Kuzul

This is the second article in a twenty-some volume series selecting players at each position by the beginning letter of their last name. Some letters such as I, O, Q, U, Y and Z will probably not field a time. I haven’t researched them yet so I can’t say for sure. It is a fun list, a conversation starter and I hope I can get it finished. I was actually inspired to do this list from author Sue Grafton’s Mystery Alphabet Series.

I decided to us a modified 1961 Topps look for this particular letter. I hope you enjoy it.

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Andy Petite, an all-time great pitcher, announced his retirement from the New York Yankees after 16 Major League Seasons—13 of them pitching for the Yankees.

He will be introduced at a press conference on Friday at Yankee Stadium, providing him an opportunity to take a bow in front of the New York fans and media.

The Yankees will likely honor him with a “Day” at Yankee Stadium during the upcoming season when the fans will have a chance to show their appreciation.

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Thought we were going to leave you hanging, huh? No such luck—let’s tune in.

Mutt Munson: “Hello everyone, I’m Mutt Munson and I’m here with my great friend and longtime broadcast partner Jock Johnson, and today from Fenway Park we bring you the final game of what has been a thrilling match up so far between loaded contingents from New York and Boston.

And, Jock, this series has been stoked with controversy almost since it’s opening with fans questioning line up calls and in particular the move of Ted Williams to right field, but that seems to have gone on without a hitch. Williams has played error-less ball in right and his bat has been on fire since the outset of the series.” 

Jock Johnson: “Well why not, Mutt, I mean for chrissake Ted had the guts to go and take on the Jerry’s and the Goo … well North Koreans, risking his life in a flying tin can with bullets blazing everywhere so I would think a switch to right for the good of the club wouldn’t be something so far out of his reach.

In fact, I was talking to him a little earlier and he was saying he’d never seen an outfielder cover ground like Tris Speaker in his life and his standard policy so far this series is if he has to move more than fifty feet to his right he just holds up from there and lets the Grey Eagle take it on over.”

Mutt: “And on the offensive side it’s also been the combination of Williams & Speaker along with ol’ Double XX Jimmy Foxx and young shortstop Nomar Garciaparra carrying the day. Garciaparra has really impressed us on both sides of the ball, has shown great range in the field and a huge arm out of the hole … in particular that bang, bang beauty catching Mickey who was really hustling down the line a couple of nights ago in the game that tied this whole thing up for Boston.”

Jock: “Well that’s one of the few times anyone on the Boston staff has been able to handle Mantle. He’s been on base via the wood or walk 14 times in 25 at bats and along with DiMaggio and Ruth has been the catalyst for this devastating Yankee attack … but that’s enough about what’s gone on thus far, Mutt, let’s talk about today’s game and the pitching matchup.

People are saying Casey’s gone crazy and is trying to pull a rabbit out of his hat with clutch lefty Eddie Lopat and Francona has decided to go with his stud righty Curt Schilling bypassing a pretty well rested Lefty Grove.”

Mutt: “Both are tried and true though in numerous post season outings, folks, so hold onto your hats, we’re about to tip off after a quick message to you from our friends at Anheuser Busch.”

Off the air.

Jock: “God damn, I need a cigarette.” 

Mutt: “Yeah, well there’s no smoking up here … try chewing some gum.”

Jock: “I’d rather have a wad.”

Mutt: “Do you see a spitoon anywhere? And no booze either, Jock, we don’t need a repeat of what happened in Detroit. You start with some of that loose talk here and we’ll get pulled right off the air.”

Jock: “What are you my mother? Detroit was three years ago. All I said was I’d kill for a cigarette.”

Producer: “We’re back on in 30 seconds guys, cut the crap. You sound like my grand parents squawking over a game of parchese.”

Both Jock and Mutt turn around and offer a host of explicitives deleted. The first two innings go scoreless and we pick up the call with Red Sox runners on first and third with two away and Manny Ramirez at the plate.

Jock: “You know I tell you, Mutt, I never thought I’d see the day with a ballplayer wearing his hair down to the middle of his back like this kid Ramirez. I don’t know if he’s going for the Hercules effect but it hasn’t worked so far, he hasn’t hit a lick all series.

But Lopat hangs a curve Ramirez rips it down the left field line.

Mutt: There’s the first big hit by Ramirez, Pesky is home in a walk, Doerr rounds into third, the throw by Mantle is into second…he’s out! What a throw by Mickey Mantle from deep in the left field corner. I don’t think Ramirez thought he had a chance and he was kind of loafing off the turn at first and this inning comes to an end in dramatic fashion but it’s the Red Sox who take the early lead on the Yankee’s 1-0. 

And Schilling is dealing, throwing 95 and up, mixing in a sharp slider, the occasional change, and seems to have the Bronx Bombers just where he wants them.

On the other side, Lopat is pitching equally well. Aside from the run in the third he’s successfully worked the corners, changed speeds, and frustrating the left hand likes of William and Speaker entirely and thru seven full innings the Red Sox continue to lead 1-0.

But in the top of the eighth DiMaggio leads off with a double. Ruth skies to deep center, Speaker has a track on it but Joe moves to third on the sac with one away.

That brings Mantle to the plate. All the Yankees need is a fly ball to just about any part of the ballpark and the game will be tied. Schilling quickly runs the count to 0-2. Mantle then drives one down the right field line … just foul.

Schilling then drops an 0-2 change on the outside part of the late for a called strike three, Mantle is left shaking his head, the Red Sox fans explode, but it’s Gehrig coming to the plate and that prompts Francona to head to the mound.

Francona to Schilling: What do you think here? We take a pass on Gehirg?”

Schilling looks over to the on deck circle: “Yogi’s up next. That little fuc*&^er, I could throw it at his head and he’ll still find away to get a base hit. I say we go at he big guy.”

Francona decides it’s poison either way, let’s Schilling pitch to Gehrig but it turns out to be a mistake as Lou takes a 2-1 fastball on the outside part of the plate and promptly lines one off the Green Monster in left. Manny plays it cleanly, but the speedy Gehrig motors into second with a clean two bagger.

The Red Sox fans let out a collective groan, but the dissettlement over the tie score quickly becomes disbelief as Berra proves Schilling a profit by turning a chest high fastball over into right and with Gehrig off with the crack of the bat, he scores easily and the Yankee 1-0 deficit is suddenly a 2-1 lead. 

All of the city of Boston seems to deflate. Francona comes out and is booed heavily; Wood comes on for Schilling and punches out A-Rod but he damage is done. 

It appears as though it may be permanent, too. Lopat gets Williams and Foxx to start the bottom of eighth which brings on Johnny Pesky.

Mutt: Jock this is a tough matchup for the ‘Sox. Lopat is absolutely sailing and he hasn’t been touched by a left hand batter all day.

But Pesky battles Lopat to a 3-2 count, fouls off a couple of pitches while Red Sox fans hold their collective breath.

Mutt: Lopat winds, here’s the pitch. Pesky swings and he drives one to right does this ball have the legs…. 

Jock: I think it does, will it stay fair?

Mutt: Unbelievable, Johnny Pesky…my god I can’t even hear myself, Fenway park has just exploded! Johnny Peskey, Mr. Red Sox has just deposited one inside the aptly names Pesky pole and this game is now all tied up at two apiece. How about that?

And so it remains. Casey pulls Lopat, turns to Gossage who puts away Carlton Fisk and then Wood and Gossage both throwing, distinct, virtually unhittable heat trade zeroes in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh frames.

In the top of the 12th Lyle comes on. He quickly gets pinch hitter Jim Rice on a fly ball to left, strikes out Speaker on a slider that breaks a mile outside which brings Williams to the plate.

Ted promptly slams one into the deep gap in right center. DiMaggio hustles after it but this is the deepest part of Fenway and he amply beats Joe’s throw into third for a stand up triple.  

With Foxx coming up Stengal heads to he mound and calls for Rivera. This time the conversation revolves around walking Foxx, but with the left handed Pesky on deck, just the kind of punch hitter that will occasionally have some success against Rivera.

The Yanks decide to pitch walk Double XX and take another go at Pesky. It’s something of an unconventional move trading a right hand hitter for the left hander Pesky but Rivera and his slider are notoriously tough on south side swingers. 

Still Pesky and the great Rivera battle to a 2-2 count. 

Mutt: So here we are again, anything from Pesky will give the ‘Sox a 3-2 lead. Rivera deals, Pesky swings and oh my god it’s another drive to right. Ruth is moving over …

Jock: This could be outta here…

Mutt: Ruth goes up and into the stands. Does he have it?

A moment’s pause as Mutt waits on the umpires call.

Mutt: Yes, he does. Yes, he does! Oh what a catch by Babe Ruth to save the Yankees from a crushing defeat here in the bottom of the twelfth. Mr. Red Sox Johnny Pesky has been robbed ladies and gentleman, he has been robbed by Yankee right fielder Babe Ruth!  

Papelbon comes on in the top of the 13th. He gets DiMaggio and Ruth both fly to Speaker in center. With Mantle coming to the plate let’s pick up the call.

Mutt: Wow, wow, wow, Jock…two away in the bottom of the twelfth, we’re still tied at two apiece of what’s been an absolutely thrilling affair. The fans seem to be over the disappointment of a few moments ago when Johnny Pesky was absolutely robbed in right, are up on their feet again calling for Papelbon to put Mantle away as well.

The Red Sox closer winds and deals…Mantle takes a mammoth rip, and he dribbles one down the first base side. He’s off and flying, Papelbon rushes the ball…he can’t get to it, he can’t get to it, Mantle is safe at first! He’ s safe at first and the Yankee’s are still alive here in the 13th with Berra coming to the plate!    

Jock: We’ve seen it endlessly over the years, Mutt, this Yankee team will come and get you when you least expect it.

Mutt: Five O’Clock lightning, Jock.  

Jock: And Berra’s as clutch a hitter as you could want coming to the plate now. Papelbon has been throwing smoke and the ‘Sox just got the bad side of it on that Mantle infield dribbler.

Mutt: Mickey really showed off that incredible speed and Berra settles in.

Papelbon puts a blazer on the inside corner of he plate. Strike one. He does the same on the outside part of the plate. Yogi swings and misses strike two. 

Then he puts one well inside, a waste pitch. Berra decides to swing anyway, barely gets a piece and Fisk is unable to hold on. This turns out to be the pivotal pitch at bat. Papelbon then puts a pair of sliders in the dirt the second gets away from Fisk and Mantle hustles into second. 

The Red Sox consider walking Berra, but with two strikes and their ace closer throwing what appear to be unhittable heat they decide to try and finish Yogi off. A decision they will come to regret. 

Mutt: I’m absolutely breathless myself, Jock. This crowd has been up and roaring, imploring the Red Sox nine to finish off heir hated rivals the seventh inning on and the Yanks simply refuse to deal.

It’s still 2-2 here, Mantle takes a short lead off second, Papelbon winds and deals…Berra swings and hits one deep to left, that’s going to make it to the wall. No! It’s going to make it over the wall in left!

Yogi Berra has just planted one over the Green Monster in left and the Yankee’s have taken a 4-2 lead here in the 13th and folks you can here a pin drop here in Fenway as the Bronx Bombers mob team-mate Yogi Berra in the N.Y. dugout. Unbelievable.

A-Rod follows with a double off the wall but Rivera goes down swinging and the deficit holds at two heading into the bottom of the 13th. 

Rivera gets Manny looking on a knee high fastball that just nicks the outside part of the plate to open the bottom of the 13th. Fisk lines a single up the middle, Doerr walks, but Yaz, pinch hitting for Papelbon, flies to shallow left and neither runner is able to advance.

That brings Speaker to the plate and he surprises everyone dragging a bunt down the first base line. There is no play to be made, he is safe at first with the bags juiced.

Nomar comes to the plate and promptly smashes one down the third base line. Nettles in for A-Rod makes an incredible diving stop on the ball but it rolls out of his grasp, Fisk scores, the bases are still juiced with the great Ted Williams coming to the plate.

Mutt: Oh my goodness, gracious, so it comes to this. Two away in the bottom of the 13th, the Yanks holding on to a one run lead with two away Williams at the plate and a seemingly unruffled Mariano Rivera on the mound.

Jock: Mutt, however this goes down we have to say that this match up between these two great ball clubs has not disappointed on any level. This has turned out to be the series of the century and this game has just been something out of this world.

Mutt: Rivera is set, so is Williams…

Ted takes one a little inside for ball one. Hits a liner down the right field line … just foul. Rivera comes inside again, Williams lays off and it’s 2-1.

Mutt: There’s no way Rivera will walk Williams in this situation, he will have to put the ball somewhere inside the strike zone. The crowd is hushed at this point in rapt anticipation, Rivera winds, he deals, Williams swings, and he hits a liner up the middle, here comes DiMaggio …. 

In all fairness we should end it here. Neither side will ever believe their boys would drop this baseball showdown to end all showdowns, but that’s the things about the diamond game…unless Bud Selig is in attendance there ain’t no ties.

Mutt: DiMaggio’s coming, he dives…he’s got it! He’s got it! The great Yankee Clipper makes the catch and the New York Yankee’s have defeated the Boston Red Sox in one of the greatest games these baseball loving eyes have ever seen!

And that’s all she wrote, won’t get into a whole big aftermath here. Just hope you enjoyed it, 

DR

www.thedailymunson.com 

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As the new year comes to a close with the Red Sox being a very early favorite for the American League, let’s take a look back at one of the “greatest” trades that never happened.

The Yankees and the Red Sox rivalry is easily the biggest, and most heated in all of sports.

In the 1950s, Ted Williams, the greatest hitter of all time, was the “face” of the Boston Red Sox.

Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, was the face of New York and the most popular athlete at that time, as well.

Can you imagine if either of these legends were swapped to each others opposing teams?

Well, it almost happened. Rumor has it that in 1947, Tom Yawkey, Red Sox owner, and Lee MacPhail, the Yankee GM, had agreed to trade Williams to New York in exchange for DiMaggio.

Had this trade been agreed upon, Yankee-Redsox history, no, baseball history would be extremely altered as we know it.

So, what was the reason this trade never went through? Well, for one thing, Tom Yawkey and Lee MacPhail were both known to be drunk at the time the trade was proposed. More importantly, Yawkey wanted more for Williams.

A young left-field prospect by the name of Yogi Berra to be exact.

Lets take a look how the Red Sox lineup would look in 1948 with Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra (Defensively, based off of 1948 Red Sox Lineup)

C Birdie Tebbetts (later would be Yogi Berra)

1B Billy Goodman

2B Bobby Doerr

SS Vern Stephens

3B Johnny Pesky

OF Joe DiMaggio

OF Dom DiMaggio

OF  Yogi Berra (for now)

Seems like a very good lineup, doesn’t it?

Now here’s the predicted Yankees lineup with Ted “Splendid Splinter” Williams:

C Gus Niarhos

1B George McQuinn

2B Snuffy Stirnweiss

SS Phil Rizzuto

3B Billy Johnson

OF Ted Williams

OF Johnny Lindell

OF Tommy Henrich

Now, how many players can you recognize off the bat? Most likely two or three.

Could these have been rough times without the playing time of Berra AND DiMaggio? One would imagine. The Yankees still had younger players like Hank Bauer, who would later go on to start in the 50s.

Although it would have been fun to see how many home runs Williams could have hit in New York, the bats of DiMaggio and Berra would have been greatly missed.

The “Curse of the Bambino” quite possibly could have been broken by a previous Yankees legend as a well as a soon to be legend. Kind of ironic, isn’t it?

Who knows how many more championships the Red Sox could have won, and how many the Yankees could have won?

Yankees fan are very happy this trade did not go down. It may have seemed smart at the time, but in the long run, I think New York would have been the loser.

Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra for Ted Williams

Who is the winner?

You decide.

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The recent sad news about Sparky Anderson has unfortunately made it clear that the baseball world is about to lose one of its most beloved people.

Sparky’s one of a kind, no doubt about that. Luckily for us, when it comes to other beloved baseball personalities, he’s hardly alone.

Here are the top 25 beloved people in baseball history.

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Yogi Berra managed the New York Yankees to their fifth consecutive pennant in 1964, which tied the record for most consecutive pennants by a team, but the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Yankees in the World Series.

Yogi was relieved of his managerial duties, and in a bizarre move, Cardinals manager Johnny Keane took over the Yankees’ reins.

In 1984, Yogi again became the Yankees manager, and following a third place finish, 17 games behind the World Champion Detroit Tigers, Yogi was among those who wondered about his status.

Mr. George Steinbrenner assured Yogi that he would manage his team the entire 1985 season.

Yogi would not be fired.

“Yogi will be the manager this year. A bad start will not affect Yogi’s status.”

The team started poorly. After 16 games, the Yankees had won only six games and were in last place.

Mr. Steinbrenner, the greatest owner in the history of sports (sorry, Jerry Jones and Al Davis), sent general manager Clyde King to inform Yogi that his services were no longer required.

About an hour later, Steinbrenner telephoned Yogi. Billy Martin was the new (and the old) Yankees’ manager. It was the 12th time Steinbrenner had changed managers.

Yogi refused to criticize the Yankees’ owner. “He’s the boss. He can do what he wants. I’m used to this.”

The players refused to comment when they learned the news, but Don Baylor, after reading the prepared statement given to reporters, kicked over a trash can.

One baseball journalist wrote:

“…the principal owner has known that it wouldn’t be easy to drop Yogi—a symbol of whatever class the Yankees have left.”

He then commented on Billy Martin.

“But no matter what Billy Martin does, he’s just another interim Yankee manager, as they all are in George Steinbrenner‘s tyrannical regime.”

Yogi Berra didn’t speak much. His actions spoke for him.

In 1988, Yogi and legendary catcher Bill Dickey, who, Yogi once said, “Taught me his experience,” were given plaques in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. But Yogi was still convinced that Steinbrenner had gone back on his word and he didn’t attend.

Ten years later, Mr. Steinbrenner and Yogi mended fences.

Steinbrenner visited Yogi and he apologized.

It was believed that two factors finally forced the Yankees owner to take action. One was a guilty conscience and the other was the influence of the greatest of all center fielders.

“I got very close to Joe DiMaggio at the end,” Steinbrenner said. “He would point that finger at me and say, ‘You’ve got to get him back.’ You have to believe Joe is smiling today.”

References:

By MICHAEL MARTINEZ Special to The New York Times. (1985, April 29). Berra Dismissed by Steinbrenner; Martin Rehired to Manage Yanks :Berra Dismissed. New York Times (1923-Current file),p. A1. Retrieved September 22, 2010, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 118849488).

Dave Anderson. (1985, April 29). Sad Switch For Yanks :Sad Switch For Yanks. New York Times (1923-Current file),C1. Retrieved September 22, 2010, from ProQuest Historical Newspapers The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 118849642).

Yogi Returns

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The Gift of the Yogi

“Mr. President, I have a gift for you…”

The scene is Nancy’s Restaurant in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, on the island of Martha’s Vineyard.  Press Corps is gathered outside as Tom Murro has just shaken hands with President Obama, hoping to deliver a gift from the 85-year-old American sports hero, Yogi Berra. 

Tom Murro, known as the “Celebrity Magnet,” knows he only has a few seconds  — two seconds in most cases – to greet the President and deliver the gift from the American sports hero.   

He grasps the President’s hand for that an extra three seconds just as the president is approaching the next person in line. 

“From Yogi Berra,” Murro says, offering a framed photo. 

The president’s ears perk up when he hears Yogi’s name.  As he looks down at the photo, he smiles to see two American legends in action — Yogi Berra tagging Jackie Robinson at home plate.  On the photo, Yogi has penned:  “Dear Mr. President– He was out.” 

Mr. Murro , having planned for weeks to present the gift on Thursday (tomorrow)  at a golf course on Martha’s Vineyard, is pleased that today (Wednesday), the delivery is complete.

For even though he had made arrangements and discussed the delivery of the gift with members of president’s staff, the possibility of delivering a gift during a golf outing remained chancy. 

Weather, national emergency, any number of reasons can make delivering a gift to any sitting president nearly a logistical impossibility, much less doing so during an official vacation.

Murro says to the president:  “I met you last year when you were playing golf with Spike Lee.”  The president says he remembers.   And then asks, “Your contact information is here, with this gift?” 

“Yes, Mr. President,” replied Tom the “Celebrity Magnet.”        

This is a follow-up to a story written August 23^rd when we reported of Murro’s desire to deliver Yogi’s gift. In that story found here, we emphasize the “Magnet’s” Kismetic good fortune in being at the right place at precisely the right time to meet certain celebrities.

Is it really just luck? Or is something beyond human understanding at play here? 

We’re not the only ones marveling at the surprising events. For right after the president asks Murro about his contact information, a member of the press corps says to Tom Murro:  “Some people have a horseshoe up their butt….  You seem to have a whole case of them.” 

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With his retirement now as a player and manager complete, Lou Pinella will wait for a call from Cooperstown as one of this generation’s most successful managers having won 1,835 games with five major league clubs.

A World Series-winning manager with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990, Pinella won six divisional championships in 23 seasons including a record 116 games versus just 46 losses with a Seattle team that included future Hall of Famers Alex Rodriguez and Randy Johnson in 2001.

The former 1969 Rookie of the Year and the first Kansas City Royal to see a major league pitch, Pinella managed one All-Star game (1991) while being named Manager of the Year three times (1995, 2001, and 2008).

For the history of Lou Pinella and his impact on the game cannot be truly told without telling the story of former New York Yankee manager and mentor, Billy Martin.

For like Martin, Pinella was tough, excitable, and obsessed with winning.

Not only did Pinella play for Martin in the glory years of the mid-1970’s when the New York Yankees won three consecutive American League Championships,  like Martin he fought with the late George Steinbrenner who gave Sweet Lou his managerial debut in 1986 at the early age of just 42.

Pinella would succeed Martin as Yankee skipper with a 90-72 record and a second place finish in the American League East. Martin lead the Yankees the prior season with a 91-54 mark.

Like Martin, Pinella would win 90 games in his rookie season as a manager (Martin won 97 with the Minnesota Twins in 1969). Like Martin, Pinella would only win 100 games once (2001) while Martin had his 100-game season in 1977 when both contributed as manager and player to the first Yankee World Series Championship since defeating the San Francisco Giants in seven games in 1962!

Like Martin, Lou Pinella was for the most part a utility player who rarely gained regular status in the lineup.

Both made the American League All-Star Team once, with Martin as a member of the Yankees in 1956 and Pinella as a member of Royals in 1972. Martin played 11 major league seasons while Pinella played 18 with the Cleveland Indians, Baltimore Orioles, Royals and Yankees.

Pinella had the distinction of succeeding Martin in 1986 and again in 1988 when Martin went 40-28 while Pinella finished the season 45-48 for an overall record of 85-76.

It would be Billy Martin’s fifth and final tenure of his beloved New York Yankees.

Martin managed three All-Star Games in 1977, 1978, and 1982, and was named AP American League Manager of the Year three times in 1976, 1982, and 1983. Some observers believe his years in Oakland developing the likes of “Billy Ball” and future Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson were his greatest achievements as a major league manager.

For no baseball historian can tell the Lou Pinella story as a manager or player without the strong overtones of Billy Martin and his relationship as a manager and fellow Yankee.

Martin would finish his time as Yankee manager with a record of 556-385 in eight seasons for a .591 winning percentage. Pinella would would finish 224-193 over three years in Yankee pinstripes for a .537 winning percentage.

Lifetime, Pinella would finish with a .517 winning percentage after 23 seasons and 3,548 games managed. Martin would finish 1,253-1,013 for an impressive .553 winning percentage in 16 major league seasons with the Twins, Tigers, Rangers, A’s, and Yankees.

Martin would only miss the playoffs with Texas while Pinella would only miss the post season with Tampa Bay.

Given the obvious similarities in managerial style and approach to the game to say nothing of their personal relationship as former Yankee manager and player, it would be fitting that when Cooperstown calls Lou Pinella, that the name of Alfred Manuel Martin finally be given his due with the Hall of Fame status he most certainly has earned.

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Yogi vs Casey Quote War: Top That     

This week we’re making the quote face-off battle between two of the funniest baseball managers of all time – Yogi Berra and Casey Stengel. Both were Yankees, one played for the other and it should be classic. We’ll try to keep it on baseball but you never know about Yogi, he sometimes wanders. We’ll see where this takes us but we’ll start off by asking Casey about the punctuality of his players:

    CS: I got players with bad watches – they can’t tell midnight from noon.
    YB: I knew I was going to take the wrong train, so I left early.

Yogi, you played for Casey. Guys, give us an idea of the banter between you.

    CS: Sure I played, did you think I was born at the age of 70 sitting in a dugout trying to manage guys like you?
    YB: Think!? How the hell are you going to think and hit at the same time?

    CS: I was such a dangerous hitter I even got intentional walks in batting practice.
    YB: Slump? I ain’t in no slump. I just ain’t hitting.

Casey and Yogi, you were great managers but not particularly organized. Give us examples of your managerial style.

    CS: All right, everybody line up alphabetically according to your height.
    YB: If you don’t know where you’re going, you will wind up somewhere else.

    CS: If we’re going to win the pennant, we’ve got to start thinking we’re not as good as we think we are,
    YB: Baseball is 90% mental – the other half is physical.

    CS: Managing is getting paid for home runs someone else hits.
    YB: The other teams could make trouble for us if they win.

    CS: Nobody knows this yet, Kid, but one of us has been traded to Kansas City.
   YB: He can run anytime he wants. I’m giving him the red light.

    CS: The secret of managing is to keep the guys who hate you away from the guys who are undecided.
    YB: If the fans don’t come out to the ball park, you can’t stop them.

You’ve both been honored quite a bit. Tell us what you said on those occasions.

    CS: I feel honored to have a ballpark named after me, especially since I’ve been thrown out of so many.
    YB: On Yogi Berra Appreciation day I want to thank you for making this day necessary.

Players and people in general have approached you for advice. Can you share?

    CS: You have to go broke three times to learn how to make a living.
    YB: You asked me what I’d do if I found a million dollars? I’d find the fellow who lost it, and, if he was poor, I’d return it.

    CS: There comes a time in every man’s life, and I’ve had plenty of them.
    YB: If you can’t imitate him, don’t copy him.

    CS: When you are younger you get blamed for crimes you never committed and when you’re older you begin to get credit for virtues you never possessed. It evens itself out.
    YB: If you come to a fork in the road, take it.

    CS: It’s wonderful to meet so many friends that I didn’t used to like.
    YB: Someone told me I looked cool. I said ‘Thanks, you don’t look so hot yourself.’

Casey, so how’d you like having this quote battle? Yogi is tough to beat, right?

    CS: They say he (Yogi Berra) is funny. Well…
    YB: I didn’t really say everything I said.

    CS: They say he (Yogi Berra) is funny. Well…
    YB: This is like déjà vu all over again.

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It’s like deja-vu all over again! 

Kim Kardashian, famous for being famous for foraging after flashy football players, is once again romantically linked to another celebrity athlete—this time a jock from a different sport. And it’s not soccer super star Cristiano Rinaldo or basketballer Lebron James.

Hint…he’s a lifelong New York Yankee, but it’s not Derek Jeter. No, not even A-Rod.

This weekend TMZ caught Kim Kardsahian cuddling in a corner at Kutsher’s in the Catskills with none other than legendary NY Yankee Yogi Berra. Yup, Berra, as in the original Yogi and former Bronx Bomber All Star catcher and manager.

TMZ photographed the curious couple biting into their blintzes at the retirement resort’s 4 p.m. early bird buffet. The octogenarian has reportedly fallen fast for the flirtatious Kim, who bears a striking resemblance to ol’ No. 8’s great-granddaughter’s niece.

Though the news shocked Kim’s fans, it didn’t rock either of Kim’s gold digging sisters. Khloe commented that Kim was unfulfilled linked to future Hall of Famers and wanted the immediate gratification of having a revered sports icon at her side.

Kourtney advised Kim to hook her Hall of Famer now… even if her new beau’s bronze bust was bestowed in Cooperstown four decades ago!

ESPN reported that Berra bested another potential suitor and nuptial contender, NJ Jets Super Bowl III hero Joe Namath. Although Broadway Joe purportedly texted Kim hourly and sent dozens of flowers to her LA digs, Kim shared with confidants that the 67-year-old Joe Willie was just too young and fell far short of Kim’s “bling” pre-requisites. Joe only won one Super Bowl ring and two MVP awards during his career, while Yogi amassed three MVP trophies and a whopping 13 World Series titles.

For the guy who said, “A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore,” let’s see how Yogi handles this socialite’s prodigious penchant for pearls, paparazzi and panache.

Kris Kardashian Jenner, Kim’s maternal role model and sports celebrity marrying mom, voiced concern over her eldest daughter’s choice for a new paramour. But Berra immediately rebutted, reinforcing his commitment to keep up with this 30 year-old Kardashian.

Echoing quotes he made famous decades ago, Yogi commented, “In spite of our 50 year age disparity…our similarities are just different.”

Berra boyishly beamed, “I’m optimistic, and this relationship ain’t over til it’s over.” 

Fans should keep a careful watch over the lovable Berra.

Because with fickle Kim Kardashian’s abbreviated relationships with high-profile sports celebrities, we might be hearing Yogi say, “it’s like deja-vu all over again.”

MIKE – thee American made voice on sports.

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