WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE FAMILY BALLPARK?

I think I've found the best family friendly ballpark out there, but let me back up and start at the beginning. Look, I’m no tight ass. I like the idea of attractive women at the ballpark, but I’ve noticed over the last 10 years that things have changed fan-wise…and maybe it’s because now my kids are with me to see what I see. Yes, the chanting of “A-hole” when an opposing fan walks down the aisle is the norm, and I can at least tell my kids not the repeat it, but what’s up with the attractive young woman with the low cut shirt showing off her “boys”? What’s going on with women fans holding signs that read “Jeter I want your baby.” My kids can read, and they have questions…. Are you going to answer them? If I knew I was going to teach Sex Ed at the ballpark, I would have brought my former gym teacher along. It’s a little over the top, that’s all.

Look, I’m not judging, I know I have a job to do as a parent. I can choose not the go or explain what true fans are and let them be exposed to all of it to get the “real feel”, pardon the pun. But it’s true, I am a traditionalist and while I love wearing a Posada jersey to the ballpark, I’m not sure seeing male fans rip their shirts off and chanting “RED SOX SUCK” as it’s written on their back really works for me. Yes, The Red Sox DO suck, but the last thing I want to see is my kid doing that at a town football game weeks later. I long for the day when people actually dressed up to go to a ballgame once in a while. Those Sunday matinees with men wearing hats and women wearing sundresses. Yeah, that’s right; I’m actually 102 years old. Look, I’m sounding extreme, and it’s all to make a point.

Whatever happened to the “family” ballpark? What ever happened to bringing the kids to a game at a reasonable price, parking for $6 bucks and having a few hot dogs and a brew totaling $45? At least then you can get a souvenir. But No...

Instead, lately it’s the price of a mini-vacation and my son's asking me “Why is that girl dancing with her bra showing in that man’s lap?” That’s tough to defend; I’m not going to lie. Plus I’d really like to see that, but not with the kids around, maybe on pay per view.

I have to say, Yankee Stadium is not a bad place to bring your kids at all. It’s pretty family friendly and if a fan is unruly, security usually takes care of business right away and kicks them out. But it’s expensive. So, I went for it; I took my kids to a truly family friendly ballpark… Riverfront Stadium in Newark New Jersey...the Home of the Newark Bears. Not sure if you know the history, but the Newark Bears was a farm club of the Yankees in 1937 with names like Joe Gordon and later, Yogi Berra. Later on it was rejuvenated by former Yankee Rick Cerone and they brought in former major league players like Jose Canseco, Rickey Henderson and they’ve had managers like former Pirate Bill Madlock and currently, former Yankee and Expo, Tim Raines. I'm actually very interested in interviewing Mr. Raines because he's had such an incredible baseball career and I hope to have that for my Bleeding Yankee Blue readers.

But back to my point; a Newark Bears game is inexpensive and you see some pretty competitive ball being played. My kid loves baseball as you know and since we’ve been there, we’re looking forward to going back. The park is about as family friendly as it gets and there is plenty to do. If the kids get bored, you can walk around, they have a kids section, the mascots are out meeting the fans and they have something going on almost every half inning games... activities and other fun stuff.

Look, I love being at a pro ballpark, but half naked people and visible tramp stamps are too much to explain to my kids. All I’m asking for is a little courtesy. That’s it. I’m a true fan, I get it, but as I get older I can’t defend you all the time. Hey, that’s sports I guess. It’s just my opinion. But here’s another opinion, for a cheaper cleaner afternoon, check out the Newark Bears next spring, it’s a lot of fun. You can sit back, relax with the kids and you don’t have to worry about boobs, “F” bombs and going broke on a Sunday afternoon.Check out the Newark Bears... That’s the right way to go. Click HERE to find out about ticket information. I'll re-post this closer to the Bears opening day in 2012.

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WHY HE'S STILL JOHNNY BRAVO

Being a Yankee fan, I was always envious of any team that had Johnny Damon. Before the Red Sox had him, I thought for sure the Yankees were going to snag him. I think it was around the time when he was with the Oakland Athletics. I always loved the way Damon worked, his speed and his grit in the field. It was clear to me he wanted a win more than anyone out there.

When he came to the Yankees, it was beautiful the way it unfolded, taking him away from the evil Red Sox, and the New York sports media rubbed it in the Boston fans faces nicely with terrific headlines, but the reality was, it was quite a few years later and who really knew if Damon would contribute successfully in pinstripes. Well, he did, and I loved him as a New York Yankee and for him to get a championship with us in 2009, it was icing on the cake.

So,2 nights ago when Johnny Damon slid into second base, he stole his 400^th base. 400 isn’t easy. It proves 2 things, he’s old as dirt and has been around for a long time (that’s a bad joke), and he’s still got the speed, a valuable tool in baseball. Stolen bases have always been my thing. I remember growing up in awe of Rickey Henderson and Tim Raines as they dominated back in the 80’s and all I wanted to do in Little League was break the stolen base record and hold up second base like Rickey did. Little did I know that Little League did not compile stolen base stats at the age of 9 back then. It was however fun to compile them in my head. The point is, speed fascinated me because if players like Rickey, or Brett Gardner or Johnny Damon are able to get on base, eventually they could get around to score. I knew that because I did and I learned from the best.

Damon is now on the list of players that have compiled 400 stolen bases and 200 home runs in 1 career. Let's be honest, I didn't know they had such a list but I like that they do. Damon currently has 229 home runs. The list includes players like Joe Morgan, Craig Biggio, Rickey Henderson, Roberto Alomar, Marquis Grissom, Paul Moliter, Barry Bonds and Bobby Bonds. Pretty nice company.

This post is to congratulate a great player and a great Yankee. Congrats Johnny Bravo. Keep going pal, keep going.

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WHY GARDNER NEEDS THE LEAD OFF SPOT

Why is this news? A lot of reports that Gardner should and may be the lead off guy for the Yankees. Here's the latest right up to game time tonight, read HERE. I’ve been bitching about having Brett Gardner in the lead off role since January 25th when I wrote WHY BRETT MATTERS. In fact, here's a quote:

"He's the spark plug that gets the team moving. So, in my opinion, there's no reason why he shouldn't be the Yankees lead off hitter in 2011 and beyond. He gets on, we hit him home. It just makes sense.

Gardner is a guy that many Yankee fans can't get on board with. We're known as the Bronx Bombers. Brett doesn't hit bombs. People want that immediate gratification of a home run and all he has is speed. Well, to put it simply, that speed's a good problem."

Who wants to high five me, anyone? OK, honestly, this is sarcasm, I'm not some arrogant prick, but let's face facts, I was right. Brett does matter to this team, and the lead off role should have always been his. Nothing against the Captain, but Gardner is getting on base, Derek Jeter isn’t . You didn’t need a crystal ball to know that going into the season. We have youth verses an aging icon, and that’s not a smear, that’s just a fact. Gardner needs to be there, here’s why.

First off, he’s a dangerous hitter. I’m not sure how that happened but you can credit Kevin Long for his patience and re-training Gardy to use his legs more during at bats. Not only that, when Gardner stands closer to the plate, that helps as well. With hitting comes his confidence and with confidence come Gardy running his ass off. It’s all connected and I am a firm believer that speed at the top of the lineup is lethal against the competition. I continually talk about Rickey Henderson, one of my idols growing up but it holds true in baseball for decades. What makes a good lead off guy? Getting on base. That’s it. Rickey Henderson did it; guys like Kenny Lofton did it. Hell, Wade Boggs didn’t have any speed, but he got on base, and that always helps a club. Last night Gardy took the leadoff spot like I’ve been begging for for months. Jeter took the 2 spot. Let’s face it, he can still hit, I mean, he’s been slow lately but he can still hit and if Gardy gets on, someone in this lineup will knock him in. On the past road trip, Gardner was 14-25. That’s outstanding and in this situation, I’m glad Girardi is looking at the stats in his binder this time, because those numbers are worth analyzing.

My feeling is when the Yankees have Gardner in the lead off spot, you will see runs score. It just so happens that last night against the Rays, we lost because of good pitching by James Shields. That’s it. We just couldn’t get things started. That’s not to say that Gardy couldn’t get on base, he did, a bunt single, but we just couldn’t hit him over. Look, it happens sometimes, but more times than not, we will win those games.

If Gardner keeps getting on base and we start hitting, and I’m talking to you Jeet and Teixeira, damage will be done… I have no doubt.

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WHY LITTLE GARDNER'S LARGER THAN LIFE

Brett Gardner is our lead off hitter. Interesting, I said that he should be our lead off guy in the beginning of the season, remember? I was dismissed on multiple occasions and told that lack of experience and lack of hitting would put him the 9 hole for sure. But I stuck by my guy and said a trial period is necessary because a rhythm is necessary. I told you of the need for speed at the top of the lineup and I told you about my love for Rickey Henderson at the top of the order and how Gardner is a similar animal to Rickey...but I was dismissed again. “Jeter is our guy” is all I heard. Well, you were wrong, I was right… for once, for now at least.

Now, in fairness, Bryan Hoch has his piece out now stating that Jeter will be the lead off guy when he returns (read it HERE). Jeter's our leader, if we need him in lead off, that's fine, he should, but I wanted Gardner to get his due and he has and I love it.

Brett Gardner’s hot streak is no fluke, and it was expected because he’s talented. In his last 48 games, he’s batting .350, has 12 extra base hits, 10 stolen bases and 23 runs scored. He has it in him and it needed to come out sooner or later, plain and simple. What truly triggered him was rhythm, being in there a lot and sticking with pal Granderson. Gardner was batting .212 on May 7^th. He is now batting .293.

So what’s the key? Mechanics and confidence. Gardner always believed he could do it, but without the mechanics, he wasn’t able to do what he needed to do. Kevin Long is a baseball God and saw something in his stance and swing back in April (HERE). It involved his legs and not using them enough with this swing. Then Gardner had to train himself to move alittle closer to the plate. 3rdly, he needed to be more aggressive at the plate and stop falling behind in the counts. Those 3 things came into play and entered into Brett’s every day approach at the plate and now in turn, he’s cashing in, getting on base and running his little heart out.

You know my passion for running. Brett’s got the tools and much like Rickey Henderson back in the 80’s, watching this guy on the base paths brings me true joy. You know when he’s on first base, he will take second.

If Brett Gardner keeps this rhythm there is no doubt that he will be a monster in the playoffs, a major tool that will be utilized all summer and all fall. So go ahead… tell me… “Casey…you were right for once…good work.” Why… thank you, lets just hope it sticks.

Check out these other pieces about my man Gardy:

WHY BRETT MATTERS

WHY GARDNER'S GRIT GIVES HIM AN EDGE

WHY MECHANICS FIX WILL GET GARDY RIGHT

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WHY I'M WAXING NOSTALGIC: PART I

Rickey Henderson and Don Mattingly, these are some of my heroes as a kid and this 1987 WPIX promo gave me chills. Look for more of these as I find them, they are classics.





Like what you see? Tell me, comment. If you find good promos from back in the day, send me the links.

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WHY IT'S BUSINESS AS USUAL IN THE BRONX

Just a workman-like effort by our boys today. Awesome starting pitching by Bartolo Colon before he got hurt (I'll discuss that in just a bit), big home runs from A-Rod, Grandy, and Tex, and the tag team of David Robertson and Bonne Logan out of the bullpen combined to shutout the Cleveland Indians.

Once again we had another pitcher beam one of our guys. This is the 6th Yankee to get hit in this home stand. Listening to the post game show on YES you can kind of pick up that most of the players and Girardi thought it was intentional. As Joe said he thought it was "a little fishy". And clearly the home plate umpire did as well because he immediately ejected Indians starter Mitch Talbot. I also believe it was intentional. Just to coincidental when the Yankees take a pitcher deep and the next guy, in this case A-Rod, gets plunked. I think the umpire made the right call. It has to stop. For me, my anger usually subsides when the Yankees go out and take it to the other guys, like they did today. Just a nice win, a business-as-usual like win for the Bronx Bombers today and lets hope we make it three in a row tomorrow afternoon.



Final score today: Yankees 4 - Indians 0



Some other game notes:

• So Colon pulled up lame after covering first in the 7th. Not a good sign that he was pulled and is on his way to hospital for an MRI. Too early to tell how severe the injury is but lets hope the magic in Colon's bottle hasn't run out!
• A-Rod is just on fire. Hitting some serious "A-bombs". He's locked in and we are loving it!
  
  

• Robertson continues his Houdini act. Comes in unexpectedly to relieve the injured Colon. In an inning-and-a-third worth of work today he gave up two hits and even balked but, once again, when the pressure is on, he shuts down the other side. Throwing gas (consistently hitting 95mph today) and with some sick breaking balls he fanned 4 Indians without giving up a run. Robertson has an outstanding ERA of 1.44 for the season.
• Jeter was hitless today so he remains just 9 hits shy of 3,000. Needs a few multiple hit games now for the remaining home stand if he wants to get that historic hit in the Bronx. Come on Jeets, you can do it!
  
  

• Granderson hit HR #20 and Tex followed suit with his 19th. Its getting interesting how their home run "chase" is really looking more and more like the Maris and Mantle historic "chase" 50 years ago. Casey wrote about this about a week ago. Stay tuned...
• Gardner caught stealing two more times today. Just a total mystery how a guy with that much speed cannot seem to run the bases. Can we get Tim Raines or Rickey Henderson on the phone? :)
  
  

--Mikey Blue, BYB Senior Writer

Twitter @MikeyBlu23





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WHY BRETT MATTERS

I've always loved speed. Growing up, Rickey Henderson was my idol. I made sure I ran like him throughout my little league and high school career. I led off, bunted, stole second, stole third and scored a crap load of runs. I also scared the crap out of the pitchers. Little me. Why? Because I could. Because I learned from the best. That's it. That's my career.

Why am I telling you this? Because I love Brett Gardner, that's why. He's the spark plug that gets the team moving. So, in my opinion, there's no reason why he shouldn't be the Yankees leadoff hitter in 2011 and beyond. He gets on, we hit him home. It just makes sense.

Gardner is a guy that many Yankee fans can't get on board with. We're known as the Bronx Bombers. Brett doesn't hit bombs. People want that immediate gratifcation of a home run and all he has is speed. Well, to put it simply, that speed's a good problem.

Even in the field he's solid. That speed has gotten him some pretty tough flies. What's my favorite catch? The World Series. Philadelpiha. 2009. I still remeber that terd Joe Buck's voice shouting "What a catch by Gardner!" To me? That was something outfielders dream about but their body won't let them do. But for Gardy, it's all about the wheels, and I love it.
My opinion, if Brett can stay healthy, hit leadoff, and show a hunger to get that extra base, I see no reason why he won't be a Yankee a long long time.

So what can we expect from Gardy in 2011. Well, last year his average went up a bit. .277 Average. The stolen bases happened more... he went from26 in 2009 to 47 in 2010. The runs did as well, up to 97 in 2010. I would suggest something similar in average in 2011 but expect more walks and definitely more running. Look, small ball may not exactly be the "Yankee Way" anymore, but it's a solid way to get ahead in ball games and it can be lethal weapon especially late in the season where we have must win games.

So this post is my salute to you Gardy. We're expecting a lot from you this year, and I know you'll do great. Just get on base, stay alert and lean right... That's your right, not mine.

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