Manhattan News: Yankees Sock it to Boston

Manhattan News: Yankees Sock it to Boston: Yankees Sock it to Boston Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell By Ric...

Yankees Sock it to Boston

Yankees Sock it to Boston

Yanks Put to Rest Some Questions with Dominance of Red Sox, Ejection of Manager John Farrell

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, APRIL 14- The rivalry changed a bit when the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox met for the first time in the Bronx the past three days. The Yankees, a team with questions will take what they accomplished after their 3-2 win Sunday night taking three of four games from their rivals.

This early in the season, and with questions about a Yankees bullpen that is being tested, they conquered. Matt Thornton, David Phelps and Shawn Kelley closed the door with David Robertson on the disabled list. It was intense baseball in the Bronx and from the looks of these first four of 19-games that will be played between these division rivals, there will be more intensity.

And count on a little of everything, including spectacular defense that came from the Yankees outfield. With a decimated infield, plagued by injuries, Carlos Beltran was shifted from right-field to first base in the top of the fifth because of an injury to Francisco Cervelli.

Cervelli, will likely go on the disabled list. Sunday night, Beltran went 3-for-4 including a home run, single and a double He has been everything the Yankees wanted in their lineup, perhaps something they did not have last year when the Red Sox dominated New York.

"I didn't have a whole lot of choices tonight," said manager Joe Girardi about putting Beltran in at first for the injured Cervelli. "Just tells you the type of player he is. Willing to do anything you ask him to do.”

He added, “Very, very unselfish."

Beltran is that type of player. He was one of the four players the Yankees purchased for over $450 million to get them back to October. But, with the Yankees decimated with injuries in the infield, Beltran was pressed into service and was put in the infield for the first time in his career.

It was another dimension to this rivalry, a new one that has developed. The Red Sox don’t resemble the team that went on to win a World Series last October. And the Yankees, without Derek Jeter this night ,were pressed to do something and Beltran did not say no.

"Thank God nobody hit the baseball to me," said Beltran. He made three putouts and without Mark Teixeira, on the disabled list with a right hamstring pull, Girardi may not hesitate to put Beltran at first again.

“We have to do what it takes," Beltran said. I hope I don't have to do it again." The Yankees are doing what they have to do, 13-games into a young season. He has homered in consecutive games since May 28-29 of last season against Kansas City when he was with the Cardinals.

The Yankees scored their third run in the fourth inning. The new instant replay rule went to their benefit and caused the ejection of Boston Manager John Farrell. Cervelli was ruled safe on a bang-bang play at first. Girardi challenged.

Farrell contested the change of a call that enabled the Yankees to get what was a decisive run in what could have been an inning ending double-play. Under the new rule a play overturned is not supposed to be argued by a manager, hence the ejection. More, so the Yankees got the benefit and the rivalry got more intense.

So much of what transpired renewed a rivalry that seemed to disappear last season. Ichiro Suzuki, replacing Beltran in right, crashed into the outfield wall and made a spectacular catch that took an extra base hit away from David Ortiz in the eighth inning.

And by the eighth inning, with Mike Napoli on second, after a double to left that the Yankees’ Brett Gardner did his best to get, the Yankee Stadium crowd could be heard again, as it was when this rivalry was so intense.

Phelps, part of the mix and match late combination out of the Yankees pen walked Daniel Nava on a pitch that was low. A.J. Pierzynski got hit by a pitch that loaded the bases. Mike Carp off the bench after going behind 2-0 on the count went after a breaking ball and swung at strike three.

Then Kelley, in a role as one of the closers, sent the Red Sox packing in the ninth. It is only April, but these games are so important in a division that will be contested also with Tampa Bay.

“You know the division and wild card come down to one run,” said Girardi who always said these games are important now. However, if the Yankees want to be there in late September, they need to stay healthy. And they need good pitching as Ivan Nova got his second win in 7.1 innings. He struck out four on eight-hits and one of the Boston runs off Napoli’s third home run in the sixth.

“I thought he had a better command of his curveball tonight and that was a difference,” commented Girardi. In his last outing, Nova gave up seven runs and 10-hits in 3-2/3 innings to Baltimore.

The type of game on Sunday night that revived a rivalry in the Bronx and the Yankees, with an off Monday have a day to recuperate before welcoming the Chicago Cubs for a two-game interleague series.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  facebook.com/Rich Mancuso www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Manhattan News: Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

Manhattan News: Mumps Outbreak at Fordham: Mumps Outbreak at Fordham BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Fordham University has had what appears to be an outbreak of mumps at the...

Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Fordham University has had what appears to be an outbreak of mumps at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. 

The University has had 10 cases since January, nine of which were in the last three days: this total includes two new cases reported this morning (the single case in January was never confirmed as mumps). Fordham does not yet have laboratory confirmation that the illness is mumps, but that is the most likely diagnosis.

All the students with suspected mumps infections have either returned home or have been isolated from other residents during the infectious phase of the illness. Typically mumps patients are contagious for two days prior to the outbreak of symptoms and five days after.

All Fordham students are required to have full vaccinations before attending the University, including the vaccination for mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR). All of the students who were tentatively diagnosed with mumps had been vaccinated. Vaccinations do not offer 100 percent protection, but, vaccination is still strongly recommended.

Mumps in college-age men and women usually runs its course without any lasting effects. Nonetheless, the University is trying to see what connection there might be among the affected students while stepping up the frequency and intensity of cleanings in communal bathrooms. The student health staff has been in touch with the Department of Health, and we are following best practices in treatment (mostly palliative) and containment.

Manhattan News: Always the Captain

Manhattan News: Always the Captain: Always the Captain Jeter on Season: It’s not about me Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement By Rich...

Always the Captain

Always the Captain

Jeter on Season: It’s not about me

Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Derek Jeter will be missed by the New York Yankees and their fans when his wonderful career concludes this season. Others will also miss his presence, including members of the media. And there are many reasons why the media will miss Jeter.

Derek Jeter was not a friend to the dozens who followed and chronicled his career on the field the past 20 years, rather we referred to Jeter as the professional who answered every question and never ducked an issue. He appreciated this end of the baseball business, and that was displayed again Wednesday at his retirement press conference down in Tampa Florida.

This was the start of Jeter’s retirement press tour. Time and time again, he will answer similar questions as he makes the final rounds around ballparks the Yankees visit. He was patient and understanding.

Then, there was this comment showing his concern to the media: “You can go off to work if you have to.” A few seconds after commenting about his retirement decision, Jeter momentarily took notice of some reporters leaving the pavilion at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Jeter once again, as he has been so accustomed to doing, did not want to be the center of attention. He was the story, and he will be this Yankees 2014 season. But, Jeter also is aware that the media has a job to do. With those words, to those few leaving the press area, Jeter was handling business.

This is spring training, about the New York Yankees quest and hopeful return to the post season in October. This day, according to Jeter, should not be about him. However, that is the side of Derek Jeter that we have all come to know. It was again, more about the Yankees and not about Derek Jeter.

His comments were to the point:

“I feel the time is right. There are other things I want to do. Physically I feel great and I look forward to playing a full season. The thing that means the most to me is to be remembered as a Yankee. Yeah, I’m emotional. It’s kind of difficult because we still have a season to play.”0

He did not laugh. Jeter did not cry. He said it was not a retirement press conference. “I have feelings,” he said.

And there have been times when we knew Derek Jeter had feelings. There have been the many times, and many more this final season when reporters await him by his dressing quarters. At the old and new Yankee Stadiums, the proper answer would always come from the Yankee captain.

Then there was this comment, so typical of what we always get to hear when Derek Jeter speaks.

“Every time the Yankees win,” he said about his favorite career moment. That had to be the toughest answer Wednesday, but one expected from Jeter. And if everything follows the Yankees illustrious history, the Yankees biggest win will come with a sixth World Series ring in the final season for Derek Jeter.

He said, “I think it would have been more of a distraction if I did not mention it,” referring to his retirement announcement on his social media Facebook page last week.

The point is, Derek Jeter has never been a distraction. He has done everything right as a New York Yankee and playing in the New York spotlight, well he handled that like a true professional.

He especially handled it right with the media. He will be missed. The good news is we get to enjoy watching Derek Jeter play one more season and like he said, baseball is fun to play.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Manhattan News: Fans Slap Happy that Hockey Comes to Yankee Stadiu...

Manhattan News: Fans Slap Happy that Hockey Comes to Yankee Stadiu...: Fans Slap Happy that Hockey Comes to Yankee Stadium By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 24- Preparations are currently unde...

Fans Slap Happy that Hockey Comes to Yankee Stadium

Fans Slap Happy that Hockey Comes to Yankee Stadium

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 24- Preparations are currently underway for the construction of a hockey rink on the field of Yankee Stadium that will serve as the “playing field” for all three local NHL franchises, New York Rangers, New York islanders and New Jersey Devils. 

Each of the three rivals will have an opportunity to play an outdoor NHL game at the legendary baseball stadium. A Saturday matinee beginning at 12:30 pm on January 26 will feature the Rangers and Devils in a regular season contest. Three days later at 7:30 p.m., the Rangers will return to the ice to face the Islanders. Both games will be hard fought contests as they will count in the regular season standings, and thus, have a direct effect of the teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The intricate and time consuming work of setting up a hockey rink on the Yankee stadium grass is being supervised by Michael Craig, the NHL’s senior manager of facilities, who remarked with awe of his surroundings, “Yankee Stadium is a bit of a fairy tale. I’m from a small town in Western Canada, so to be standing here in New York at Yankee Stadium is pretty special.”

Craig was not the only NHL employee thrilled to be at Yankee Stadium. Matt Moulson of the Islanders, who was at the August 8 Yankee Stadium press conference during which the games were publicly announced, expressed his excitement, “I grew up in Toronto but I go to a lot of games at Yankee Stadium. When the Yankees aren’t playing the [Toronto] Blue Jays, I cheer for the Yankees. Every time you come here it’s exciting. We’ll be a little part of the history of Yankee Stadium.”

A veteran of the Devils since the 2006-7 season, Travis Sajac, spoke of his joy in making his first visit to Yankee Stadium, “I’ve been with the Devils for eight years and never been to Yankee Stadium. I’m kind of excited about that. You hear all about it and I love following the Yankees, but I’ve never been to a game.”

There will probably be several thousand hockey fans attending the games that have never been inside the showplace on 161st Street before and will also feel the thrill of bring inside the world renowned sports venue. 

To add to the excitement of the debut of NHL hockey at Yankee Stadium, the 161st Business Improvement District (BID) has scheduled Winterfest, an exciting day of related activities, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., on 161st Street. Placards posted in the neighborhood announce an ice statute of Yankee hero Mariano Rivera, free autographs, games and food. 

The statue was commissioned by the BID, in the words of its executive director, Dr. Cary Goodman, “to honor the pitcher, celebrate the renaming of River Ave. in his name and enhance the beauty of the district.” 

The other fun and interactive events were scheduled because, according to Goodman, “We want the neighborhood to be part of this historic event.”

Those attendees who never viewed hockey in person previously will be seeing it played at a very high level and outdoors, the manner in which youngsters in Canada first experience learning the game. 

The Coors Light NHL Stadium Series, in the Bronx, televised nationally one week before the starts of the Winter Olympic Games, will also enhance the interest of people in the borough and the entire country in the sport that will be played in February in Sochi.

Manhattan News: You Call This Freezing?

Manhattan News: You Call This Freezing?: You Call This Freezing?   Photo by: Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 23- Brown Bears...

You Call This Freezing?

You Call This Freezing?

 

Photo by: Julie Larsen Maher © Wildlife Conservation Society

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 23- Brown Bears at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo “bear-ly” notice the 8-degree temperatures and feel right at home in 11 inches of fresh snow.

To plan your trip, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.

Manhattan News: Snow Days

Manhattan News: Snow Days: Snow Days The Do's and Don'ts in Snow Removal COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS by Father Richard F. Gorman Chai...

Snow Days

Snow Days

The Do's and Don'ts in Snow Removal

COMMUNITY BOARD

NEWS N’ VIEWS

by

Father Richard F. Gorman

Chairman

Community Board #12 (The Bronx)

“I will follow a set of deep tracks;

other people all stay hidden

as the cars rest under snow drifts.”

“SNOW DAY” by MATT POND PA

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 22- MATT POND PA is a New York-based band formed in Philadelphia by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released a goodly number of

songs, some of which became “hits” and several of which have been used

in both films and television commercials, since 1998. Pond has been

the only consistent member of the group, although Chris Hansen is

considered to be the core member of the group. In the studio, they

often collaborate with other musicians, including former members, in

order to achieve their diverse instrumentation and expansive sound. In

recent years, Pond and Hansen have produced their recordings from a

cabin in Bearsville, New York. In November of 2010, their song quoted

above entitled "SNOW DAY" was featured in a commercial for STARBUCKS

for the java giant’s "BUY ONE HOLIDAY DRINK, GET ONE FREE" promotion

and seasonal beverage advertisements.

Although we have kept company with “Ole Man Winter” for approximately

a month’s time, we no doubt have severely felt his lash on a number of

occasions with some real Arctic-type weather conditions that he has

foisted upon us. In my last column, I addressed the bitterly cold

temperatures and offered some suggestions as to how we can remain safe

when the thermometer plummets. This time around, I should like to

remind all about some “do’s” and “don’ts” with regard to snow safety

and snow removal.

The most important “do” or responsibility when it comes to snow

removal is the obligation of a person in charge of any building or lot

--  be that individual the owner, occupant, or tenant  --  to clear

the sidewalk of snow and/or ice. Please note that there are specific

times designated for the fulfillment of this legal obligation. One

must clean the sidewalk no later than four hours after the snow has

stopped falling or by eleven o’clock in the morning if the snow/ice

was still coming down after nine o’clock (9:00 P.M.) the prior

evening.

Of course, one might legitimately and sensibly inquire if the

aforesaid duty remains in effect even if the snow or ice becomes so

frozen that it is literally impossible to remove.  The answer is that,

in such an instance, the responsible individual may spread sand, salt,

sawdust, cat litter that is clean and unused, or any other suitable

substance on sidewalk instead. However, it must be noted that the

aforementioned time limits still apply and remain in effect. It must

be further borne in mind that, as soon as the weather and other

conditions reasonably permit, the responsible party MUST have the

sidewalk thoroughly cleaned.

These prerequisites of law would appear, prima facie, to be both fair

and prudent.  Indeed, they are. They merely remind a conscientious

citizen of his/her obligations as a good neighbor. However, might it

be the case that one seeking to live up to this mandate might not be

able to justifiably undertake and realistically accomplish it?

Obviously, the response is YES! Does this excuse one, though, from

performance of one’s snow removal duty? The reply in this case is

conversely: “CERTAINLY NOT!” If one is ill, infirm, incapacitated or

elderly, the responsibility to clear the sidewalk remains in effect.

Such a person must then engage someone else to take care of matters

for him/her. Is this expectation perhaps too harsh or out of all

proportion? Such does not have to be the case. I shall return to this

point a tad further on.

Other stipulations relative to snow removal come under the “don’t”

category. These, to my mind, are a matter of simple self-interest and

basic prudence even more so than a matter of law. Regrettably, far too

many of our area residents  --  and I am particularly embarrassed to

report that there were many of my very own neighbors in Community

Board #12 (The Bronx) who are guilty in this regard  --  who

apparently are gravely lacking in knowledge, courtesy, compassion,

self-respect, respect for others, or a proper sense of civic pride and

duty because they DID  --  either in ignorance of information or

ignorance that indicates indifference and callousness  --  these

“DON’T’S,”  --  viz.”: covered and/or left snow-bound nearby fire

hydrants; threw snow back onto streets cleaned by our “STRONGEST,” the

men and the women of our New York City Department of Sanitation

(N.Y.C.D.O.S.); parked motor vehicles at an angle so as to encroach on

the roadway and consequently impede the safe flow of traffic.

To these folks, I merely inquire if they have ever considered the real

possibility of what happens in case of an emergency, such as a fire or

the need of a neighbor for emergency medical assistance. Will fire

fighters be able to connect fire hoses to a hydrant without expending

precious time and wasted efforts? Will an emergency vehicle be able to

get down a street obstructed by an improperly  --  and I might add

illegally  --  parked motor vehicle? Will I endanger others, including

drivers, pedestrians, and next-door neighbors, and/or their personal

property  --  e.g., motor vehicles, fences, homes, and front yards  --

by causing streets already cleared by N.Y.C.D.O.S. to be encumbered

once again by mounds of snow or to be imperiled by snow that has

melted and subsequently frozen?  Seriously, what is the major mental

malfunction in this regard?

Let’s not waste any more space or energy commiserating the

carelessness hard-headedness and hard-heartedness of the few. Permit

me to speak proactively and constructively to the many by respectfully

suggesting the following: check on elderly, homebound, or handicapped

neighbors in the event of a snow storm in order to insure that they

have adequate heat, food, water, and other necessary supplies;

(picking up from where I left off above with respect to those who

cannot clean their own sidewalks of snow and/or ice) lend a helping

hand to those who cannot clear their sidewalks on their own accord;

throw shoveled snow and/or ice along the edge of the sidewalk or in

one’s front yard and NEVER into a plowed street; be a good neighbor

and a smart person by clearing nearby fire hydrants and sewer openings

of any obstructions; if in doubt or in question, call your Community

Board, dial “3-1-1,” or consult the municipal website, www.nyc.gov.

For those who do not willingly step up to the plate and unfortunately

only react to punitive incentives, please know that failure to perform

one’s snow removal responsibilities sufficiently and satisfactorily is

punishable by law with fines ranging from $100 to $350. Throwing snow

into the street is AGAINST THE LAW and will cost money to the

Sanitation Department (who must waste our precious tax dollars

repeating a task already done once) and also to the sinner, who, if

discovered, is subject to the abovementioned fines. Parking a motor

vehicle in a manner that jeopardizes traffic safety may lead to the

issuance of a traffic summons.  Impeding the work of our first

responders  --  N.Y.P.D., F.D.N.Y., and E.M.T.’s  --  can result in

both criminal penalties along with possible civil liability.

In closing, I address this final word to our young people. You are

good. You are thoughtful and considerate. You care about others. You

recognize injustice. You dream of a world that can and should be

kinder, gentler, and better. You have the capacity and the

determination to undertake this quest and to get it underway. We, your

elders, have failed you in many ways. We do not always give you good

example. We do not always practice what we preach. We have not always

counseled you wisely and imparted wholesome and virtuous values. We

have not made our schools the best that they can and should be for

you. We have not provided you with needed jobs, opportunities for

recreation and socialization, and productive outlets for your energies

and magnificent to God-given gifts.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that you, young friends, have nothing

to offer both to yourself and to others. You are not off--the-hook.

You have no right to waste your time.  You have no justification for

bad behavior. You have no excuse to break the law. You have every

obligation to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” You

have the capacity to so love and to be so mature. Ergo, I make of you

this simple request: will you be a good neighbor as God has asked all

of us to be? Will you be your neighbor’s keeper? Will you be that Good

Samaritan who comes to the rescue of those in need on the road of

life? Would you kindly consider doing some snow and ice removal in the

event of more inclement weather? Will you do it for your own family?

Better still, will you do it for an elderly, sick, or incapacitated

next-door neighbor? Will you make a grocery run for the homebound?

Will you start to be the good person and productive citizen that we

all know you can be? Please, just think about it.

In the meantime, I urge all to practice the sagacious advice of our

new Mayor, The Honorable Bill de Blasio, for his fellow

snow-shovelers: “BEND YOUR KNEES AND NOT YOUR BACK!”

Stay warm and dry!