| 04 August 2010
Editor's Note: The following post comes to us from Bobby Calise, formerly known on New Stadium Insider as "Fake Ian Kennedy" (don't even ask). Bobby has brought us such gems as "The Ice Cream Of The Future - We'll Miss You" (about Dippin' Dots) and "Free Souvenirs" (about the downfall of traditional tickets in the StubHub age). Bobby was also our in-house reviewer for a while, bringing us his opinion on books such as Peter Golenbock's "George" (part 1 and part 2) and Marty Appel's "Munson: The Life and Death Of a Yankee Captain" (link). After a long hiatus, Bobby is back with a discussion about what your jersey or player t-shirt says about you. This list only includes current players, and it is one man's opinion. Feel free to chime in via the comments. Bobby tends to get sad when nobody comments on his posts.
As the Yankees head into the last two months of regular season, the playoff chase is heating up. And so in a David Puddy-like effort to support the team you may find yourself shopping some new Yankee gear to wear at games or just for watching from a barstool.
Whether it's a simple navy player shirt (about $15-$25) or an authentic polyester jersey ($165-$200), deciding which number to buy can be a daunting task. When making your selection, bear in mind that player whose name and number you wear on your back might say more about you than you think.
Player: Derek Jeter, #2
Resume: Yankee captain, five World Series rings, spotless reputation, lifetime Yankee
What it says about you: You're a traditionalist. Like Captain Clutch himself, this jersey has staying power and won't ever go out of style.
See also: Mariano Rivera, #42 - A sparkling resume just like DJ, Mo's number stands out among other Yankee paraphernalia, as he's the only active player still sporting #42.
Player: CC Sabathia, #52
Resume: Cy Young winner, carried the Brewers on his back into the playoffs in the second half of 2008, arguably the game's best pitcher
What it says about you: You're cool as a cucumber. CC's got game and the swagger to match.
See also: Nick Swisher, #33 - A holdover from the Moneyball era, Swish was a first-time all-star in 2010, and has infused some of his carefree persona into the Yankees' corporate culture.
Player: Brett Gardner, #11
Resume: Deemed by some to be nothing more than a track star in a baseball cap, Gardner has shown that he can get on-base with the best of 'em and steal bases at will
What it says about you: You root for the underdog. Criticism about Gardner's weaknesses only made him work harder to prove his detractors wrong.
See also: Francisco Cervelli, #29 - Questions about both his offense and defense beleaguer the Cisco Kid, and with minor league catching prospects like Jesus Montero knocking on the door, Yankee fans will find out fast if he'll sink or swim.
Player: Robinson Cano, #24
Resume: Two-time all-star, budding superstar, 2010 Gold Glove favorite, effortless style at the plate and in the field
What it says about you: You're a progressive thinker - for you it's out with old, in with the new. Young Bombers like Robbie "Dontcha Know" Cano are poised to become the new faces of the franchise.
See also: Phil Hughes, #65 - A hot start to 2010 has Yankee fans remembering that Hughes was touted as a can't-miss pitching prospect just a few short years ago.
Player: Alex Rodriguez, #13 Resume: One of baseball's most talented-and polarizing-figures, will tear through the record books over the next five years (asterisk or not)
What it says about you: Depends on when you bought it, as in pre- or post-steroids "revelation." Pre: You're a connoisseur. Even at age 35, A-Rod's still one of the game's best. Post: You're loyal.or you've been living under a rock.
See also: Mark Teixeira, #25 - While Tex's quiet demeanor makes him seem like the anti-A-Rod, his eight-year, $180 mil deal didn't come without some controversy. After bouncing around from Texas to Atlanta to Los Angeles, he turned down his hometown Orioles in the off-season to come play in New York.
Other Notables:
- Curtis Granderson, #14 - Underwhelming so far as a Yankee, Granderson's shirt seems like an odd choice unless you're related to him.
- Lance Berkman, #17 - Might be a fun to have as a collectible, but there's really no way to tell if the former Astro has any desire to be in pinstripes after this year.
- Jorge Posada, #20 - Hip-Hip-Jorge is still dangerous at the plate, but his best seasons might be behind him.
- Vazquez, #31 - A free agent after this season, it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to pick up a Javy jersey at this point.
- Andy Pettitte, #46 - Would be in the Jeter/Rivera category if not for his three-year stint in Houston.
- Joba Chamberlain, #62 - Joba's inconsistency over the last few years as both a starter and a reliever has fans wondering whether they should invest in a new shirt.
