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Articles by Ray Negron
Two captains, one heartbeat: Yankees man compares Canton's Thurman Munson to Aaron Judge
Author who knew Thurman compares "The Captain" to Yankees' Aaron Judge. Ray Negron recalls Munson's clubhouse persona from days he played in three straight World Series. Bucky Dent to speak at Thurman Munson Catchers Scholarship Dinner in Canton. Thursday. EDITOR’S NOTE: The Thurman Munson Catchers Scholarship Dinner will be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at DoubleTree in downtown Canton.
Focus on Greatness of Pete Rose and Learn from It | Newsmax.com
As a man whose life has been the great American tradition and institution that is Baseball, this writer is beyond overjoyed that MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and the League decided to reinstate the great game's hit king Pete Rose, as well as others — making them eligible for entry in The Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Now true baseball fans and their families, especially kids can learn the true legend and lessons of Pete Rose.
Dominican Republic Horror Hits Home | Newsmax.com
Nelsey Cruz, the sister of one of baseball's all-time great players, Nelson Cruz, and former Yankee Octavio Dotel died Tuesday at the popular Jet Set nightclub in the Dominican Republic. While the country's very popular merengue singer Rubby Perez was in the middle of a song, the roof and ceiling just collapsed. People almost instantly perished, including the the former great baseball star Dotel and Perez. In all, authorities say 221 people died and more than 200 were injured.
The Devin Williams Era Is About to Begin
I got together with Devin Williams recently. We talked about the start of the season and playing in New York. His eyes quickly told the whole story. He's periodically come to New York, all throughout his career, as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers. Ironically, his very first game to start the 2025 season as a Yankee in New York is against those very same Brewers.
From Whitey Ford to Roger Clemens - Nothing Short of Greatness
From Ford to Clemens - Greatness, Knowledge Help Pitchers During my first full season with the Yankees (1974) our pitching coach was the greatest pitcher in Yankee history, Whitey Ford. I will never forget how the young pitchers like Doc Medich, Dave Pagan and Tippy Martinez would always make it a point to walk by Whitey just to say hello, but very respectfully. You could almost see the idol worship that a lot of the players were engaging in.
Yankee family come together to say goodbye to Lou Cucuzza Sr.
Lou Cucuzza Sr has been a fabric of the Yankees Universe since the early 70s. I actually remember seeing Lou sitting on the picnic table in the middle of the original Yankee Stadium talking to historic Yankee clubhouse manager Pete Sheehy about taking over the visitor’s clubhouse when we got back to the renovated Yankee Stadium. At the time Lou was the Umpires room manager. I remember half the conversation being about how Pete took care of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Aaron Judge, Juan Soto: A Tale of 2 Superstars
Outfielder Aaron Judge arrived in Tampa, Florida with a big smile and ready to go. He was very excited about another season and a run at the first world championship since 2009. As usual he had a great winter staying in shape. Permit me to add to his smile. He is a father for the first time. I’m not surprised at the fact that Judge wishes Juan Soto well and stated that Soto basically had to do what he felt was best for him and his family in taking the N.Y. Mets deal.
Thanks Keith McPherson of WFAN radio for keeping the Marcus Stroman situation real
Keith McPherson of the WFAN has become one of the most important and respected radio personalities and sports show hosts in New York because he keeps it real. We have had many radio hosts come on the air and just start screaming over nothing. Marcus Stroman wasn’t at camp yesterday and technically doesn’t really have to be there till February 22nd according to the players’ basic agreement. Yet all the radio hosts in New York were screaming Bloody Mary.
The Boss Loved the challenge of a reclamation project… Just ask Alex Garrett!
We recently celebrated the anniversary of George Steinbrenner’s purchase of the Yankees. I’ve often shared how Mr. Steinbrenner brought me into the Yankees family as his first reclamation project in 1973. I was one of many that the Boss would pick up from the streets. One time he would even go as far as to go to a jail and promise a kid that if he didn’t mess up while in jail that he would have a job waiting for him when he got out. The kid didn’t mess up anymore and the Boss gave him that job.
Why Hall of Famer CC Sabathia Is Grateful for Doc Gooden
One of the last things that new hall of famer, CC Sabathia told me on his last day as a New York Yankees player was that he had to really thank Doc Gooden. During CCs first days as a major leaguer, with the Cleveland Indians, Gooden was in his last seasons as a player. Gooden never forgot how a veteran pitcher named Mike Torrez was there for him and gave him positive advice. He remembered how important it was and how it reinforced his confidence.
'Unstoppable' Anthony Robles Inspires Youth Again
We know that the biggest love of George Steinbrenner’s professional life was the New York Yankees, but did you know those two other things not far behind his team were wrestling and the Olympics? I thought about that this week as those loves of Mr. Steinbrenner melded together in the city that he loved, as an inspirational hero of amateur, not WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) style wrestling, came to New York to tell his story again to a wide audience.
Maria Cooper Janis's Humanity Transcends the Arts | Newsmax.com
Maria Cooper Janis has been and done many incredible things in her life. She happens to be one of the most respected artists in America. She runs different charities assisting native Americans with their school programs in California. She also toured the world with arguably the greatest classical pianist ever, her husband Byron Janis (1928–2024). She has authored books, as well as produced documentaries about her father, Gary Cooper — one of the greatest movie stars of all time.
Like Other Game Announcing Greats, Sterling Was a Joy to Hear
I was watching the Michael Kay show on the YES Network. Michael talked about being on the phone with John Sterling and being told that John had done his last call as a the radio voice of the Yankees. Michael had a very sad look on his face. This told me that we were witnessing the end of an era. This reminded me of Mel Allen and his golden voice leaving the Yankees. It also reminded me of the wonderful Scooter Phil Rizzuto also leaving.
Thanks to Steve and Alex, Doc Gooden Is Back
Kenny Loggins has an all time favorite song of mine, "Forever," from his 1985 "Vox Humana" album (Columbia). When I looked at the top of Citi Field and saw the number 16 which will hang forever next to the number 24 which was once worn by one of baseballs top three players ever, Willie Mays I thought that was truly amazing, incredible, unbelievable . . . and, forever. Forever's lyrics say . . . "Forever in my heart forever we will be . . . "Even when I’m gone . . . "You will be with me. . .
Thanks Steve Cohen for Helping Mend Doc's Broken Heart
5 hours ago The Menéndez brothers, Lyle and Erik Menéndez, marked a dark anniversary on Aug. 20, 2023 — 34 years since they murdered their parents, José and Kitty Menéndez. While José, an entertainment executive, and Kitty, a former teacher, watched TV in their Beverly Hills home on Aug. 20, 1989, Lyle and Erik …
Thanks Steve Cohen, for Helping Mend Doc's Broken Heart
One of the most famous music groups of the Disco Era (Late 1960s – late 1970s) was The Bee Gees. If you ever saw the movie "Saturday Night Fever" (Paramount 1977/1978) then you likely know this was the vehicle helping the Bee Gees take the music world by storm. Prior to that, The Bee Gees were known for a masterpiece of a song "How Do You Mend a Broken Heart," (1971/Polydor). The melody and lyrics are explicit, beautiful, and haunting! However, the overall sadness of the song is just too real.
An Enduring Message: Keep Striving
Juan Soto has learned the importance of being a mentor from his own mentor, Nelson Cruz. Nelson has been one of sports all time great humanitarians. He has won many philanthropic awards including the Roberto Clemente Award and the biggest humanitarian award of all, the Muhammad Ali Award. Nelson talks to Soto on a regular basis and has tried to lead him in the right direction for many years. He has tried to be a positive role model not just to Juan but to all the players he has played with.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred Exemplifies Humanity
Recently, I had a great treat. I got to sit down with Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred. As unbelievable as it sounds, it’s the truth. I want to take you on another "Magical Mystery Tour." As many of you may know, because of my personal life’s journey both positive and negative, I understand how truly blessed I am. In my home at one time there were seven boys, yet I’m the only one who is alive today. This writer feels blessed beyond words.
NY Yankees: Great Baseball, Greater Service to Humanity
January 4, 1973 … "A date which will live in infamy." Sound familiar? It should. It's taken, of course, from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's declaration of war on Japan, before Congress, Dec. 8, 1941. The day before, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in the Pacific. What came next was an enlarging World War II. In a way, the ship builder from Cleveland was declaring war, but in a much more cheerful way, in and on the baseball world, on Jan. 4, 1973.
Enduring Lessons from 'The Boys In The Boat'
There are few things I am sure of in this life, but this one I know both from anecdotes and experience. The only thing George Steinbrenner loved as much as his Yankees was the U.S. Olympic team, and his support for the (now) USOPC; its stories, its athletes, and coaches were unwavering, and continues with the Steinbrenner family today.
Actor Guzman Deserves Academy Award for 'Story Life'
I just saw the best film of the year: "Story Ave" If it’s star Luis Guzman doesn’t garner an Academy Award nomination then this writer will have a problem with the system that chooses who recevied Oscar nominaitons, and who doesn't. Luis, for years, has been one of the greatest character actors of all time. The film itself is a brilliant piece of work. Why? Because it's the story of so many of us! As I sat and watched this film my lips trembled at times . . . because I was reliving my life.
Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry Brought Good Things to Baseball
For the longest time, this writer has been sick and tired of hearing about what should have been. How about the positive part of what was? Darryl Strawberry and Doc Gooden broke into the New York scene as the most Cooperstown-bound rookies because of their great and natural baseball ability. Not since Lou Gehrig and Tom Seaver had New York seen such ability on the diamond.
'The League' a Fine Tribute to Baseball, History and Beyond
There was a time in our nation when going to a baseball game at Yankee Stadium in the 1930’s and early 1940’s meant the only thing you might see that was white, was the color of the baseball used to play the game. That’s because Major League Baseball’s segregation policies meant that some of the greatest players during the first part of the 20th century, players of color who also included many dark skinned Latino players, only played in the Cathedral in the Bronx.
NY: Best for Food, Seeing American Dream Come Alive
Daymond John got together with his good friend Chef Marcus Samuelsson at the terrific new restaurant, Hav & Mar, located at New York's 11th avenue and 26th street. As I walked in, I found out immediately why this place is known as Marcus’s focused seafood restaurant. The different assortment of seafood dishes are "through the roof." Daymond and Marcus walked in together, they then marched right to the kitchen. Chef de cuisine Fariyal Abdullahi met them both. The work began.
Remembering the Great George Steinbrenner | Newsmax.com
I heard him scream, he screamed at me. I heard him curse, he cursed at me. I saw him fire people, he fired me. I saw him cry, he cried with me. When I fell down with emotional pain, he picked me up and held me until the pain went away. I’m talking about George Steinbrenner. He was probably the most complex, yet best man I've ever known. The world knows what he did for sports. By now the world has excepted the fact that he was a visionary.
NY Yankees' Leaders Don't Need Titles
Diana Munson has always loved the Yankees. Knowing her for almost 50 years I would have to say that her love for the team was almost as strong as her wonderful husband, Thurman Munson. Thurman was named the first Yanks captain, since Lou Gehrig. in 1976, even though he argued with George Steinbrenner that he didn’t want the title. He even askd the Boss, "Wasn’t it you that once said the hell with labels." Steinbrenner's response was to laugh.
Why We Can Be More Than Proud of Nestor Cortes
It’s beautiful to see that a young Yankee can understand the true history and legacy of Lou Gehrig, learning about amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS. Most players today don’t understand a lot of the true history of their game. At the Lou Gehrig Gala they were honoring the young Yanks pitcher Nestor Cortes, or as the fans love to call him “Nasty Nestor,” along with others. It was beautiful to see him talking with Maria Cooper Janis, a woman that I have great respect for.
Randy Levine Continues Tradition of Never Forgetting the Little Guy
Billy Martin was truly a surrogate father to me. He was there for me during very difficult times. He used to love to share stories about his son and how proud he was of Billy junior. The first time Billy was fired we sat together in his New Jersey apartment and through his tears Billy said that it hurt so much because he would rather be a Yankee than a president or a king.
Aaron Judge. Like Roger Maris, Class personified
Congratulations to Aaron Judge. Not for the 62nd home run but because you have exemplified so much incredible class throughout this whole ride. You have shown the kids of the world what a true gentleman is supposed to be. You have shown the baseball world what a Yankee is supposed to be.
Pelliccio Lived A Bronx Tale with a Yankee Twist
Vincent Pelliccio was living his dream as a police officer in Suffolk County. It meant the world to him because his dad Tony had been a detective for NYPD. Vinny as he was known was everyone’s friend. He was a member of the gang task force and was a union delegate because he knew that he could look out for his fellow police officers. Vinny loved the movie A Bronx Tale because of the life lessons that he got from it and just idolized Chazz Palminteri. He even had a tattoo with the Bronx Tale symbol.
Luis Guzman and Hollywood Meet The Ferryhawks
People from all the other boroughs in New York were asking what all the commotion in Staten Island was this week. Well, it was because one of the most recognizable celebrities and the world’s greatest character actor was doing a movie there. New York’s own Luis Guzman spent a week in Staten Ialand working in the Guy Jacobson comedy, Out of Order. To say that he had fun would be an understatement.
Luis Guzman Knows About Acting, Food, and the Yankees
If the greatest character actor in the world, Luis Guzman got to live out his dream and all of a sudden turned into a New York Yankee he would probably be DJ LeMahieu. DJ is a player who can help the team both offensively and defensively. He can marely play a roll, or he can take the lead and come up with the big hit. In all his movies, Luis Guzman has been just that.
No Baseball? At Least We Have The Munson Dinner
Thurman Munson has been gone for forty three years, however no amount of time ever takes away the pain. I have always said that to know him was truly to love him. Inside of that Yankee clubhouse we were all his family and he always felt so good about that because he had our back and he knew that we had his. Like every year at this time, I look forward to the Thurman Munson Award Dinner.
Both Bernie and Gio Were Honored This Week
This week I was able to see the past and the present do what they do best–Give of themselves for the less fortunate. Throughout my time with the Yankees, a period that spans forty eight years, I have learned why George Steinbrenner once firmly said that he didn’t want his players to think that they are heroes if they didn’t truly act like one. Bernie Williams was a great Yankee for 16 years.
MLB's 2021 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Is Well-Deserved
If you were to ask me what a complete Major League Baseball player looks like, I would have to open up the baseball digest and show you a picture of the Tampa Bay Ray's Nelson Cruz. Cruz is a guy who has done some incredible things on the field. He hits homers, hits for average, and naturally drives in runs. He is a designated hitter however if you asked him, he would prefer to play the field and was no slouch when put in the outfield.
MLB, Yankees Remember Lou Gehrig On June 2 In Special Ways
Public Domain There are few people, let alone players, who have embodied the Yankee mystique than Lou Gehrig did. “The Iron Horse” embodied professionalism, integrity, and grit, always putting the team before everything, even as a cruel disease robbed him of everything he worked for at such a young age.
Yankees cards on the auction block
Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire Collecting baseball cards has been part of the very fabric of the U.S.A. for more than a century. Kids and adults alike have treasured these keepsakes of their favorite heroes of America’s pastime, storing them in boxes, holding them dear to their hearts. And for some, it’s been more than just the sentimental value of the cards, but collecting for the possibility of their value increasing as time passed.
Alomar Sports Or By Whatever Name, Hank's Heart and Soul Always There.
Ray Negron Before Hank Steinbrenner left this world, he asked me to make sure to get different people in the game to take over the Hank’s Yanks Organization. This is a program that Hank helped put together in 2009. The program helped many kids go to college, not to mention twenty five kids getting drafted with two of those players, Williams Jerez and Joe Polombo achieving the ultimate goal of getting to the big leagues.
A Positive First Week in Yankee Land
To say that this first week of spring training for the New York Yankees was very positive would be an understatement. All the questions going into camp were answered during the course of the week. First, there was the question about Gary Sanchez and his overall game. Well, let me say this, even Stevie Wonder could see that Gary’s defense has improved from last year. Whatever workouts he did during the off season seem to be paying off dividends.
Positive First Week in Yankeeland
Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire To say that this first week of spring training was very positive would be an understatement. All the questions going into camp were answered during the course of the week. First there was the question Gary Sanchez and his overall game. Well let me say this, even Stevie Wonder could see that Gary’s defense has improved from last year. Whatever workouts he did during the day inter seem to be paying off dividends.
Ex-Yankees Batboy Pacemaker Specialist
Icon Sportswire When I learned that our Yankees manager Aaron Boone would be undergoing a pacemaker implant I immediately thought of Ex-Yankees Batboy Shawn DeRosa who spent several years as an implantable pacemaker defibrillator specialist in south Florida. I wanted to hear directly from Shawn on how Aaron would do with the procedure, what to expect and what to be aware of in regard to how Aaron would recover and be able to get back to the Yankees dugout as our leader ASAP.
An Actor From The Bronx Never Forget His Yankee Ties
Paramount Pictures “I just remember when it happened, I was sitting on my front stoop and started crying.” You would not expect those words from a tough guy like Frank Grillo. Born in The Bronx, raised outside of the city in Rockland County, one of the most sough after character actors in Hollywood today…he has EIGHT films coming out this year, leading off with “Boss Level” on Hulu next week…a guy who boxes every day, and even in his fifties does his own STUNTS in every film…crying on the steps?
Hall of Fame Advice
Ray Negron One of the most intense competitors that I have known, next to George Steinbrenner, during my years in baseball has to be Yankee team President Randy Levine. He is always a constant reminder of how it was like to watch a game with the Boss. Like The Boss, Randy can go crazy when watching his team play and things don’t go right. He is always looking for an edge to win. A classic example was when the Yankees were playing the Toronto Blue Jays.
MLB Greats Alomar, Urshela Talk Success On, Off Field
Bronxnet's program, Reach Out with Ray and Steve, continues to show why it's number one. This week, Bronx's own April Lee Hernandez (Castillo), one of the stars of the award- winning film Freedom Writers, talked about the making of the film, the incredible message that it gives and how today the message is even more important. The Community segment of the show showed us the continued efforts of the New York Yankees all throughout the Bronx during these pandemic times.
A Hall of Famer's Advice for Gio
Ray Negron Bronxnet’s number one program, “Reachout with Ray and Steve” continues to show why. Yesterday, one of the stars of the award winning film, “Freedom Writers,” Bronx’s own April Lee Hernandez (Castillo) joined the show to talk about the making of the film. The incredible message it sends and how that message is received today is even more important.
Elston Howard, First Black Yankees Player, Made Impact On, Off Field
For Black History Month, I was proud to be invited to Suffolk Community College on Long Island, to speak about my history with the Yankees. The faculty wanted to know what it was like to be a person of color during that era, especially with such a high profile organization like the New York Yankees. They wanted to know how intimidating was it to be so young working for two such powerful sports figures like George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin.
Celebrating Black History Month at Suffolk Community College
Ray Negron For black history month, I was proud to be invited to Suffolk Community College to speak about my history with the Yankees. The faculty wanted to know what it was like to be a person of color during that era, especially with such a high profile organization like the New York Yankees. They wanted to know how intimidating it was to be so young and work for two such powerful sports figures like George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin.
Honoring Mr. October During Black History Month
Today, I honor the man that Yankees’ Captain Thurman Munson would give, arguably, the most famous sports nickname to, Mr. October, Reggie Jackson. Let me just put it this way. During the Steinbrenner era, the most exciting player to put on a Yankee uniform is without a doubt Reggie Jackson. When the team felt they needed to acquire a star outfielder, everyone told Mr. Steinbrenner to get Joe Rudi. Rudi was an all star outfielder who did everything right.
Pedro Gomez Made An Impact
Ray Negron Today, I would speak to Sandy Gomez, the wife of Pedro. Even though her husband had just died, she would console me because I was crying. I guess they were a perfect match because that is exactly what Pedro would have done. That is exactly what came to my mind. During the 2017 Major League Baseball draft, both he and I were nervously waiting for our sons, Ricky Negron and Rio Gomez’ names to hopefully be called. Ironically our sons were called in back to back rounds.
Bill White, A Man Who Earned Our Respect
Ray Negron During black history month, I want to acknowledge all star first baseman Bill While. During the 1960s he was one of the best players in the game. Terrific hitter with power who also won 4 gold gloves for an excellent St. Louis Cardinals team. It didn’t hurt that some of his teammates were Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, and the best centerfielder in the National League, Curt Flood.
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