Game Face

The De-evolution of the Yankee Fan

2008-05-12T18:28:07Z

It was never this bad before. I'm not sure what's different about 2008. Maybe it's the eight years since the last World Series Title. But Yankee fans have become even more obnoxious and insufferable (and violent!) than ever before. I had the privilege of attending the two-game series between the Yankees and the Red Sox back in April in the Bronx. I'd been to Sox/Yankee games at Yankee Stadium before, and while it was never a terribly welcoming enviorment, the trashtalk, the yelling and the t-shirts were always just part of the show. You expect people to say stuff to you, but it was always easy to just kinda roll your eyes and laugh. When you're a Sox (or a Met) fan going to Yankee Stadium, you can cheer for your team, but keep to yourself. Don't look at anybody, avoid any 'Brokeback Jeter' jokes. Basically, act like you're a guest in someone else's home. Be polite, and you'll end up out in one piece. Not so much now. Yankee fans have become something else. For three hours on two consecutive nights, I sat there and had peanuts thrown at me, had beer intentionally spilled down my back, had my hair pulled by an intoxicated, overweight man in a Mariano Riveira jersey who demanded that I "get the *&^% out of the Bronx because Boston doesn't belong there." It was really a test of character to not hit anybody, or say stuff back. Other than uttering a few naughty words under my breath, I kept my composure. The Yankee Stadim security threw out a Red Sox fan a few rows in front of us (who by the way, also saw her fair share of being hit by peanuts) for cheering for her team. The people throwing stuff at her? They got to stay. A friend of mine (a Yank fan) said these were isolated incidents. Well, then explain them happening to me, two nights in a row, on OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE STADIUM. The 18-1 chants (obviouisly a referral to the Patriots Super Bowl XLII loss) have become a staple at Yankee Stadium. Since when do the Yankees in all their 26-ringed glory (which is really the ONLY argument they ever have, and my favorite response is 'so how many of those rings were won in YOUR lifetime. The answers are fun) have to resort to citing other sports in proclaiming New York's superiority over Boston. The point of all this is Yankee fans are something else now. They were always arrogant and obnoxious, but now they're violent and mean as well. Heck, they're even KILLING Sox fans now. But OBVIOUSLY it's the same for Yankee fans in Boston. Nah--I have a few Yankee fan friends, whose knuckles DON'T drag on the ground when they walk, who I've gone to games at Fenway with. While people aren't overly friendly in Boston, nobody threw anything at him. Then again, I'd be pretty angry if Carl Pavano 'played' for my team. Or if Hank Steinbrenner were making any kind of decisions for the Red Sox. Or if the Sox were totally devoid of an ace. Or if we were stuck with Prima Donna Purple Lips for the next 10 years... --Lizzy

The Knicks Dating Game

2008-05-09T22:55:49Z

(Photo compilation by Tim Fiorvanti) ... and we're back. Lets meet our next three eligible gentlemen. Bachelor number one? Bachelor 1: Hi, I'm Avery, and I'm from Dallas. I was very successful at my last job, where I took my team to the playoffs every year I was their coach. In 2006, I was the coach of the year, and I helped the Mavericks to their first and only NBA Finals. I have a reputation for being unable to finish the job, but rest assured, that won't be a problem. I like to take long walks on the beach, and I can speak fluent German. Alright. Bachelor number two? Bachelor 2: Hey, I'm Mark from New York. I'm a retired basketball player, and I would looove to be your coach. I've grown up in New York, played my college ball in New York, and I played for the Knicks. I may not be as experienced as everyone else, but I make up for that with character and a willingness to try everything, at least once. If you make me your coach, I promise you that Stephon Marbury will stay out of trouble, and I'll keep him away from the interns. And bachelor number three? Bachelor 3: My name is Mike, I'm from Phoenix, Arizona. I was a little apprehensive to do this at first but my wi.... err, general manager thought it would be a good idea if we "started seeing other people". I took the Suns to the conference finals twice, and we made the playoffs all four full years that I coached. I like to play fast and furious, so if you think you can keep up, you should pick me. As long as the money's right. Now lets introduce our contestant tonight. He's the president of basketball operations for the New York Knicks, ladies and gentlemen let's put our hands together for the great Donnie Walsh. Donnie: Thanks, Chuck, it's great to be here. Let's get ourselves a coach! Alright Donnie, let's get started with the questions. Donnie? Donnie: Sure thing. Bachelor number one. If I make you the coach of the Knicks, what can you provide us that the other's simply can't? Avery:: That's easy. My teams have dominated in the regular season, and that was in the Western Conference. No offense, but besides the Celtics, there's not much competition in the East. I can have this team competing for a conference title inside three years. And I've actually been to the NBA Finals, unlike some people... Mike: At least I didn't lose to an eight seed in the first round. Avery: They had Baron Davis! There were match-up problems. Alright, settle down, you'll all have your turn... Donnie: Bachelor number two, same question. Mark: I know New York, I can handle the media and the pressure. I'd have this team playing tough, gritty defense, get em back to the fundamentals. If you give me a chance, I will rock your world. Donnie: Good answer number two. Bachelor three? Mike:I'd change some of the personnel, and we'd play real fast. I'd like to build around guys like David Lee and Nate Robinson, guys who can run it all game long. I'd find a way to tra..(Cell Phone Rings) Hello? John Paxson? $25 million? I'll be on the next plane to Chicago. Sorry guys, it's been fun. Um, we're going to take a commercial break. See you in two and two.... -- Tim Fiorvanti

Finding humanity in horses

2008-05-09T16:48:49Z

No human being can match a thoroughbred racehorse's package of speed, strength, determination and grace. Horsemen, sportswriters, bettors and fans repose so much dreamlike admiration -- and such high financial stakes -- in horses that the animals are described as, and treated like, professional athletes. (Remarkable performers though jockeys are, the athletes who primarily determine racing results are the horses.) To read Max Dickstein's full column, click here.

Metropolitan struggles are not as bad as they appear

2008-05-07T20:35:30Z

It's hard to look at a 16-15 New York Mets team and call them over-achievers. The team with the second (or third, depending on your source) largest payroll in baseball made waves during the off-season by trading for Johan Santana, but the performance of some of their highest-payed players has been suspect at best. For example, their clean-up hitter: Carlos Beltran: .219 BA, 2 HR, 13 RBI, .369 OBP, .390 SLG And their number five hitter: Carlos Delgado: .216 BA, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .308 OBP, .362 SLG The Mets have had some solid production despite the lackluster efforts of these two, from both expected and unexpected sources. David Wright continues to establish himself as one of the top players in the game, on pace for another 30 home run, 125 RBI season at third base. Santana has been very solid for an uncertain pitching staff, posting a sub-3.00 ERA. He's showing Mets fans exciting flashes of absolute brilliance between periods of very consistent pitching, and also making Omar Minaya look like a genius (between this and not signing Barry Zito a couple of years ago, this has been a very good year for Minaya) Billy Wagner is still sporting a trim 0.00 ERA in 12 appearances, notching seven saves thus far while striking out 13. One unearned run and three hits are the only blemishes on his impressive start. Some of the most surprising contributions, however have come from Ryan Church, a player who was seemingly an afterthought in the trade that sent Lastings Milledge to the Washington Nationals and brought back Brian Schneider (who has also seemingly overacheived, when he's played). Church's numbers thus far: .314 BA, 5 HR, 23 RBI, .379 OBP, .508 SLG Add in the fact that their starting left-fielder, their number two and number five starters, and their starting catcher have all missed significant time this season, and that 16-15 record doesn't look all that bad. With Brian Schneider (hopefully) healed, Alou finally taking his spot in left field, and Pedro Martinez on the mend, the summer months look promising for the Mets. -- Tim Fiorvanti

Richard Jefferson arrested

2008-05-07T20:24:03Z

And we thought the Mets were the biggest choke artists in the tri-state area! Nets star forward Richard Jefferson was arrested today in Minneapolis for choking an uninvited guest at a private party Jefferson was hosting, police said. The alleged spat occurred on Jan. 27 at a hotel nightclub. An Associated Press article in February, when it was revealed that Jefferson was under investigation, said the victim lost consciousness. Jefferson is set to appear in court on June 18. After this bit of news, we don’t think anyone -- Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn included -- would dare try to crash another one of Jefferson’s parties. Photo by Getty Images

Godzilla’s revenge

2008-05-07T19:23:57Z

Last year, there were rumblings that Hideki Matsui’s best days were behind him, with balky knees and age catching up with him. But almost six weeks into the season, Matsui has been the Yanks' most solid bat in the lineup. Hitting safely in 15 straight games, Hideki is hitting .342 with four homers and 17 RBIs. In his last three games, Matsui is 7-for-12 with three RBIs. At this pace, he’s a lock for his fifth 100-RBI season. It's Godzilla's revenge! — Pete Catapano

Cashman to Philly?

2008-05-06T19:28:18Z

If Yanks GM Brian Cashman exits New York at the end of the season, he could be on the Phillies radar, the Philly Inquirer says. With Gillick retiring at the end of the season, Cashman may be a candidate for the franchise if he gets fed up with the Steinbrenners, or vice versa. — Pete Catapano

Sun to rise in New York?

2008-05-05T18:36:38Z

Add Mike D’Antoni’s name to the list of candidates to become the Knicks’ coach. The Suns have given the Knicks permission to talk to D’Antoni, Phoenix sports radio station KTAR is reporting Monday. If Phoenix and D’Antoni announce a split, the coach doesn’t figure to be out of work long. (The Bulls also have reportedly received the OK to contact D’Antoni.) D’Antoni has a 267-172 career record in six years as a NBA coach, leading the Suns to the playoffs the last four years and to the Western Conference finals in 2005 and 2006. Former Knick Mark Jackson, ex-Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, fired Mavs coach Avery Johnson and Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau are also up for the Knicks’ job, with Jackson rumored to be the front-runner. But considering Jackson has also attracted some attention from the Bulls, why are the Knicks moving so slowly to strike a deal, if not that they are waiting to see if a proven winner, like D’Antoni, becomes available? Our friend, Alan Hahn of Newsday, has more on the possibility of D’Antoni coming to the Garden. Photo by AP

A trio of game 6's: Who's going home?

2008-05-02T22:20:49Z

The Wizards, Hawks, and Rockets look to avoid elimination tonight. The Cavs, Celtics, and Jazz are all looking to end it. With Round 2 games already looming tomorrow (Hornets v. Spurs, Pistons v. Magic), who will step up in these crucial games? Cavaliers @ Wizards (Cavs lead 3-2) 7 p.m., ESPN 2 The Gilbert-less Wizards forced the series back to Washington, thanks in large part to a career game by Caron Butler. Darius Songaila is out for Game 6 after hitting LeBron James in the face. It would take a monumental effort for Caron Butler to carry the Wizards to another win tonight, but anything can happen in a game 7, if they get there.The Cavs would be well-served to amp up the intensity tonight and end the series. Celtics @ Hawks (Celtics lead 3-2) 8 p.m., ESPN The series returns to Atlanta, where the Hawks have won both games thus far. Look for the Celtics to strike early and often in this game, as they appear to have woken up following a 25-point win in Game 5. There's no shame for the Hawks, though, who have fought valiantly in a series many felt would be a sweep. Rockets @ Jazz (Jazz lead 3-2) 10 p.m., ESPN After suffering a 26-point loss in game 5, nobody knows which Jazz team we will see tonight. Will they be the team that jumped out to a 3-1 lead, or the team that looked absolutely awful in Houston? It's unlikely that the Jazz will get blown out again, but the feeling here is that T-Mac will help the Rockets pull one out in Utah before suffering another playoff heartbreak. Elsewhere in sports: The Knicks are apparently interested in Avery Johnson about their vacant head coaching position. He's a great motivator and regular season coach, and the Knicks are a couple years away from the playoffs, so this could be a good fit for the Knickerbockers. The Kentucky Derby is this weekend. Check out our coverage here

Live from Rangers - Penguins

2008-05-02T00:01:41Z

amNewYork managing editor Pete Catapano will be sending us live updates from the Rangers Penguins game at Madision Square Garden. Down 3-0 in the series, the Rangers had a solid, intense first period with no goals to show for it. No score after one *** Celebrity sighting at game: Matt Dillon *** At 12:09 of the second period still a lot of empty seats in the purple section of the garden. Best guess about 200. Strange. *** Jagr wakes up lifeless crowd with goal at 7:15 of the second. 1-0 rangers *** Malkin penalty shot at 17:53 shot saved. Second penalty shot save by Lundqvist this postseason *** Brandon dubinsky scores on the power play 46 seconds in. 2-0 rangers *** 9:20 rangers are cruising and are starting another power play after Sergei Goncahr's crosscheck *** Got a little scuffle here near pens net. Crosby and Jagr pushing and shoving. *** Jagr scores in empty net nmaking it 3-0 to put the game away. Now we have an end of game brawl. Ranger fans have gone from bitter to hopeful. Just gotta win three more.

"For Erik [sic], the #1 intern amNY"

2008-04-30T23:46:29Z

I couldn’t even spell his name correctly on his goodbye cake. (It’s Erick with a “c” or a “k” — depending on one’s reference point.) Naming issues aside, we hail Erick Blasco today, sports intern at amNewYork since November. Today was Erick’s final one at the office. Only 20 years old, Erick shows a remarkable ability to analyze basketball both for us and for another one of his outlets, the open-source fan analysis site Bleacher Report. Good luck in all your endeavors, my young friend! — Max

Action Jackson

2008-04-30T20:35:28Z

The prevailing rumor at the moment is that Mark Jackson is the front-runner to become the next head coach of the Knicks. If he doesn't take the Knicks job, there are several other teams, such as the Bulls, who would love Jackson behind their bench. While expectations might be low (how could they get lower than the eras of Isiah Thomas and Larry Brown), Knicks fans would likely prefer any candidate to have some level of experience. Marc Jackson is likely one exception to that rule, as a former Knick, but it got me to thinking about where he might gain experience on a slightly lower level. Then it hit me like an errant Stephon Marbury jumper to the temple. A college team, one that the city of New York has gotten behind in the past, but has fallen on hard times. A school that has emerged from scandal, but has thus far struggled to re-establish a winning identity. They are the fifth-winningest program in NCAA Men's basketball history, with 1673 wins, and own the 7th best winning percentage (.680). They also have the 7th most NCAA tournament appearances (27), two Wooden National Player of the Year Award Winners, 11 consensus All-Americans, and 6 members of the Hall of Fame. They play their home games at the World's Most Famous Arena. And it is the school where Jackson spent his collegiate career. Give up? St. John's University. Mark Jackson would be a perfect fit for the Red Storm. He knows the school as well as anyone else, knows it's history, knows the city and what it's like to play at MSG. Norm Roberts can recruit them, but he can't get them to play at their peaks or even keep them at SJU for more than two years. Jackson is one of the few guys who remember the success that St. John's University is capable of. He played for Lou Carnesecca during the peak of the St. John's program. He can bring them back to their former glories, and help to rebuild their identity, to establish themselves, once again, as one of the powerhouse squads in one of the top conferences in the nation. The Knicks may need all the help in the world. But so do the Johnnies. --Tim Fiorvanti

A new nickname for A-Rod?

2008-04-29T21:35:14Z

Now that A-Rod has reaggravated his quad injury (A-Quad anyone?), he's out of the lineup again tonight as the Yanks open a series at home against Detroit. Also of note is the season debut of catcher Chris Stewart, who was called up after the injury of Jorge Posada. Here's the line-up: J. Damon CF D. Jeter ss B. Abreu rf H. Matsui lf J. Giambi dh S. Duncan 1b M. Ensberg 3b R. Cano 2b C. Stewart c

Roger Clemens had a mistress?

2008-04-28T04:55:00Z

Roger Clemens had a 10-year affair with country songstress Mindy McCready, the New York Daily News is reporting. The alleged affair began when the Rocket was still with the Boston Red Sox and McCready was only 15-years-old, the Daily News said. The allegations surface as Clemens is in the midst of a bitter legal battle with former trainer Brian McNamee, after McNamee told George Mitchell during the MLB steroid investigation that the Rocket used steroids on several occasions. I'm sure much more will come of this tomorrow. --Lizzy http://www.nydailynews.com

Big name QBs the theme for local teams

2008-04-27T23:10:54Z

After 252 picks and 15 hours, we finally have our draft class of 2008, from Jake Long at #1 to this year's Mr. Irrelevant, David Vobora of Idaho. The later rounds are important in building the foundations of teams, and occasionally a diamond in the rough emerges. The Jets look to repeat their late-round draft prowess, having selected Leon Washington and Jerricho Cotchery, amongst others, on the second day of the draft. Day two looked like this for Gang Green: Round 4, Pick 113: Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State Round 5, Pick 162: Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee Round 6, Pick 171: Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas Round 7, Pick 211: Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas The Jets tried to address skill positions on day 2 of the draft. Lowery and Garner have some potential, and Henry could be a solid #3 or #4 receiver. The most interesting pick Sunday for the Jets was the biggest name, Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge. Son of Celtics great Danny Ainge, Erik Ainge split time at quarterback his first two years at Tennessee, and dealt with injuries his other two years. While another weak-armed QB is not what the Jets need, Ainge has potential and could add more intrigue to the upcoming season's battle between Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens. The Giants had arguably the best draft class by far in 2007, with almost every pick contributing in some way to their playoff run and eventual Super Bowl victory. Ahmad Bradshaw and Kevin Boss figured greatly in their offensive scheme. Here's how day two went down for Big Blue: Round 3, Pick 95: Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan Round 4, Pick 123: Bryan Kehl, OLB, BYU Round 5, Pick 165: Jonathan Goff, ILB, Vanderbilt Round 6, Pick 198: Andre Woodson, QB, Kentucky Round 6, Pick 199: Robert Henderson, DE, Southern Mississippi The G-Men took a couple fliers on offensive skill players, while adding depth to their lineback core and D-line. Manningham is a very solid, albeit undersized wide receiver who has an uncanny ability of getting open (as an unabashed Notre Dame fan that sentence is painful to write, and resonates with the pain of witnessing such catches first-hand). Woodson has the raw talent and size to be a great quarterback, but the intangibles and game management skills just don't seem up to snuff. *** The other big story on Sunday was the selection of the Detroit Lions at pick 218. They selected Caleb Campbell, a safety from the United States Military Academy, otherwise known as Army. Because of recent changes in Army's terms of service, Campbell will now be able to immediately play in the NFL without having active military service. If he makes the Lions, and continues to play, he will still technically remain "active", though his service will essentially be spending some time at recruitment centers around Detroit. The somewhat silent crowd at Radio City gave Campbell, who was in attendance, a hearty cheer upon hearing his name called. Campbell then got some airtime on the ESPN network, joining Mel Kiper and Co. for a short interview, followed by a video conference with his new head coach, Rod Marinelli who, they pointed out, was a Vietnam veteran himself. That's not the only tie that Campbell has to the Lions. Matt Millen's son Marcus was a teammate of Campbell's at Army. A good way to end the weekend in this blogger's humble opinion. (Caleb Campbell photo c/o usma.edu) -- Tim Fiorvanti