#MLBVideos: FULL CEREMONY: Yankees honor 2000 World Series-winning team in 2025 Old-Timers’ Day!

FULL CEREMONY: Yankees honor 2000 World Series-winning team in 2025 Old-Timers’ Day!

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Bowl Timer’s Day. Please direct your attention now to the microphone behind home plate and join the Yankees in welcoming our MC, Michael K. Well, it’s always great to hear the legendary voice at Yankee Stadium. Welcome to the 77th annual Oldtimer’s Day at Yankee Stadium. This is always one of my favorite days of the baseball season. Getting to see all these former Yankee greats back together wearing the pinstripes and the interlocking NY. And today marks the return of the oldtimer’s day game. No professional sports team has a history like the New York Yankees. They’ve been to the World Series an amazing 41 times, winning the Fall Classic 27 times, more championships than any other team in the history of professional sports. This year, we’re happy to have with us members of the 2000 World Championship team as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Yankee Subway Series Championship. The 2000 New York Yankees are the last three repeat champion in baseball history. And the 2000 season was the most challenging of all of them. If anything, the Yankees 2000 season was a testament to their resilience, heart, and championship medal. They hovered around 500 for most of the first three months of the season. But starting July 1st, they won 21 out of 30 games and they eventually took over first place for the rest of the season. However, a rough stretch at the end of the regular season had many people counting them out from winning a third consecutive title. After a tough fivegame series with Oakland, they took care of Seattle in six games in the ALCS only to have their cross town rivals, the Mets, waiting for them in the World Series, the first subway series since 1956. At this time, let us all direct our attention to the video board in center field as we take a look back at the 2000 championship season. A season and a team that show you can never count out the heart of a champion. Well, welcome everyone to the 2000 season. We hit a new millennium. Last century was great for the Yanks. The best swung on and hit the air deep to left field. Gone. New York starts 2000 like they ended the last millennium. Clay Bellinger sits this one high and deep to left field way back and it is out of here. Clay Bellinger says take that and hit it high in the air and to deep center. It’s good. And the ball game is tied at seven. What a comeback. Seven runs here in the seventh inning. Swings away and hits a deep coll to left. It is gone. A gamewinning threerun home run on the first pitch. Swings and hits a high drive to right. That ball is high. It is far. It is good. We are tied at three. It’s swung on and head in the air and he puts on. Unbelievable. Justice prevails in New York. Justice and Bernie Williams go back to back and the Yankees win the game 4-3. Off the end of the bat, it’s going to fall. The Yankees are going to win it. Allen Hill comes off the bench. It’s a grand slam and the Yankees take a 95 lead. Tino Martinez with a gamewinning RBI single. Another solid performance for Andy Pet. He got him. Never underestimate the heart of a champion. And I think that applies to the Yankees. They are champions and they know how to win. They have heart. They have experience. And they only need one game to turn it around. And you’ve had it another one, two, three. Hard hit. Glenn Allen Hill comes through for the Yankees. Zoho gets one fair pass first and into the corners and it’s three nothing New York. He still belongs to the world champion Yankees. Oh, nice play. Yeah, maybe there is a miss about Yankee Stadium. Lined into center field. Insurance run for the Yankees. And tomorrow in Oakland, the A’s and the Yankees will battle it out to see who wins this series. Highf fly ball into right center field. A threerun double by Tino Martinez. Popped up to first. Tino in foul territory. Tino makes a catch. The New York Yankees have won the division series. It’s one- nothing Seattle. We’re in the eighth. Swung on at line. Base hit right center field. The Yankees tie the game at one and it is off. McLemore’s gone to right field. Bernie rounds third. He will score. Skies one deep right. Javier back looking up. Gone. Seven runs on eight hits in this inning. The rocket Roger Clemens on the mound. This guy is always capable of overpowering the opposition. Swing and a miss. Strike three. Swing a miss. He struck him out. A called strike three. No hits through six. Strike three. Down looking. Clemens is struck out the side and he pumps his fist and goes down to his left knee. Roger Clemens pitches the best game you’ve ever seen. Pitch. One hit, two walks, and 15 strikeouts. Swung on in line toward the gap in right center field. It is a base hit. It’ll go all the way to the wall. Jorge Bosada put the Yankees back in the ball game. Everyone in this ballpark is standing up. This booth is shaking. And the 3-1 deep to right field. There it goes. See into the upper deck. David Justice with a threerun home run. Get your tokens ready. You might be 40 the subway. The pitch is hit on the ground to short. Jeter hustles, feels, fires. Got him. Ball game over. American League Championship series over. Yankees win. The Yankees win. But now the stage is set for the Subway Series between the Yankees and Mets. swung on a drill deep to left field giving chases justice looking up and is off the top of the wall. Kicks back to the fielded by Justice. He fires into Jeter. Perez is coming home. Here’s the throw. He is out at the plane. Oh, what a relay throw by Derek Jeter. three in the 12. And the Yankees win the game. A big basic for Jose. Here we go. Game two of the 2000 World Series. Swing on this. He got it. Swing on it. Hit in the air to deep left. There is Yankees are a strike away. the pitch and strike three recall. Yankees win the first two games of the 2000 World Series. So Derek Jeter moves into the leadoff spot and he goes after the first pitch way back left field Derek Jeter. He’s on goodbye home run. First pitch homer for Derek Jeter. Here comes David Con. 37y old rightander. Swung on and popped him up. So Con comes on to get Piaza. Strike three. Ball game over. Mariano Rivera comes in and pitches two brilliant innings and take a three games to one lead in the World Series. That’s well hit into left field by Tayani back. It’s a two game. Derek Jeter’s going deep again into left field. Base hit. The second is Pada. So with two on, two out, Luis Soho will bat. Al Lighter with a season high 141 pitches on the night. Up the middle. Here comes Bada. Throw to the plate. Hits the runner into the dugout. Brochious will score and the Yankees lead 42. Gets it into one to center. Back is Brian Williams on my feet. The New York Yankees for the third time in a row, fourth time in 5 years, and 26th time in franchise history, they are the world champions. Yankees win. The Yankees win. Pretty amazing time. To start the program, we have some very special guests to introduce. Her husband played for the Yankees in the 1950s and helped lead them to five World Championships, hitting 333 in those World Series. Later, he became the Yankees manager, leading them to two more World Series titles. In all, he was part of seven Yankees World Championship teams. Representing Billy Martin. Let’s hear it for Mrs. Jill Martin. He played 13 seasons for the Yankees, was a Gold Club award winner and a five-time all-star who appeared in two American League Championship Series and one World Series. In 1983, he hung up his cleats for the microphone and continued at Yankee Stadium broadcasting Yankee games for 25 years representing Bobby Mercer, his wife, Mrs. K. Mercer, Her husband was an eight-time all-star, three-time Gold Glove winner, two-time world champion, as well as a 1976 American League MVP. In April of 1976, he was named the sixth captain in Yankees franchise history, and was captain of the 1978 championship team. tragically taken from us on August 2nd, 1979. His locker remained empty until the close of the original Yankee Stadium. representing the Yankees captain Thurman Mson. This is Diana Mson. Now, we have a special guest that is back for their first Oldtimer’s Day as we help celebrate the 2000 championship team. came over in a trade in the middle of the 2000 season and would play 68 games for the Yankees, filling in at second, third, and short. It’s only fitting that he’s the first player from the 2000 championship team introduced today because it was his RBI singles in the bottom of the 12th of the first game of the World Series that gave the Yankees the victory. Let’s welcome back Jose Visayeno. Well, he spent three seasons in the Bronx, a member of both the 99 and 2000 World Championship team. He was a jack of all trades for the Yankees, playing every position except pitcher and catcher. And like father, like son, his son Cody is playing multiple positions for the Yankees this season. Let’s welcome back Clay Bellinger. This native of Brooklyn has been with the Yankees in just about every capacity. He’s a Yankee infielder during the 82 season. He was a manager of the Yankees minor league system. He was the first base coach on the 2000 World Championship team and today is adding manager of the oldtimers game to his resume. Let’s welcome Lee Mazilli. This next guest was neither a player nor a coach, but was synonymous with the Yankees for nearly 50 years. Joined the training staff in 1973, where he would spend the next 39 seasons. He tended to the injuries of almost everyone on the field today and was the trainer for seven world championship teams including the 2000 champions. A big welcome back for Gino Jean Monahan. Well, we have a doctor back in the house today. He signed as a free agent with the Yankees prior to the 96 season. And on May 14th of that year, he gave the old stadium one of those nights that only it could produce as he pitched the eighth and possibly one of the most improbable no hitters in Yankees history. He’d win 11 games that year and helped the Yankees win their first World Series title in 18 years. He also signed with them in the middle of the 2000 season and would win four games and save two others to help them capture the 2000 World Championship. Let’s have a nice warm welcome back for Doc Dwight Gooden. This player had two tours in pinstripes playing for the Yankees in 97 and 98 and then coming back to the team during the 2004 season. a fan favorite who provided a spark off the bench with his speed. He was a 348 hitter during his time in the Bronx. Let’s welcome back Homer Bush. Our next guest was a dependable backup behind the plate for the 2003 American League Champions. Everyone remembers the night that Derek Jeter dove into the stands, but it was his walk-off hit in the 13th inning that won the game. Now he shares his baseball knowledge with Yankee fans on the Yes Network. Let’s welcome back Flash John Flity. This next guest made an immediate impact when he arrived in the Bronx in ’98. In his first Yankee Stadium start, he went five for five with two homers and two doubles. Over the final 10 days of the season, he hit 464 with seven home runs, including three grand slams, and drove in 20 runs. He added two more home runs in the ALDS sweep that season. Let’s hear it for Shane Spencer. This next guest spent three seasons as a bronze farmer from 78 to 80. Who could forget his 78 series when he had three hits in both games five and the deciding game six. He would hit .438 with seven hits in the World Series and drove in two runs in the game six clincher. Say hello to Brian Doyle. Well, this next guy is always a fan favorite and was a key member of two world championship teams. He was an all-star in 76 and he led the Yankees in both hitting against stolen bases in 1976 and the 1977 championship season. Then during the 78th postseason, he batted 379, helping the Yankees repeat as champions. One of the fastest men to ever wear the pinstripes, Mick the Quick, Mickey Rivers. a two-time allstar. In 1976, he led the American League in run score and he was also a key member of the 77 and 78 World Championship teams in the 78 ALCS at 313. And his home run in game four was the eventual winning run sending the Yankees back to the World Series. Here he is, old reliable Roy White. signed as a free agent prior to the 2006 season. He added a great combination of speed and power to the top of the lineup. He led the 2009 championship team in runs and tied his careerh high with 24 home runs. He had 364 in the 2009 World Series. And in the ninth inning of game four, he would steal second and third base on the same play. Coming around to score the tie ranking run that gave the Yankees a 3-1 series lead. Always a fan favorite. Welcome back, Johnny David. Well, this next guest is back for his first Oldtimer’s Day. He only appeared in 22 games for the 2000 squads, but really took off the following season when he finished third in the Rookie of the Year voting. 2002 was his best season in Pstripes, earning his first All-Star game selection, hitting 300 with 51 doubles and 39 home runs and 102 ribbies with 42 stolen bases to lead the American League. Let’s hear it for Alonso Sorano. Our next guest was a three-time all-star for the Yankees and also hit one of the biggest home runs in Yankees history, also against Boston. On October 2nd, 1978, his three-run home run over the Green Monster in Fenway Park etched his name in the Yankees history forever as it helped give the Yankees the Eastern Division title. He would then go on to hit 417 with seven RBI’s in the 78 World Series and route to being named World Series MVP. How about a hand for Bucky Denton? This next guest was a fan favorite during his 11 years running in the Yankees. He was a part of the 77 and 78 World Championship teams, leading the 78 team with a 314 average. After retiring midway through the 1984 season, he would go on to become the Yankees hitting coach, then manager, then general manager, and then manager again. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for sweet Lou Panella. Well, this popular player had a long career with the Yankees. He was a key member of the 77 and 78 World Championship teams. During the 77 season, he smashed 37 home runs, collecting 107 ribbies, both records at the time for a Yankee third baseman, while also playing stellar defense and being awarded his first gold glove. He made the All-Star team seven times while wearing pinstripes and was named the most valuable player of the 1981 American League Championship Series. The Yankees have had a lot of great third over the years, and he ranks up there as one of the best. Let’s welcome back Craig Nettles. This career, Yankee won 16 games in 1977 and another two games in the postseason. In 78, he had one of the greatest seasons of any pitcher in the history of Major League Baseball, winning the Sai Young award with a 25-3 record, 248 strikeouts, and a 1.74 ERA. He was a winning pitcher in the one-game playoff with Boston. And in the postseason, he just kept it going, giving up just one run over eight innings in the ALCS game four clincher and throwing a complete game victory in game three of the World Series. He twice led the league in wins and an earn run average. He’s third on the Yankees all-time strikeout list and holds the Yankees record with most strikeouts in one game with 18. Ladies and gentlemen, Louisiana Lightning Ron Gry. Well, this first baseman was at the heart of the 77 and 78 lineup. He would play a total of six seasons with the Yankees and hit one of the most memorable home runs in Yankees history. On October 14th, 1976, the score was tied when he led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a home run that put the Yankees back in the World Series. After retiring, he got into coaching and was the hitting coach on four Yankees championship teams, including the 2000 championships. Let’s hear it for Chris Chamblas. A key member of the 77 and 78 World Championship teams. One of the greatest second baseman in the history of the Yankees with his steady play and solid offense for 13 seasons. He led the 78 team in stolen bases and on base percentage. This former Yankees captain appeared in five all-star games while wearing pinstripes and is fourth on the Yankees alltime stolen base list. The third base coach for the 2000 World Championships, always a huge fan favorite, Willie Randolph. He spent seven seasons with the Yankees, was a key member out of the bullpen for the 98, 99, and 2000 World Championship teams. The 2000 postseason was arguably his best, going 3-0 with a 1.1 OE RA. He was the winning pitcher in the deciding game five of the ALDS and then pitched the perfect four and a third innings of relief in the World Series, getting the win in both game one and the championship winning game five. Let’s hear it from Mike Sten. If there were utility pitchers, this next guy would have fit that role. He could start long relief, short relief, and even close some games in his seven seasons with the Yankees. a big part of four Yankees World Championship teams. He won seven games for the 2000 championships, including a complete game shutout on May 25th of that season. Let’s welcome back Romero Mendoza. Our next guest spent seven seasons with the Yankees and was a member of four world championship teams. a part of the 96 98 99 teams. He signed with Pittsburgh prior to the 2000 season, but the Yankees reacquired him in August and he appeared in 34 games down the stretch as the consmate utility infielder. He will always be remembered for his base hit in the ninth inning of game five of the World Series that scored the tiebreaking runs that led the Yankees to their 26th championship. Always a fan favorite, Luis Soho. He was one of the most popular pitchers on the world championship teams at the end of the last century. He defected from Cuba and signed with the Yankees just before the beginning of the 98 season. He brought his unique leg kick to the majors and would win 12 games that year for the 98 world champions and two more in the postseason with none bigger than his masterpiece in game four of the ALCS that even the series. The following year he led the 99 world championship team with 17 wins and in 2000 he had another 12 victories. One of the great postseason pitchers of his time. He won his first eight postseason decisions, including three during the 2000 postseason. The 1999 American League Championship Series MVP and a three-time world champion with the Yankees. Let’s hear it for El Duk Orlando Hernandez. This Yankee was a key member of four world championship teams. A two-time all-star in the Bronx. In 98, he led the American League with 20 wins. He was 6 and1 in the postseason as a Yankee. It was his gutsy performance in game three of the 96 Fall Classic that got the Yankees back in the series. In the 2000 World Series, he only faced one batter. Boy, boy was it a big batter. Coming in to face Mike Piaza and getting him to pop out in game four to preserve the Yankees 3-2 lead. On July 18th, 1999, he would forever etch his name in Yankees lore when he would pitch the third perfect game in Yankees history. Let’s have a warm welcome back for another one of my Yes Network broadcasting partners, Cody David Co. This next first time all-timer was one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. He spent six seasons wearing pink stripes, getting selected for two All-Star games and winning the 2001 Sai Young Award while in the Bronx. After winning the championship clinching game in the 99 World Series, he really stepped it up in the 2000 postseason. In game four of the ALCS that year, it’s one of the best postseason pitching performances of all time, throwing a one hit complete game shutout while striking out 15 Mariners. He then followed it up with eight shut out, two hit innings with nine strikeouts in game two of the World Series. On June 13, 2003, he hit two career milestones in the same game when he became just the third member at the time of the 4,000 strikeout club on his way to notching his 30,000th career win. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back the Rocket Roger Clemens. The Yankees traded for this first baseman prior to the 96 season and he out lead them the four World Series titles. Not only did he play flawless defense every night, but he also produced two of the biggest home runs in World Series history. first in 1998. His grand slam in the seventh inning of game one helped the Yankees lead themselves to a sweep for the Padres’s. Then nobody will ever forget the way he made the old stadium rock with his dramatic home run with two outs in the ninth inning of game four of the 2001 World Series. But he probably had his best overall postseason of his career in 2000 with some highlights being going three for five with three ribbies in the deciding game five of the ALDS and getting a one-out single in the 12th inning of game one of the World Series. Then coming around to score the winning run. For the entire postseason, he had 364. Let’s hear it for Constantino Martinez. A homegrown Yankee, he spent his entire 17-year career in pinstripes and was the latest in the long line of great Yankee catchers. 2000 was his best season to date, earning his first all-star selection and winning his first silver slugger award while hitting 287, 35 doubles, 28 homers, and 86 ribbies. For his career, he was a five-time all-star, five-time silver slugger winner, and was a key member of five world championship teams. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s welcome back Jorge Pada. This old-timer spent nine seasons patrolling right field. Four-time all-star, he had over 306 times and was a 94 American League batting champion. One of the fiercest competitor Yankee fans have ever seen, he was a key member of four world championship teams. In game five of the 96 series with an injured leg, he ran down a deep five off of the final out of a one- nothing Yankees victory. His 100 RBI’s in 2000 was his fourth straight season of 100 or more ribbies. He had 474 in the World Series that year, but his most important bat of the series was his 10th pitch at bat in the bottom of the ninth inning of game one that ended with a walk. And then he would come around to score the tying run, sending the game into extra innings. Now he’s another one of my broadcasting partners of the Yes Network. Ladies and gentlemen, the warrior Paul O’Neal. Our next guest was played his entire 16-year career for the Yankees. One of the great center fielders in Yankees history. He ranked in the top 10 in Yankees history in most offensive categories. 2000 was another stellar season for him as he had 307 37 doubles, six triples, 30 home runs, and 121 runs batted in being named fourth straight all-star team and winning his fourth straight gold glove. He was a 96 ALCS MVP and the 98 American League batting champion. His two walk-off home runs in Yankee Stadium during the 96 and 99 American League Championship Series play helped lead the Yankees to four World Championships. He holds a record for most career RBI’s in postseason play and is second in career home runs. Time to burn, baby burn. Welcome back, Bernie Williams. He won 12 games as a rookie in 95. In his second season, he led the American League with 21 wins and he had 19 wins for the 2000 championship team. For 15 seasons, he proudly wore the pinstripes, giving one of the most intense stares in from the pitcher mound and had one of the best pickoff moves anyone had ever seen. He holds a major league record for most runners picked off base by a pitcher. He is third in Yankees history and wins. No player started more games in Yankees history than him. And he is the Yankees all-time strikeout king. He was at his best in the postseason, holding the major league record for most postseason wins and postseason strikeouts. He was the 2001 ALCS most valuable player. In the 2000 postseason, he won two games, had a 2.88 RA, and he struck out 18. A threetime allstar and fivetime world champion. Welcome back, Andrew Eugene Penn. named matter to the Yankees prior to the 96 season. He led the Bronx farmers to their first World Series title in 18 years. He managed the Yankees for 12 seasons and is second in franchise history with 1,173 wins as a manager. He is fifth on baseball’s list of all-time winning as managers. He is one of only two managers to lead their teams to three consecutive championships. And in 98, he led them to a major league record, 125 wins. During his 12 years in the Bronx, he led the Yankees to six American League pennants and four World Series titles. In 2014, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, let’s hear it for the manager of the 2000 World Series champion Yankees, Joe Tory. Not many remember that our next guest began his career as a starter before being moved to the bullpen. He was the eighth inning setup man on the 96 championship team striking out 130 batters in just 107 innings. Then Joe Tory decided to hand him the closer role in 97. And boy did that work out. There was a fourtime American League saves leader. five-time American League Roll Age relief pitcher of the year and three-time American League delivery man of the year. In 2009, he became just the second player in baseball history history to record 500 career saves. And on that same night, he recorded his first and only career RBI. A 13time all-star, he was even better in the postseason. He has the lowest postseason career erra in baseball history. He holds a baseball record for most postseason saves with, coincidentally 42. He was the 2003 ALCS MVP and the 99 World Series MVP. A five-time World Champion. He was the first player ever to be unanimously elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to enter Sandman. Baseball’s all-time savage leader, number 42, Mariano Rivera. Well, before we finish today’s ceremonies, we have one very important member of the 2000 team that was unable to join us today due to a prior family commitment. Please direct your attention to the video board in center field for a message from the 2000 World Series most valuable player, the captain, Derek Jeter. Hello. Sorry I couldn’t be there in person this year, but I do want to reach out and say what’s up to my teammates from the 2000 World Series Championship team. It is hard to believe it’s been 25 years. 26th title in franchise history. Last team to win three in a row. Quite frankly, might be the last time you see a team win three in a row. And we beat the Mets on top of it. To the Yankee fans, thank you as always for being so passionate, energetic, and undoubtedly the greatest fans in the world. I hope to see you guys soon. Ladies and gentlemen, will you please rise? Let us now spend a moment in silent prayer as we remember those members of the Yankees family who we have lost since last Alzheimer’s day. Abrau, Eddie Carr, Dorothy M. Connors, Lois Lai Seveli, Joe Fossina, Elsa Gomez, Mary Carol Morris, Mort Olsan, Kenny Scripp, Doug Bird, Rocky Calivido, Bud Daly, Octavio Dotel, Billy Hunter, Rudy May, Lenny Randall, Art Shayla, Louis Tian, Al Troutwe, Jeff Torborg, Miller Gardner, Luca Senior, and Ricky Henderson. Thank you. And please remain standing. Robert Merrill was a mainstay at Oldtimer’s Day when he would sing either our national anthem or America the Beautiful. Now the Yankees would like to pay tribute to number one and a half with his rendition of our national anthem. Oh, can you see my eyes and wildly and brightly free and Wing glory. I love 77th oldtimer’s day continues from Yankee Stadium. We’re glad you’re with us on Yes. and the Gotham Sports app. Michael K, our colleague, just getting done with the player introductions and everybody in attendance. Bob Lorenz and Jack Curry with you in our broadcast booth. Michael will join us shortly. Uh, but it’s everything we come to expect from Alzheimer’s Day, Jack, in the introductions and saving some of those big guns for last in terms of the Posadas, Pettits, and Riveras of the world. I thought it was fitting that Mariano Rivera was the closer, Bob, in terms of the player introductions, the final player to be introduced and to join those 2,000 Yankees on the field and the other old-timers who are here. If you look at the Yankees postseason run, Bob, not just 2000, but why they were successful in the postseason, Marian Rivera is at the head of that list. I remember when they won in 2000, David Justice, who was on that team, said to me, “If we had Mariano Rivera in Atlanta, we would have won three or four World Series, never mind just one. He was that much of a differencemaker. 98.99 in 2000. Mo was 11 for 11 in save chances. Opposing closers against the Yankees, one for five.” So, we’ve talked about this a lot over the course of especially when he was voted into the Hall of Fame and after he gave a speech, but the fact that he could succeed with really just one pitch is almost some kind of voodoo magic really when it comes to baseball. It’s bizarre. It’s uncanny. He called it a gift from God. He was throwing before a game with fellow Panamanian Romero Mendoza. And Bob, his ball was cutting so much. The baseball was cutting so much that Mendoza thought he was goofing around with him and said, “Hey, stop doing that.” Because he was having so much difficulty catching that pitch. According to David Conn, Mel Stole Meer initially tried to rid Mariano of that cut and then they realized, wait a second, this natural cut plays. If you can throw a pitch that is the equivalent of a fourseam fast ball, but then it has all of that right to left movement on it and it’s going to go in on left-handed hitters and it’s going to go away from right-handed hitters. Yeah, maybe use that pitch and maybe that pitch will guide you all the way to Coopertown. And because of that, think about one pitch that’s so effective against two different hitters, left-handed and right-handed. You think you might need two or three different uh might need two or three different pitches to be effective against lefties and righties. He just needed one. He only needed one. Bob and Mariano, who is a very humble man. We all know that. He would say, “Listen, they knew what was coming and they still couldn’t hit it.” I could tell them, “Hey, cutter is coming and I still couldn’t hit it.” I remember Jim Toé, future Hall of Famer, just called it a pitch like any other that he’d ever seen. I changing the season. That’s it. Left turn. I got that one. I got one. Yeah. Yeah. Both ways. Different ways. And actually the two he would throw it. He would throw it every once in a while. He’d be pretty good until he almost killed a right-hander. Then he put that right back in his pocket. He would he get underneath and it would up to a right hand. So we have David Cohen, Mike all day. That would give you just a sample of that. A great conversation that he was having there. And what Mike Stanton, a fellow reliever, was saying about Mariano coincides with you and I were just talking about Bob. Once in a while he would throw a two seamer. So once in a while, just to keep batters honest, he would throw the pitch that had a little left to right movement. I think it was very infrequent, but the fact that Mariano had that in his pocket made batters baffled on both sides of the plate. So, you see some of the current Yankees, Carlos Rodon actually out in the dugout uh having a conversation and that’s another part of what this day is all about, the current players connecting with the reunion players. Yeah, Carlos Rodan was talking to Orlando El Duk Hernandez, Bob and I spoke to him before the game and I love this exchange with El Duk. I said, “Are you pitching today?” And he said, “No.” I said, “Oh, you’re not pitching?” He said, “I’m throwing.” So, in other words, yeah, I’m going to lay it in there. I’m not going to be able to be El Duk. I’m probably just going to have to lay it in there for everybody. Did he say there will be no leg kick though? I mean, there’s got to be a little Oh, there there will be a leg kick. El Duk is an amazing athlete. And Bob, I remember when he came over to the Yankees in ’98, as fascinating an addition to a roster that I’ve ever seen. Just the Yankees were already on their way to a great season. Suddenly, they have this pitcher who is mystical, fascinating, smart, engaging, and loved by fans. You mentioned that leg kick. You need to be an athlete as a pitcher to be able to lift your your knee as high as El Duk did. Almost hitting his ear before he released the pitch. Really quickly, just recap that story when he joined the team because in your book about 98, it’s almost like he fell out of the sky in a way. Yeah, he was obviously leaving Cuba and left Cuba on a a boat to defect and was marooned for three or 4 days, but always had his eyes on becoming a major league player. So, after getting through that ordeal, the Yankees end up signing him. And Bob, he only becomes a pitcher at the moment that he did with the Yankees because David Con’s mom, who he talks about a lot, the now departed Joan Conn had a dog who bit David’s finger. So David couldn’t pitch. And they said, “Well, El Duk must be ready.” David has a funny line about that. Stein Burner said to him, “Okay, yeah, the dog bit your finger. What’s the real story?” Oh, no. It was a I think it was a Jack Russell Terrier. Yeah, the dog bit my finger. But talk about a a twist of fate. Sure, let a dog bite your finger if it means you’re going to get El Duke into the mix. So, one of the great things about Oldtimer’s Day and the return of the game, the first since 2019, is the chance to sort of wonder who are we going to see in the field? Who are we going to see pitch and catch? We know our colleague John Flity will be catching today. He’ll be miked up as well. David Con and Paul O’Neal are. And but but who else? We see Ron Gidri warming up. Is he going to know? Is Roger Clemens for example? Will El Duk and how much will they throw? By the way, Meredith Barakovitz is also with us this afternoon and she’s standing by with Johnny Damon. Meredith, hey Johnny, you’re about to get out there and take the field. How are you feeling? Well, I felt a lot better earlier when we got loose hitting, but uh this is uh it’s going to be very interesting. Um and I’m playing first base. Um so I’ve only played first I think two innings of my 18 year career. So, it’s going to be very interesting, but we’re going to let Bernie roam center field. When’s the last time you had a glove on your hand? Yeah. I I can’t think that far back. Hey, what do you enjoy most about this day? Uh putting the pinstripes on, seeing a bunch of uh former teammates, former rivals, um and just baseball is a brotherhood. Um, it’s a fraternity that, uh, we’re going to share forever and there’s a lot of champions here and it’s always great seeing winners. Now, I know you guys had a big dinner last night. Any good stories come out of that dinner? Oh, I mean, we we enjoyed the beer. We’ll let you get out to first base. You heard it right there, guys. Well, that was Johnny Damon’s mic drop right there as Meredith was wrapping up the interview, but he’s getting ready to take the field. And Jack, we mentioned it is a weekend celebration for the old-timers. Yeah, they get a chance to not only play this game today, Bob, but as Johnny Damon mentioned, they get together on Friday night, and it’s just a reunion for all of them. How about this, Bob? We’re getting a glimpse of the lineups for the first time here. Now, it’s going to be Andy Pettit towing the rubber. And as Klay Bellinger said to Meredith earlier, I don’t want to face Andy. He’s a guy who still throws batting practice. So, we’ll see if Bellinger does indeed get that matchup. In the meantime, it’s our colleague John Flity catching him. And Flash, are you miked up and eared up and ready to go? Are you kidding me? Always ready. How’s Andy looking? How’s the cutter looking? We could have some fun with Flash, Bob, and ask him if he’s using Pitchcom. I have a feeling that Pitchcom is outlawed in the oldtimes day. They’re going to be going with the regular signs. Pitchcom is obviously great. Speeds things up. Looks like Flash is saying no to a maybe a cutter. Oh, no. Throw to second base. That’s what it was. He did not want didn’t want to do that. Wants to save it in case somebody really steals. Dude, did you see him? He broke everything out there. Curve ball, everything. We got Tino Martinez leading off here, Bob. Yeah, this is a good opening matchup. Pettit to Martinez leading things off in the oldtimers game and misses. Blown away. So, it’s the Bombers against the Clippers for anyone who’s keeping score. I love the camera angle here. Tino trying to turn on one of Andy’s pitches and he fouls it off. Sorry, Bob. I’m taking over play by play. I’m so excited. This is just a baseball conversation about the greats of the game getting back out there. You know, we always wonder, are the pitchers going to be competitive? Swing the bat. Wide zone. That’s a wide zone, Bob. Are the pitchers going to be competitive and come at it? You’re right on it. You’re right on it. Watch Dexter. I I think it’s understood. People want to be entertained. Entertainment is the guys putting the ball in play. Strikeouts are great if someone’s throwing 98 and it’s an important game for your team, but Entertainment is offense. Tito’s doing a great job of fouling balls off. He’s They’re trying to get him to put one in play. Here it comes. Well, that was an easy rep for Johnny Damon at first base and an easy rep for Willie Randolph. looking very comfortable and very fit at second base. And see, if what I was told on the field comes to fruition, Bob, Mike Stanton, the lefty reliever, will also get some reps at second base in this game. So, we’ll be looking for that. Not second base. Jorge’s in the box. Still no batters gloves. Still no batters glove. Good point, Tony. Bob, his dad wouldn’t let him wear batting gloves. His dad wouldn’t let him use an aluminum bat. Chopper through the right side. Poss with a base hit. I don’t think it’s a written rule. No stolen bases either, right? That’s just kind of a given. Look who the number three hitter is. Mariana Rivera. There you go. A little replay. Head on the ball. Jorge goes the other way. I’m intrigued by this matchup. Usually it would be Pettit to Rivera in games. Now it’s Pettit against Rivera. Andy. We go from no batting gloves to two of them. Oh, smokes one to left. Damn, we did the stat cast exit vo on that Bob. Oh yeah. Yeah, long time ago. Hey, a tough act to follow. Spence Mo hit that ball hard. Hey, good view from the side. Excellent contact. Mariano Rivera hit that thing hard. Terrific athlete on any team he played for. Bob Baby, please. Shane Spencer. A little pop. Will he’s got it. One away. Shane, you see he dropped the ball. He wanted to try and turn two. Shane Spencer was at the Ed Lucas golf tournament that uh David Cohen runs on Thursday. He was also at another charity golf tournament on Wednesday. Bob told me he played with Mike Rousion. Really? The USA Olympic 1980 gold medal hockey champ. And Spencer said, “Wow, what an upbeat, enthusiastic guy. Loved playing golf with Rousion and Rouion’s son. So, Bellinger getting the matchup he did not want, right? Oldtimes today. I’ve never seen a guy throw breaking ball. So, he’s getting the There’s Flash giving Belly Bellinger a little advice here. Yeah, we usually don’t see guys spinning it much, do we? I think that’s what Flash just imparted to Bellinger. Looks like he’s up in the box. Bob stop at third base there. Two away. Oh, that’s three. Excuse me. Third out of the inning and that’ll do it. Pada. I’ll warm you up. I’ll warm him up. Good job by Andy, who by the way knows these guys cuz he has spring training and inseason conversations with him. No, I’m just going to warm him up and then he’s taking the cleaning. You see this guy made that play. Here comes Rocket to start this inning. Cop. Ever think you call a ball on a strike. pocket that Hey, you ran one there, Mo. Hey, as Flash warms up Roger Clemens, let’s toss it back downstairs to Meredith. What do you got, Meredith? Well, I’m standing with Ron Gry. Ron, I know you work a lot with Andy Pettit with this team in spring. What did you think of his stuff out there tonight? We got to We got to refine. We got to go back to spring training. We got to refine it. He was doing good. But you got to give you got to give Tino credit. He was fouling off some nasty pitches. So that’s what hitters are supposed to do. What do those pinstripes mean to you, Gator? Well, look, you know, when you talk about baseball and everything and you see that NY, that’s one of the most notable things that everybody knows that NY to be part of it. Uh, it’s the culmination of a a lifelong dream. Now, your guy Mickey O over there, you had you had some contention with him earlier about the way he was running out to the field. Well, you know, his nickname was quick. But it’s ironic how times change and you go from quick to I haven’t figured it out yet. I was waiting for him to come in because first of all, he has my glove and I just wondered how long it was going to take him to get back into the dugout. I I know you’re close with him. What was he like? What’s he like? Every team has to have a player like that because Mickey’s the guy. Not only is he the sparkload, but the his character, his his funniness and the antics that he did on a baseball field were hilarious. So, as a team, a team needs that to keep you from getting too high or too low cuz there’s no telling what he’s going to come out and do on the field or in the in the locker room. Hey, I know you’ve told this story a ton, but tell me about when he ran to second base and the money came out of the pocket. Oh, do we have to tell Allan? Well, he he went to the dog track. He had a bad night at the dog track, so he came to the ballpark. He said his legs were tired. He didn’t want to play. So, Billy went up uh back into his office, called upstairs. He went to see Mr. Steinberg and Mr. Steinber forwarded him some money on his check. So, he came, he put the money in his back pocket. He wouldn’t leave it in the clubhouse in his pants or in the safe. He put it in his back pocket. Mson hit a ball into right field. It was a single and he it was a hit and run. Now, he didn’t see the ball go to right field. So, he didn’t know where it was, but he was stealing. When he slid, the envelope came out and the money was flying all over and he was picking it up and Mson was screaming and holling, “Go to third. Go to third.” And you could hear, “Not until I pick up my cash.” Fore Mson had to come back to first. Forever entertaining. Hey, I’ll let you get back to the game. I’m sure you’ll be out there soon, right? Uh, unfortunately, yes. So, good luck out there, Gator guys. Back to you, Meredith. Thank you. Uh, so what we learned there is the safest place for money is not a safe, but Mickey River’s back pocket. I have heard that story before, Bob. I’m not surprised. How about this nifty 253 double play? That’s Pada to Soho to Tino Martinez. By the way, that is Pada catching. really. Hey, there’s Stanton at second base. There’s Paul taking advantage of the defensive edge. Hey. Oh my god. I just wanted to make contact. He called a pitcher like a Maddox pitch on me. Like I I need more than one swing. Come on, Bernie. Hey, you better watch it. Oh, Bob, I interviewed Clemens on podcast this week. Yankees news and views and he talks threw me a slider first pitch. I’m like what about being at this game? There’s O’Neal talking about the slider that every other time we’ve played they bring Graham Lloyd or somebody into I’m like all I want a lefty really slow motion. Bernie dropping one into left field. Bernie was thinking too, but here by the way. I think that was a small on. Thank you very much. By the way, Rockin throws me a slider first pitch. Is that surprising? And then he threw in the other batting box strike. I’m like, I need more than one hack here. I better hack. The one I want to get out is Bernie. So, I never got him out. Clemens did pitch for the Savannah Bananas last year, Bob. Huh? In a game in Houston. He knew what the script was. One batter hit a 440t home run off the rocket. Wow. I’m trying to stay moving before I pull anything. He just did the same thing to Damon that he did to O’Neal. There was some a little spin on that slider. I think Johnny Damon was thinking fastball. Watch this pitch, Bob. Yeah, it’s going to have a little Here you go. Here you go, Johnny. I’m going I’m just going to break this slider off for you. Yeah, he threw me a slider first pitch. I’m like, really? I can’t see it as it is. Now I’m watching a slider down and in. Oh, Paul. Come on, Paul. You Oh, there you go. Oh, bobbled in left. One more check over the shoulder for Paul and he scores and he’s exhausted. Man, I scored a run in a while. Do it. I made contact. Do it. I made contact. Nice. made contact and didn’t pull anything. That’s all I wanted. Con? Yeah. I ain’t seen a slider in 25 years and Rocket threw me one first. I’m like, really? Rocky, what are you leading me up with a slider for? Mr. He’s back. You’re not hitting. Not good. Not good at all. I saw him booted out in left field. I thought good. I don’t have to push this thing. Okay. I just want to get to the booth today in one piece. The pitching change, Jack. Ron Gry coming in. So Paul, you didn’t like that slider is what I’m uh grasping from your conversation. Rocket has never thrown me a slider. First pitch in his life. It was usually at my head or but then the other one was outside. I didn’t want to make a fuss about it, but it was outside and I thought, you know, I need more than one hack at this at bat, so I better just start swinging. So Paul had a problem with an umpire’s call of a pitch. Now that would be a first, wouldn’t it? Well, you know what? I look back at him and ask you and he was almost embarrassed. He said he missed it. Oh, is that right? God, I I wouldn’t play well in this day and age. I’d be fighting with the computers now. I’m going to tell you, Paul, were you going all the way on that hit to left? Glad you took it and then Mr. was going to show up and I could I’m glad I did. I’m glad you hit my back and you had no second baseman, too. Made it look good. Oh. Oh, somebody’s there. So, Rock, are you uh the Bananas game, you actually went at it? Yeah, the Savannah Bananas talked me into pitching a game in Houston in my in my hometown obviously. And uh I thought I was just going to throw out a first pitch and run for mayor. Next thing you know, I got a pitch inning. And full disclosure, I had to ice for 3 days straight. Oh my god. So tell me, seriously, 25 years. They go that fast, huh? It’s unbelievable, Paul. It really is. It’s great to see everybody. Um 25 years, man. We were doing some winning with, like I always said, with great teammates, man. Yeah, winning is something, man. You know, it’s more fun than losing, right? I know how to clear out of my locker when you came up to it, Rocket. All I know all I know is when we played Seattle and usually the first one went over my head and all of a sudden you got traded over the Yankees and it kind of changed things. I do appreciate that by the way. Yes, I got you. We got an a yes matchup. We got pony against Flash. Can’t even get there in the air. That’s going to be ugly. I got you. What are you featuring today, David? Hopefully just right there. Tony’s usually really good at laying them in there. Right, Tony? I’m trying. I’ll try to get out of here quick. I thought we took care of each other. That’s right. That’s right. Inside corner. I’m sorry. I had to do it. And you okay? Wow. You got me. Yeah, sure. It never gets there. I know, right? That’s what happened. I mean, this looks fun. We’re not backing up bases today. Bragging, right? Well, you got to understand when you make an error out there, it’s not really an error cuz nobody can run to the bases. No, I think I think if you just get through and you’re healthy and you don’t get hurt until I agree 100%. I told Max I’m going to stay in shape till I’m like 65. So I had to thank Tony for that. You guys kind of get jipped though because when I started playing I guess for the grass. Can I move up to the grass? You’re David Con. You can do whatever you want. Now you got clowns like me out here. You know, you don’t get the true the true thing of oldtimes. Yes. Pretty you included. There’s there’s some pretty cool cool names out here. I mean between you, Seraniano, and Damon, I’m not sure who has the best physique. You’re up there. Well, don’t look under the hood. It doesn’t work well. No. You guys have a good one, man. Do it. Jorge, let it go. Jorge, you ain’t got still blocking it. Did Jorge hit you? It’s like we’re back in 2000. Jorge, right? Bob, as Coney faces Brian Doyle, we should point out Brian Doyle’s story. He has was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, yet still makes it out to play in this game. So, you talk about baseball players being heroic. Good for Brian Doyle that he’s still out there. There we go. Dino, you see that first move? Do it or damn. Do it. Sorry. Tino’s got that one. That hurt. That hurt. Sorry. Did I hit you? Where did I get you? It’s two nothing Clippers and one- nothing John Flity, I guess, against David Con. Two nothing Clippers in an inning where Roger Clemens, Ron Gry, and David Con all pitched. And you’re right, Flash gets the uh the W on the infield single. RBI tipped his cap to the crowd and a little collateral damage. Everybody was involved in that. The TV crew, Flash, Cody, and our camera guy gets plunked. Yes, Pete Standle. Yeah, but Pete’s tough but didn’t even flinch. We also should point out Viscayeno had a single in that inning if you want to retrace your steps back to 2000. Viscyeno had a very important single in 2000. He obviously had the gamewinner in game one. Joe Tory started him in that game, Bob, because he had really good numbers against Al Lighter and he ended up winning the game late. Well, we heard Meredith talking to Ron Gry earlier and about Mickey Rivers. Let’s get down to Meredith with Mickey. Hey Mickey, how you enjoying yourself so far today? Yeah, you know, I’m doing great. You know, I got a chance to see some of the guys, you know, I normally don’t see during the course of the year and I’m happy to be out here with them. You know, it’s a blessed year for me. How much do you enjoy this game and reconnecting with some of your old teammates? Well, definitely. I really enjoy this. You know, I got a chance to see some guys I don’t see in a period of time. And you know, there’s that joyful time and bring back to you think I’m still thinking I’m a little younger than I want to be out there with these guys. Every time you see them, you think, “Oh, man. Back this time, you know, by the time we had this time, we had this, you know, so it brings back that good joyful time being out there playing ball.” All right. Be honest with me. Can you still steal a bag? Nah. No, no more. I stopped a couple of years maybe two years ago when I turned 77 I just stopped cold and was there anybody today that you were really looking forward to seeing? Oh well defin I just want to see this team pick up and I just want the guys to know you know you got to play the game like they played why you come up and can’t play the game where how you come up with play the game the natural way how you’ve been playing the game all of a sudden you come here and think the the the major league going to change you may going to change you going to change yourself they don’t learn they don’t learn the pitching when I’m here you know somebody pitching I know he got to out pitch I know pitch going to throw a little stuff like that you know instead of reading the book learn something about the the pitcher playing you playing against, you know, and the players you’re playing against how to play this this way or this way or this different like that. And that’s the big key to the game right there. Knowing knowing that little small stuff get you over and nope. I hate to say this. They don’t worry about the the batting average or nothing like that. Everybody happy. I get out and I strike out two or three times in a day. Hey, I’m mad with myself. I ain’t got to the manager ain’t got to say nothing to me. I’m mad with myself. I’m going to that batting cage early till I get through working on some things I want to work on and that’s the way it should be. Well, I saw you out there today, Mickey. Thanks for the time. They’re back to playing baseball out there. Oh, definitely. Right back. Back to you guys. Meredith, thank you. John Flity back behind the plate. How you feeling about that knock flash? I tell you what, I feel pretty good. David Con always takes care of the guys. Throws it right down the middle. Boy, TT Andy Pettit at first base with the scoop up. Another pitcher who is very athletic. No stolen bases this year, buddy. All right. an infield single of the most generous kind. Spoke to Homer before the game, Bob, about his son, Homer Bush Jr., he’s a center fielder for the DA Montgomery Biscuits in the Rays system. draft prognosticators and and folks who studied the minor league system ticket him for a major league arrival in sometime in 2026 perhaps. But Homer very proud of what his son has been able to accomplish. By the way, did you notice Duke Gay checking his infielders for the double play? The potential double play as Mike Stanton bats wants to get out of the inning. Stanton had two wins in the 2000 World Series. Michael said this during the introduction. Four and a third scoreless innings. He was in the running for the MVP, Bob. He didn’t get it, but but he was in consideration because of how much he contributed. And now he’s the second baseman, by the way. Willing to play anywhere, by the way. And it did sound like we were going to see him pitch a little bit later. Gino Martinez is coming up deep. This guy’s got some pop. He’s in good shape. I’m calling your shot. I’m calling it. Oh, that away. Down and out. Make a play. Tino goes off. Oh, and it’s going to score a run. Homer Bush flashing the speed. Spencer out there in left field just telling the fans, “Hey, I couldn’t get to that one.” Jack, I’m going to step aside right now. Michael K going to jump in as you and I get set for today’s pregame coverage. Turn it. Yeah, from the right from the left side this time hits into a double play. And there’s that pitch that El Duk was looking for to get out of this inning. How about Brian Doyle being part of that? Really cool to see. And Bucky, we just saw the infielders going to work there. What’ you think about the double play turns? Awesome, man. Be’s got good hands. You hit it right at him. Thank god he didn’t have to go left or right. Are you Have you been out there yet today? Are you getting out there? No, no, no, no. I’m not I’m not going out there. I uh I got to go to a wedding tomorrow. I don’t want to take a chance of getting hurt limping limping around over there. Smart man. smart man. What is it that you loved about the game when you were playing? Oh, just the, you know, the camaraderie, you know, the uh the game itself, you know, it’s it’s a great game. It’s a beautiful game. And uh even now watching old-timers, you know, run around, it’s just awesome. I saw Jazz Chisum Jr. come out. He was talking to you and Mickey. What were you guys talking about? Oh, we’re talking about a bunch of things. I was teasing him in spring training, him out said me and Willie they were going to break our double play record, you know, and I said, “Really? You going to do that?” Yeah. So, I I was just busting him up a little bit, but I I love him. You know, he’s a he’s a really a good player and uh you know, he’s got a lot of tools. Well, it looks like that is it for baseball this afternoon. The game appears to have been wrapped up, so we’re going to send it back upstairs to Michael K who is standing by in the booth. Thank you, Meredith and Bucky. So, one inning shorter than we thought it might be, Jack. Yeah. So, the Clippers get the two to one win and I know the numbers are irrelevant. Michael, you know how excited fans are just to see their heroes back on the field again. So whether it’s Con or Clemens or El Duk or Patada or Bernie or Mariano, who I think wins the award for the hardest hit baseball of the day, it’s just a fun experience for the fans. Although I got to give Flare some credit because I thought he hit a very well struck ball, too. Flash against Con. So he gets Yes. bragging rights. Of the yes guys, who do you think did the best? Oh gosh, you’re really going to put me on the spotlight. Absolutely. Well, I’m going to say the fact that John Flity on an 80 plus degree day is throwing the gear on behind there and then is getting a knock off David Con and the fact that Flash is the one I see most frequently. He lives a half a mile away from me. I’m going with Flash. And O’Neal got a hit and it squeezed the ground ball through the infield. O’Neal got a hit, but then since our viewers heard this, I think he told six different people that Rocket threw me a slider. He’s not supposed to throw me a slider. Well, we’ll get that during the game, too, at least six times. Bring it up. Bring it up. Rocket also threw Johnny Damon a slider, Michael. I’m not sure if you saw it. It was a nasty pitch. Johnny Damon was swinging from his shoes, probably expecting a fast ball. His flash still hooked up. We could I think he I don’t know if he’s got his earpiece in. I can tell him he gave him star of the game. He He threw everything off, right? Look at Johnny Damon’s hair, huh? That’s That’s a flow.

Relive Yankees history at the 2025 edition of the New York Yankees Old Timers’ Day on August 9, 2025.

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