Ode to Joe

I am a Yankees fan.
As far back as I can remember, I rooted for the Yanks.
I blame my dad. I credit my dad.
In high school, I was the only person in a class full of jocks that knew that Roger Maris, NOT Hank Aaron, broke Babe Ruth's single season home run record.
I know that right now it's far more fashionable to be a Red Sox fan. Whatever.
I visited Yankee Stadium for the first time in 1991 and, seriously, got teary eyed. They beat the White Sox that day and my then favorite player, Don Mattingly, drove in the winning run. I also saw Les Miserables for the first time that day so it seriously vies for one of the best days of my life. The 90s (especially the mid and late) were great times for Yankee fans. O'Neil, Jeter, Martinez, Williams, Rivera, to name just a few could do no wrong in my eyes. And, always, Torre. I honestly do not know how much difference a major league manager makes in an average game - or playoff series. It seems to me that, besides deciding when to bring in relief pitching (which can obviously have huge effects on a game) he has very little control over the outcome of the game. Sure, he can bring in a pinch hitter, he can signal a bunt, a hit-and-run, take a pitch - whatever. He has no control over whether or not his normally-great-in-the-clutch captain will hit into a double play instead of driving in a run or two. All I know is that Torre's record should speak for itself - 12 years: 12 playoff appearances. 6 World Series appearances. 4 World Series wins. Not too shabby. And then there are the un-quantifiable characteristics - his professionalism, the respect he receives from his players AND opponents - not to mention his fans in Utah. Class. It's what it comes down to and what I'll always think of Joe Torre. The man has class.
I will miss you, Joe.