And now, we’ve reached the number that was on the back of the man who gave us the quote for which this site was named. Joseph Paul Torre.

Torre arrived in New York after skipper Buck Showalter famously returned his contract offer to the Yankees, unsigned. George Steinbrenner didn’t see that as a negotiation tactic, he saw it as Showalter saying, ‘No,’ to the Yankees. Steinbrenner reached out to Torre who had been manager of the St. Louis Cardinals from 1990-1995 and Torre accepted the Yankees’ offer to manage the ball club.

After Torre was named manager, fans and media alike chided the Yankees’ decision. He was even called “Clueless Joe” on the back page of the NY tabloids.

Of course, as we all know, “Clueless Joe” had the last laugh.

Torre’s tenure as manager ended up being the second-longest in team history behind Joe McCarthy. In the 12 seasons with Torre at the helm, the Yankees went 1173–767, they made the playoffs every season and they won six pennants and four World Series titles.

Things may have ended in a negative light, with Torre rejecting the Yankees’ contract offer in 2007 and with Torre writing a book about his years with the Yankees but with the passage of time, Torre has made appearances at the Stadium and has been welcomed back with open arms.

One of his first appearances was in September 2010 when he and other Yankee luminaries of the past returned to Yankee Stadium to pay their respects to the Boss, George Steinbrenner who passed away in July 2010. It was the night the Yankees were unveiling a monument in the Boss’ honor and when Torre was shown on the big screen in center field, he received a loud ovation. He returned the next season for Old Timers’ Day and has been back every year since.

Do you remember where you were when Joe Girardi hit the triple heard around the world? Or where you were when Charlie Hayes caught the foul pop up to clinch the Yankees’ 23rd World Championship and first since 1978?

I was in Old City Hall in Oswego, New York, with my friend Brenda, sitting in front of a TV in the bar on two lawn chairs with our own personal pitchers of beer -it was college and I was a heavyweight drinking champion.

The whole game was intense and by the time the ninth inning started, a sizable crowd of mostly boys had gathered around us and when the final out was made I jumped up out of my seat and into the arms of some guy whose name I never knew. He spun me around like they do in the movies and we all celebrated…for a long time.

It was also the night Daylight Savings was ending and the clocks were being pushed back so we had an extra hour of drinking time.

Before heading to another bar, Brenda and I went to my off campus house so I could grab one of my Yankee hats to wear the rest of the night. While I was there I decided to call my mom. I was drunk and delirious and I was thrilled that my Yankees finally won a World Series. Within about ten seconds she informed me that not only were my dad and brother were at the game but that my dad wanted to fly me down for the game and that she thought it was ridiculous for me to do that. Before she even finished telling me the story, I hung up on her – fifteen years later I am still bitter about missing the chance to attend a World Series clinching game.

Fuming, I left the house with Brenda and we walked toward the main street of Oswego, Bridge Street. People were beeping their horns and yelling out car windows. It was a Yankees celebration and it was awesome. We made our way down Bridge Street to our final destination, the Woodshed Tavern. I sat the head of the bar and because of my Yankee hat I had – at one point – four freshly opened Labatt’s Blues in front of me. I took turns drinking out of all four and yes I finished them, remember I was a lush.

Every once in a while a “Let’s Go Yankees!” chant would break out and we’d slam our bottles on the bar instead of clapping. That was so much fun. And because of that extra hour, we all got extra drunk.

That World Championship was extra special for a lot of reasons. It was the first full year of Derek Jeter’s career, it was Joe Torre’s first year as manager, it was the year Dwight Gooden threw his no hitter and with all of the health problems that Torre’s brother Frank was battling, the title seemed even sweeter. Personally it was the first one that I could actually watch and understand what was happening – I was only three and four years old respectively in 1977 and 1978.

So Happy Fifteenth Anniversary to the 1996 Yankees. Thank you for that season and for starting the dynasty that would last into the 2000s.

*We’re coming up on some pretty important Yankee anniversaries in the coming days and Spreadin’ The News will have you covered.*

Another day, another book about the Yankees. This time it comes former batboy Luis Castillo – not to be confused with the Mets infielder who infamously dropped a fly ball against the Yankees in 2009. Castillo who worked in the clubhouse from 1998 to 2005, was in the last group of batboys who did not sign a confidentiality contract so I guess he felt it necessary to divulge his secrets in a book entitled “Clubhouse Confidential.”

In the excerpts that the New York Post has published, Castillo talks about some stuff we already knew. Like how Alex Rodriguez was a prima donna when he first arrived in New York. He also talks about Derek Jeter giving him a weird nickname – “Squeegee” – on his first day of work back in 1998 and in the best part of the book which actually takes place during one of the worst nights in Yankees history, Hideki Matsui uttered a phrase that will be repeated for years to come:

It was before Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series, a game that we would lose. The series was tied 3-3 at that point, and it was particularly disheartening since we had won the first three games. Unknown to us, Boston’s comeback was not to be stopped.

At any rate, at the end of the meeting it was traditional for Joe Torre to ask Jorge Posada what we were going to do. He would reply, “Grind it!” This time — I guess to make Hideki Matsui feel more part of the team — Torre turned to him at the end of the meeting.

“What are we going to do?”

Hideki paused for just a second before replying.

“Kick ass. Pop champagne. And get some ho’s.”

I can’t even…

Some more nuggets from Castillo’s book:

• Joe Torre had his office TV fixed on the OTB channel so he could keep track of races…wait, if he was gambling on horses shouldn’t MLB investigate him???
• Apparently, A-Rod required his assistant to place his toothbrush on a certain part of the sink, specifically the edge near the right-hand cold water tap, leaning with bristles up over the basin. – What’s the big deal? I make my mom do that for me.
• Derek Jeter would get the people he was with at bars to get girls for him. He never approached them himself and he’d have them meet him outside.

Happy Sunday!

Having been a lifelong Yankee fan, I have been lucky to witness a lot of really great events in person but one of my favorite days of the season is definitely Old Timers Day. Getting to see so many players back in the Stadium is really fun and when you realize just how much talent has been assembled, it’s pretty astounding – Yogi Berra alone has ten World Series rings. That’s better than most franchises.

There were a lot of the regulars who have been at Old Timer’s Day in recent years – Bill “Moose” Skowron, Dr. Bobby Brown, Oscar Gamble, Yogi Berra and Whitey Ford but we had some newcomers make their first appearance. Namely, Bernie Williams, Joe Torre and Lou Piniella.

It was great to see Bernie and Loooooooooou. And even though I’m still a tad angry at Joe Torre for writing his book, it was still nice to see him yesterday.

Now, I’m going to admit something I’ve never admitted before, I usually tear up as soon as they start announcing the Old Timers’ names and when they finally get to Yogi – because he’s usually introduced last – the tears will start falling from my eyes.

Yesterday was a little more special because the Yankees chose to honor longtime head trainer Gene Monahan who is retiring at the end of the season after 49 years with the organization. They had him throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Old Timer’s game and then surprised him with a ceremony of his own.

The Yankees showed a tribute video on the big screen chronicling his career with the Yankees – complete with statements from players and coaches and ownership. (And yes, I cried.) Then they presented him with gifts. It was like an impromptu “Gene Monahan Day.” He looked both excited and terrified at the same time. Monahan doesn’t seem like the type of man who feels comfortable when attention is thrust upon him.

The Old Timer’s game itself was actually pretty exciting. There were some well struck balls that made it to the warning track and the one that made it out of the park was a home run to right by Tino Martinez that drove in Bernie Williams – Williams hit a double to the warning track off David Wells. Oh, and Tino’s home run was off of David Cone. Wait, is it 2001 again? That home run ended up being the difference in the game and the Bombers beat the Clippers 2-0.

Things that made me laugh during the game

• Jeff Nelson throwing as if he were called into a game in the 2000 World Series
• Jesse Barfield hit a ball to left field that rolled all the way to the wall and only made it to first – he’s had knee problems in the past so we”ll forgive him for that
• David Wells throwing behind Mickey Rivers
• Tino’s home run – because my brother called it
• David Cone’s reaction to Tino’s home run
• Goose Gossage also pitching as if it were an actual game – you could hear the ball popping into the catcher’s mitt
• The crowd booing Suzyn Waldman – one guy in my section in particular seemed really upset that she would be doing the play by play for the Old Timer’s game
• The PA guy playing “Disco Inferno” after Bernie’s double

Some final thoughts about yesterday: I was very happy to see Mel Stottlemyre and that he looks healthy. Same goes for Moose Skowron who has been battling lung cancer and it was good to see him as well. It’s always nice to see Jerry Coleman make the trip from San Diego to take part in the festivities. And does it ever get old clapping and cheering for Yogi Berra? I’ll answer that for you. No, it doesn’t.

My hands may be sore from clapping, my voice may be raw from cheering but I feel so honored that I get to witness a little bit of Yankee history every single year at Old Timer’s Day and I wish that every Yankee fan could get to experience it, at least one time in their lives.

Starter Ivan Nova (7-4, 4.13 ERA) goes for his fourth victory in a row and eighth victory overall this afternoon against the Colorado Rockies at the Stadium. The Yankees are seeking their fifth series victory in a row. Since being swept at home by the Boston Red Sox June 7-9, they have won 11 out of their last 14 games.

Today is also the 65th Annual Old Timer’s Day. 50 former Yankees will be on hand to take part in the festivities. Among the newcomers are Bernie Williams, Joe Torre and Lou Piniella. Longtime head trainer Gene Monahan will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Monahan will be retiring at season’s end after 49 years with the organization.

CC Sabathia won his 10th game of the season yesterday and dominated the Rockies lineup. He struck out nine and only gave up one earned run. In this Associated Press story Sabathia when asked about hitting the 10 game plateau said, “”I wish I could say it meant something, but it don’t. We’re here to win championships. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

In the bottom of the third inning of yesterday’s game Alex Rodriguez doubled and looked like he had trouble getting out of the box. After the game Rodriguez revealed he’s been battling a bum knee. Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York writes that Rodriguez injured the knee on a play in the Yankees’ 10-4 victory over Chicago this past Sunday night.

“It’s getting better,” said Rodriguez, who had two hits and three RBIs on Saturday afternoon. “I’ve been pretty much [feeling] the same way since Cincinnati, but it’s getting better. This is an injury that I can play through.”

Derek Jeter is not progressing as fast as the Yankees would like. He’s played catch but cannot run as he is still experiencing soreness in his injured right calf. Conor Orr of the Newark Star Ledger writes about how Wednesday is the day Jeter is scheduled to come off the disabled list but that it is looking more and more unlikely. Brian Cashman was at Yogi Berra’s Museum and spoke to members of the media.

“He hasn’t really done anything. He’s been getting treatment, he’s felt the calf still. All he’s been able to do is long toss. Before today, “he hasn’t been able to run the bases or do any defensive work or tee work or batting practice stuff.”

Minor League Scoreboard

Scranton Yankees 2 Durham Bulls 1
Trenton Thunder 12 New Britain Rock Cats 6
SI Yankees 7 Aberdeen IronBirds 1
GCL Phillies 9 GCL Yankees 4
Kannapolis Intimidators 8 Charleston Riverdogs 2

The Yankees have just announced that Tino Martinez has been added to the list of over 50 former Yankees that will be on hand at Old Timers’ Day.

Bernie Williams, Joe Torre and Lou Piniella are among the first timers who will be on hand at the Stadium this Sunday.

Hmmm, so I guess this means Bernie is retired now, right?

Tonight’s starter Brian Gordon is looking for his first victory in Pinstripes but more than that, he will stepping up to the plate for his first Major League at bat. Thanks to divine intervention – a.k.a. the MLB schedule makers – Gordon is making his second start as a Yankee in a National League park. Gordon, who was in the Minor leagues for fifteen years before making his start last week against the Texas Rangers, had a .275 average when he was an outfielder.

Ivan Nova earned his seventh win of the season last night with a strong eight inning, one run performance. Marc Carig of the Newark Star Ledger writes about Nova adding a slider to his repertoire. Last night was the first time he was able to use both his slider and his curve-ball effectively.

“I started mixing it in from the beginning and we kept doing that all game.”

Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York blames Luis Ayala’s inability to get Brandon Phillips out and Boone Logan’s inability to get anyone out on Joe Girardi.

Bryan Hoch of MLB.com writes about how Derek Jeter – remember him? – is close to returning to the field to test his injured calf.

Here’s something you don’t see everyday: A positive article about Alex Rodriguez with glowing comments from Joe Torre. Barry Bloom of MLB.com writes about Alex’s march towards history.

“Oh, he’s going to run right by him,” Joe Torre said on Monday about A-Rod. “At his age and with how hard he works? Unless God forbid he gets injured, those numbers don’t even have a chance.”

The Minor Rundown

Scranton Yankees 2 Norfolk Tide 0
W: Warren (6-2, 3.07) L: Atkins (1-3, 3.06) S: Pendleton (1)

Staten Island Yankees 8 Hudson Valley Renegades 3
W: Nuno (1-0, 0.00) L: Bellatti (0-1, 10.80)

Tampa Yankees 10 Clearwater Threshers 3
W: Romanski (6-5, 2.71) L: Colvin (0-3, 4.98)

GCL Yankees 6 GCL Braves 5
W: Encinas (1-0, 1.80) L: Briceno (0-1, 9.64) S: Cowsert (1)

• Dante Bichette Jr was 0 for 3 with a walk in his first game as a Yankee

The Trenton Thunder and Charleston Riverdogs were both off last night.

In an ESPN Insider article written this weekend, Buster Olney said that Joe Torre – now a Major League Baseball executive – would like players to cut down on fraternizing with their opponents before games.

Before every game, position players on both teams will gather on the foul lines and do their last sprints before the first pitch, and often this leads to greetings in the outfield behind second base — hearty handshakes and hugs.

If Joe Torre, baseball’s new czar of on-field discipline, has his way, then this kind of thing will be curtailed. Torre has asked club staff members to nudge their players toward curtailing that kind of fraternization after the gates have been opened to fans.

There is a rule that calls for this:

Major League Baseball prohibits “fraternization”. Rule 3.09 states, in part, “Players of opposing teams shall not fraternize at any time while in uniform.”

But it’s a rule that has been ignored for a long time.

» Continue reading “Joe Torre Doesn’t Like Seeing Kevin Youkilis and Derek Jeter Hug”

If I could meet Ian O’Connor, author of The Captain: The Journey of Derek Jeter, I’d ask him one question, “Why?” There would be variations of that one question – also some others thrown in for good measure – but the majority of them would begin with that one simple word.

Why write this book now when a lot of main players in the story – Alex Rodriguez, Brian Cashman, Randy Levine – are still with the Yankees organization? Why air all of this dirty laundry out now? Why try to mess with a friendship – Jeter and A Rod’s – that seems to be reborn and dredge up all of this nonsense from five years ago?

The general public saw how nasty the contract negotiations became this Fall between Derek Jeter and the Yankees. Why write a book detailing everything so soon after it happened? Why bother adding fuel to the fire?

Ian O’Connor would most likely answer, “Money.”

» Continue reading “As the Yankees Turn…”

Joe Torre says he has been invited to Old Timers' Day.

Via the AP, former New York manager Joe Torre has been invited to Old Timers’ Day at Yankee Stadium.

Now the executive vice president of operations for MLB, Torre served as manager from 1996-2007, winning four World Series titles and six AL pennats.

He said he’s planning on going.

“I don’t know if I’m letting the cat out of the bag, but I was invited back for Old-Timers’ Day,” Torre said. “If I did let the cat out of the bag, maybe they’ll withdraw the invitation. But, yeah, I’m planning on it.”

Old-Timers’ Day is set for June 26.

What kind of reaction do you think Torre will get when he steps out onto the field for Old-Timers’ Day? Although I always will remember him for his time with New York — his seemingly hands-off approach, the way he sat next to Zim in the dugout, his calm demeanor in pressers — I can’t ignore “The Yankee Years” debacle. Seriously: “A-Fraud”? Feeling “betrayed” by Cashman?

Thoughts?