Yanks Clip Angels’ Wings

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Yankees start second half with win over Angels

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 14- Mark Teixeira said the four-day hiatus this week for the all-Star break was what he may have needed, and the New York Yankees know the rest did him well. He hit two home runs Friday evening in the Bronx that enabled New York to open the second half of the season with a come from behind 6-5 win over the Los Angeles Angels.

Teixeira hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning to left field and catcher Russell Martin fighting out of a slump, hit a two-out single that overcame the Angels 5-2 lead.

“I had a good batting practice today and the extra energy,” commented Teixeira who recorded his 36^th career multi-home run game, now with 17 on the season. He also drove in five runs for the third time.

Teixeira commented, “It’s a new start. The first half really doesn’t mean anything.” In essence the first half did mean something as the Yankees opened the second half with a seven- game lead over the Baltimore Orioles in the American League east.

The Yankees won their second straight and fifth in their last six games. The win, first of three games with the Angels, was the start of a six-game home stand that will continue with Toronto.

“Sure the break helped him physically,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Teixeira. “New York, at 53-33 went a season high 20-games over .500 with the best record in baseball.

Prior to the second home run by Teixeira, the Angels’ Mark Trumbo hit his team leading 23^rd home run giving them a 4-2 lead. It was the 15^th home run this year by Trumbo that has tied a game or given the Angels the lead, and his fifth straight game against the Yankees with a home run.

“We set the table for him and he got a big hit at the time and just missed another one,” said Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia. Nick Swisher robbed Trumbo of another home run when he leaped and got the out, a ball that looked like it was clearing the outfield wall in right, in the Angels eighth inning.

C.J Wilson pitched seven solid innings until Scott Downs (1-1) imploded for the Angels in an inning that started with a Derek Jeter double and a walk to Curtis Granderson.

Hiroki Kuroda did not figure in the decision for the Yankees after throwing six innings and giving up two home runs. Chad Qualls (1-0) got his first win for New York and Rafael Soriano recorded his 21^st save in 22 chances.

Martin, hoping for a better second half got it off to a good start. He drove in the game winning run in the eighth inning and also nailed two Angels on the base paths.

His throw to Jeter at second, with two outs in the ninth, nailed Howie Kendrick, the tying run to end the game.

 “Three guys out, the game winning hit,” said Girardi who added the game by Martin was important for him. Martin ended a, 0-for-30 slump last Saturday at Boston before the break.

Freddy Garcia (3-2) gets the start for New York Saturday afternoon.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Bronx News Sports: Superstar Trout Makes First Visit to Yankee Stadiu...

Bronx News Sports: Superstar Trout Makes First Visit to Yankee Stadiu...: (Mike Trout steals second base in the top of the third inning, but is stranded.- Photo  by Gary Quintal)  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK,...

Superstar Trout Makes First Visit to Yankee Stadium

(Mike Trout steals second base in the top of the third inning, but is stranded.- Photo by Gary Quintal) 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 14- Currently ranked in the top 10 in almost every offensive category and leading the American League in batting and stolen bases, 20-year-old Mike Trout, like his counterpart in the National League, 19-year-old Bryce Harper, is bringing excitement to every city in which he plays. The two center fielders are reminiscent to older fans of the entrance of Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays into the respective New York City center fields of Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds in the same year, 1951. Although no one can accurately foresee what each will accomplish in his future career in baseball, each has proven to have excellent talent.

Trout, who began the 2012 season with the Angels on April 28, made his first visit to Yankee stadium as a player on Friday, the 13^th. The young man’s visit was quite meaningful to him, “Just being in the same place as so many Hall of Famers played is awesome.”

In a pre-game press conference, the New Jersey native was questioned about his childhood baseball preferences and responded, “I was a Phillies fan, but Jeter was my guy. I always liked seeing him play. I played shortstop my whole life until my senior year [in high school] when I changed to outfield. I’m out there hustling on every play. That’s how Jeter plays the game and that’s how I want to play the game.”

The two will be even closer in the future and family members and friends of Trout were invited to watch Friday night’s game in Jeter’s luxury box.

Trout was selected by the Angels as the 25^th pick in the first round of the 2009 MLB First Year Player Draft. On Friday, the youngster commented, “Going 25^th gives me the motivation to prove them wrong.” He has been spurred to exhibit the capacity he possesses to be a star quality player in the majors.

Although he played 40 games with the Angels during the 2011 season, Trout is still considered to be a rookie. Thus, he is currently a favorite to be voted both the Rookie of the Year and the American League MVP. This is a rare honor previously won by Ichiro Suzuki and Fred Lynn.

Trout leads all American League rookies in every offensive category except triples in which he ranks second. He is the first rookie in AL history to rank first in batting average (.341) and stolen bases (26) at the All Star break.

Trout’s performances during May, June and early July added to his personal popularity earned him a place on the A.L. All-Star Team. He recounted his feelings on that memorable day to reporters at Yankee Stadium, “It was a great experience for my family and me and my friends. I started to feel a little nervous when I looked in the dugout and saw Derek Jeter and when I looked in the stands and saw my family.” Hid nervousness wore off quickly as he singled in his only at bat and stole a base. He was the youngest player to hit successful in the Mid-Summer Classic in 57 years.

The second youngest player currently in the majors was asked to comment about the youngest, Bryce Harper, “He’s a great guy; he plays the game the right way, hard; he’s got the same focus as I do, get on base and score a lot of runs. It’s only been one-half of a year, we have to keep working hard and making it happen.”

The two are on teams that appear to be heading to post-season berths. The Halos were only 6-14 prior to Trout’s joining the club, but have amassed the best record in the majors (42-25) since that date.

Trout’s first game in Yankee Stadium, although in a loss, was impressive. He singled and doubled in four at bats. He stole two bases and scored a run.

On Friday, at the age of 20 years, 10 months and 5 days, Trout described his experiences in the majors, “It’s definitely surreal. I try not to think about it during the season; it could give you a big head. I’ll talk about it with my parents after the season.”

Yanks Honor Old Timers with Win Over Sox

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 2- The Yankees and their fans
celebrated and commemorated the organization’s glorious history at the 66th annual
Old Timers’ Day on Sunday afternoon. Yankee heroes from the past 65 years were
on the field prior to the regularly scheduled game between the Yankees and
Chicago White Sox.

After the introduction of the more than four dozen former
Yankees and the widows of Elston Howard, Catfish Hunter, Bilrly Martin, Thurman
Munson and Bobby Murcer, the former players took part in a two inning “game”.
The annual festivities entertained those in attendance and brought back
heartfelt memories to several generations of Yankees fans.

The continuity between the generations of Yankees players
remains to the present as the current Yankees and those of the past meet and
get to know one another at the yearly ceremony.

At 2:07 pm, the scheduled contest began, Yankees starter
Phil Hughes gave up two runs in the first inning as singles by Kevin Youkilis
and Alex Rios each drove in a run.

Those two were the only runs scored by the Sox on Sunday.
Hughes blanked Chicago during the seven other innings he pitched. He
surrendered only six hits and one walk while fanning seven during his stint on
the mound.

Manager Joe Girardi was especially pleased by the
performance of Hughes in such an unbearably hot and humid day, “I
thought he made some mistakes with location [in the first] and then he was able
to make some adjustments. He was effective all day. To pitch eight innings on
this kind of day is amazing.”

The win was the eighth for Hughes in his last ten
decisions.

The long ball by the Yankees hitters, as it has throughout
2012, made an immediate impact. Raúl Ibañez led off the second with a single
and scored on a two-run homer by Eric Chavez, at third base in place of Alex
Rodriguez. The four-bagger tied the game at two.

Another two-run homer, this hit by Robinson Cano on a 3-2
count in the third put the Yankees ahead, 4-2.

The homer was Cano’s ninth in his last 14 games. The
Yankees second sacker has driven in at least one run in each of his last 11
games against Chicago.

Cano was one of four Yankees named to the American League
All-Star Team on Sunday. He will start at second, Derek Jeter will start at
shortstop and Curtis Granderson will start in the outfield and CC Sabathia will
be on the pitching staff.

The first place Yanks now embark on a seven game
pre-All-Star game road trip, three games in Tampa and four games in Boston.

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Paulie’s Back in Pinstripes: Yankee legends braved the heat and returned to the Bronx to be a part of Old Timer’s Day. 

Yanks Honor Old Timers with Win Over Sox

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 2- The Yankees and their fans
celebrated and commemorated the organization’s glorious history at the 66th annual
Old Timers’ Day on Sunday afternoon. Yankee heroes from the past 65 years were
on the field prior to the regularly scheduled game between the Yankees and
Chicago White Sox.

After the introduction of the more than four dozen former
Yankees and the widows of Elston Howard, Catfish Hunter, Bilrly Martin, Thurman
Munson and Bobby Murcer, the former players took part in a two inning “game”.
The annual festivities entertained those in attendance and brought back
heartfelt memories to several generations of Yankees fans.

The continuity between the generations of Yankees players
remains to the present as the current Yankees and those of the past meet and
get to know one another at the yearly ceremony.

At 2:07 pm, the scheduled contest began, Yankees starter
Phil Hughes gave up two runs in the first inning as singles by Kevin Youkilis
and Alex Rios each drove in a run.

Those two were the only runs scored by the Sox on Sunday.
Hughes blanked Chicago during the seven other innings he pitched. He
surrendered only six hits and one walk while fanning seven during his stint on
the mound.

Manager Joe Girardi was especially pleased by the
performance of Hughes in such an unbearably hot and humid day, “I
thought he made some mistakes with location [in the first] and then he was able
to make some adjustments. He was effective all day. To pitch eight innings on
this kind of day is amazing.”

The win was the eighth for Hughes in his last ten
decisions.

The long ball by the Yankees hitters, as it has throughout
2012, made an immediate impact. Raúl Ibañez led off the second with a single
and scored on a two-run homer by Eric Chavez, at third base in place of Alex
Rodriguez. The four-bagger tied the game at two.

Another two-run homer, this hit by Robinson Cano on a 3-2
count in the third put the Yankees ahead, 4-2.

The homer was Cano’s ninth in his last 14 games. The
Yankees second sacker has driven in at least one run in each of his last 11
games against Chicago.

Cano was one of four Yankees named to the American League
All-Star Team on Sunday. He will start at second, Derek Jeter will start at
shortstop and Curtis Granderson will start in the outfield and CC Sabathia will
be on the pitching staff.

The first place Yanks now embark on a seven game
pre-All-Star game road trip, three games in Tampa and four games in Boston.

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Paulie’s Back in Pinstripes: Yankee legends braved the heat and returned to the Bronx to be a part of Old Timer’s Day. 

Yankees Elder Statesman

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, July 2- The only franchise in Major League
Baseball that recognizes and regular honors its history is the New York
Yankees. More than four dozen Yankees were at Yankee Stadium on a brutally hot
afternoon to take part in the 66th annual Old Timers’ Day ceremony on Sunday
afternoon.

Sunday’s contingent of former stars included Hall of Famers
Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Rickey Henderson and Reggie Jackson.
The widows of Thurman Munson, Elston Howard, Catfish Hunter, Jill Martin and
Bobby Murcer were there to visit with the teammates of their late husbands.

The eldest of the 2012 Yankees returnees was Jerry Coleman.
The 87- year old, a regular at the annual Yankees reunion, flew cross-country
from his native California to be in the Bronx for the event. The very good
humored San Diego Padres broadcaster said of the flight, “They
made the seats smaller. I had to sit like this.” He
then imitated someone clinching his body to be as narrow as possible.

He spoke with sincere gratitude of the treatment the former
Yankees received from the organization, “You wouldn’t believe all they do for
us, the transportation arrangements, the hotel, the meals and the cruise last
night.” Coleman’s description is valid as the
Marketing department led by Senior Vice President Debbie Tymon arranges all
such events with class and consideration.

Coleman humorously recalled his first game with the Yankees
in 1949, “The first play of the game was a
ground ball that went right between my legs. The next play was a one-hopper
that came to me and resulted in a double play. After that I said, ‘I’m saved.’”

Coleman’s playing career was far better than he likes to
joke. The second baseman’s first season was so good that the Associated Press
chose him as American League Rookie of the Year. In his sophomore season, he
received the Babe Ruth Award as World Series MVP.

When asked which of his teammates he was closest to, he
pointed to the man sitting next to him in the dugout, Dr. Bobby Brown. Brown,
one month younger than Coleman was a schoolmate of Coleman’s in San Francisco.
Brown, after his playing days ended, became a renowned cardiologist and later
President of the American League. Another teammate of the two, Charlie Silvera,
back-up catcher to Yogi Berra, was a childhood friend as well.

Coleman’s baseball career was twice interrupted for
military service. He was the only Major League player engaged in active combat
duty during World War II and the Korean War. He values the wartime service to
his country in much higher terms than he does his years in baseball.

The articulate Coleman spent seven years as a broadcaster
with the Yankees after his playing career concluded where he again teamed with
his double play partner, Phil Rizzuto.

After relocating to California, Coleman broadcast for the
California Angels for two seasons. In 1972, Coleman began a position he still
holds as a broadcaster for the Padres. He missed only one season as a
broadcaster, 1980, when he managed the Padres.

His excellence as a broadcaster earned him the Ford C.
Frick Award in 2005 and enshrinement in the broadcast win of the baseball Hall
of Fame. Currently Coleman does not travel with the Padres. He works
approximately 30 home games during the season.

Despite the difference in age, he appears close with the
players on the team. While sitting in the White Sox dugout before the “Old
Timers’  were introduced, the broadcaster engaged in very friendly
conversation and humorous banter with former Padres, Jake Peavy and Orlando
Hudson.

Anyone who gets the opportunity to converse with the
octogenarian will be enlightened, entertained and uplifted as I was on Sunday.

One can also learn a great deal more
of his interesting life by reading his 2008 autobiography, American Journey: My
Life on the Field, in the Air and on the Air.

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Paulie’s Back in Pinstripes: Yankee legends braved the heat and returned to the Bronx to be a part of Old Timer’s Day. 

Yankee Old Timer’s Day

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

Paulie’s Back in Pinstripes: Yankee legends braved the heat and returned to the Bronx to be a part of Old Timer’s Day.