Three-thousand

"My league too major...I'm hip-hop Derek Jeter..."


Ace Hood - Hustle Hard


Baseball is a numbers game deeply rooted in milestones. From Hank Aaron's 755 HR's...to DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak, and Lou Gehrig's 2131 consecutive games played...the history of the sport is all mathematics.


Dreams


Derek Jeter entered today's game against the Rays standing on the verge of career hit number 3,000. In true Yankee fashion he etched his name in the history books on a solo home run in the 3rd-inning. The magic didn't stop there, as he led his team to a 5-4 victory, on a perfect 5 for 5 outing along with the winning RBI.


All his home runs have been memorable, mainly because he rarely hits any. Two stand out as I reflect: the first November HR in baseball history, and today's blast over the left-field wall.


What mattered most to Derek Jeter today was the win, as he expressed his feelings post game saying, "the most important thing is that we were able to win."


The Yankees are one of the top teams in baseball trailing the Red Sox and Phillies for the best record. The mission for any team is to win the World Series, and if the Captain has anything to do with it...he'd like nothing more than to add another ring to his legacy.


Ironically, the New Jersey born, and Michigan bred young Yankees fan, grew to be a man...that would one day play for his favorite team, and become one of the greatest athletes of all-time.






Words: @axgilbert


Photo: AXG

2nd to None

"Ring leader...set it off, rap Derek Jeter..."

Ghostface Killah - Mighty Healthy

A few days ago the New York Yankees made me the happiest I've been in a baseball off season in a long time. (I was so happy that I changed the avatar on my twitter page)

Home Base

I love baseball. It's the type of game that never ceases to teach me something new...be it another nuance of the game, or some historical aspect from it's vast history. The interesting thing about this sport is that in order to really get into it, someone needs to introduce you...and it was my family and friends in NYC that opened my mind to the national pastime. Since it was a New York audience to showed me the game, I naturally became a Yankees fan. I also happen to cheer for the Lakers, and Duke, so I'm just an all-around bad person.

Nevertheless, I have a few moments as a Yankees fan that I will remember forever...bar none, at the top of the list is the first time I met Derek Jeter. He was hosting a Jordan Brand event at Niketown New York a week after he dove into the Yankee Stadium crowd to record an out against the rival Red Sox. (July 1, 2004) Not only did my sister and I meet him, but I also had an opportunity to chat for a while and take a picture. I've interviewed and spoken to him since then, and he always remembers me.

Fast forward to the present day, and it was looking sketchy on whether or not the Bronx Bombers would resign him. I don't care what his numbers were last season, or that he is getting older...at the end of the day Derek Jeter is a Yankee, now, forever, and always.

I was elated to see that both sides came to a 3-year incentive based deal over the weekend.

Now that Jeter and the Sandman have been retained, the team is focused on getting the lefty Cliff Lee. If he signs anywhere else, I will be extremely surprised...and speaking of surprises, Jayson Werth made headlines signing a stunning deal with the Nationals...good luck with that...and just know that Phillies fans might boo you a few times next year since you stayed within the division...and you don't have to take my word for it, just call Donovan McNabb.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

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

The Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

Pinstripes

Rewind

Class

"Many people tell me this style is terrific..."

KRS ONE - South Bronx

Tonight the New York Yankees battled against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Game 6 of the ALCS.

Champions

The night began with former Yankees center fielder Bernie Williams throwing out the first pitch, and if that wasn't a sign of familiar times, then once Andy Pettitte took the mound the clock seemed to rewind to the youthful team of '96.

Yankee manager Joe Girardi was a catcher then, and Jeter, Posada, and Mariano Rivera all were in the infancy stages of their career.

All these years later they are headed back to where it all began, as they will square off against the Fightin' Phils on Wednesday...having defeated the Angels 5-2. This is the 40th AL Pennant in the Bronx, and the second time the Bombers have faced the Phillies in the World Series, with the first meeting in 1950.

Both teams are evenly matched, from high powered offensive lineups, to each club boasting a former Cleveland Indians pitcher as their ace. The real season begins in a few days, and while I have some serious ties to both clubs, I know that only one can win.

Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Mr. Clean

Immortal

"When we was 8....we went to bat day to see the Yanks..."

Ghostface Killah - Impossible

The inclement weather was the story prior to Game 2 of the ALCS, however it wasn't the rain that made a difference...it was ARod.

99 Problems

The game began on a frigid overcast inky Bronx Saturday night...and ended with a Yankees 4-3 win on Sunday morning. Derek Jeter, and Robinson Cano had some fielding errors, however the Yanks stayed calm, after playing most of the 5 hours, and 10 minutes tied at 2.

Chone Figgins struggled all night for the Angles, but his single to shallow left scored Gary Matthews, Jr. in the top of the 11th inning, as Anaheim led 3-2. Nevertheless, it was the resurgent Alex Rodriguez that smashed a 0-2 pitch into the stands to knot it up at 3.

Two innings later the Yankees won as Leche (Melky Cabrera) hit a chopper between 1st and 2nd, and Maicer Izturis misplayed the ball, which allowed Jerry Hairston Jr. to cross home plate in this amazing win.

A lot of things went wrong for both teams tonight, as throwing and fielding mishaps proved costly, and the hitting woes of Vladimir Guerrero, Figgins, and Abreu, continued...providing another win for the Yankees.

The series moves to southern California on Monday afternoon, and as Yogi Berra once said..."it ain't over, 'til it's over..."

Patience has been paying off for both the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies, and amidst all the miscues in both series, things are a long way from being complete. The remedy in the NLDS, and ALDS is solid pitching, and a team's ability to manufacture runs. Everyone has relied on the long ball...and that's fine as long as the pitching holds up.

Photo: Rich Pilling/MLB Photos via Getty Images

Thiller

Walk off

"Now I'm doing fine...up here on cloud 9...."

The Temptations - Cloud Nine

The Minnesota Twins stranded 17 base runners in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Yankees, which set the stage for Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira to add to the October lore of baseball in the Bronx.

Tradition

Its the tenth month and the New York Yankees are finding ways to win baseball games...much to the dismay of the Twins and their fans. The Yanks won on Friday night in dramatic fashion, after being down by as many as 2 going into the 9th inning...however ARod delivered a 2-run shot to tie it up...and Teixeira ended the game in walk off fashion in the bottom of the 11th.

This game isn't without some controversy as the umpires clearly called a fair ball...foul which could have given the Twins momentum in the top of the 11th...however the Bronx Bombers closed out the inning and are 1-game away from ending the series.

Rodriguez is enjoying his career best postseason, as he also singled in the 6th for an RBI that brought Derek Jeter home. Now I don't want to get too far ahead of myself...but this club reminds me of the '98 team, as they had great pitching, and a batting order that could strike fear in any opposing team's ace. The Yankees are ahead 2-0, as they travel to Minnesota for a Sunday matchup. The Twins have a lot of talent, and pride, so this series will be tough to close...so stay tuned as the best it yet to happen.

Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Century Club

Champions

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaata - Planet Rock

Today the New York Yankees did a complete 180-degree turn from last season...from their new beautiful ballpark to the additions of Teixeira, Sabathia, and Burnett, this year is completely different.

How Sweep it is

The MLB is as unpredictable as it gets in sports. The main reason is that once the postseason begins...anything can happen in a 5-game series. However from the beginning of spring training the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies have been favorites to win their respective pennants...and while both teams accomplished victory on Sunday...it was the Bronx Bombers who made the biggest statement in winning the AL East crown over the rival Red Sox.

The Sox were facing a weekend series sweep coming into today's game, and they were prepared to escape defeat...leading most of the game 2-1, but it wouldn't be enough as the bats of Cabrera, Cano, Matsui, Jeter, and Texieira rose to the occasion for a 4-2 win, and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

After missing the festivities in 2008, the Yankees ushered in a welcome change by taking care of business over Boston, winning their league best 100th game...as the hunt for October begins in less than a week. Now I don't make predictions...I just watch and report on the games...nevertheless, I wouldn't be surprised to see a few familiar pinstripes on the diamond in the upcoming World Series.

Photos: Associated Press Henny Ray Abrams, Kathy Willens

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.

Full Circle

Triumph

"The ladies in the place like it just like that...I'm an around the way guy with the baseball cap..."

KRS-One - Return of The Boom Bap

Alex Rodriguez has been the lighting rod for the Yankees success and failure since he first buttoned up in pinstripes during the '04 season. He has accomplished numerous things in the Bronx...however there is one adjective that has eluded him during his Yankee years...clutch.

I Love NY

ARod hit career number 500 as a Yankee, as well as he won 2 American League MVP awards, but as everyone knows...the team is judged only on the championships they win, and it has been 8 years, and 10 months since they have captured the crown. What happened last night in the South Bronx could be considered a watershed moment for Rodriguez, as he finally got the albatross off his neck by hitting a 2-run home run in the 15th inning, to beat the rival Red Sox 2-0.

In a word, he was as CLUTCH as Derek Jeter's career. The game lasted 5 hours and 33 minutes, and with one swing it was over...it being the years of frustration as Alex has finally earned his pinstripes. Baseball is all about production and being able to deliver...and while it took the better part of 5 hours...the Yankees won...keeping the lead in the AL East, making ARod a hero...if only for one night.

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Glory

Winner

"So if you gonna do it, do it just like this..."

Kanye West - Champion

The Williams sibling rivalry ended on Saturday with younger sister Serena defeating Venus in straight sets 7-6, (7-3), 6-2.

Sister to Sister

Serena is the no. 2 ranked player in the world, however she stands head and shoulders above the competition upon winning three of the last four Grand Slam titles. In a consolation for the no. 3 ranked Venus, she teamed up with her sister to win the doubles match against Australian duo Sam Stosur, and Rennae Stubbs 7-6, (7-4), 6-4.

The Williams sisters are as synonymous with the WTA as Derek Jeter is with the New York Yankees, and that ladies and gentlemen is saying a lot. To watch these women compete against each other is not only commonplace...it's an expected yearly event. Women's tennis, or shall I say, tennis in general is better off for having this first family of champions.

Photo: Professional Sport / S Wake

The Empire Strikes Back

Teammates

NY State of Mind

Pride

"Remember Bronx River, rolling thick...with cool DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout on the mix..."

KRS-One - South Bronx

I absolutely LOVE the game of baseball, and the past season has boiled my fervor for America's pastime. From the collapse of the New York Yankess, and Mets...to the rise of the Philadelphia Phillies, and Tampa Bay Rays...things have been outright interesting. However it is the off season that has somewhat overshadowed the joy of October, as the Yankees have, as always gone shopping for new talent and headlines.

A Bronx Tale

The Yankees had plenty of highs and lows last summer, from the 2008 MLB All-Star game, and the closing of their historic stadium, to missing the playoffs, and finishing with a sub par 89-73 record...times have been tough, and CHANGE was very necessary.

Like his father before him, Hank Steinbrenner has invested millions of dollars into All-Star caliber players, in an effort to put the most famous team in all of sports, back on top. After signing the top free agent pitchers CC Sabathia, and AJ Burnett, the Yanks have emerged as a true contender by adding power and dexterity with Mark Teixeira. The first basemen brings youth, and power from both sides of the plate, infusing an offense that boasts the likes of Derek Jeter, AROD, Robinson Canoe, Jorge Posada, Melky Cabrera, and Johnny Damon. 

Unlike Sabathia and Burnett, the signing of Teixeira came out of nowhere, as the Yankees made one offer several weeks ago, and stayed pat, while the Orioles, Rex Sox, Nationals, and Angels vied for his services. Yesterday at about 2pm, it was announced that he would don the pinstripes, becoming a New York Yankee...coming from another American League franchise, much like Reggie Jackson did over 30 years ago. 

Will the World Series return to the South Bronx...only time will tell, as Yankees look good on paper, but the Phillies are champions until proven otherwise. 

Happy Holidays baseball fans.

Photos: Jeffrey Zelevansky/Getty Images

Swan Song

Grand finale

3rd base line

The last dance

The Bronx Zoo

AG. and the Captain

"I'm a public enemy but I don't rob banks, I don't shoot bullets, and I don't shoot blanks...my style is supreme, number 1 is my rank...and I got more power than the New York Yanks..."

Chuck D - Miuzi Weighs a Ton

The best baseball park on planet closed its hallowed doors yesterday, and while I shudder at the fact that I missed the closing ceremony both in person and on television, I revel in the memories from the cathedral. From Lou Gehrig's speech, Larson's perfect game, Reggie's 3 homeruns in the '77 World Series, Charlie Hayes catching the final out in '96, Boomer and Coney on the mound, Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill patrolling the out field, Jeter's dive into the stands against Boston, and millions more, the games and hours that I spent in that building will stay with me forever. 

I'm from Philadelphia so the question is how did I become such an avid fan of the New York Yankees? Well to best answer that, my family on my father's side is from Brooklyn and Queens so naturally/unnaturally they are fans of the New York Mets. At the time of my arrival to the city that never sleeps the Mets were the top dog, and their cross town rival the Yanks were less than stellar. My hometown team the Philadelphia Phillies, are the arch enemy of the Mets so I became a Yankees fan. 

I love baseball (some would say that I'm fanatical) and I have since become quite fond of both the Yankees and Phillies, but if I had to pick one team to root for...it would be the Bronx Bombers. My mother coincidentally is a Chicago Cubs fan, but that's another story. My favorite players are Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson, Ken Griffey Jr. and Derek Jeter. Of course there are others, from the past and present, but I don't want to turn this into a baseball who's who, so I'll stop while I'm ahead. 

I have been going to Yankee Stadium every year since they won their first World Series in the modern era back in 1996. I missed 2007 because I lived too far from New York to travel comfortably in one day by car or train (I did however catch them against the Orioles in Baltimore on the cusp of A-Rod's 500th HR), and this year I've missed seeing them altogether, as I've been working like a madman to pick up the pieces in this crazy economy. If Sunday night was the last Yankees game to ever be played in the "House that Ruth built", then my final memory would forever be from the last game I attended there on September 29, 2006. 

I would often attend games alone, because very few of my friends like the Yankees or baseball for that matter. On that night I not only had two tickets, but a willing taker...my friend from school, Patricia. I don't remember much from that game aside from the hot dogs, souvenir cup, and cold autumn night, but I was excited for no reason other than I was at a baseball game in the Bronx, cheering for my team, with a good friend, and in those moments...life can be as the Wu-Tang Clan once echoed, so simple. 

I'll miss the old stadium already, however I look forward to fresh memories in the new place. I drove by the old and new parks last week when I was driving south from the George Washington Bridge on the Harlem River Drive, and I could hardly keep my eyes on the road ahead of me because those buildings were a sight for my baseball weary eyes. One day I hope to pass the Yankees pride and tradition on to my family, but until that day (when I grow up) I'll continue to support the team wherever they play...near and far. 

And I'd like to thank my friend Danielle who not only started watching baseball and the Yankees because of me...but she attended last night's game with some friends from her job...and while she didn't take any pictures...she thought of me and called from within the halls of the best place in sports. So what did I do...I missed her call because I was in a meeting. 

Can't win 'em all!

Black Diamond

                                  The best of the best

                Ryan Howard is the most known unknown

               Derek Jeter the Captain and AG the writer

Last night while flipping channels around the 10 o'clock hour, I stumbled upon the show Costas Now on HBO. The sports coverage on HBO is top tier and the telecast on Wednesday was no different, as they did a special on the legends of baseball. 

I absolutely LOVE baseball, and as a black man I respect it more than any other sport. Baseball is considered America's pastime. However when I study the game it shows the history of black people in America, therefore I am not only entertained, it also serves as moments of enlightenment. I have often heard that baseball is a thinking person's game, and does it ever get my gears turning.

During the episode, David Winfield, Jim Palmer, Henry Aaron, and Willie Mays were interviewed and it was truly amazing to hear their stories and struggles within the game that has served as a metaphor for life, for them and countless numbers of fans. One point that Willie Mays made was that, had he not served in the Army during the Korean War, he would have surpassed the home run record (714) that was once held by Babe Ruth. Mays lost approximately 2 seasons away from the San Francisco Giants, and finished his career with 660 home runs. 

Henry Aaron is best known for his playing days in Atlanta as well as having actually breaking Ruth's record and he expressed how trying those times were for him and his family. In fact instead of looking back upon those days with fondness, he actually is more relieved that it is over and that his family survived unscathed. He had to not only play the game, but he also endured death threats, hate mail, and disrespect at the highest power. I don't get it, and it is really a shame that these instances were a part of his life and the game. My grandmother says that when the Brooklyn Dodgers used to come to Philadelphia, that the fans through a black cat on the field because of Robinson. Imagine something like that in today's game?

David Winfield is the ultimate athlete, as he was drafted, yes drafted by teams in 3 professional sports...Major League Baseball, the National Football League, and the NBA. I best remember him as a member of the New York Yankees, and during an interview I had with Derek Jeter he recalled watching Winfield. As Jeter spoke, he lit up like a Christmas tree when speaking about his childhood hero. He wanted to emulate him both on and off the field because of Dave Winfield's athletic ability and his work within the community. 

In the modern game of baseball the black hero is there in people, like Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Torii Hunter, Curtis Granderson, Juan Pierre, and Ken Griffey Jr. However the major problem is that no one within the black is looking up to them. In this day and age the children want to play basketball and football first, and sports like tennis, soccer, baseball, and swimming are last on the list or not at all. 

Things have really changed from yesteryear. From the Negro Leagues and the greatest man in baseball Buck O'Neil, to April 1947 when Jackie Robinson was called up to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers. 

What happened to the soul of the game? 

I really do not know how to answer this question, but I love baseball and all that it has meant to my culture over the generations. I couldn't imagine Major League Baseball without black players...and I hope that it never comes to fruition. 

Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies is currently leading ALL players with 28 home runs, yet he wasn't in the All-Star Game on Tuesday. If he wasn't tops among league leaders it might not have been an issue, but it was the final All-Star Game to ever be played in the old Yankee Stadium. That was an opportunity that he should not have been denied. 

Somethings in life just don't seem fair. 

Did you know that the top home run leaders of all-time are black? Where would baseball be had Jackie Robinson and Larry Dolby not integrated the sport? 

The only thing constant in this world is change, and in this case, the change was as good as it was necessary.