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

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

Championship Mettle

4

"Victory is mine..."

Guru - Work

The 2009-10 NBA season begins tonight, and every team begins with a clean slate.

Craft

Last season I covered my first NBA Finals, and as I continue to grow in this business, I feel blessed to do what I love for a living. I've been busy lately covering the Philadelphia Phillies, however in the midst of the MLB...I got a head start on basketball, as I just interviewed Travis Outlaw for the next issue of SLAM magazine on Sunday, and I'm currently working on a piece to honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for HOOP magazine.

Its going to be a great season...and you can expect nothing short of my best as I have some editorial and video interviews with the League's elite players.

Stay tuned sports fans.

Peace.

AG.

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

Driven

Calm/Storm

"Everybody wants to know, where you're going to, where you're coming from..."

Lauryn Hill - Guarding The Gates

Today I participated in the Nike+ Human Race, which, as their marketing geniuses put it...the day the world runs.

Ten

October is my favorite month, as two of my favorite sports end, and begin...this year is even more special, as it was just a few days ago when I celebrated on the field with the Philadelphia Phillies as they won their 2nd straight NL Pennant, and next week the NBA season tips off.

Everyone knows that I'm a journalist, and I work really hard...reading, writing, and doing research. However when I moved to Beaverton, Oregon 3 years ago, I added a new wrinkle to my craft...now I run to stay in shape, to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It's all about having success in mind, body, and spirit.

I have an exponential amount of will power, and ambition and with the cold and rainy weather I needed every ounce this afternoon for the Nike+ Human Race. Nevertheless, exactly 55 minutes later I completed the task, and added more fuel to my journalistic fire.

Since I'm still fairly new to distance running, I usually put the weight of the world on my shoulders, which I use to push myself during workouts. I start off as my usual happy go-lucky self, and then a metamorphosis takes place and I get really hype. Since it works, I'm not going to question it. A lot of people try to figure out how I operate...and all I can say is that I'm a very disciplined person and I have my eyes on the prize of becoming the best I can be in my field.

One day it will all make sense.

By Any Means Necessary...

"No matter how much I elevate, I kiss the floor..."

Common - Forever Begins

Home Base

MVP

"It's the good life like TI said..."

Common - Play Your Cards Right

The Philadelphia Phillies won the National League Pennant Wednesday night, and unlike last year...I was on hand to participate in baseball history.

Memories

My afternoon began with a purchase of a pair of Ken Griffey, Jr. Nike sneakers...I then went home to get ready for Game 5 of the NLCS...fast forward several hours later, and I'm on the field with the Phillies enjoying the celebration. The best way I could soak it all in was to congratulate the players, take pictures, and shoot some video.

Soon after I interviewed NLCS MVP Ryan Howard in the media room. I had a feeling that my question would be the one answered on the ESPN live feed, so I did my best to make it good. Here is the score from the question and answer:

Talk about when you first came up through this organization, winning the World Series last year, and then getting back on that stage this year?

"You know, first coming up, this organization was considered to be a losing organization. And when I first got called up and saw kind of the pieces to the puzzle...where we kind of fell short in 2005, we fell short in 2006, got over the hump in 2007, and then had a quick exit. I just gained a lot of experience over those three or four years going into 2008, and then into this year.

As a team, I don't think I've ever played on a team that's been so fun. It's one of the funnest teams I've played on. Great group of guys. We all get along. Great chemistry, and we all have a lot of fun. To be able to make it to this point again, it's definitely something very special, because a World Series isn't guaranteed to anybody.

For what we did last year, that was something special. But to get back to this point, to have the opportunity to try to do it 2-years in a row...that's even more special."

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images, Anthony Gilbert/AXG

Dreams

Monumental

Professionalism

"We got to live out our dreams, like the people on tv..."

Alicia Keys - Unbreakable

Around the sports world, I'm known as a basketball writer...and when I was younger my mother would always pray for me, as she still does today...nevertheless I just consider myself ambitious...nothing more, nothing less.

The Real Thing

I have been afforded the opportunity to not only cover not only the Philadelphia 76ers in preseason this week, but I have also been on site for the NLCS to witness the Philadelphia Phillies walk into the history books of Major League Baseball.

Baseball is one of my real loves in sports, and to interview Joe Torre, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and several others delights my heart. I truly love my job. Last night Rollins won Game 4 with one swing in the 9th inning, as the Phils went up in the series 3-1. I've been to Citizens Bank Park numerous times, however when he smacked the ball into right field I'd never felt anything like that, as the building shook, and erupted into a lion's roar.

After the game I interviewed J-Roll, and if you were listening closely on ESPN, you could hear my question. Here is the score on our conversation:

We spoke a few weeks back, and I asked you about your role as a leadoff hitter...and you basically expressed that it's just a teams game...you're out there as a team, playing together. You always hear professional athletes talk about when they step into the moment, when they get into the zone. When you stepped up there for that at-bat...did you feel things slowing down for you?

"Yeah, things do slow down. You know, you--I don't know. You already have it planned out in your head how you want things to go. Sometimes it goes that way, sometimes it doesn't. But being confident in your ability helps a lot. You don't question what you're going to do. And like I said, after the first pitch, I was able to make an adjustment. If you go back, you see me in the box trying to get my feet in the right position. I was saying to myself, 'do I want closed [stance], and not open up? I decided to go with an open because I felt my hands get in the slot. From that point it was just a matter of getting a good pitch. If you think about it, 60 feet is a long ways to see the ball, even at 100 miles per hour, and he threw it basically where I was looking.

Really it was funny, right before he threw it, I say to myself...hit a ball in the right-center field gap. Kemp was playing me slightly to left-center. [Andre] Ethier was squeezing, and I was like 'hit the ball in the gap right over Broxton's head, and that's at least one run...and it went all the way to the fence, so we were able to get two [runs] and a victory."

Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images, Johnathan Grzybowski

Otra vez

Primetime

"I don't want to say goodbye, to you...so I'll just say goodnight..."

Mos Def - Goodnight

The Fightin' Phils defeated the Dodgers in LA, 8-6. The score and hits will fool you, however Thursday night was a pitchers duel, that Philadelphia was able to take advantage of.

Very Familiar

The NLCS got off to a cardiac start, as this series is not for the fair weather fan, or faint of heart. James Loney, Andre Ethier, Manny Ramirez, and Juan Pierre, battled the Phillies starter Cole Hamels, but the Dodgers pitching fell apart beginning in the 5th, as Ryan Howard came up big with runners in scoring position, just as he did in Colorado. Raul Ibanez smacked a 3-run homer in the 8th to give Philadelphia the lead for good, giving Brad Lidge an opportunity for save number 3 in the post season.

While the home runs and final 3 outs will get all the praise from tonight, it was the pitching of former Dodger Chan Ho Park...now pitching for the Phillies, that provided a steady balance in the 7th that kept the 5-4 Philadelphia lead. In baseball it's all about pitching, and the guy that makes the most from the mound will give his team the best opportunity to win.

Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Big Brown

Iconic

"Stuntin (stuntin) is a habit, put it in the air..."

David Banner - Stuntin is a Habit

Going into the NLDS the questions swirled around the Phillies and their closer Brad Lidge...now as the team moves into the next round, all the chatter has subsided.

For what its WERTH

The Philadelphia Phillies closed out the NLDS against the Colorado Rockies last night in stunning fashion. They led the game after a 1st inning home run by Shane Victorino...and Jayson Werth added his own blast in the 6th to make it 2-0, however the Rockies came back not only to tie it...they took a 4-2 lead going into the top of the 9th.

There is an old saying...patience is a virtue, and the reining champions personified that, by making the most of their at-bats with 2 outs in the 9th. Ryan Howard hit a 2-run, double, making it 4-4...and Jayson Werth followed that up with a single to bring Howard home.

With the Phils leading by 1, Brad Lidge closed the door for his second consecutive save. It's one game at a time, as they move into the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Phillies are experienced, and talented enough for the next challenge, so you can expect more of the same as Philly battles through the test of October.

Photo: David Zalubowski

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

At Bat with Jimmy Rollins

Last week I sat down with Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins...and not only did the interview go well...this video is currently appearing on BET.com, and with that said...I truly believe that this is the beginning of something special in my career.

There is no substitute for hard work.

Dreams

24/7

"I can get you BET and TRL too..."

Jay Z - Encore

Today is September 1, 2009...on the surface it indicates the end of the summer months, however for me it signifies a new beginning.

Sign of the Times

The writing industry changes on a daily basis, and as a journalist...I also work as an agent of change and consistency. With that said, I am now officially a correspondent for BET.com. This is a step of maturation...as I'm growing and learning everyday. You can expect the same in-depth coverage on BET as GAME TIME, however with a media conglomerate such as VIACOM, I trust that more doors of opportunity will open because of the heightened exposure from working as a national writer.

On Thursday, I'm going to sit down with Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jimmy Rollins...stay tuned, and as always...thank you for support AXG and my work.