I don’t like many things about the New York Yankees. After years of rooting for the Baltimore Orioles, with few recent dividends in October, it’s easy to focus anger, angst and annoyance at the old Highlanders.
That famous Yankee arrogance is the biggest reason. Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera and the new kid pitcher, “Joba” Chamberlain, have arrogance a-plenty. When Chamberlain put on a spastic display of bravado after striking out Toronto’s Frank Thomas in a critical, late-inning situation Tuesday night, it was the same old story. I hope Frank remembers.
But I’ve always appreciated Derek Jeter. He plays hard, always says the right things and, while wicked competitive, never comes across as a dolt on or off the field. The Yankee shortstop’s stock rose in my book this week, when he requested a tape of ailing announcer Bob Sheppard’s voice be used to introduce him at bat during the Yanks’ first two games.
Sheppard, 97, has been the Yankees’ public address man since 1951. He introduces players at the plate in a short, no-nonsense manner. The late Sherm Feller used to do the same thing when he was on the job for the Boston Red Sox.
I thought Jeter’s request was a classy nod to Sheppard, and a salute to tradition. Seems it’s not really a game at Yankee Stadium unless you hear old Bob. And I’m always watching the games on YES, rooting for the other team.
Too bad Jeter’s not an Oriole. Too bad Bob isn’t, either.