It took me some time to think about this entry since the Yankees lost. I could go on about the game but, that is pointless since you all watched it. So, instead, I want to talk about something different here. This is about an Icon of the New York Yankees. He is someone who will remain in our minds forever!!

Who? Joe Torre, that’s who!! A gentleman in every way. An ambassador of the game. Joe Torre created a new dynasty for the Yankees. 12 years is unfathomable in the George Steinbrenner era! Not only did Joe Torre last that long, but his team won! How about making the playoffs 12 straight times? You think that is not enough, then think about the 4 World Series rings he collected!

Joe Torre could have been a different manager and watched as his team suffocated itself. Instead, he was a players type person who helped his team remain just that…A TEAM! Joe watched as his team lacked hitting when men were in scoring position. He argued with the umpires when calls were not made correctly. He could have thrown a fit, ala Billy Martin, and had his viewing angle changed for the game. (Mangers office is different when watching the game on TV! )

Joe Torre watched and battled in every way he was able. The bottom line is the players could not come up with the big hits with runners in scoring position. Yes there were home runs. SOLO home runs! These are the things which a manager is unable to controll. As Joe said, “I am one of those managers who like to let his players play.” That may be a paraphrase, but it was the essence of his quote.

You all know I am a self proffessed METS fan. You also know that Joe Torre was once a Mets player and also a manager. Look at the teams he both played for and worked with. Not so good to say the least!

You may be wondering why Joe did not go out kicking up dirt and stomping his feet at the bad calls made. As stated above, that would do nothing more than change his viewing perspective. You also may think it would rile the troops! To that I have to say, “ARE YOU F’ING KIDDING ME?” These are not kids just starting the game. The are NEW YORK YANKEES, getting paid MILLIONS of dollars to PLAY THE GAME! If that is not enough incentive, WHAT THE HELL IS??

In baseball there are only a few things a manger is able to do;

1. Create the lineup
2. Controll changes in the lineup
3. Make pitching changes
4. Create batting matchups

Joe Torre did all of those things, but his players could not do what they are paid to do. PLAY THE GAME! HIT the ball when needed!

Yea, it all sounds so easy and yes, you have to look at the other pitcher. It just sucks when you see those batters hitting solo home runs when they had the same opportunity with runners on and the same pitcher!?!

This is not about the New York Yankees, they will win again. This entry is about Joe Torre and what he did for the franchise. Joe Torre is my hero and I hope this is not his last year with the Yankees. If it is, I truely hope it because it is what he wants and not because George fires him.

Joe, if you ever read this, God Bless you for what you did with the Yankees and how you did it. You are a true human being and person. Should you never coach the Yankees again, THANK YOU and God bless you in your future endeavors! Baseball will miss you!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 9th, 2007 at 8:31 pm and is filed under New York Yankees. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.