Bombers Play Hooky (and arcade games)
When Joe Girardi stepped into his role as manager in 2008, he seemed more like a dictator than a coach. Stripping the clubhouse of all unhealthy candy machines, requiring extra running and regularly snapping at the media, Girardi made it clear that he would not follow in Torre’s footsteps. With his large binder (which must contain every baseball stat ever created) and his drill sergeant-like demeanor, 2008 definitely seemed like an awkward year when compared to the player friendly dynasty Torre set up.
A conversation with New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin, and a special pool hall outing changed all of this in 2009. Girardi realized his rigid ways were not a good match for New York. The change was extremely noticeable. His tone with the New York media changed instantly and his players just looked happy (shaving cream pie throwing kind of happy).
It is no surprise that Girardi decided to repeat the outing this year and make it a spring training ritual. This year he took the squad for a day packed with arcade games. Girardi structured the day around 3 events: Pop-shot basketball, Skee Ball and virtual Indy car racing. Chad Jennings from Lohud provided Girardi’s full explanation of the day:
“We are looking for well-rounded, video arcade nuts. They will participate in Indy racing, skee and pop-a-shot. And during the time they are not participating, they are allowed to do whatever they want, play any games they want. I figure that there should be a gold medal, a silver medal and a bronze medal, but they will be in the order of gift certificates. I’m not going to buy medals.”
Asked about who would win each event:
“I would think that Kevin Long should be the favorite for the skee as much toss as he does. He should be the favorite for that. We have a college basketball player, isn’t that right? And as far as the car racing, I’m not sure.”
Winners of Each Event:
Indy Car Racing: A.J. Burnett
Skeeball: Andrew Brackman
Popshot Basketball: Royce Ring
For more quotations and some great pictures make sure you check out the blog at Lohud.
Obviously it looks like the Yankees had fun today. Whether a player is a veteran or rookie, it was all the same today: just a good time off the field with the guys. Baseball can be such a mental game that sometimes players forget to have fun. In my opinion, the best way to play baseball is with determination in your mind and a smile on your face; something I think the Yankees did a great job with last year. As long as this team finds that mix of determination and fun, this year will definitely be exciting.
Photos courtesy of Zimbio.com
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