Dear Yankees fans,
It's nothing personal. Really, it isn't.
Please understand I wish you no ill will, it's just
that I'd rather be blanketed in Hudson River toxic waste than see the Yankees
win another World Series championship.
To understand my disdain for your beloved team, I
must talk about MINE. It's 1996. I was a marketing intern for the
Texas Rangers, which was a dream come true since I grew up watching my favorite
team with my father. In '96, Texas earned their first playoff appearance,
and we were told if the Rangers made it to the series, and won it, ALL front
office staff would get a ring.
Of course, we lost to New York Yankees. It
happened again in 1998. And again in 1999. I cried in '96, had an
upset stomach in '98 and was downright angry in '99.
And so, the birth of my venom for one of the most
storied franchises in all of sports took root, and I've never found the
antidote.
But I must give respect where respect is due.
Today in New York, the Yankees (as well as all of
Major League Baseball) honored the victims of Newtown, Connecticut. In
addition, some of the town's first responders were asked to be the color guard
during pre-game ceremonies. It was classy - it was just cool.
"It was really great to honor the victims that
we lost. Its affected the entire community, especially us as police
officers. For the Yankees to step up and do this for us, we really do
appreciate it," said Officer Matt Hayes from the Newtown Police
Department.
Fifty thousand fans put down their peanuts and
Cracker-Jacks and stood silent as the names of the fallen scrolled on the
"JumboTron" above center field. I was standing next to the
visitor's dugout, and as I gazed out onto the crowd, I was amazed at how a
usually thunderous fan base was so still.
"It's emotional," said Officer William
Chapman, also with the department. "I keep the families, the
teachers, the students in my mind when things like this are happening."
I even heard on the radio that superstar shortstop
Derek Jeter allowed the family of lost teacher Victoria Soto to use his luxury
suite. Classy. Cool.
Tomorrow, I will resume my disgust for the evil
empire, hoping that baseball Commissioner Bud Selig hands down a rule that any
Yankee with a vowel in his name is unable to play.
Never again will I be proud of the Yankees.
Until July 7th.
The team has dubbed that date "Newtown Day at
Yankee Stadium," where more than three thousand members of the community
are expected to attend.
Classy. Cool.
Man, I can't stand you guys.
