Any team's home opener is an exciting moment for the team and its fans. And any team that has a home opener as the reigning World Champs usually has their ring presentation before the game, making the day even more exciting for everyone. But the Yankees just do things differently, and they always bring more emotion and history to the table than any other franchise in sports. If you didn't get a little bit choked up when George Steinbrenner was presented his ring by Derek Jeter and Joe Girardi, then you just don't appreciate The Boss enough. And if you weren't emotional when the ailing Gene Monahan got his ring and received a standing ovation, then maybe you weren't paying enough attention. You also had to feel good for Godzilla, who spent 7 great years in pinstripes, and finally got his ring.
The Yankees just do things better than other teams. It was great for the Phillies that they won their second title in 2008, and even better that they all got World Series rings at their home opener in 2009. But they bring back the usual suspects: Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, and the Phillie Phanatic, and they all sit around and smile about how they've won twice in the history. And the Red Sox have had their history and their titles (seven, I believe). They wheel out Johnny Pesky for Opening Day, who is 145 years old.
What do the Yankees do? In addition to having World Series rings that are absolutely amazing, they are handed out by Hall of Famers Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra. Sure, they're at the stadium a lot, but why not? Ford is the greatest starting pitcher in franchise history, and Yogi has 10 rings, more than any player in baseball history. Plus, the organization had banners hanging all over the stadium celebrating their 27 titles. You just don't get the same pomp and circumstance for any other team in baseball.
On to the game, Andy Pettitte was fantastic again. Two starts, 12 innings, and one run has been allowed. Not to mention, these two starts took place against the Boston Red Sox and the L.A. Angels. One thing to note is that relievers like Park and Robertson, who each surrendered runs, haven't pitched all that much yet. Because of the schedule, the Yankees have already had three days off. I was shocked to realize that Park hadn't pitched since last Wednesday in Boston. Robertson is off to a rough start, especially after the grand slam to Abreu, but maybe it was just more fitting to end the game with a save by Mariano Rivera.
The Yankees are 5-2. I haven't done my homework yet, so I really don't know when they last started the season this strong, especially against excellent American League opponents. Tomorrow and Thursday, to me, are very important games. Not important because of the outcome, but important because of the starting pitching. It's critical for Javy Vazquez to have a good outing in New York, and erase the bad memories of October 2004, or even last Friday in St. Petersburg. On Thursday, Phil Hughes needs to silence the doubters and prove that he is deserving of the fifth starter spot. All in all, great to see the guys get their rings, and great to win the home opener. If you haven't seen A-Rod getting his ring yet, go watch it. He looks like a 10 year old on Christmas morning.
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