A 162 game season, 135 days in first place, and on the verge of collapse.  The New York Mets had a seven game lead, over the second place Philadelphia Phillies, with seventeen games to go and couldn’t hold on.  The Mets drop to second place, trailing the first place Phillies by one game in the final weekend of the 2007 regular season.

     The Mets have lost their last seven home games and host the Florida Marlins the weekend, while the Phillies host the Washington Nationals.  These games have the interest of many Yankee fans, because earlier in the year, the Yankees were struggling and the Mets were red hot.  Things have changed.

     As I watched the Mets game last night, I saw many of the 55,000 fans biting their fingernails in disbelief.  According to Willie Randolph after Wednesday night’s game, "We still have time."  The Mets are one loss away from throwing away their post-season hopes. 

     If the Mets and Phillies have identical records after this weekend, all of the eyes in the baseball world will turn to "the city of brotherly love" for a deciding one-game playoff this Monday night.

    The Bronx is burning with the new sensation; Joba Chamberlain.  The 22-year old relief pitcher joined the Yankees in August.  Many fans and players are excited to have him join the team during their hunt for the twenty-seventh championship.

      According to Centerfielder Johnny Damon, "Chamberlain could be the next Mariano Rivera."  With an ERA of less than 1.00, and 100 mph fastball, he has proven to be unhittable and have the right stuff to make great things happen.

     Chamberlain has created much controversy around his name.  The organization has enforced rules to keep him healthy.  There have been debates between fans and within the organization surrounding these issues that Chamberlain needs 2 days off in between outtings if he pitched 2 innings.  Pitcher Mike Mussina said, "In the post-season, Chamberlain has to be ready to pich everyday."  General Manager Brian Cashman was frustrated at Mussina’s comments and said, "it’s my job to run the team."

     I agree with Mussina.  We need to make the playoffs, so I don’t think limiting the availability of an asset to the team is the answer.  I look forward to seeing great things from Chamberlain and the Yankees in October. 

What do you think about the "Joba rules?"  Please post your responses.

     Every baseball fanatic’s dream would be to get paid for coming to the ballpark everyday and root on their hometown team.  Well, that dream was my reality this past summer, as I worked as an usher for the Long island Ducks.  They’re part of an independent league, called the Atlantic League, and are not affiliated with any major league franchaise. 

     I always ushered in the field level box sections…. usually sections 116 and 118.  I arrived earlier than my scheduled time everyday, so I could enjoy batting practice, which ended before the gates opened to the public.  I’ve never worked for a better organization and front office staff.  Everyone, from Principle Owner Frank Boulton to fellow ushers, knew me by name and carried friendly conversation with me on a daily basis.

     Ushering for the Ducks was different as compared to other jobs, because I was permitted to cheer for the team and keep the fans in the game.   I always greeted the fans with a smile, as I wiped down their seats.  They treated me with respect from the time the gates opened until it was time to go home.  In between innings, ushers walked to the front of the sections to look out at the fans.  During these times, I would hear popular songs, such as "YMCA," on the stadium speakers and entertain the crowd of Long Islanders by dancing.  I am a firm believer that you should enjoy your job.  I felt like a member of the New York Yankee grounds crew when they do that routine before the sixth inning of every Yankee home game.  The fans also enjoyed talking about baseball, with me, throughout the game.

     The Ducks won the second half title, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Newark Bears 2-0 (best of three).  I’m already counting down the days until next season.

     An emotional day, at Yankee Stadium, as the sold-out crowd paid tribute to Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto.

     Rizzuto passed away on August 14th at the age of 89.  He played his entire 13-year career in pinstripes, became a member of the baseball Hall of Fame (1994), and went on to a successful broadcasting career.  Rizzuto overcame many obstacles throughout is life.  Casey Stangel told him that he’s too short to play baseball.  Many thought that Rizzuto would never be able to broadcast, because he has a very distinct Brooklyn accent.

     Today, the emotions poured, as colleagues and family remembered Rizzuto prior to the Yankee game.  They shared memories of Rizzuto, which could make anyone shed a tear.  Video clips were seen on the centerfield diamond vision.  A reef of flowers, decorated in the shape of the Yankee logo, now sets beside his plaque in historical monument park.

     Yankee Owner George Steinbrenner said, "God must have needed a shortstop and he got a great one."

     "Holy Cow!"  Rizzuto will always be a Yankee.