Yankees, Marlins to Honor Mo with Legends Series in Panama

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For the first time since 1947 Major League Baseball will be played in Panama, the country that gave us one of the game’s all-time greatest players. For Mariano Rivera, one of the elite pitchers in the game until his retirement at the end of last season, this is a dream come true and something even more special than all he accomplished in his baseball career, which is a lot.

Besides having spent his entire 19-year career with the New York Yankees and helping them earn five World Series rings; Rivera is the all-time saves leader with 652. It’s a record that is virtually untouchable and may last forever. Now, the 13-time All-Star is bringing his beloved Yankees to play in his home country of Panama. It’s a dream he’s had since 1998, just his second year as the Yankees closer. To unite his team and his country, Rivera told the New York Post Thursday morning is,

“…the icing on top of the cake, a cherry on top of the cake.”

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Sogard Loses out to Wright in MLBN's Face of MLB Competition

After a three month long, hard fought, Twitter battle by the fans, David Wright the third baseman of the New York Mets was named Major League Baseball Network’s (MLBN) Face of MLB for 2014. The competition began with 30 different “faces,” one for each franchise, pitted against each other in a bracket-style competition. On Thursday it was whittled down to just two, Wright and Oakland Athletics’ second baseman Eric Sogard.

Eric Sogard (Image courtesy of Christian Peterson/Getty Images)

The vote was close and the battle intense. Wright received 51% of the fan votes to Sogard’s 49%. Neither player was expected to be in this position back in December. Not with the faces of guys like the New York Yankees Derek Jeter, the Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz and last year’s winner, from the Cincinnati Reds, Joey Votto in the mix.

The Oakland fans, however, took it upon themselves to launch a campaign much bigger than anyone could have thought possible. The Nerd Power campaign stems from the fact that Sogard is one of very few, if any, ball players that still wear their glasses on the field. Unfortunately for the Sogard, the A’s and their fans their ridiculously hilarious, creative tweets just weren’t enough to over take the Mets’ fans and their Captain America campaign for Wright.

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Goodbye El Capitan: Derek Jeter Announces his Retirement After the 2014 Season

Well everyone saw it coming with the retirement of Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte this past season. I guess that is everyone besides Yankees' first baseman Mark Teixeira. In a tweet by MLB Network Public Relations we found out how Teixeira felt when he heard the news,

@MLBNetworkPR: Teixeira on Jeter: I was shocked. I really did not see this coming at all.

I'm sorry but I think that's pretty hilarious. But back to the real matter - the Yankees are aging. I for one still think of guys like Jeter, Pettitte and A-Rod as if they are still kids - like I can still picture Alex Rodriquez on the Mariners and who thinks about that anymore - not just because of the steroid scandal but because of the publicity his move to the Texas Rangers and consequently New York Yankees brought ... and the steroid scandal and subsequent suspension of course.

I just expected that Jeter would be hanging up his cleats sooner than later. Sooner is almost always a better way for a player of any sport to go out. They go out still on top and that is exactly what the Yankees' captain will do, after this season at least ... Sometimes the "keep playing until you can't play anymore" way of going does work out. Look at guys like Jamie Moyer who pitched almost up until the day he turned 50 or Bartolo Colon who had an insane year last year - which was also the year he turned 40! But for most guys, especially one as high profile and widely beloved as Jeter, it is better to go out on top and still healthy. Besides it isn't as though Derek Jeter won't be voted into the Hall Of Fame in a few years time right? He is DEREK JETER!

In his 19-year career Jeter played in 2602 games, batted at a .312 average with 256 home runs and 1261 RBI. He was an excellent defensive second baseman, a good teammate (which is why he was named Captain of the Yankees) and overall a class act.

Honestly, I didn't even really feel the need to write a blog on this which is why it is going to be extraordinarily short and slightly dull but I couldn't let the moment pass without at least addressing it. Jeter has made a HUGE impact on the game. Not quite or even close to the impact that Mariano Rivera made and he did so a lot more quietly but Jeter was in the lime light his entire career, made an impact professionally in the sport and will leave a lasting impression that will not be forgotten ....

 Here is a copy of Derek Jeter's letter announcing his retirement and saying thank you to the sport, the Yankees, his teammates and the fans.

21 Baseball Facts from MLB Fan Cave That WILL Make You Feel Old!

PRESENTS:

21 Baseball Facts That Will Make You Feel Old

And I mean HELLA OLD!! Derek Jeter was named Rookie of the Year 18 years ago and still in my mind I consider him one of the younger guys!! It gets worse Mariano Rivera - a setup man!? What?! AND MORE! DEFINITE MUST READ FOR ANY BASEBALL FAN! 

ALL FAN!! (at least the kids can learn a little! LOL!!) ... here's a little preview:

                                

   

The Sandlot turns 21 this year!

Derek Jeter was named ROY 18 years ago!
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Major League Celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2014!

And there's more to make you feel bad about your age! Fun to reminisce? ABSOLUTELY!!! Fun to realized how old you really are? NOT SO MUCH! LOL! Enjoy! I did, well for the most part! 

21 Baseball Facts That Will Make You Feel Old