My Journey with the New York Yankees
As a kid growing up in Morristown, New Jersey, baseball wasn’t just a sport — it was a way of life. My passion for the New York Yankees started in the living room of our family home, a bustling household of eight. With six kids running around, you’d think it’d be hard to hear yourself think. But when the Yankees played, everything stopped. We would crowd around our old television, hanging on every pitch.
Early Memories
One of my earliest memories involves Don Mattingly, the Yankees’ star in the 1980s. I remember the thrill of watching him swing. It was the bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded. Mattingly hit a grand slam, and our living room erupted.
My father, a stoic man, cheered the loudest. That moment cemented my love for the Yankees. It wasn’t just about baseball; it was about sharing moments of joy with my family.
Growing Up with the Yankees
As I grew older, my connection with the Yankees deepened. The 1990s were a golden era, and being a Yankees fan felt like being part of something special.
Derek Jeter became my new hero. His dedication and humility on and off the field were qualities I admired and tried to emulate in my own life. I remember saving up to buy a Jeter jersey, which I wore until the letters faded.
Special Games
- The Subway Series, 2000: Living in New Jersey, the rivalry with the Mets was always a big deal. When the Yankees faced the Mets in the World Series, it was all anyone could talk about. Watching those games, I felt the weight of every pitch, every hit, and every run.
- Derek Jeter’s 3,000th hit, 2011: Watching Jeter hit a home run for his 3,000th career hit was surreal. I watched that game in a local sports bar in Morristown, surrounded by fellow fans. The camaraderie was palpable.
The Tradition Continues
My love for the Yankees became a way to connect with others, including at my workplace.
As I moved up in my career, I found that the principles I admired in my favorite Yankees — leadership, perseverance, teamwork — were also essential in the business world.
I often used baseball metaphors in presentations and team meetings, drawing parallels between a well-run business and a championship-winning baseball team.
Community and Charity
My passion for the Yankees also influenced my charitable work. Inspired by the team’s community initiatives, I began volunteering at local food pantries and donating to charities like the Wounded Warriors Project.
Just as the Yankees supported their community, I wanted to give back to mine in Morristown.
Reflections
Now, when I watch a Yankees game, it’s more than just rooting for my favorite team. It’s a reminder of where I’ve come from and the values that have shaped me. Each game is a reflection of my own journey — full of challenges, victories, and the support of a team.
Whether it’s the thrill of a late-inning comeback or the quiet pride in a well-played game, my love for the Yankees continues to be a defining aspect of my life. It’s a passion that started in a crowded living room in Morristown and has grown into a lifelong commitment to excellence, both on and off the field.
