Monday, April 29, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Highbridge News: Bronx Stands with Boston
Highbridge News: Bronx Stands with Boston: Yankees Pay homage Boston (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- So many ways Tuesday night at Ya...
Bronx Stands with Boston
Yankees Pay homage Boston
(Photos by Gary Quintal)
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- So many ways Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium there were reminders of how sports and baseball play a role to heal wounds. This time, a day after the Boston Marathon bombing that took three lives and injured over 180, there were the Arizona Diamondbacks, Jackie Robinson and number 42, plus a Fenway Park tradition, “Sweet Caroline.”
Yes, a tune that has been an eighth inning ritual of Red Sox nation came to the Bronx. Boston was in Cleveland and the Red Sox heard what the Yankees were doing to unite two cities who have shared in pain.
“It was such a tragic day,” said Kevin Youkilis, the former Red Sox player who now wears Yankees pinstripes. He would play in the Patriots league game at Fenway over the years, and venture off to the finish line viewing another conclusion of the annual Boston Marathon.
On a day off in New York City Monday, Youkilis spent numerous hours on the phone to see if friends and family were okay that make it a ritual on Patriots Day and attend the marathon. His wife and sisters have run in the event over the years.
Monday it was friends and a city, Boston, the only baseball organization Youkilis knew prior to wearing pinstripes. The Yankee Stadium electronic board outside displayed, “United We Stand” with Yankees and Red Sox logos and a ribbon on the big scoreboard inside displayed insignias of the teams and a message, “New York stands with Boston….Pray for Boston.”
“It gave me chills and was emotional to me to hear that,” commented Youkilis about the playing of “Sweet Caroline” after the third inning. “Because the fans were into it and it was cool. Thought it was very special and a very great tribute to an organization that is a rivalry.”
A rivalry, New York and Boston that has diminished over the past few years, but when fans at Yankee Stadium are wearing Boston caps and jerseys near the pinstripes, there is a meaning of unity and emotion. It happened in the Bronx Tuesday night.
As was the meaning of wearing number 42 on Jackie Robinson Night as players, the managers, coaches and umpires did. Major League Baseball once again paid tribute to Jackie Robinson. And a player named “Robinson” Cano had the big three-run home run. The final score was 4-2, as in “42” and the lone remaining player who wears the number, Mariano Rivera saved a game for the last time on Robinson’s day.
Yes, it was an emotional and special night in the Bronx. The Diamondbacks made their first trip to the new Yankee Stadium. They were 1-5 at the old ballpark across the street, and Rivera was the pitcher on the mound in that emotional World Series won by Arizona in Game 7 at Bank One Ballpark in Phoenix back in 2001.
That World Series ended in early November because the baseball schedule was pushed back with the events of September 11. It was a series that helped mend the wounds of a nation still mourning the effects of a devastating terrorist attack.
“We’re all behind the people of Boston,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi prior to the start of the game Tuesday night. And for a night Yankee fans united with Red Sox fans.
Because baseball and sports, the world of fun and games has a way of bringing that message of unity in a time of tragedy.
e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com
Highbridge News: Cano, Yanks Honor Jackie Robinson with Win
Highbridge News: Cano, Yanks Honor Jackie Robinson with Win: (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- The statistics registered during the game played between the ...
Cano, Yanks Honor Jackie Robinson with Win
(Photo by Gary Quintal)
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- The statistics registered during the game played between the Yankees and Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium on April 16 were extremely appropriate for a Jackie Robinson Day contest. The enduring legacy of Robinson’s achievement in integrating the national pastime has been celebrated at every ballpark in the majors on April 15 or the date of the next home game since 1997, the 50th anniversary of Robinson’s first game in the majors.
On Tuesday night, April 16, every player, coach, manager and umpire on the field at Yankee Stadium wore Robinson’s #42. In a short ceremony held before the game began, two of the 1,400 scholarship recipients from the Jackie Robinson Foundation were recognized.
Arizona reached the scoreboard first, scoring two runs in the top of the third. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases. A fly ball to center by catcher Miguel Montero was the first out of the inning, but also drove in the first run of the contest. The next batter, Cody Ross, singled to knock in the second run.
After leaving the bases loaded in each of the first two innings, the Yankees took the lead in the fourth. The first two batters, Lyle Overbay and Chris Stewart, singled to left. Robinson Cano, named in honor of Jackie Robinson, homered to right to score three runs, which were sufficient to ensure the Yankee victory.
Not only does Cano’s given name honor Robinson, but he wears #24, the reverse of Jackie’s #42, now retired on all clubs by Major League Baseball, to represent the debt he feels he owes to the Brooklyn Dodger legend,
Cano, batting a healthy .326 in his 12 games this season is currently on a tear. He is batting .500 (13 for 26) in his most recent six games. Seven of his 12 hits were for extra bases, four doubles and four home runs. He has driven in 11 runs in that span. That the Yankees have won five of those six contests was noted by reporters and Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who after the game commented, “When he got hot, we got going. He doesn’t take it for granted that he’s a good player. Robbie works very hard.”
After loading the bases in the bottom of the seventh, a fly ball by Eduardo Nuñez drove in the final run of the game, making the score an appropriate 4-2.
Mariano Rivera, the only major league player currently wearing #42, entered the game in the ninth frame. As expected Rivera retired all three batters he faced to earn his third save of 2013 and the record setting #611 in his renowned career. Girardi quipped to reporters, “It’s kind of funny seeing #42 facing three #42’s.”
Yankees ace CC Sabathia (2-1) will face undefeated Wade Miley (2-0) in game two of the series on Wednesday night.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Boo Hughes
Hughes allows three home runs in Orioles win over Yankees
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 14- Phil Hughes did not have command of his fastball and the Baltimore Orioles took advantage. Hughes allowed three solo home runs in the second, third and fourth innings and never looked back as the Orioles defeated New York 5-3.
Baltimore took the middle game of three that concludes in the Bronx Sunday night after dropping game one of the series Friday evening.
When Hughes has problems with command of the fastball, the results have been consistent, especially when pitching at home. The right hander allowed 9 hits and five earned runs in 3-1/3 innings, and has allowed one home run in 31 of his last 42 starts at Yankee Stadium.
“One of those days and that’s what happens when you put balls over the plate,” said Hughes about the home runs balls allowed to Ryan Flaherty, Nick Markakis and Nolan Reimold. It was his second straight loss to open the season, and very reminiscent of his slow start of last year.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi saw similar command issues from Hughes last April. However with a revamped Yankees lineup that is hindered with injuries, the starters are expected to go some innings. New York is 1-5 this early season when their opponent scores first.
“He’ll get back at it and we’ll get him back on track,” said Girardi about his right hander.
The Orioles stopped a New York four-game winning streak after a late inning opening game loss of the series Friday night. Manager Buck Showwalter saw a struggling Flaherty, 1-for-18, before the home run, get the offense going with the long ball in the second inning.
“They don’t dwell on past things,” good or bad,” said Showalter about the resiliency of his club. “That’s one of the characteristics of our club.” Jason Hammel (2-1), 6.0 innings, 8 hits and three runs earned his second win of the season and Jim Johnson picked up his fifth save retiring all three Yankees at bat.
“He got a big out with Gardner (Brett), with Cano (Robinson) coming up,” commented Showalter. “To close out games on the road in the AL East is a tough, tough, thing to do. Jimmy has been impressive.”
David Phelps, Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson pitched six innings of scoreless ball and gave up two hits and combined to strike out seven.
Said Phelps about getting the first strike with his curve ball, a pitch that was ineffective, last week in a relief outing at Detroit, "My curve ball was best since spring training. Getting strike one was something I could not do in my first two outings and that got me ahead real well.”
Cano recorded his fourth straight multi-hit game, 2-for-5, and was inserted at shortstop in the ninth inning, his first position other than second base in his career and he was not surprised
“We were ready to do that in Detroit last week,” said Cano about making some plays at short, a position usually occupied by the injured Derek Jeter. “I was ready.” Cano, who played a limited time at short in the minors, also had the opportunity with Eduardo Nunez day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch to his right wrist Friday night.
Ring786@aol.com
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 14- Phil Hughes did not have command of his fastball and the Baltimore Orioles took advantage. Hughes allowed three solo home runs in the second, third and fourth innings and never looked back as the Orioles defeated New York 5-3.
Baltimore took the middle game of three that concludes in the Bronx Sunday night after dropping game one of the series Friday evening.
When Hughes has problems with command of the fastball, the results have been consistent, especially when pitching at home. The right hander allowed 9 hits and five earned runs in 3-1/3 innings, and has allowed one home run in 31 of his last 42 starts at Yankee Stadium.
“One of those days and that’s what happens when you put balls over the plate,” said Hughes about the home runs balls allowed to Ryan Flaherty, Nick Markakis and Nolan Reimold. It was his second straight loss to open the season, and very reminiscent of his slow start of last year.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi saw similar command issues from Hughes last April. However with a revamped Yankees lineup that is hindered with injuries, the starters are expected to go some innings. New York is 1-5 this early season when their opponent scores first.
“He’ll get back at it and we’ll get him back on track,” said Girardi about his right hander.
The Orioles stopped a New York four-game winning streak after a late inning opening game loss of the series Friday night. Manager Buck Showwalter saw a struggling Flaherty, 1-for-18, before the home run, get the offense going with the long ball in the second inning.
“They don’t dwell on past things,” good or bad,” said Showalter about the resiliency of his club. “That’s one of the characteristics of our club.” Jason Hammel (2-1), 6.0 innings, 8 hits and three runs earned his second win of the season and Jim Johnson picked up his fifth save retiring all three Yankees at bat.
“He got a big out with Gardner (Brett), with Cano (Robinson) coming up,” commented Showalter. “To close out games on the road in the AL East is a tough, tough, thing to do. Jimmy has been impressive.”
David Phelps, Joba Chamberlain and David Robertson pitched six innings of scoreless ball and gave up two hits and combined to strike out seven.
Said Phelps about getting the first strike with his curve ball, a pitch that was ineffective, last week in a relief outing at Detroit, "My curve ball was best since spring training. Getting strike one was something I could not do in my first two outings and that got me ahead real well.”
Cano recorded his fourth straight multi-hit game, 2-for-5, and was inserted at shortstop in the ninth inning, his first position other than second base in his career and he was not surprised
“We were ready to do that in Detroit last week,” said Cano about making some plays at short, a position usually occupied by the injured Derek Jeter. “I was ready.” Cano, who played a limited time at short in the minors, also had the opportunity with Eduardo Nunez day-to-day after getting hit by a pitch to his right wrist Friday night.
Ring786@aol.com
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Yanks Beat Orioles
The Hits Keep Coming
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 13-,The Yanks gained their fourth straight victory with a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles to tie the Red Sox for first place in the American League East. The two teams most commentators thought would finish the season at the bottom of the standings are currently on top.
Two strange and rare plays were most responsible for the outcome of the contest. With the score tied at two in the seventh, Francisco Cervelli, Kevin Youkilis, and Travis Hafner reached base via walks. The bases were loaded and two men were out when Vernon Wells stepped to the plate. He connected and drove the ball deep to center where Adam Jones misjudged the ball and it dropped from his glove. The three runners crossed the plate to give the Yanks a 5-2 advantage.
The Orioles began the next frame, Sabathia’s final inning, with singles by Steve Pearce and Alexi Casilla To the surprise of everyone in attendance, the line drive by the game’s lead-off batter, Nick.Markakis, ended in a 4-6-5-6-5-3-4 triple play. Two of the Yankees infielders involved spoke humorously of the play.
Third baseman Kevin Youkils said, “That was a lot of fun. You’re not going to see another triple play turned like that. It was special.” First baseman Lyle Overbay joked, “We practiced that in Spring Training last week.”
The recipient of that fielding gem, Yanks starter CC Sabathia expressed his feelings, “Anytime you get a triple play, it fires you up. It was a great play. That’s [the play] that bailed me out.”
Interestingly, Sabathia was on the mound when the Yankee infielders achieved their most recent triple play, April 22, 2010. The Yanks previous triple play before that one occurred on June 3, 1968.
With or without that play, the Yankees starter pitched outstandingly. In eight innings on the mound, he gave up only two runs, one earned and struck out nine batters without surrendering a walk.
Youkilis led the Bombers with three hits, a run batted in and a run scored, He has hit safely in all his nine games since joining the club. The last Yankee to better that feat was Joe Buzas with 10 in 1945.
Andy Pettitte’s bad back has altered the Yankees rotation for the next two games against Baltimore. Phil Hughes will start on Saturday against Jason Hammel for the Orioles.
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 13-,The Yanks gained their fourth straight victory with a 5-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles to tie the Red Sox for first place in the American League East. The two teams most commentators thought would finish the season at the bottom of the standings are currently on top.
Two strange and rare plays were most responsible for the outcome of the contest. With the score tied at two in the seventh, Francisco Cervelli, Kevin Youkilis, and Travis Hafner reached base via walks. The bases were loaded and two men were out when Vernon Wells stepped to the plate. He connected and drove the ball deep to center where Adam Jones misjudged the ball and it dropped from his glove. The three runners crossed the plate to give the Yanks a 5-2 advantage.
The Orioles began the next frame, Sabathia’s final inning, with singles by Steve Pearce and Alexi Casilla To the surprise of everyone in attendance, the line drive by the game’s lead-off batter, Nick.Markakis, ended in a 4-6-5-6-5-3-4 triple play. Two of the Yankees infielders involved spoke humorously of the play.
Third baseman Kevin Youkils said, “That was a lot of fun. You’re not going to see another triple play turned like that. It was special.” First baseman Lyle Overbay joked, “We practiced that in Spring Training last week.”
The recipient of that fielding gem, Yanks starter CC Sabathia expressed his feelings, “Anytime you get a triple play, it fires you up. It was a great play. That’s [the play] that bailed me out.”
Interestingly, Sabathia was on the mound when the Yankee infielders achieved their most recent triple play, April 22, 2010. The Yanks previous triple play before that one occurred on June 3, 1968.
With or without that play, the Yankees starter pitched outstandingly. In eight innings on the mound, he gave up only two runs, one earned and struck out nine batters without surrendering a walk.
Youkilis led the Bombers with three hits, a run batted in and a run scored, He has hit safely in all his nine games since joining the club. The last Yankee to better that feat was Joe Buzas with 10 in 1945.
Andy Pettitte’s bad back has altered the Yankees rotation for the next two games against Baltimore. Phil Hughes will start on Saturday against Jason Hammel for the Orioles.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Highbridge News: Highbridge News-Tourism
Highbridge News: Highbridge News-Tourism: South Bronx to be featured as a tourist destination BRONX, NEW YORK, April 4 - NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, ...
Highbridge News-Tourism
South Bronx to be featured as a tourist destination
BRONX, NEW YORK, April 4- NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, announced the South Bronx as the next destination to be featured in Neighborhood x Neighborhood, a new program designed to increase visitation, support local businesses and encourage exploration in areas outside traditional tourist locations across the five boroughs.
Located in the southern section of the Bronx, the neighborhoods of Concourse, Melrose and Mott Haven are home to unique Art Deco architecture, the world-famous New York Yankees and a variety of cultural institutions and restaurants. The South Bronx is easily accessible via the B, D and 4 trains, making it a convenient destination for New Yorkers and visitors to spend an afternoon surrounded by rich culture and history.
“The Grand Concourse in the Bronx is one of the City’s busiest thoroughfares, always bustling with events and excitement,” said CEO of NYC & Company George Fertitta. “Located a short subway ride from Midtown Manhattan, the South Bronx is a lively destination where visitors have the opportunity to visit a world-famous ballpark, dine at some of New York City’s best restaurants and experience authentic Bronx culture, all in one visit.”
“Culture is integral to every neighborhood across the five boroughs and the South Bronx is no exception,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Kate D. Levin. “Whether it's taking a ride on the Culture Trolley or catching a performance at Pregones, this community is home to an extraordinary group of cultural organizations that engage visitors from around the globe.”
Concourse:
• Yankee Stadium is an iconic city landmark and plays host to Major League Baseball games as well as year-round tours and an extensive baseball museum. During game days, fans can enjoy high-quality steaks at NYY Steak, an upscale restaurant inside the stadium. To commemorate the Yankees’ 27 World Championships, NYY Steak offers 27 varieties of wine by the glass.
• Baseball fans without tickets to the game can grab a drink and watch the action at the nearby Yankee Tavern, a beloved Bronx establishment known for its New York Yankees memorabilia and friendly staff.
• Located at the site of the old Yankee Stadium, Heritage Field is a 10.8-acre ballpark where visitors can start their own ball games, watch local high schools compete and see artifacts from the original stadium. Heritage Field features a section of the old Yankee Stadium frieze, the original diamond and outfield and paving stones etched with dates commemorating historic Yankee moments.
• The Bronx Culture Trolley offers visitors a free trip along the South Bronx Cultural Corridor. On the first Wednesday of every month, visitors have the opportunity to tour the cultural loop in a 20th-century trolley-car replica, making stops at cultural attractions, restaurants and entertainment venues.
• Bronx Central Post Office also serves as a gallery with 13 murals painted in 1938–39 by Social Realist artist Ben Shahn and his wife, Bernarda. Covering the lobby walls of the post office, the murals depict the American working class of the '30s.
• A lunchtime favorite, Court Deli is known for its pastrami sandwiches and all-day breakfast. Here visitors can have a true New York City deli experience, complete with traditional New York City pickles.
• For visitors looking for authentic Caribbean dining, Feeding Tree is a neighborhood establishment with big flavors. The laid-back and affordable restaurant, boasts food that is simple yet full of spices, straight from the Caribbean Islands.
• Family-owned Molino Rojo offers diners well-priced Latin American food. Favorite dishes of regulars include rice and beans and plantains with pernil.
• Visitors looking to sample Italian cuisine can head to G Bar and Lounge. This classic bar is perfect for cocktails with friends or family-friendly Italian dining. G Bar and Lounge presents live music on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights and karaoke on Mondays and Saturdays.
Melrose & Mott Haven:
• In Melrose, the Bronx Documentary Center is an establishment devoted entirely to the art of photojournalism. The center hosts events, screenings and classes on documentary projects from around the world. Through April 19, visitors can see Invasion: Diaries and Memories of War in Iraq, a powerful exhibit featuring the war diaries, texts and photographs from three Marines.
• Located in Mott Haven, the Gordon A. Parks Gallery hosts art exhibits, lectures and musical events for visitors to enjoy.
• An artist-run collaborative project, Bronx Art Space features visual art and experimental film as well as dance performances and concerts.
• The Pregones Theater offers an ever-changing lineup of performances, programs and shows with a focus on Puerto Rican and Latino artists and themes.
• For fresh New American cuisine and innovative cocktails, visitors can dine at The Clock Cafe and Martini Bar. This neighborhood joint, complete with vintage chandeliers and exposed-brick walls, offers classic American favorites paired with fine wines and expertly crafted cocktails.
• Open for over 40 years, Casa Amadeo is the oldest Latin music store in the South Bronx. Visitors can peruse their favorite CDs and vinyl records and tap into owner Mike Amadeo’s wealth of knowledge of the Latin music industry.
For more information about the South Bronx, visit nycgo.com/neighborhoods. To read the monthly Neighborhood x Neighborhood press releases and to view B-roll and photos of the neighborhood highlights, visit nycgo.com/pressphotos. Follow @nycgo_press on Twitter for the latest information about New York City travel and tourism.