My best friend since back in the first grade, Jim, was given a tremendous opportunity yesterday – he got to sit down wait by the elevator with former Yankees manager, and as Jim rightly points out “Hall of Famer” Joe Torre about his new book The Yankee Years. His full report in one of his blog postings at The Yankee Scrolls is here. But there’s something even better – his article, which is on the front page of mycentraljersey.com’s homepage is here.
I have to admit, I actually went out an bought this book yesterday. Why would a Phillies fan who considered the Yankees run from 1996-2000 a “military occupation” of Major League Baseball want to buy this book? I guess I just wanted to indure some pain for 500 pages. Actually, I always have had respect for Mr. Torre, and always will. Plus there’s that deep down human need to learn about all the dirt that happens behind the scenes.
Former Yankees Manager Joe Torre signs copies of his new book at a reception in which only one media invite was given. To my best friend. (Photo: AUGUSTO F. MENEZES / MyCentralJersey)
As I have been flipping through the book I noticed that only the first 150-175 pages or so are actually devoted to the 1996-2003 run. The next several chapters are the 2003-2004 Yankee-Red Sox ALCS meetings. Then we get to the good stuff: the dirt on A-Rod. I was half expecting Joe and co-author Tom Verducci to get only 6 pages before Joe lets rip on him. But it didn’t happen. What did happen in the first 6 pages was a line that I plan on using in the future where Verducci quotes a New York Post writer who commented about the signing of Torre back in the 1995 offseason:
It’s a sad occasion when man becomes muppet.
‘Gotta remember that one.
I think I’m going to provide my commentary on this book as I read it. It might provide some worthwhile entertainment while reporting on the Premiership. (Which starts in two days, by-the-by…)
