Hometown

"First they love you, then they hate you, then they love you again."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


There are certain teams in sports that no matter what they do, or where they play,  people will find ways to dislike them. For example, the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Duke Blue Devils, and the Los Angeles Lakers.


History


The Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Lakers tonight at the Wells Fargo Center. There are many story lines in this match up, as both teams were seeking to add another victory, however the most compelling fact of the contest was that Kobe Bryant needed 24-points to eclipse former teammate Shaquille O'Neal and move into 5th-place on the NBA's career scoring list.


Much has been made about where Kobe was born or where he is from, and as trivial as that sounds, in Philadelphia it's been a hot topic of discussion throughout his career. What's interesting is that he has had a few meaningful games as a Laker in South Philly...from his clinching a second NBA title, to his first All-Star MVP...these are benchmarks that have helped to define him.


Bryant always seems as if he is on a mission, and tonight was no different as he finished the 1st quarter with 14-points, 2-rebounds, and a steal. With little over 5-minutes left in the second period, he made good on an attempt moving him into 5th place. He finished with 28-points, giving him 28, 601-points overall.


Kobe was candid after the game in saying, "it feels good, it's a tremendous honor...it's a lot of work that we put in to get to this point...I think when players retire, you start kinda thinking about your career and your accomplishments and things of that sort, but when you're going through it and you're playing during the season, all you're thinking about is winning the next game and trying to make some noise in June."


Just to prove a point, I asked him about playing in Philly and how special it has been in his career, to which he answered, "it becomes more significant the older I get in terms of coming back here playing...I don't have many more of these games left."


Bryant took his place in history tonight and the Sixers handled the rest winning 95-90 with a strong effort from Lou Williams down the stretch.


When it is all said and done Kobe is only concerned with championships, as his hunt for number 6 continues.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Noah Zuares/AcesHoops.com

Points of Interest

"Phife this, Phife that, where you going, where you at?"

Phife Dog - Butter

Yesterday Jorge Posada retired from the New York Yankees, after a a storied career which spanned 17-years in pinstripes. What was most intriguing, is that he played entirely with one club, and in this day something like that is as rare as it is admirable.

Change

The NBA is heating up, after a late post lock-out start. The complexity that is the National Basketball Association is always interesting, and now that the dust has settled...the talk of free-agency continues to loom large over a few teams. There are two names that keep owners, general managers, agents, and fans alike up at night...hoping, and praying that they can sign the likes of Deron Williams, or Dwight Howard.

Williams and Howard are the flavors of the month, and it won't stop until one or both of them are traded before the deadline in March. Deron Williams wants to stay with the Nets if they land Dwight Howard, and interestingly enough, Howard has New Jersey at the top of his list because of his former Olympic teammate Deron Williams. I see a theme here, nevertheless if nothing happens, which I highly doubt...they can sign with any franchise as free agents this summer.

As I stated at the outset it's extremely rare for an athlete to stay put for the duration of their career, no matter what the case in Orlando, if Dwight Howard stays or leaves...he became the all-time scoring leader for the franchise as of yesterday surpassing Nick Anderson.

Stay tuned sports fans, as this season will only bring more surprises.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

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

October

"I got a decent set of manners, and a job that fills up any empty schedule or planner..."

Drake - Unstoppable

This is my favorite time of the year because it usually means that the Yankees are in the World Series.

Brand New

April and October are the best months for baseball because they signify both the beginning and the end. The Yanks will not play to defend their '09 crown, and part of me can appreciate that nothing is guaranteed in life, and the Bronx Bombers can begin preparing now for next year.

As for the Philadelphia Phillies...they lost too, so as far as I'm concerned...it's officially basketball season. I expect the Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, and Boston Celtics to play and battle on a higher than average level...while the Miami Heat have endless potential that will make this first season watching them one to remember.

I want to wish the San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers all the best in the fall classic, however when Game 1 begins on Wednesday...I plan to watch the 76ers play against the Heat.

Baseball season ended a little early for me, however the spring will be here before you know it, and all will be well with the world again.

The NBA saga however...continues on October 26th.

Red Light

"Depend on me like the first and fifteenth..."

2PAC - All Eyez on Me

It's October and while that means a lot of things to many people...for me it's the month when a World Series champion is crowned. Yesterday I tweeted the following: "Just so I don't look like I jumped on the bandwagon, the @Phillies will win the World Series, and go @Yankees..."

Conflict Resolution

I'm from the City of Brotherly Love...Philadelphia for those who don't know. And while I cheer for the Eagles with fervor, it's my affection for the New York Yankees that confuses everyone. New York City is a place like none other, and yes I lived there for a long time, and one of the things I picked up over the years is a love for baseball. I could never cheer for the Mets, since I'm a Philly native...I knew that much, so I began watching that pinstriped team in the south Bronx.

When the Yankees didn't make the playoffs in 2008, it opened the door for my hometown Phillies to win and bring our championship starved town a winner. I was happy for the Phils in '07, and a year later they did what many thought was impossible...and that made me even happier!

I attend a number of Phillies games because I love baseball, and instead of driving to NYC or Baltimore for the Bronx Bombers, I take a quick trip to South Philly. So here is my moment of honesty...I actually like the Phillies, however the Yankees are my team. I know it makes zero sense, and this post is like covering myself with a security blanket.

Can the Phillies win it all...yes they can. They have 3 Aces in Halladay, Hamels, and Oswalt, and they have an American League style of play with Ryan Howard, Rollins, Utley, Werth, and Ruiz. Pitching is the key to any pennant and World Series...so if the Phils bullpen can hold and save games, it'll be a red October in Philadelphia.

Baseball is tricky and anything can happen, so I wanted to write this ahead of the first game to explain my loyalty to the team everyone loves to hate.

Lucky Lefty

"Your dreams will take you very far..."

Earth, Wind, & Fire - Shining Star

It's been quite a while since I have written anything...let alone done something for myself...as it's been a busy summer. Nevertheless, I had an idea last week to drive to Baltimore for the Orioles/Yankees weekend matchup.

I didn't make the trip, and as I write this entry...I wish I did.

XX

CC Sabathia entered last night's game with a 19-6 record...seeking the MLB's first 20 game winner since Yankee hurler Mike Mussina did it in '08. The Bronx Bombers jumped out to a 2-0 1st inning lead, and Sabathia never looked back, leading the Yanks to a 11-3 victory, for his first 20 win season.

Throughout his career he's been consistent, from the Cy Young award, to the World Series ring...CC is a proven winner.

With October baseball on the horizon, both the Yankees and Phillies look as if they are on a course for a World Series rematch...in the meantime they will be busy vying for their division with the Yankees hosting the Rays this week, and the Phillies will entertain the Braves.

This is the time when baseball heats up, and every pitch counts more than ever...there are 2 weeks left in the regular season, and anything can happen...see you in October.

Photo: Getty Images

Exclusivity

"Well known in the 'hood...where everybody love you..."

Beatnuts - Routine

Baseball is a numbers game, built on history and statistics...and every season brings a new milestone, and opportunity.

The Future

Alex Rodriguez is on the threshold of something special...600 home runs to be exact, and while he was unable to deliver this past weekend in front of the home Bronx crowd, he will soon join the likes of Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, and Babe Ruth as a member of the prestigious HR club.

A-Rod is one of the greatest baseball players ever, and as the new faces were inducted into the hall of fame today...it's safe to say that Rodriguez will be on the first ballot when all is said and done.

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

Checkmate

"Jay's favorite line...dog in due time..."

Kanye West - Touch the Sky

LeBron James shook up the sports world last week when he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach. Since then the media and and general public have been giving him the Kobe treatment.

Control

Heavy is the head that wears the crown...

-William Shakespeare

LeBron James is a professional athlete and he has done what was best for him and his family. My first job upon my graduation from Temple University was with the National Basketball Association...when I was laid off due to an economic downturn...my heart was in pain, and I felt betrayed, however at the end of the day it was a business move.

When I look at the circumstances of James' decision...the similarities are familiar. I can understand the way people felt when he choose not to return to Cleveland, because whenever emotions are involved...the vision can become cloudy...yet this wasn't about the fans, or loyalty to his adopted home, it was strictly business. If the Cavs would have traded him to another team last February, it would have been merely the way things are done in professional sports. So there shouldn't be any hoopla when the athlete takes the reigns for once.

The NBA rookies of 2003 are as heralded as the '84, and '96 classes, so with James, Wade, and Bosh on the same squad...it's Xbox come true. Imagine Bryant, Nash, and Ray Allen, or Jordan, Barkley, and Olajuwon together against the league...the possibilities would be endless.

I see nothing wrong with this move to Florida. When A-Rod won the AL MVP award with the Rangers...he was a great player with tons of individual awards, but what truly burned his competitive fire was the quest for a World Series ring, which he captured last October. He is currently about to reach the 600 home run milestone, and now as a champion he can revel in the accolades. It has nothing to do with the Yankees being Derek Jeter's team...it has everything to do with the reason why all athletes play.

Only time will tell if this new star alignment will earn multiple championships...right now as things are, the Celtics, Magic, Thunder, and Lakers can prove to be a thorn in Miami's side, but until next June arrives, we'll all just have to watch and wait.

Photo: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

27

Champions

"My career's illustrious..."

Jay-Z - Success

Last season the Phillies won the championship...what a difference a year makes...

Empire State of Mind

The New York Yankees defeated the Philadelphia Phillies Wednesday night 7-3, in 6 games. This was my first World Series, and words cannot begin to describe the feelings of excitement I felt by sharing the field with the best baseball teams in the league.

I'll be sure to write a full version of this story, but right now I have to go so I can soak this in. Baseball is one of my favorite sports, and I feel blessed to have a career in journalism to cover these moments in history.

Photo: Getty Images

Tomorrow Never Dies

Heart

"Yes this is Philly, you're welcome to come check us..."

Peedi Crakk - Flip side

The New York Yankees jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the top of the 1st, however the Phillies had more to prove in Game 5.

3-2 Full Count

The fans in South Philly have seen their last home game of the season, and for the City of Brotherly Love, it was one to remember.

There will be a Game 6, as the Fightin' Phils fought off elimination on Monday night...defeating the Yankees 8-6. Cliff Lee took to the mound pitching well enough for the win along with an early 3-run home run by Chase Utley in the 1st, and another shot in the 7th for a total of 5HR's in the World Series.

The series gets a little more interesting as the questions have begun to swirl around who will pitch for both teams if this goes to a 7th and final game. Not too get ahead of myself or the World Series for that matter, but as the venue heads back up the interstate, all the pressure falls on the Yankees to win their 27th title in the new Yankee Stadium.

At this point of the season, the game is simple, as the team with the best pitchers on the mound, win ball games.

I spoke with Chase afterward...

AG: You have a very low-key disposition, but can you talk about how you've been able to lead by example throughout this World Series for your team?

Utley: I don't think we really need to be pointed in the right direction. We all have the same mindset, and we all play the game the right way in my belief. You know, you go out there and you play hard. You give it everything you can, and play that game like it's the last.

Photo: Nick Laham/Getty Images

9th Wonder

Heroic

"Cause this is business, not personal..."

Little Brother - Lovin' It

Johnny Damon worked a 9-pitch AB, and the he stole 2-bases in the final inning, and Alex Rodriguez, hit an RBI double that led the Yankees to a 7-4 victory over the Phillies.

Patience

In baseball I absolutely love games like this...the Yankees held the lead late, but the Phillies made a comeback tying it at 4 in the 8th. Close games in the World Series are much better than a blowout...with the game on the line, ARod stepped into the batter's box, and he delivered, playing with a calm that speaks volumes.

After the game I spoke with CC Sabathia, and Rodriguez.

AG: Can you talk about Philadelphia...even going back to Game 1, and then tonight and the battle that you've had with them thus far?

CC: They're a good team. You know, they're the defending champs. They have a good lineup. Like I said earlier, they have an American League lineup, and you have to battle. I was just trying to get out there and battle, and do everything I could to keep our team in the game, and try to get a win.

AG: Can you describe your desire. You've been really patient in your AB's, especially Game 3 and tonight. But it's also like you're being aggressive, as well. Is this the way you envisioned it, when you talk about really wanting it on this stage?

ARod: Well, I think it is important to stay calm. For me making an adjustment after Game 1 and 2 was very easy because what I was doing was just being a little overanxious. You know, one think about the post-season, if you want to hit, you've got to swing at strikes, and if you don't swing at strikes, you're going to expose your weakness. That's all I've been trying to do.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

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

Special Delivery

Change

"Scarface, King of New York, I wanna be it..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Respect

After missing the playoffs last year, the most storied franchise in all of sports are back in the postseason, as the New York Yankees are squaring off in the ALDS against the Minnesota Twins.

A Bronx Tale

It's no secret that the Yanks have one of the highest payrolls in the MLB, and with an owner that signs the best players, and expects superior results....Alex Rodriguez has often been the blame for what is wrong with the team and the overall game. The main reason he is under so much scrutiny is because for all that he has accomplished in his career...the critics and fans alike want results in October. To say he has struggled would be putting it nicely, however it is a team game and the Bronx Bombers haven't won it all since defeating the crosstown Mets in 2000.

Today provided yet another opportunity for ARod to "earn" his pinstripes and not only did he show his worth and offensive talents, the Yankees won 7-2, with Rodriguez batting 2-4 with 2 RBI's and a run scored. Its only one game, however this is a huge contribution, as the chip may have finally fallen from his shoulder...now he can play ball, and prepare for the success that is just ahead of him.

Photo: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

The Glass Slipper

October's Best

"Bare witness to the greatest, can't beat us...join us..."

Beanie Sigel - It's On

The MLB playoffs begin this week...and much has been made about the Tigers collapse (since September 29th), the Yankees starting pitching, and the Phillies closer or lack thereof...Brad Lidge.

Proving Grounds

Instead of joining the ranks of the mainstream media...you know my contemporaries...I'm going to look at the Brad Lidge situation like a glass that is half full. Yes he has blown 11 saves this season, after going a perfect 41 for 41 last year, but starting this week, all of that is in the past, as the Fightin' Phils will face off against the upstart Colorado Rockies.

Yes the closer position is a BIG key to a teams' success, however the Philadelphia Phillies possess a strong offense, and solid starting pitching. The point I'm trying to make is, that if Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Raul Ibanez, and Shane Victorino do what they do best, then Lidge may not have to save as many games, which will put less pressure on him and the rest of the pitching staff.

In basketball there is a saying...it's not how you start...it's how you finish, and as it relates to this story and Brad Lidge...if the glass slipper fits...by all means wear it.

Photo: Zelevanskly/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

Simply the Best

Lucky Lefty

Junior

"I'm so evolved, I'm so involved, I'm showing growth...I'm so in charge..."

Jay-Z - Kingdom Come

It's September and as the leaves begin to change color, and fall into giant piles along the sidewalk...the baseball season will also soon change, as teams gear up for the division and pennant races.

Homecoming King

The New York Yankees are headed to the post season after missing the playoffs last year, and with one more victory they will clinch their berth. Last night they were denied in a 7-1 loss...and with one sweet swing, Ken Griffey Jr, blasted a 3-run home run into the right-field stands postponing the Yankees inevitable celebration.

With the homer Junior now has 16 on the season and 627 for his illustrious career...he sits in 5th place on the all-time list behind Willie Mays, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and Barry Bonds.