what is now Dodger Stadium and the Dodgers (NO TRAINS TO DODGE IN LA BY THE WAY!) move back to Brooklyn and serve as a Single A affiliate to the Mets from their crimes against my Nana who loved them.  I’m only sort of kidding about that.


I don’t want Chamberlain in Dodger Blue.  Their bullpen is the worst.  They sit on those plastic chairs you get at Target! The stadium isn’t awful, but it’s not great either.  Go to Philly! Go to Chicago! Go to Atlanta! Hell, go to Boston (not really). But please, Joba, don’t take the “Magic Dollars” and move to Melrose Place!


At the end of the day I hope Chamberlain lands in the best spot for himself and his family.  Yankee fans have strong opinions on him…I get that.  I root for him because of the person he is not the record he has.  This post is really just a way to poke fun at LA.  If Joba signs in LA and excels under Donnie Baseball…I’ll appreciate it…I guess. I’ll be happy until October rolls around, and then hope he ended the season with a great ERA, an All Star appearance…and an early vacation.  Nope, can’t have them in the Postseason…let alone the World Series.  Joba, weigh your options.  Citizen’s Bank is a great park.  Maybe the Mets need a power arm in the pen…Arizona has a pool for the love of Pete!  LA…well, the Grove is a heck of an outdoor Mall…my manager can probably get you on Kimmel…Oh! They have New York style pizza…and Pink’s Hot dogs…which isn’t much of a draw since you’ve had Nathan’s…they have a subway system now…but the ground shakes so…the weather is really nice…but you’re from Nebraska so who cares about the weather? Plus you’re a baseball player…so you work in the spring and summer…and travel all over the country…so that doesn’t work.  Yeah, I’d say pass on this offer.

** Here are 2 songs. One I wrote about an Irishman living in LA and the other a song that is heard when a baseball game ends in a CITY!**





 
 --Mike O'Hara
Senior "Features" Writer
Twitter: @mikeyoh21






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

Monday, August 4, 2014

SCULLY: THE PATRON SAINT OF BASEBALL RETURNS


I really “dislike” just about everything about the Los Angeles Dodgers. I  apologize for how I feel, and it’s not something I will change my mind about. It might stem from seeing the likes of Ron Cey, Davey Lopes and Steve Garvey beating my beloved Bronx Bombers in the World Series as a child. I sat on my parents’ bedroom floor with tears in my eyes asking my Dad, “How could Reggie lose?” and then telling everyone I thought Tommy Lasorda was a jerk.



It might be that my grandmother, who lived in Bay Ridge, loved the Dodgers and was heartbroken when they skipped town…she became a Mets’ fan…that bothered me too. I guess it could also be just their name. Much like the LA Lakers, I feel strongly that the Dodgers should have INSTANTLY changed their name with their relocation! The Lakes were in MINNESOTA, and the trains they once “Dodged” were in the streets on Brooklyn. LA simply seems to be okay with borrowing other cities’…well, everything really. Ever been out in La La Land and seen the insane number of “NEW YORK STYLE” pizza places? LA should just be LA. It’s got nice weather…and…


I guess the real reason I have grown to loathe the Dodgers more than that rival club up in New England is rooted with the time I lived in Los Angeles. I went to a lot of games at Chavez Ravine while I was a Southern California resident. It’s a good ballpark, but (most) of the fans just ruin it.  Make no mistake there are solid, true blue Los Angeles Dodger fans. They love their club and I absolutely respect that. The sad truth is that that group is vastly out numbered by beach ball chasing clowns, the late arriving/early departing crowd and others seeking anything but a nice day at the yard. It would turn my stomach to see how much the majority of the ravine didn’t care all that much about the game.


I’d force down a Farmer John Dodger Dog (The worst hot dog in the Bigs) and root for whatever club was occupying the visitors’ dugout. When they play Randy Newman’s “I Love LA” after the final out was recorded I’d long to be back in New York…and wish that Mr. Newman had picked the afternoon in penned his tribute to Los Angeles to write a song about Phoenix or Cedar Rapids.

Now if you are reading this and are a native of Los Angeles and a die-hard Dodger fan take heart. No matter how I feel or what I say you still hold one thing over all other Major League clubs and their fans…you have Vin Scully.


The iconic voice of the Dodgers recently announced that he would be returning to the booth for yet another season. I was elated to hear that news. I am a giant fan of Mr. Scully. His voice is Baseball. If Bob Sheppard was likened to “The Voice of God” then it’s my contention that when you hear Vin Scully’s voice you are hearing the soothing tones of Baseball’s Patron Saint. I can’t deny it; the Dodgers have the best of the best calling their games for radio and TV. Mr. Scully goes with Baseball the way Ice Tea goes with Lemonade. It’s smooth, crisp and always refreshing. He has a timeless way of calling each moment of the game, and no matter whom you root for you want to hear Vin call out your favorite players names. He is without question one of the constants in this sport and a touchstone for the generations. Now if we could only deal Suzyn Waldman and a boatload of cash to LA for Vin…

I don’t think I am overstepping any line by saying that all Yankee fans wish Mr. Vin Scully the very best for the season to come, and thank him for being not only the voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the voice of Baseball…

Mr. Scully was born in the Bronx and attended Fordham University by the way…I had to take one more dig at LA, but it’s all done in good fun. They have a true legend out there. No doubt about it.

** Against my better judgment…but this one is for Vin…**







--Mike O'Hara, MLB Fan Cave Host, Season 1
   Twitter: @mikeyoh21
    

"Paulie was always my favorite player."
 




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Tuesday, March 25, 2014

DONNIE & PUIG


The title of this post sounds like an ill-fated sitcom doesn’t it? A modern day CW rip off of “The Odd Couple” or, in the case below, the short-lived show called "Tenspeed & Brown Shoe" featuring Jeff Goldblum and Ben Vereen.


Shows filled with reused jokes and old plot lines, and is ultimately cancelled for the next Amanda Bynes pilot…once she rights her ship. But the truth is that the situation in LA may be closer to a bad TV show then we think.

I continue to lament the loss of Donnie Baseball from the Yankee staff. I feel that the Yankees picked the right guy when they selected Joe Girardi to skipper the club, but watching Mattingly go hurt. I understood why he left and probably would have done the same in that situation. I will NEVER be okay with him wearing Dodger blue however.


Anyone who knows me will tell you I’d rather see the Red Sox prosper then see the Dodger win a single game. I don’t wish the Sox well mind you; I just have always “disliked” the club that left Brooklyn a touch more. Lasorda, The Penguin, Garvey and those “fans” are the worst…I even hate that awful Randy Newman song. In short, I DON’T love LA. Hey, I lived there for a while. There are great things about The City of Angels…the Dodgers just aren’t one of them in my opinion. And that’s all it is, my opinion.





I truly feel is Yasiel Puig is a perfect fit for LA and Donnie is not. Yasiel is a beast. He is an outstanding, natural athlete. He is big, fast and has the potential to be an all-time great…if he listens to his current manager. As it stands now he’ll be an individual numbers guy that gets caught driving his expensive cars too fast on the 101. The difference between being great and achieving greatness is all done on the mental side. If you have all the physical tools but a two-cent head…well, Manny Ramirez, please stand up.  Puig could be “Manny being Manny” on an entirely new level. And LA will love him for it. It’s all about the show out there. He’s off to a great start in terms of selfish, showboating behavior that could cut a brilliant career short.

What a gift it would be to have Don Mattingly as your skipper. To learn from a guy that knew how to lead in good times and bad. Donnie was ultimately respected and played the game the right way.


It was about the team…and there were years Mattingly was the only reason to go to Yankee Stadium. I think most everyone in the baseball world can clearly see that the Yankees loss is surely the Dodgers’ gain with regard to Donnie…well, except Yasiel Puig. That’s a big mistake if you ask me. Now, I’d be happy to see Puig continue to act like bratty diva and turn the Dodger clubhouse into an episode of “The Real Housewives of Chavez Ravine”. Again, I am not a fan of this club and think the beach ball toting masses showing up in the 4th won’t mind too much…they can go on pretending to watch the Lakers or continue their legless demand an NFL team.

If I were in the Dodger front office I’d sit Yasiel down fast. I’d explain to him as PAINFULLY and SLOWLY as possible that he’d better listen to Mattingly get on the same page ASAFP…or he can head down the 5 and find a job with The Los Angeles Angels of Orange County, near Knott’s Berry Farm, but closer to Disneyland, north of Irvine of Anaheim. He has a chance to be something special…and give me heartburn for years to come. Puig could be the real deal and give the Boys in Blue their first title since “Limpin’ Kurt Gibson” and “The Bulldog” in 1988.


I feel for Mattingly. The Dodgers let him twist with regard to his contract. He doesn’t seem to have the entire clubhouse behind him and what should be one of his greatest weapons is one of his greatest headaches. The game is changing and you can see the shift in the type of player Mattingly was to the type Puig is. I wish Donnie had stayed with the Bombers, but again I understand his decision. He, for the time being, is no longer our Donnie Baseball…he is their Donnie Ocho (his words, not mine). It’s tough to see a guy I admire so much working for a team I have less than favorable feelings for.  But LA is lucky to have Mattingly. They should see that and Yasiel Puig should learn all he can from one of the good guys in this sport.




--Mike O'Hara, MLB Fan Cave Host, Season 1
   Twitter: @mikeyoh21
"Paulie was always my favorite player."
 



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

Saturday, February 23, 2013

WISH STEVE GARVEY WELL

When I was a kid, my dad took my to Yankee Stadium to watch the 1981 World Series.  It was Game 1 and I still remember the marijuana smell in the right field Mezzanine section where we sat. It was the Yankees vs. Dodgers and I just remember there was an anger in the air.  Yankee fans wanted to win it big time.

I remember 2 names, Ron Cey and Steve Garvey.  They were Gods in Los Angeles at the time and I always appreciated their ability to play the game as a fan.  Garvey had a great career, a 10 time all star and was a 1974 MVP in the National League.

Now comes word he's battling prostate cancer. According to ESPN.com, HERE:

"Steve Garvey underwent surgery for prostate cancer in October, the former National League MVP said Friday.

'This past fall, I was thrown a nasty curve and battled prostate cancer,' Garvey said in a statement. 'I decided on a radical prostectomy operation at UCLA and, through God's grace, it went well. I will continue to monitor my progress, but will now dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to prostate awareness.'"

I personally know many people that have gone through prostate cancer and the surgery and it's a scary thing.  Say what you will about baseball and the "enemy" and battling teams to win it all.  Cancer is scary as hell. Garvey's a human being and he's fighting for his life... say a prayer, that's all I'm saying.

Get well soon Steve.

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Monday, September 19, 2011

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TODD ZEILE

I'm a Yankee fan. I love the team, I love the YES Network gang, Kimberly Jones, Jack Curry, Ken Singleton and the like, and I love the Stadium. But I also love baseball. Before I was a Yankee fan, I was a baseball fan and today, I consider myself a student of the game, constantly researching players and records. It's real fun to me.One guy's career that I've followed is Todd Zeile. Mr. Zeile played for the Cardinals, the Mets, and even the Yankees among several others. Not only was he a stand up guy, giving Bleeding Yankee Blue an interview, he also gave us some pretty interesting and surprising answers to our questions. It was a pleasure to talk with Todd Zeile, and we're are pleased to release Bleeding Yankee Blue interview with him for all of you. Enjoy!
BYB: You started your baseball career as a catcher with the Cardinals. At the time, Joe Torre was the manager and it’s been reported that he thought you were a true talent and wanted you more utilized so he suggested you play first or third base. First off, is this true, and secondly, describe your relationship with Joe Torre then and now?

Todd Zeile: I was a catcher from 8 years old and moved in my second year in the big leagues. Joe did have some influence on the decision, but the organization wanted to let Terry Pendleton walk and figured they could keep my bat in the lineup for more games and fill two positions with me at third and Tom Pagnozzi behind the plate. I wasn't happy at the time, and Joe and I butted heads about it, but it's hard to argue after 2000 more games in the infield. Joe taught me more about how to play the game than anyone else in my professional career, and I consider him a very close friend today.BYB: You were with the Mets in 2000 with Al Leiter. Tell me about the World Series that year and what is was like playing at Yankee Stadium against your cross town rivals?

Todd Zeile: The 2000 Subway Series was the highlight of my career and eternally linked me to the city that is like home to me. I always loved playing at Yankee Stadium. There is nothing like the energy of that World Series, on that stage, with that city relishing every moment. Obviously, I wish the results were different, but the series was much closer and more hard fought than a 5 game series would represent. We had chances to win every game, and I'm proud to have played in it and played well!

BYB: You came to the Yankees in 2003, what was it like to be reunited with Torre and explain the feel of the clubhouse?

Todd Zeile: I came to the Yankees in 2003 specifically out of my relationship with Joe, and looked forward to a great experience. Unfortunately, Nick Johnson got hurt before spring training, negating a trade that was supposed to happen. That would have given me an opportunity for 450 plus at bats if it did happen. Instead, I fell into a platoon role with my good buddy Robin Ventura, and never really adapted to a limited playing schedule. I think it hurt both Robin and myself since neither of us had ever played on a part time basis.
BYB: Who did you latch onto with the 2003 team and why?

Todd Zeile: Robin Ventura and I were already close from our time with the Mets, but I became friends and am still friends with a few of the other guys. Jason Giambi's awesome. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte helped me hone in on my golf skills on the road. The team was filled with classy guys and great players.

BYB: You were released in August 2003 by the Yankees and it’s been reported that you weren’t happy about how the Yankees handled it. Was it just a heat of the moment thing or are you still annoyed by it?
Todd Zeile: I wasn't upset about the way it was handled, I was actually appreciative to be given an opportunity to go somewhere to play every day. I pleaded with Joe to let me go...Robin had been traded and Aaron Boone was playing third at the time. I got a chance to go to Montreal and had a great month plus with a hungry team fighting for a playoff spot.

BYB: If you had to name 1 player in Major League baseball that you admired as a kid, who would it be and why?
Todd Zeile: That's tough...I was a Dodger fan, so I watched them as a kid, and admired Steve Garvey, and emulated his hitting approach. However, I was also a catcher, and Johnny Bench was the best, so I was a little conflicted.

BYB: How about during your career, what player did you have a close relationship with and why?

Todd Zeile: I have a few good friends, but Robin Ventura was my closest player relationship for many reasons....the World Series, 9/11, our families.
BYB: A lot of people don’t know this but you’re married to another famous athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist Julianne McNamara. She was the first American Gymnast to receive a perfect 10.0 Right? How did you 2 meet?

Todd Zeile:
Very true....we met at UCLA in my junior year. She had to retire soon after we met in order to try and maintain a relationship with a traveling minor league ballplayer. Her sacrifice and understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level enabled me to sustain a career, especially with the many strains that 11 teams in 16 years can create.

BYB: Describe what made you decide to go Hollywood. You started a production company called Green Diamond Entertainment. Tell me about how it all came together?

Todd Zeile: Stupidity mixed with Vanity...Kidding! But it has not been an easy ride. I grew up in LA and with my MLB experience, am one degree separated from everybody...including many people that have been very successful in Hollywood. Unfortunately, it took some time, and I paid for an "education", but I have moved on from some early relationships and have some fun projects on the horizon.

BYB: Do you have a project you’d like to promote, maybe a website so people can keep up with what you’re doing these days? Are you on Twitter or Facebook?

Todd Zeile: I am not on Facebook and not a Twitter guy. I know, I'm a dinosaur, but I keep in touch with the people I want to, and know that if I started with social media, I will never stop looking at a computer screen. My 4 kids deserve to have my full attention, especially since they've had to share me with a very demanding profession for such a long time. Having said that, I may have to join the 21st Century soon, as I have been working on some interesting projects with the king of social media - Charlie Sheen. We just shot his Roast for Comedy Central, which will air tonight, 9/19 at 10 pm. It is epic...and will be a huge success. If you watch, you might see a familiar name scroll through the end credits as Co-Executive Producer.

Todd Zeile is the coolest guy out there. I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and just like Scott Brosius, Chuck Knoblauch, Kimberly Jones, Roy White and the other great interviews we've done, Todd is also now part of the Bleeding Yankee Blue family... always welcome. Thanks so much Todd, we appreciate it.

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