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Yanks Remain in First Place

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, September 20- A combination of outstanding pitching and timely hitting gave the Yankees a second victory on Wednesday. The 2-1 victory in the second of a day/night doubleheader on Wednesday allowed the Yanks to remain in first place in the American League East with 14 games remaining for the Bronx Bombers.

David Phelps hurled his lengthiest and most impressive start of 2012. He threw 110 pitches, 12 more his previous high of the season in 6.2 innings, a distance he had only reached once this year.

Two walks and an RBI single by Aderiny Hechevarria scored the only Toronto run in the game. Rajai Davis led off the third with a single, but was thrown out trying to steal. Phelps retired the next 12 batters before J.P. Arencibia reached first on a throwing error by Derek Jeter with one out in the sixth.

Although Pettitte pitched his expected maximum of five innings in game one, it took six relievers to complete the game. Thus, it was necessary to Phelps to carry the load in the second game. He stated, “I know I had to go out there and pitch deep into the game.”

Ichiro Suzuki showed his superior abilities are still intact. In the doubleheader he hit safely seven times, stole four bases and made a critical great catch in the first game with the bases loaded to preserve the Yankees 4-2 victory.

Suzuki went four for four in the nightcap. In the second, with Jayson Nix and Casey McGehee on base via walks, Ichiro singled to center, but Nix was thrown out trying to score.

In the eighth, with the game knotted at one, Ichiro got his fourth hit of the contest. The hit drove in Curtis Granderson with what proved to be the winning run.

After the game, the calm outfielder explained his feelings, “I came in the middle of the season; I wanted to contribute. Today was a great day. I was glad I was able to help.”

Of his fellow outfielder, Nick Swisher exclaimed, “I don’t think anybody could have got him out today.”

Another hero of the doubleheader was closer Rafael Soriano. The closer saved both games. In the opener, the save was a rare four out effort. Soriano has saved 42 games in 45 opportunities. Even more impressive is the fact that his first save did not come until May3, when Mariano Rivera was placed on the DL.

The Yankees will attempt to sweep the series on Thursday night with Phil Hughes (15-12) on the mound. Hughes will be opposed by Aaron Laffey (3-5).

Andy Shines in Yank Stadium Return

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, September 19- Andy Pettitte was again wearing the Yankees pinstripes on Tuesday preparing to pitch in his first major league game since June 27. In that contest nearly three months ago, Pettitte’s left ankle was fractured by a ground ball.

Pettitte was not attempting to come back for the first time this week. He retired after the conclusion of the 2010 season. His desire to play again resurfaced and he signed a $2.5 million contract with the Yankees for the 2012 season.

May 13 was the date of Pettitte’s first start of the season. Although Pettitte was the losing pitcher in that contest, he gave up no runs in his start five days later. In nine starts this year, the veteran lefty is 3-3 with an impressive ERA of 3.22. In only one of his previous seasons with New York, 1997, was Pettitte’s ERA lower than it is this season.

The 40-year old gave an honest appraisal of how events could transpire in his comeback start, “[If] I can get a rhythm and have my command, I feel like I’ll throw the ball well. If not, I’m going to get knocked around.”

The hope of the Yankees that Pettitte’s first game would be on Tuesday was dashed by the inclement weather as the night games of the Yanks and Mets were cancelled. It was also hoped that Pettitte would get four starts before the regular season ends. This desire of the Yankees now becomes impossible as his first start was the day game played on Wednesday afternoon.

Fortunately for the Yanks, Pettitte was extremely impressive on the mound. He threw five more pitches than the anticipated 70. He showed no rust after his three month absence just as he picked things up after missing the entire 2011 season.

Pettitte was pleased with the outing although he was sorry for the delay of one day, “All in all, it was good. I was able to get through it and make pitches when I had to get out of some innings.”

Pettitte gave up only four hits and walked two batters. He fanned three in his five innings on the hill. Toronto runners reached third in the second, third and fourth innings, but none crossed the plate during Pettitte’s stint.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi spoke about the veteran’s effectiveness in dangerous situations, “You have confidence in Andy because he knows how to get the double-play ball or the strikeout and make the big pitch. You know he’s not going to be overwhelmed by the situation.”

Base hits by Ichiro Suzuki, Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano in the first led to three runs for the Yanks. As Pettitte hurled five frames and left the contest with the score 3-0 in favor of the Yanks, he earned his fourth win of the season.

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Do the Yanks have the goods to earn playoff berth?

Will They or Won’t They?

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, September 18- Two months ago, it appeared as if the Yanks were a sure thing to finish first in the American League East. The club led the conference by a season-high 10 games on July 18. Since that date, New York has faltered.

In the following 50 games after that high-point of the season, the Yanks won only 22. Although they have remained on top or tied for the lead in the A.L. East at the end of every day since June 20, it will take effort for the team to win the pennant or even qualify for the post-season.

Parity is alive in each American League division as each game during the final 2 ½ weeks of the regular season are critical to the Yankees and their A.L. East rivals, Baltimore and Tampa, to the White Sox and Tigers in the A.L. Central and to the Rangers, Athletics and Angels in the A.L. West. The addition of a Wild Card in each league has, as was hoped, increased interest in more cities as the season nears its conclusion.

The victories of the Yanks over the Rays on September 15 and 16 kept New York one game ahead of the Orioles and increased their lead over the Rays to four with 16 games remaining.

The outstanding work of the two starters, Ivan Nova and Hiroki Kuroda, and the hope instilled by the scheduled return of Andy Pettitte from the disabled list on Tuesday greatly increases the self-confidence of the team and its rooters.

Nova’s last start was on August 21. Two days after, he was placed on the DL with right rotator cuff inflammation. Nova only allowed his “cousins” only two runs and four hits in his innings of his first start in nearly one month.

After the contest, Tampa skipper Joe Maddon spoke words of praise for Nova, “Great command of his breaking ball again. His fastball was there, too. He was up to 95. So he was well, definitely well today. Whatever was bothering him is not bothering him right now. The curveball was really good again and then the fastball velocity was up.”

Nova has little difficulty with the Rays, especially in the Bronx. Nova, at home, is 4-0 with an ERA of 1.83 against the Rays. Maddon jokingly remarked, “He [Nova] likes our uniforms. I know that. He’s very comfortable when he sees our uniform.”

On the next day, Sunday, Kuroda demonstrated his talent. He almost duplicated his stats of 11 days earlier in his only other start against the Rays. In both games he gave up four runs in six innings, but earned the win, 6-4. He threw 101 pitches I both outing with 62 as strikes on September 5 and 61 on September 16. On Sunday, he fanned 10.

Although the win was Kuroda’s 14^th, better hitting support from his teammates would have increased that number. After Sunday’s game, Yankee manager Joe Girardi commented, “His off speed was tremendous today; he really used it effectively.” He also spoke of the lack of run support during his appearances [3.07 during his previous 10 starts], “He hasn’t got a lot of run support.”

There is gleeful anticipation awaiting the schedules start of Andy Pettitte on September 18. Pettitte last started on June 27, when his left ankle was fractured by a ground ball.

Of his experience and the respect the other pitchers have for Pettitte, Girardi stated, “I think his presence is very important to our staff. He also pitched very well.”

The Yankees are hopeful the return of Nova and Pettitte and the presence of Kuroda will gave the team a berth in the playoffs.

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Jeter Moves Up on Hit List

CC, Yanks Can’t Keep Rays Down

(Lucky for him, unlucky for the Yanks - This young fan got hold of a ball Friday night, but the Yankees couldn't win for him.)

Photos by Gary Quintal  

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, September 15- David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays has had success as the opposing pitcher when facing the New York Yankees’ CC Sabathia. Coming off a 5-5 road trip, that concluded winning their last two at Boston, the Yankees needed Sabathia to be his best.

Price, got the best of Sabathia again Friday night in the Bronx pitching the Rays to 6-4 win at Yankee Stadium, the start of an important three-game series in what has become a tight race for first place in the American League east.

“That was a big game for us facing CC and that lineup,” said Price (18-5) who won his league leading 18^th game. He improved to 7-4 against the Yankees and his team has won seven of eight against New York when he is on the mound.

Though Sabathia looked sharp at times, limiting the Rays to one hit through five innings, his location was not evident as the Rays’ scored three runs in the fifth inning. A double, walk, RBI single and a wild pitch put Tampa ahead.

“I still believe in CC,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi.  “There’s a guy that’s done so many special things for us here so I still believe in him.” Sabathia allowed six hits and four runs in 6/2-3 innings and he lost control of his breaking ball in that fifth inning.

Said Sabathia, “I feel good. I am just not going out there and executing pitches.”

The Yankees, struggling to score runs with runners in scoring position, 1-for-6, could not surmount a significant rally when Price left the game after seven innings, striking out six on five hits.

Curtis Granderson hit his 38^th home run in the fifth inning off Price. Alex Rodriguez hit his 18^th home run of the season when Price left the game off Joel Peralta in the eighth inning that that led to the final Yankees runs of the evening.

It was the 647^th career home run for Rodriquez that sent him past Lou Gehrig for ninth place on the runs list with 1,899.

With his 3,284^th hit in the fifth inning, Derek Jeter broke a tie with Willie Mays for sole possession of 10^th place on baseball’s all-time hits list. But as Jeter said, “It is more important to win games,” as the Yankees remained tied with Baltimore for first place with Baltimore in the division.

Fernando Rodney tossed 1.2 scoreless innings and got the five out save, his 43^rd. “We had two Cy Young Award candidates pitch tonight for us,” said Rays manager Joe Maddon commenting about Price and Rodney.

“It’s something that when the season is over I will have an opportunity to appreciate it more,” commented Jeter about the milestone hit. “Right now I want to concentrate on winning games.”

The Yankees will try and get on the winning track again Saturday afternoon. Ivan Nova, (11-7) gets his first start since coming off the disabled list 

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.,com

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Remembering 9-11

Free High Holiday Tix

BRONX, NEW YORK, September 10- Free High Holiday tickets are available for the third consecutive year at Temple Hatikva. Because the synagogue has limited seating, tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can be obtained by calling Temple Hatikva at (718) 792-1109 or via e-mail at  HYPERLINK "mailto:TempleHatikva@aol.com" TempleHatikva@aol.com.

Rabbi Harry Hertzberg, spiritual leader of Temple Hatikva, stated: “We are pleased to be able to invite the community to pray with us at our synagogue. We invite all those that want to observe the Jewish High Holidays to worship with us. Our Board of Trustees and synagogue membership are committed to ensuring that the doors of our synagogue are open to all without charge”

Cantor Kyle Cherry added: “We are planning beautiful services for both Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. We promise you an uplifting and fulfilling religious experience at Temple Hatikva.”

Tickets are strictly limited by the capacity of the synagogue. All those who wish to attend services at Temple Hatikva for the High Holidays are urged to make their reservations immediately to insure their High Holy Day seats. Rosh Hashana is on Monday, September 17 and Tuesday September 18. Yom Kippur begins Tuesday evening, September 25 and ends at sundown on Wednesday, September 26.

Temple Hatikva is located at 2440 Esplanade.  The synagogue can be reached at (718) 792-1109 or at www.TempleHatikva.com.

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Book details life with The Boss, the Yankees

Ray Negron’s “Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers”

By Howard Goldin

A very interesting story of the major baseball personalities that dominated the headlines during the years of George Steinbrenner’s ownership of the New York Yankees was written by Ray Negron and Sally Cook. Negron, now a community adviser with the organization, began as the team’s batboy in 1973 through highly unexpected circumstances.

Negron offers the reader that strange story and many others that explain many of the events of his life and how those events affected his growth into adulthood. Unlike other volumes of Steinbrenner’s Yankees that were written by sportswriters or historians, this book is a first-person account written by someone who heard the words quoted and witnessed the events described. Negron includes himself in the events in which he was a part, but he does not narcissistically put himself front and center in place of those who were at the center of the story.

The gamut of emotions of the personalities in the story range widely from the heartbreak after the plane crash and death of catcher Thurman Munson and the illness and death of Bobby Murcer to the humor displayed between the players on the Yankees. Thus, the reader is able to experience these same emotions as the pages turn.

Negron, the author of several best-selling children’s books, has written his first adult volume. The similarities between his newest book and earlier children’s stories outweigh the necessary differences in vocabulary. All focus on the New York Yankees under the ownership of Steinbrenner and life in the inner city for youngsters like Negron in the 1970s and many children in the 21^st century. All are intended to be uplifting, to give the readers hope and to encourage the best in all who read his words, whether adult or child.

Negron pictures the book’s characters in a positive light, but that only reflects his mindset. He sees them as human beings, decent at heart but neither saints nor devils. The stories told in the book allows the reader to better understand these Yankees as people rather than as automatons whose only importance is the statistics they compile during their playing careers. Anyone personally familiar with the personalities in the book or the events described will recognize that the affection of the author does not negate the truthfulness of the story.

Negron’s life experiences with George Steinbrenner and the stories he has learned of many others whose lives have been touched in a very positive manner by the late owner of the Yankees are the reason why Negron’s volume is truly a tribute to the life of George M. Steinbrenner.

You don’t have to be a Yankees rooter or a baseball fan to enjoy or be moved by this volume as it is a human story, but being such a fan will certainly increase your involvement.

The publishing company has already scheduled many book signings for the author. Negron insisted that the first be held in the borough that is the home of the Yankees. Thus, Negron will begin his book tour at Barnes & Noble in Co-Op City on Wednesday, September 5.

Another important project that Negron has devoted his energies and talents to in the past few years will come to fruition at Christmas. Negron has produced an animated film “Henry & Me” in which many stars of the entertainment and sports worlds provided the voices of the characters of the film. The film shows the manner in which Yankees of the past and present provide hope to a young boy who is seriously ill.

Book Information:

Title: Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers   Publisher: Liveright/Norton

ISBN: 978-0-87140-461-9    Pages: 288    Price: $25.95

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