Found on the subway platform this morning…
Meanwhile, down in Tampa, the young guns are getting some burn: here’s John Harper on Manny Banuelos, and Jack Curry on Jesus Montero. And for you old fogies, check out Harvey Araton’s column on Yogi and Gator.
Ron Guidry is (slightly) before my time. But I've always been shocked how much he's aged just since I started seeing him at Old Timer's Days and such. He went from looking about 45 to looking about 65 very, very quickly.
Age has nothing to do with loving the story about Yogi and Gator. It is part of being a Yankee fan. As the hype flies, the Yankees are a storied franchise. These guys are its cornerstones. The Babe, The Mick, Joe D, Casey are the headstones. Don't go boosting Steiney without referring to Barrow, the Colonel, Webb and Topping, not to mention Burke. Remember Bob Woods, Mel Allen, White and Phil when you talk about the present voices. Its a beautiful thing to see Gator honoring his elder. Its a must read for all.
As for the story, its on page 1 and 3. How about that? So Gator goes out for some roast beef and Yogi buys vodka. I'll go to that party anyday.
Araton, who has been doing great work this spring, hit a HR with that piece. It seems like every newspaper has the exact same menu of stories each day, so one like Araton's really stands out.
Stories like Gator and Yogi hanging out in Tampa are exactly why spring training is still pretty cool.
[2] It wasn't entirely his fault, but Burke's tenure under CBS is one of the darkest periods in the franchise's history. I don't think I'd include him with the rest on that list.
I feel like I've been MIA this offseason...
I'm just starting to get the itch.
5) We miss ya, Hoss! Welcome home.
Last year I had Emma's book to get be excited about the new season. This year... ?? Anyone have any recommendations?
7) Jonah Keri's book about the D Rays is good. But otherwise, it looks like a slow season for baseball books after a bumper crop last year. For sheer literary value though, the Library of America's compilation of boxing writing will be hard to beat. I've got it and it is stellar.
[4] Amend my words to "..., and do not mention Burke."
[1] i grew up loving Guidry. i read the awesome Times article on the Rajun Cajun and Yogi late last nite. funny - very first thing i thought was how good Louisiana Lightning looked! i thought he looked young and was impressed how well he has aged. who knows, perhaps your perspective on the will change in a decade! : )