Top Gun

"I got more power than the New York Yanks..."

Chuck D - Miuzi Weighs a Ton

The New York Yankees lost two mainstays recently, as public address announcer Bob Sheppard and owner George Steinbrenner died a few days apart from one another.

Business

I grew up a Yankees fan, and throughout the years I could always count on a few things once I got off the 4 Train at 161st Street. For starters Yankee Stadium would greet me with all her glory, and once inside...Sheppard's voice would boom with poetic grace, Derek Jeter would play in his spectacular All-Star fashion, and The Boss was at the helm.

Today, the old Yankee Stadium is gone, and Sheppard and The Boss have passed...however Jeter is there as the Captain...steering the team toward a new chapter.

In 2001, I wanted nothing more than a World Series victory due to the tragic events in September, and while the Yankees fell to the Diamond Backs in 7-games...it was just what New York City needed to assist with the healing process. Now with the loss of some very important persons...another run at the title would do both the organization and city some good.

I'll see you in October.

Photo: Mike Albans/New York Daily News

Mr. November

2,722

"Catch me at the X with OG at a Yankee game..."

Jay-Z - Empire State of Mind

I started watching baseball in 1995, and the team that helped me to understand the nuances of the game is the New York Yankees. My favorite player then and now is none other than Derek Jeter.

Consistent

Today is always tricky, as it wasn't that long ago when the nation was brought to tears from the tragedy that marred people worldwide on September 11, 2001. The troubles of that morning were soothed by the play of the Yankees, as they competed for the World Series title that year...and even though they lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks, they provided enough hope and positivity to capture the hearts and minds of Gotham City.

The catalyst to much of the team's success is Jeter, as he entered the game tonight standing 1-hit away from becoming the all-time Yankee hits leader, to surpass the incomparable Lou Gehrig. After striking out in the first inning...he opened the bottom of the 3rd with a single down the right field line for hit number 2,722.

Baseball is a numbers game, and tonight...Derek Jeter is numero uno.