Bronx News Sports: Fordham Women Hoopsters

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Women Hoopsters: Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14 th  Victory in 15 Games By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27-  The home e...

Fordham Women Hoopsters

Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14^th Victory in 15 Games

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- The home environment in the Bronx brings out the best in the Fordham University women’s basketball squad. The 71-52 victory of the Rams (21-7, 10-5) over the George Mason Patriots (7-21, 1-13) ended the regular season home schedule of the Rams with their achieving 14 wins in 15 games. 

For the Patriots, the 2013-14 season, its first as a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, has been exceptionally lengthy. They have lost all but one of their conference contests and 19 of their last 21 games. 

A basket by Sandra Ngoie, 42 seconds into the game, gave the visitors their first and only advantage of the contest. The Rams netted the next nine points to lead by seven at 16:28. A three by freshman Hannah Missry at 7:50 capped another run of nine unanswered points to raise the Fordham lead to 15 (23-8). Fordham scored the final 11 points of the half to take its largest lead of the game, 38-18.

Fordham was as dominant on the court as the score shows. They sunk half of their field goal attempts (16 of 32) while their able defense held the Patriots to 29.6 percent (8 of 27) shooting from the floor. Erin Rooney, Fordham’s top scorer, was the only player to reach double figures with 13 points.

The second half featured a series of alternating scoring runs. Fordham began the half with four points. George Mason followed with eight unanswered points. A 12-3 run by Fordham resulted in its largest lead of the contest, 24 points (54-30). An 18-6 run by the Patriots cut the deficit to its lowest level in the second half, 12 points (60-48). Fordham closed the contest by scoring 11 of the final 15 points to conclude the game with a 71-52 win.

The Patriots adjusted well to an unfamiliar site, the Rose Hill Gym, in the second half. Their shooting percentage climbed to 57.7 percent (15 for 26) while that of the Rams declined to 39.3 percent (11 for 28). 

Two factors were crucial in the Rams’ maintaining their lead. In the second half, they controlled the boards, 18-10. They were especially effective on the offensive end with eight rebounds to one for the visitors, which led to 13 second chance points to only two for the Patriots. 

Another critical difference between the two teams was success in accuracy from beyond the arc. Fordham sunk four 3’s in each half, but the Patriots were unsuccessful in their seven attempts.

Rooney was the only player with double digit scoring in the second half and ended the contest with 24 points and an impressive nine assists. She needs only three points to reach 1,000 in her two seasons at Fordham. Emily Tapio scored 16, her sixth straight game in double figures. Samantha Clark was one point short of achieving a double-double (10 rebounds and 9 points).

The Rams travel to Philadelphia on March 2 to face St. Joe’s in their final regular season contest.

Bronx News Sports: Brett Gardner Signs

Bronx News Sports: Brett Gardner Signs: Brett Gardner Signs 4 Year Extension with Yankees for $52 Million By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24- Despite spendin...

Brett Gardner Signs

Brett Gardner Signs 4 Year Extension with Yankees for $52 Million

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24- Despite spending hundreds of millions on free agents during the off-season, the New York Yankees are not broke, nor have they stopped spending to make what they believe will be improvements to the team.

The questions regarding his future with the Yankees raised by outfielder Brett Gardner during his recent appearance in New York City to receive a Thurman Munson Award by the AHRC were answered on Sunday as he inked a four-year extension of his current contract that will begin in 2015 for an additional $52 million. The club will have a fifth year option for $12.5 million. Although there is not a no-trade clause, the Yankees will pay Gardner a $1 million bonus if he is traded during the course of the contract.  

Gardner was somewhat dismayed by the unexpected offseason acquisition of free agent, Jacoby Ellsbury, a center fielder and lead-off batter as is Gardner. Prior to the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on February 4, the 30-year old expressed his surprise by the Ellsbury signing, “I didn’t see it coming.”

His words to reporters that evening displayed his insecurity regarding his future with the team, “I don’t really have any expectations of where I’ll be playing or where I’ll be hitting…Hopefully, I’ll play a big role…Until something happens, I expect to be a Yankee.” 

Thus far, Gardner has been a Yankee product since being drafted in the third round of the 2005 First Year Player Draft. He made his debut in the majors on June 30, 2008. 

Gardner spoke very differently on Sunday than he did less than three weeks earlier, “It’s meaningful to be able to play for New York. Hopefully, one day I can retire, and say I didn’t play for another team. I think that would be awesome. It’s such a historic franchise…I love putting on the pinstripes.” 

Gardner also spoke very positively of the coming season for the Yankees, “I feel like we’re going to have a special season and a special next several years. We brought in a lot of good talent this off-season and I’m looking forward to getting out on the field in a couple of days and playing baseball.”

On Tuesday, the Yankees will play their first Spring Training game against Florida State University with Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. 

New York Yankees General Manager explained some of the thinking of the team’s brass for the contract extension, “It’s a demonstration from our end. We don’t typically do this, but it shows the level of confidence, beliefs and trust in the type of person and player he is.”

Gardner will play left field and not bat in the lead-off position unless something unexpected happens to Ellsbury before or during the season. It appears that Carlos Beltran will be in right field, Alfonso Soriano will be the designated hitter and Ichiro Suzuki will serve as the fourth outfielder.

Bronx News Sports: Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca

Bronx News Sports: Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca: Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca  By Howard Goldin Yankee Stadium will be the venue for one of the 13 matches that comprise t...

Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca

Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca 

By Howard Goldin

Yankee Stadium will be the venue for one of the 13 matches that comprise the 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup. 

Eight of the top European sides, AC Milan, AS Roma and FC Inter from Italy, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United from Britain, Olympiacos from Greece and Real Madrid from Spain, will comprise this year’s field. Real Madrid is the defending champion of the inaugural year of the prestigious tournament that is being played on iconic venues in the United States from July 24-August 4.

The eight clubs will be divided into two groups of four. The winner of each group will meet in the final at Met Life Stadium in Miami on August 4.

Anyone familiar with baseball and soccer will not find it surprising that the two teams scheduled to play at Yankee Stadium on the evening of July 30 are Liverpool and Manchester City. Not only are the two sides rivals in the English Premier League, not only have both been in existence since the late 19^th century, but both are associated with MLB teams involved in the greatest rivalry in the sport of baseball. In 2010, Liverpool was purchased by the Fenway Sports Group, owners of the Boston Red Sox. In 2013, the Yankees entered into a financial partnership with Manchester City to become 20 percent owners of the New York City FC, an expansion club that will enter the MLS (Major League Soccer) in 2015. 

The representative of each team, Mike Summerbee (Manchester City) and Robbie Fowler (Liverpool), is retired after a lengthy and successful playing career in England. Each had a number of caps for the English National Team during his career. 

Both men expressed the importance of playing in America. Summerbee commented, “It’s all about the branding of the club. Everybody wants to play in America.” He explained how he saw the growth of the sport in the U.S., “I came here in 1969 and there was almost nobody watching the games. In 16 years, America will win the World Cup.” 

Fowler explained Liverpool’s thinking, “Not everyone can come to the stadium [in Liverpool]. We like to bring the club to the people. There are 21 million supporters of Liverpool in the United States.”

When asked how two English clubs will draw in a city with so many ethnic groups, Charlie Stallitano, representative of Relevent Sports the promoters of the tourney, replied, “Any team that we bring here will bring true football fans. Football is really universal and these teams are so multi-cultural.” 

Each team is comprised of players from many nations. For example, Luis Suárez, the Liverpool player leading the English Premier League in goals is from Uruguay and the leading scorers from Manchester City, Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) and Sergio Aguero (Argentina) are stars of their own national teams, not England’s.

It was announced that tickets for this upcoming game will go on sale to the public on March 13.

It should also be mentioned that questions were asked of Mark Holtzman, the representative of the New York Yankees regarding the 2015 site for the New York City FC and who will be on its roster. The answer given was, “There’s a lot of work and planning to be done for the new expansion team.” Holtzman said everyone will soon find out specific information, but none would be dispensed during the press conference.

Bronx News Sports: Always the Captain

Bronx News Sports: Always the Captain: Always the Captain Jeter on Season: It’s not about me Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement By Rich...

Always the Captain

Always the Captain

Jeter on Season: It’s not about me

Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Derek Jeter will be missed by the New York Yankees and their fans when his wonderful career concludes this season. Others will also miss his presence, including members of the media. And there are many reasons why the media will miss Jeter.

Derek Jeter was not a friend to the dozens who followed and chronicled his career on the field the past 20 years, rather we referred to Jeter as the professional who answered every question and never ducked an issue. He appreciated this end of the baseball business, and that was displayed again Wednesday at his retirement press conference down in Tampa Florida.

This was the start of Jeter’s retirement press tour. Time and time again, he will answer similar questions as he makes the final rounds around ballparks the Yankees visit. He was patient and understanding.

Then, there was this comment showing his concern to the media: “You can go off to work if you have to.” A few seconds after commenting about his retirement decision, Jeter momentarily took notice of some reporters leaving the pavilion at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Jeter once again, as he has been so accustomed to doing, did not want to be the center of attention. He was the story, and he will be this Yankees 2014 season. But, Jeter also is aware that the media has a job to do. With those words, to those few leaving the press area, Jeter was handling business.

This is spring training, about the New York Yankees quest and hopeful return to the post season in October. This day, according to Jeter, should not be about him. However, that is the side of Derek Jeter that we have all come to know. It was again, more about the Yankees and not about Derek Jeter.

His comments were to the point:

“I feel the time is right. There are other things I want to do. Physically I feel great and I look forward to playing a full season. The thing that means the most to me is to be remembered as a Yankee. Yeah, I’m emotional. It’s kind of difficult because we still have a season to play.”0

He did not laugh. Jeter did not cry. He said it was not a retirement press conference. “I have feelings,” he said.

And there have been times when we knew Derek Jeter had feelings. There have been the many times, and many more this final season when reporters await him by his dressing quarters. At the old and new Yankee Stadiums, the proper answer would always come from the Yankee captain.

Then there was this comment, so typical of what we always get to hear when Derek Jeter speaks.

“Every time the Yankees win,” he said about his favorite career moment. That had to be the toughest answer Wednesday, but one expected from Jeter. And if everything follows the Yankees illustrious history, the Yankees biggest win will come with a sixth World Series ring in the final season for Derek Jeter.

He said, “I think it would have been more of a distraction if I did not mention it,” referring to his retirement announcement on his social media Facebook page last week.

The point is, Derek Jeter has never been a distraction. He has done everything right as a New York Yankee and playing in the New York spotlight, well he handled that like a true professional.

He especially handled it right with the media. He will be missed. The good news is we get to enjoy watching Derek Jeter play one more season and like he said, baseball is fun to play.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Wi...

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Wi...: Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Win over La Salle By Howard Goldin Prior to the Saturday afternoon women’s basket...

Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Win over La Salle

Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Win over La Salle

By Howard Goldin

Prior to the Saturday afternoon women’s basketball contest between the Fordham Rams (20-6, 9-4) and the La Salle Explorers (12-13, 7-6) at Fordham’s Rose Hill Gym in the Bronx, Fordham seniors were honored.

Four, Erin Rooney, Abigail Corning, Briana Jordan and Mary Nwachukwu, of the current successful team will not return next year. After the game, head coach Stephanie Gaitley praised their contributions individually and collectively, “It is a unique group because they are different in so many ways. All bring something unique and everyone brings something special.”

The visitors scored the first five points in what would prove to be a low scoring and poor shooting contest. Fordham’s first points were scored by Emily Tapio after six minutes and two seconds had elapsed. A basket by grad student Nwachukwu gave the Rams their first lead, 10-9, at 9:22. The second and last advantage for Fordham until less than one minute remained in the game also came on a Nwachukwu score to give the Rams a 12-11 lead. The Explorers netted 13 of the last 17 points of the first half to lead, 24-17, at halftime.

A 7-3 La Salle run to start the second half raised the lead of the visitors to double figures, 31-20, at 14:11. Although the advantage decreased as the half continued, La Salle remained in front until the closing seconds. The Explorers led, 42-37, with less than two minutes to play, but Fordham scored the final six points.

Rooney sunk a basket to cut the deficit to three, 42-39. With 50.7 seconds left, Tapio netted two free throws to cut the lead to a single point, 42-14. Rooney was at the charity stripe with only 12.6 seconds remaining in the contest. Both of her shots were netted and Fordham took the lead. Their defense clicked during the remaining seconds and Fordham won by a single point.

Rooney and Tapio were responsible for the scoring throughout the contest. Rooney, #2 in scoring in the Atlantic-10 Conference, led the Rams with 21. She needs only 31 points to reach 1,000 in her two seasons with Fordham. Thus far, she has amassed 1,555 in her four years of college play.

For the second consecutive game, Tapio achieved a double-double, with 12 points and 13 rebounds, her career high. Of the Brewster, New York junior, the coach enthused, “With Emily, you can feel the energy. You can tell Emily would refuse to lose that game.” 

Only two other Rams scored during Saturday’s game, Samantha Clark with six and Nwachukwo with four.

Only three more regular season games remain for the Rams. They will visit Duquesne on February 22 and end the regular season on March 2 at Saint Joe’s. Their final game in the Bronx will take place on February 26 when they host George Mason.

Bronx News Sports: Will Gardner Stay in Pinstripes?

Bronx News Sports: Will Gardner Stay in Pinstripes?: Will Gardner Stay in Pinstripes? By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13- New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner travel...

Will Gardner Stay in Pinstripes?

Will Gardner Stay in Pinstripes?

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13- New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner traveled from South Carolina this week for the 34th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner to support the AHRC New York City Foundation. 

Gardner was among several New York sports stars who were honored for their off-the-field efforts in bettering the lives of others as well as their athletic accomplishments. Among the 2014 award recipients were hurler Dillon Gee of the New York Mets, defensive specialist Anton Rolle of the New York Giants, former Knicks and Nets forward Bernard King, who was voted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013, and former MLB pitching standouts David Cone and Jim Kaat, both currently baseball broadcasters.

These philanthropic occasions have raised more than $12 million that has been used to better the lives of approximately 15,000 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

Each of the honorees expressed their gratitude when speaking with the press and praised Munson even though Gardner, Gee and Rolle were born after Munson had died. 

Gardner said of the award, “It’s a good honor. I’m humbled by it. It definitely means a lot.” He offered praise of Munson, “He played hard. He played the game the right way. He set an example for the younger players.”

Gardner, who was drafted by the Yankees in the 3rd round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, has been with the organization since that day. Although in 2013 he had a batting average of 273 with a single season high in home runs and runs batted in, his name was often mentioned in trade rumors during the off-season. Gardner reacted to questions of how it affected him, “It’s hard to ignore it [a rumor]. It always follows you.”

The thought of Gardner being traded for a starting pitcher intensified when the Yankees signed Jacoby Ellsbury as a free agent, the center fielder of the Red Sox in 2013. Gardner explained his reaction, “I felt like I did pretty well last year. I didn’t see it coming. We have the same skill set; you wonder what’s going to happen.”

Gardner put a positive face on playing with his new alter ego teammate, “Hopefully, we’ll push each other to be better. I’m sure he’ll help us win a lot of games. He makes our team better.”

As both men are center fielders, usually bat in the lead-off spot in the batting order and are known for their speed on the base paths and in the outfield, Gardner used words regarding his place on the team next year that show uncertainty, “I don’t really have any expectations of where I’ll be playing [position] or where I’ll be batting [in the order]. Until I hear otherwise, I’m planning to go to Spring Training and prepare to help this team. Until something happens, I expect to be a Yankee.”

Since last season ended, Gardner explained he was “enjoying my time at home in South Carolina with my wife and sons [ages 3 and 5].” Of the annual trek to Spring Training, he remarked, “It’s always an exciting time of the year [although] it’s tough to leave home. My goal is to be physically and mentally prepared for the season”, said Gardner. 

Gardner was enthusiastic when asked his opinion of the off-season transactions of the Yankees, “Right now, I like our chances. Every year, we get new faces and everybody gets along pretty well. I’m excited to see what these new guys can do.it reminds me of the 2008-9 off-season.”

Gardner is referring to the last season, 2008, when the Yankees failed to qualify for the playoffs, and then signed costly free agents like C.C. Sabathia and Mark Teixeira and won the World Series title in 2009.

How Gardner will fare in 2014, whether or not he will still be a member of the Yankees and where the team will finish in the standings cannot be determined at this time. Many unexpected events can take place before October, even before April. 

On February 7, it was announced that Alex Rodriguez was withdrawing his law suit against MLB and the MLBPA. Thus, his suspension of 162 games will probably remain in effect. On February 11, Masahiro Tanaka will be holding a press conference at Yankee Stadium. Those are just the first of many unforeseen events that will take place.

Bronx News Sports: Tanaka to Become Newest Yankee Ace?

Bronx News Sports: Tanaka to Become Newest Yankee Ace?: Tanaka to Become Newest Yankee Ace? By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13- Three days before pitchers and catchers a...

Tanaka to Become Newest Yankee Ace?

Tanaka to Become Newest Yankee Ace?

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 13- Three days before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Spring Training in Florida, the Yankees introduced their new and high priced free agent acquisition to the a large contingent of the American and Japanese sports media. The extremely well organized media event allowed questions to be asked to the new Yankee and the members of the Yankees brass in attendance without the highly anticipated event turning into an out of control circus atmosphere.

The 25 year-old pitcher surprised most in the crowd by uttering his words in English, “Hello; I’m Matsahiro Tanaka. I’m very happy to be a Yankees.” His smile after saying those words was matched by most of the several hundred press representatives in the large Legends Club room. The tone was set for an informative rather than unnecessary adversarial meeting.

One query that implied this was Tanaka’s first trip to New York elicited an interesting reply, “My first visit to New York was when I was in high school. My first dish was sushi which I bought at a local grocery store.” As a member of a high school baseball All-Star team, Tanaka visited Yankee Stadium and met Hideki Matsui.

Although young in years, Tanaka is a seven-year veteran of the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball). Thus, he responded to questions, through his translator Shingo Horie, with care. 

One question that was asked several times was why he chose the Yankees. The response, although convoluted, gave some hints as why, “I wasn’t specifically looking to go to one team. I wanted to come here to win a championship. I understand there’s a lot of pressure here. I wanted to see how far I could go. I just wanted to put myself in this environment.”

Tanaka minimized the influence of other Japanese major leaguers in his decision, “I’ve been watching them [current Yankees teammates Ichiro Suzuki and Hiroki Kuroda] since I was a kid growing up. I didn’t sign with the Yankees because they are here.”

He admitted he spoke on the phone briefly with former Yankee Hideki Matsui, “He basically told ne how good the city was.” When he was questioned as to whether he planned to seek advice from Yu Darvish, a recent very successful transfer to MLB, he replied that he didn’t because they are such different types of pitchers.

Tanaka said he recognized the many adaptions he would have to make regarding the size of the baseball, the number of days between starts, batters he never previously faced and the culture he would be living in, “I just feel it’s very important for me to make that adjustment.”

The point of view of the Yankees towards the signing of Tanaka was clearly explained by General Manager Brian Cashman and Managing Partner Hal Steinbrenner.

Cashman told of the preparation, “We had scouts at every home game [last year]. We put ourselves in a position to evaluate the talent.”

Steinbrenner spoke openly of his feelings for making this agreement with the young pitcher, “When we do things we have to do them right. 189 [million dollars] or not, we wanted a quality starter. Nobody scouted him as much as we did. We wanted to see him as much as we could. He has the toughness and the ability. He’s been on the big stage there. He’s going to be perfect in the clubhouse going to be a great teammate.”

The general manager described the impressions he had of the new hurler, a presence reminiscent of that of Orlando “El Duque’ Hernandez, all business when necessary but a distinct personality with a sense of humor. 

While it is not reasonable to expect him to win 28 straight games as he ended the most recent phase of his career in Japan, it is possible that he can be a great boon to the Yankees in the immediate future.

Fordham News: Derek Jeter to Retire

Fordham News: Derek Jeter to Retire: Derek Jeter to Retire at Conclusion of 2014 Season By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12- The current power of social media...

Bronx News Sports: Derek Jeter to Retire

Bronx News Sports: Derek Jeter to Retire: Derek Jeter to Retire at Conclusion of 2014 Season By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12- The current power of social media...

Bronx News Sports: Derek Jeter to Retire

Bronx News Sports: Derek Jeter to Retire: Derek Jeter to Retire at Conclusion of 2014 Season By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12- The current power of social media...

Derek Jeter to Retire

Derek Jeter to Retire at Conclusion of 2014 Season

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12- The current power of social media was shown on Wednesday as Derek Jeter posted a statement of his retirement from playing baseball after the 2014 season concludes on his Facebook fan page. The Yankee captain made public his decision several days before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to come to camp and weeks before the first Spring Training game will be played.

The broken ankle Jeter suffered last season and the difficulty he had in rebounding from that injury limited Jeter to only 17 games in the 162 game baseball season in 2013. That experience obviously gave the 39-year-old baseball veteran thoughts about when his playing career should end.

Words in his Facebook statement referred to the events of 2013, “Last year was a tough one for me. As I suffered through a bunch of injuries, I realized that some of the things that always came easily to me and were always fun had started to become a struggle. The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward…I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball.”

Jeter, like all human beings, is feeling the passing of time, both physically and emotionally. He has been a professional athlete since 1992 and played his first game with the New York Yankees in late May of 1995.

As an individual who does not like to reveal personal matters, he wrote in general terms of his desires for his life after the age of 40, which he will reach on June 26, “I finally want to stop the chase and take in the world. It’s now time for something new. I have new dreams and aspirations and I want new challenges.” Among the new goals he listed were: starting his own family, taking a vacation during the summer months, engaging in philanthropic and business ventures.

Jeter’s statement mentioned many of the great memories he will bring with into retirement. What he did not write of were the many on-the-field accomplishments that will earn him first ballot election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in his first year of eligibility; American League Rookie of the Year, 13 time member of the A.L. All-Star Team, All-Star Game and World Series MVP in the same year of 2000, five time winner of the A.L. Gold Glove and five time winner of the Silver Slugger.

Jeter’s ability to shine in pressure situations is made clear by his record in these crucial games. He batted .308 in 158 playoff games including .321 in World Series games, .440 in All-Star games and .347 in the World Baseball Classic.

As the days pass, illustrious people in baseball and other walks of life will offer their opinions of the man who has been the face of baseball to the general public for nearly two decades.

###

Yankee Captain Announces Retirement on Facebook

Derek Jeter says this will be his last season; 

Announces his retirement on Facebook page

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 12- You knew it was going to happen sooner or later. Derek Jeter earlier today announced the 2014 season will be his last as an active player. And he made the announcement in this new era of social media on his Facebook page. He retires as a New York Yankee, and there is certain to be that final season of praise and ceremonies around baseball as it was this past season with the retirement of Mariano Rivera.

In a 15- paragraph statement on his social media page, Jeter said, “The 2014 season will be my last playing professional baseball.” He thanked the fans for their loyal support over the years and reportedly made his decision months ago. The Yankees open spring training camp Friday, though Jeter has been working out daily at their complex the past three weeks in Tampa Florida.

Reportedly, before he posted the announcement, Jeter informed Yankees principal owner Hal Steinbrenner about his decision.

Though, Jeter was expected to retire after this season, or next, the announcement was taken by surprise. The Yankees were preparing a statement and it is expected that Jeter will have a similar final goodbye around ballparks as it was with teammate Mariano Rivera this past season.

Jeter is the last of the Yankees’ “Core Four” along with Rivera, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada that played on four World Series championship teams under former Yankees manager Joe Torre.

“I wouldn’t have done it without the people of New York,” said Jeter in his statement about playing before the fans at Yankee Stadium. “NY fans always pushed me to be my best. They have embraced me, loved me, respected me, and have ALWAYS been there for me.”

Jeter, who will turn 40-years of age in June, can be considered one of the top-10 all-time players to wear Yankee pinstripes. He has been associated with the current core of Yankee fans, similar to those who followed Mickey Mantle the late and great Yankee who is in the Hall of Fame.

In total, Jeter has been on five Yankees world championship teams that included the 2009 season, first year of the new Yankee Stadium. He achieved a milestone becoming the 28th player in baseball history to record his 3,000th career hit when he hit a home run at Yankee Stadium against Tampa Bay pitcher David Price in July of 2011.

Jeter, the all-time Yankees hit leader, also said his decision was made months ago. He said that the struggle to getting healthy, staying healthy and to prepare were key factors also. He broke his left ankle during the American League Championship Series against the Tigers in 2012 at Yankee Stadium.

Last season, after struggling to return, he played 17 games. Not one for the spotlight, Jeter decided to finally sit down the remainder of the season as the Yankees made a late playoff drive in September.

Jeter said, “I’ve experienced so many defining moments in my career; winning the World Series as a rookie shortstop, being named the Yankees captain, closing the old and opening the new Yankee Stadium. Through it all, I've never stopped chasing the next one. I finally want to stop the chase and take in the world."

The Yankees captain was AL Rookie of the Year in 1996 and appeared in 13 All-Star games. The following is his Facebook Page Statement:

"I want to start by saying thank you. I know they say that when you dream you eventually wake up. Well, for some reason, I've never had to wake up. Not just because of my time as a New York Yankee but also because I am living my dream every single day.

"Last year was a tough one for me. As I suffered through a bunch of injuries, I realized that some of the things that always came easily to me and were always fun had started to become a struggle. The one thing I always said to myself was that when baseball started to feel more like a job, it would be time to move forward.

"So really it was months ago when I realized that this season would likely be my last. As I came to this conclusion and shared it with my friends and family, they all told me to hold off saying anything until I was absolutely 100 percent sure. And the thing is, I could not be more sure. I know it in my heart. The 2014 season will be my last year playing professional baseball.

"I've experienced so many defining moments in my career: winning the World Series as a rookie shortstop, being named the Yankees captain, closing the old and opening the new Yankee Stadium. Through it all, I've never stopped chasing the next one. I want to finally stop the chase and take in the world. For the last 20 years, I've been completely focused on two goals: playing my best and helping the Yankees win. That means that for 365 days a year, my every thought and action were geared toward that goal. It's now time for something new.

"From the time I was a kid, my dream was always very vivid and it never changed: I was going to be the shortstop for the NY Yankees. It started as an empty canvas more than 20 years ago, and now that I look at it, it's almost complete. In a million years, I wouldn't have believed just how beautiful it would become.

"So many people have traveled along this journey with me and helped me along the way: I want to especially thank The Boss, the Steinbrenner family, the entire Yankees organization, my managers, my coaches, my teammates, my friends, and of course, above all, my family. They taught me incredible life lessons and are the #1 reason I lasted this long. They may not have been on the field, but they feel they played every game with me, and I think they are ready to call it a career as well. I also couldn't have done it without the people of New York. NY fans always pushed me to be my best. They have embraced me, loved me, respected me and have ALWAYS been there for me.

"This can be a tough, invasive, critical and demanding environment. The people of this city have high expectations and are anxious to see them met. But it's those same people who have challenged me, cheered me, beat me down and picked me back up all at the same time. NY made me stronger, kept me more focused and made me a better, more well-rounded person. For that I will be forever grateful. I never could have imagined playing anywhere else.

"I will remember it all: the cheers, the boos, every win, every loss, all the plane trips, the bus rides, the clubhouses, the walks through the tunnel and every drive to and from the Bronx. I have achieved almost every personal and professional goal I have set. I have gotten the very most out of my life playing baseball, and I have absolutely no regrets.

"Now it is time for the next chapter. I have new dreams and aspirations, and I want new challenges. There are many things I want to do in business and in philanthropic work, in addition to focusing more on my personal life and starting a family of my own. And I want the ability to move at my own pace, see the world and finally have a summer vacation.

"But before that, I want to soak in every moment of every day this year, so I can remember it for the rest of my life. And most importantly, I want to help the Yankees reach our goal of winning another championship. Once again, thank you.

Comment: Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Women Defeat George Washington,

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Women Defeat George Washington,: Fordham Women Defeat George Washington, 67-58 to Advance in A-10 Standings (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, N...

Fordham Women Defeat George Washington,

Fordham Women Defeat George Washington, 67-58 to Advance in A-10 Standings

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 10- The fans at the Rose Hill Gym saw an exciting and toughly contested basketball contest on Saturday afternoon between two teams, the Fordham Rams (19-5, 8-3) and the George Washington Colonials (16-8, 7-4) that were tied for fourth place in the tightly bunched Atlantic-10 conference standings. 

Fordham got out to an early lead until a three by Jonquil Jones at 6:07 gave the visitors their first advantage of the game, 8-7, which began a run of 11 unanswered points that resulted in the game’s biggest lead for the Colonials, 14-7. 

George Washington kept the lead until a three by freshman Hannah Missry knotted the score at 26 with 2:38 left in the half. The Rams scored the final five points of the half to lead 31-26.

The Rams scored the first five points of the second half to bring their lead to double digits, 36-26. Two free throws sunk by Abigail Corning, the game’s leading scorer, at 7:48 brought Fordham its greatest advantage of 13 points, 53-40. The lead dwindled slightly, but was never seriously challenged in the second half.

Defense was as important for Fordham during the contest as was offense. G.W. was held to a field goal percentage of 34.4 percent in the first half and 35.5 percent in the second. In their 23 previous games this season, the Colonials were only held to less than the 58 of Saturday’s game three times.

Another quite impressive stat for Fordham was that assists were given on 21 of Fordham’s 22 field goals. Of that, senior Corning remarked, “We’re sharing the ball well. It shows our chemistry, just shows we’re a selfless team. It makes us hard to defend.”

Corning was the only double figure scorer in the first half with 13. She concluded the contest with a game-high of 20. She modestly described her performance, “[I was] just taking the shots that presented themselves to me, especially in the first half.”

Three of the other Fordham starters also reached double figures in scoring, Missry (12), Erin Rooney (11) and Emily Tapio (11). 

Danni Jackson, the shortest player on the court at 5-3, was the highest scorer for the Colonials with 16 points.

The victory was the 18th in the last 21 games for the Rams. Corning commented on its importance, “It just keeps our momentum going.”

The Rams will travel to Richmond for a televised encounter on February 11. They will return to the Bronx to host La Salle on the afternoon of February 15.

Bronx News Sports: Taft’s Season Comes to a Close

Bronx News Sports: Taft’s Season Comes to a Close: Taft’s Season Comes to a Close (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Gary Quintal Winning four of their last five games, Taft headed i...

Taft’s Season Comes to a Close

Taft’s Season Comes to a Close

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Gary Quintal

Winning four of their last five games, Taft headed into its final regular season game on February 7th needing a win to possibly secure a playoff seed. 

An early 12-12 tie against fellow Bronx A West division rival Walton and a 21-point fourth quarter by the Golden Eagles was wasted as four Walton players scored in double figures taking the game 63-60, pushing Taft out of the playoff picture.  

Taft finishes its season 7-8 ,while 13-2 Walton hosts the opening round of the playoffs against Holcombe L. Rucker School of Community Research.  

Bronx News Sports: Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Bronx News Sports: Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?: Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean? Alex Rodriguez drops the lawsuits: Where does this go from here? By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK...

Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Is A-Rod Finally Coming Clean?

Alex Rodriguez drops the lawsuits: Where does this go from here?

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 8- To those who have been in the corner of Alex Rodriguez as to innocent or guilty, there was an answer Friday afternoon. Rodriguez, from all accounts admitted his guilt by dropping lawsuits against Major League Baseball and the players association regarding his defense in this latest and biggest steroid case that hit the game of baseball.

But from the beginning, A-Rod had guilt written all over him. Spending his millions that were earned, from what we thought he deserved, as the most talented player in the game, kept this an ongoing drama that appears to have come to a conclusion.

And hopefully this is the end of the A-Rod steroid saga and baseball can move on. Because from all accounts this amounts to a major victory for Major League Baseball and through all the hearings and lawsuits filed, baseball nailed the main culprit.

Blame Major League Baseball also from the beginning. When all this steroid and PED drama started almost a decade ago, they failed to take action because fans were coming to the ballpark to see the home run leave the ballpark. A-Rod from the beginning, along with the other culprits, took advantage.

Since that time, as documented, baseball took a hit. Illegal performance enhancing drugs were prevalent and the story. Many times those stories continued to overtake the good things that were taking place on the field, the good from those who played the game without the use of a stimulant that many times awarded big money contracts to the wrong guys.

One of those wrong guys, and a major culprit in all of this was Alex Rodriguez. And like him or not, you have to have some type of sorrow for this talented player, one who did not need PED’s to begin with.

But, A-Rod was able to get away with so much. The first time, he admitted his guilt when he hit over 300 home runs with the Texas Rangers. Then, he came to New York, as a Yankee and hit more, destined to become the lone player in baseball history to hit 700 home runs or more and rewarded with was the highest contract offered to a player.

Again, numbers on the field were rewarded, just unfortunate that those statistics that A-Rod compiled did not come naturally. The fact PED’s contributed to those balls leaving the yard, and a record number of runs batted in, not coming without the use of illegal substances made this story a worse case for baseball.

And now, whether one believes A-Rod was right or wrong, perhaps the game of baseball can get back to normal.  Though the stigma of this latest A-Rod drama of the last year will never go away, nor will it disappear from the names of other culprits who got a lesser suspension from their involvement of Biogenesis or other related PED cases over the past few years.

The difficult aspect is accepting a player who goes on a home run tear, or a pitcher who is throwing over powering stuff, or another record breaker for that matter. Their accomplishments will always be questioned and for that one has to put the blame on Alex Rodriguez and others.

More so, the blame goes to A-Rod for initiating this fraud, one that went further beyond expectations, because he had the money to take this to Federal court by utilizing the services of high profiled lawyers that looked at this case for prominence. And of course A-Rod had the money to pay them what they wanted.

So with his back against the wall, and with no more support from a player’s union that advocated better drug testing and banning of PED’s from the game, Friday afternoon those lawyers getting paid good money from A-Rod petitioned the court to drop their case.

Except, that lawsuit against Major League Baseball, the union, and the Yankees should never have been filed because from the beginning of this, Alex Rodriguez was always guilty.

One can argue that a drug test was never administered to A-Rod to clear his name. But that was never a question here because all the evidence was open via text messages and documents. And one can argue that baseball is at fault for allowing this mess of PED’s to continue, no matter what strict policies were implemented or what type of security was in place.

We do know this: Alex Rodriguez will not play baseball in 2014 for the New York Yankees. There will be no circus atmosphere down in Tampa Florida next week with the media when players report to spring training camp because Alex Rodriguez said he will not be there.

Though the prevailing question is, will Alex Rodriguez play baseball again and if so, will it be with the New York Yankees? That remains to be answered as the Yankees move forward from this, and focus on their goal to fill the void at third base and return to play post season baseball in October.

Comment Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com 

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams Photos by Gary Quintal Fordham beat University of Rhode Island in the battle of the Rams 85-...

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Bronx News Sports: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams: Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams Photos by Gary Quintal Fordham beat University of Rhode Island in the battle of the Rams 85-...

Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Fordham Wins Battle of the Rams

Photos by Gary Quintal

Fordham beat University of Rhode Island in the battle of the Rams 85-79 improving to 9-12 with its second conference win of the year. 

Bronx News Sports: Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Bronx News Sports: Mount Dealt Tough Loss: Mount Dealt Tough Loss Photos by Gary Quintal By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Visiting Stepinac High Scho...

Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Mount Dealt Tough Loss

Photos by Gary Quintal

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 3- Visiting Stepinac High School gave Mount Saint Michael Academy more than they could handle on Saturday afternoon in Catholic High School hoops action.  

An early 20-6 lead almost had Stepinac running away early, but the 14-point lead was cut in half to 35-28 with 4:19 remaining in the second quarter thanks to early foul trouble giving the Mountaineers multiple trips to the charity stripe.  

Falling behind as much as 24 points in the second half, Mount struggled to keep pace with Crusaders, dealing Mount Saint Michael Academy a 92-76 loss.  

Mount looks to get back to winning next Tuesday February 11, taking on All Hallows in their final home game of the season.