Around the Yankee Universe: Old-Timer's Day edition
Since Sunday was Old-Timer's Day at Yankee Stadium -- and since no one can do an Old-Timer's event the way the Yankees can -- today's 'Around the Yankee Universe' is dedicated to Sunday's festivities.
The Yankees are, in fact, the only team that still holds an Old-Timer's Day celebration. The participants, as always, enjoyed it. Not everyone, though, seems enamored with the event.
Here is some of what was written and said about Old-Timer's Day.
From NBC Sports.
It might be time to put this Old Timer's Day thing on the shelf for a couple years until guys like Jeter and Mariano and O'Neill are old and gray and haven't been heard from in 10 years. Then you celebrate them and everyone's happy and it's a great time for all. Or do it every 5 years. But do the Yanks really need to do this every year?
If you continue to have these ceremonies where the greats (and some non-greats) all trot out, the oversaturation factor kicks in. Within the last 12 months, the Yanks have now had four similar celebrations - All-Star Game, final game at Old Yankee Stadium, opening of New Yankee Stadium, Old Timer's Day - where the team honors its past. Seriously, we get it. The Yankees are the greatest franchise ever. You had us at the 183rd time you told us.
MSNBC's Keith Olbermann, a diehard baseball fan, enjoyed the event.
the 63rd Annual Yankees' OTD remains one of the highlights of the year, and with a new fan hero, no less. Don Zimmer, who once vowed never again to wear a Yankee uniform even at events such as these, reversed his decision this year, and even with the likes of Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, and Whitey Ford in attendance and in fine health, Zim did no worse than the fourth loudest roar - and might've topped them all.
Zimmer, incidentally, enjoyed putting on the pinstripes one more time.
"Coming back here and seeing your friends, it's special," said Zimmer, who was surprised with a kiss on the cheek from Andy Pettitte as he spoke just outside the clubhouse. "All the guys, it's a very special day."
Mike Mussina, a new old-timer enjoyed the day. And yes, he is still insisting he is content with his retirement, despite winning 20 games a season ago.
"I'm enjoying it. I really am," said Mussina, who retired last year at 39 after becoming the oldest pitcher to win 20 games for the first time. "People tell me, 'Well, you're going to have to find something to do and you're going to get bored with it.' Well, maybe someday I will.
"But right now, with two boys under 11 years old, there's a lot of stuff I've got to do so I'm really good with being retired."
Kimberly Jones of YES was busy doing several on-field interviews, but also took time to blog about the day. She took special note of the reaction of Detroit's Justin Verlander and other Tigers.
Not only does he (Verlander) have fantastic stuff, he gets it. Verlander stood on the top step of the visiting dugout and watched the Old Timer's introductions. "Amazing," he said. Standing beside him was 20-year-old teammate Rick Porcello, the pride of Seton Hall Prep. And, of course, Jim Leyland was on the top step of the dugout the whole time. Leyland clapped heartily for Zimmer, his best friend, and for Yogi, his childhood hero. The Tigers were well-represented in the dugout at a time when a lot of players could have been hanging in the clubhouse.
Anthony McCarron noted that A.J. Burnett made sure to get an autograph from Dwight Gooden.
"He was always one of my favorites," Burnett said. Asked what he said to Gooden, Burnett joked, "Can I please have your autograph, sir? I just told him I’ve always been a huge fan and I had something I wanted him to sign from the old days.
"I just collect stuff from strikeout pitchers," Burnett added. "I’ve got a bunch of 3,000 strikeout photos, Nolan Ryan stuff, Gooden. (Bob) Gibson’s one I haven’t gotten yet."
0 recs |
9 comments
|
Comments
Old Timers Day
I live in Goergia and was not able to watch Old Timers Day. I did see the game but, man, I would have loved to see those guys. Zimmer, Yogi, Ford. For me those guys were baseball. As long as they are able I hope the Yankees celebrate them. They seem to enjoy it and they deserve the attention. I would love to see Zimmer in some capacity as a Yankee again.
by jimwarren on Jul 20, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Zimmer in a Yankee uniform is something that just looked right. It looked like it was supposed to be that way.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 20, 2009 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a very special time
seeing Zimmer trot out of the dug out, and then to here the roar of the crowd, it is actually bringing tears to my eyes now.
Zimmer is one of the reasons that I am glad that we never got Pedro over here. Even though I easily forgave him for throwing Zim to the ground I just never wanted to see him in pinstripes after that.
by syllk on Jul 20, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I always like
Old timers day.
It has been getting old (pun intended) this season tho, cuz I sort of agree with NBC here in that there seems to be an old timers day every month.
I understand it this season, cuz of course you want all these guys here in the opening season of the new place.
I don’t think Id say skip next season either, but the old timers game needs to go.
by FreeBradshaw on Jul 20, 2009 12:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Old-timers Question ...
Never made an old-timers game, but watching yesterday raised a question. How accessible are the Old-timers? Are they closely guarded, or can kids get autographs and pics? I’m just curious.
"Baseball is the background music of my life." -George Will
by Ronster22 on Jul 20, 2009 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not sure
I know they were available when they entered. I think fans were told the old-timer’s would enter via Gate 4, so I would think they were able to get some autographs.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 20, 2009 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's Face It
Old timer’s Day is something I look forward to every year. But I do understand the tiring Yankee propaganda constantly in your face as a fan. If it isn’t Sterling moistening his trousers about the “illustrious” history of the franchise, it’s the YES Network doing it. Suzyn Waldman just makes me want to root for the Padres or something. Bottom line — it gets repetitive, really quick.
The fact that the team is indeed so full of great history and memories gets watered-down by constantly talking about it. For Babe’s sake, spare me the history for once.
by Solomon96 on Jul 20, 2009 4:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
love the old timers game
it’s only once a year folks! Yeah we had celebrations for closing of stadium and all star game, but those aint happening again for a long long time.
As a yank fanatic since ‘69, the OTG includes many heroes of my childhood. I don’t ungerstand it that other great franchises don’t give their fans the same opportunity.
by jerseybillfromva on Jul 20, 2009 8:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OTD
Old Timer’s Day is the only game of the year that really counts to me!!!!!!!!
Plus Joba was at least throwing 95 mph after hanging with the old timers. He looked more like a starting pitcher than usual, I thought. Have the old timers in the dugout when he pitches, give the kid a sense of perspective.
I missed Bobby Murcer, I missed the Scooter, I missed Reggie hitting. I LOVED Mick the Quick risking heart failure on the basepaths though.
by 209209 on Jul 21, 2009 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

by 

















