A Light Is Turned Off In The Bronx

I don't like baseball. It is long, it is boring, it is made up of overpaid babies who rarely play every game in a season, even though the actual work that they do in a game is minimal. And thus I rarely pay attention to the sport and certainly don't waste my team reading blogs about it. However, glancing at Deadspin today, I saw that they offered their condolences to those that knew and were close to a Yankee blogger who passed away, Todd Drew.

Drew, a 42 year old diehard fan of the pinstripes, lost his battle with cancer Wednesday night.

He maintained Yankees for Justice which seems like a solid blog. But what I really would love for you to read is this piece he guest-wrote over at the Journal News site just over a year ago. It was truly a brilliant article about baseball and the Bronx but it really shows how sports and our society are intertwined, and wonderfully so.

RIP Mr. Drew.

 A Light Is Turned Off In The Bronx: Reflecting on the Retirement of Derek Jeter

On September 25, 2014, a chapter in baseball history came to a close as Derek Jeter played his final game at Yankee Stadium. For two decades, Jeter had been the heart and soul of the New York Yankees, a symbol of class, consistency, and championship success. This article reflects on the retirement of Derek Jeter, one of the most iconic figures in the history of baseball.

The Early Years

Derek Sanderson Jeter was born on June 26, 1974, in Pequannock, New Jersey. He was raised in a family with a strong passion for sports, and his father, Charles, played a significant role in shaping his love for baseball. Derek Jeter's journey to becoming a baseball legend began when the Yankees selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 1992 MLB Draft.

Jeter's Major League Baseball debut took place on May 29, 1995, and it didn't take long for him to make an impact. His remarkable blend of athleticism, baseball IQ, and leadership qualities quickly endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

The Captain

Derek Jeter's legacy as "The Captain" of the New York Yankees is a testament to his leadership on and off the field. In 2003, he was officially named the 11th captain in Yankees history, a title he held until his retirement. During his tenure as captain, Jeter led the Yankees to five World Series titles (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2009) and numerous division championships.

One of Jeter's defining characteristics was his unwavering composure in high-pressure situations. His iconic "Mr. November" moment in the 2001 World Series, when he hit a game-winning home run shortly after midnight, exemplified his ability to shine on the grandest stage.

Beyond his on-field heroics, Jeter's dedication to the community and philanthropic efforts were equally impactful. The Turn 2 Foundation, established by Jeter during his rookie year, has worked tirelessly to promote healthy lifestyles and academic excellence among young people.

The Farewell Tour

As the 2014 MLB season unfolded, it became evident that Derek Jeter's playing days were numbered. Fans from across the league turned out to pay their respects during the "Farewell Tour." In each city the Yankees visited, Jeter received gifts, accolades, and standing ovations.

However, it was the final home game at Yankee Stadium that would become an unforgettable moment in baseball history. Jeter delivered a game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth inning, capping off his illustrious career in the most storybook fashion possible. His emotional farewell speech to the fans at Yankee Stadium, punctuated by the now-famous line, "I want to thank the Good Lord for making me a Yankee," left not a dry eye in the house.

Legacy and Impact

Derek Jeter's retirement marked the end of an era in baseball. His impact on the game extended far beyond his statistics and championships. Here are some key aspects of his lasting legacy:

Leadership: Jeter's leadership and sportsmanship set a standard for the next generation of ballplayers. His "lead by example" approach influenced countless athletes.

Consistency: Over his career, Jeter consistently performed at an elite level. His remarkable consistency at shortstop and at the plate earned him 14 All-Star selections.

Postseason Success: Jeter's ability to elevate his game in the playoffs earned him the nickname "Captain Clutch." He holds numerous postseason records, including most career hits.

Impact Off the Field: Through the Turn 2 Foundation, Jeter has made a profound impact on the lives of young people. He continues to be an advocate for education and community involvement.

Role Model: Jeter's dignified demeanor and commitment to excellence make him a role model not only for aspiring athletes but for anyone striving for greatness in their chosen field.

Derek Jeter's retirement marked the end of a remarkable era in baseball. His career was defined by success, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Jeter's impact on the New York Yankees and the sport of baseball as a whole is immeasurable. As the lights dimmed on his final game at Yankee Stadium, it was clear that the legacy of "The Captain" would continue to shine brightly in the hearts of fans and the annals of baseball history. Derek Jeter had turned off the lights at Yankee Stadium, but his legacy would never fade.

Just Stop It Already

In the last few days, all of the local papers have jumped on the rumours that the NHL will hold an outdoor game next season at Yankee Stadium before it gets the Ebbets Field treatment.

I think its a bad idea. I said it before, and I am saying it again - primarily because people aren't thinking this through. Everyone is just going 'yeah, hockey outside, cool! I saw that game on New Years and it looked neat. And in New York? Wowsers!' Reread my post from January and then take these other factors into consideration as well:

*One of main pitch-points for the prior two outdoor games were how the game was 'going back to its roots' by playing outside. Well, not a whole lot of players from New York made it to the NHL and the two best, the Mullen brothers, got their start playing on wheels in Hells Kitchen. Unless they are going to put a game out on 42nd and 11th then it has no historical significance being in the city.

*For as much as I worship hockey and how the Rangers have one of the most dedicated, loyal fans in the game, the sport just isn't part of the fabric of the city. Sure everyone rallied around the Blueshirts when we broke the curse, but that was a human interest story at that point that transcended the sport. New York City is a baseball town, not a hockey town. Having the game here is nothing more than a desperate money grab for the NHL and Madison Ave.

*And taking that a step farther, the game would end up being a corporate event for those who want to see and be seen. Sure some diehards make it, but they are outnumbered. That didn't happen in Edmonton or Buffalo - real hockey fans came out to celebrate the game they loved and in some ridiculous conditions.

*Edmonton had Gretzky skating with Messier in the geezer game beforehand, frigid temperatures and Jose Theodore wearing a toque. Buffalo had Cindy Crosby, tailgating and lake effect snow. What could they possibly come up with to match either of those? They are saying the possible Ranger opponents will be Boston, Detroit or the Islanders ... not exactly teams with star power. Original Six is a concept that is only endearing to hockey fans - it doesn't translate outside of the sport, especially since they really weren't the original NHL teams. There were four teams when the league was founded in 1917 - the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators and the Toronto Arenas. The Rangers didn't come around until 1926 (and promptly won a few cups). After you get past the team name, how do you market guys like Zdeno Chara or Pavel Datsyuk to the United States? It was easy to hitch a ride aboard the Cindy Crosby phenomenon and without a premier name like that, it will be nearly impossible.

*I have to agree with Yankee writer Peter Abraham, who said that the last thing to happen in Yankee Stadium should be a Yankee game. What would you hockey or basketball fans think if they decided to close the Garden with sumo wrestling or rodeo?

The Winter Classic was just that, classic. To try to capture that kind of lightning in a bottle yet again will be a near-impossible task, and in New York to boot?

Fugghet about it.

 Just Stop It Already: The Consequences of Overusing Goaltenders in the NHL

In the fast-paced world of the National Hockey League (NHL), goaltenders are often the backbone of a team's success. These masked heroes are responsible for stopping pucks, making incredible saves, and giving their teams a chance to win night after night. However, there's a growing concern in the league – the overuse of goaltenders. In this article, we'll delve into the consequences of overusing goaltenders in the NHL and why it's time for teams to stop this practice.

FAQ 1: What Is Goaltender Overuse?

Goaltender overuse refers to the practice of relying too heavily on a single goaltender to carry the workload throughout the regular season and, in some cases, into the playoffs. This typically involves a goalie playing a significant number of consecutive games without adequate rest.

FAQ 2: Why Do NHL Teams Overuse Goaltenders?

Several factors contribute to the overuse of goaltenders in the NHL:

Lack of Reliable Backup: Some teams have a lack of confidence in their backup goaltender's ability to perform at a high level, leading them to rely heavily on their starter.

Playoff Race Pressure: Teams in tight playoff races may be tempted to play their starting goaltender more frequently in an effort to secure a postseason spot.

Goaltender Ego: Starting goaltenders often have strong egos and may resist sharing playing time, fearing it will impact their status as the team's top netminder.

Coaching Philosophy: Some coaches have a tendency to ride their starting goaltender, believing it gives the team the best chance to win.

FAQ 3: What Are the Consequences of Overusing Goaltenders?

The consequences of overusing goaltenders can be severe and have long-term implications for both the team and the player:

Fatigue and Injury: Goaltenders are at a higher risk of fatigue and injury when playing too many games in a short period. Overuse can lead to muscle strains, joint injuries, and mental exhaustion.

Declining Performance: Over time, an overused goaltender's performance may decline, leading to subpar play and a decrease in the team's chances of winning.

Shortened Careers: Goaltenders who are overused early in their careers may have shorter playing careers due to the wear and tear on their bodies.

Team Dependence: Teams that rely heavily on their starting goaltender may struggle to develop a reliable backup, making them vulnerable if the starter is injured or fatigued.

Playoff Burnout: Overused goaltenders may struggle in the playoffs, where the intensity and workload increase. Fatigue can lead to early playoff exits.

: Time for Change

In today's NHL, with its demanding schedule and high-stakes games, the practice of overusing goaltenders is becoming increasingly detrimental. Teams must recognize the importance of managing their goaltenders' workload and providing adequate rest. This means developing reliable backup goaltenders, adopting a more balanced approach to playing time, and prioritizing the long-term health and performance of their netminders.

Goaltenders are the foundation of any successful NHL team, and their well-being should be a top priority. It's time for teams to break the cycle of overuse and embrace a more sustainable approach to goaltending. Only then can they hope to achieve consistent success and avoid the negative consequences of pushing their goaltenders to the brink.