Mr. Churak's Neighborhood

[GGraessle]

Munson hit over 500 in those 4 games and yes he played his heart out. The rest of team let him down. Willie Randolph was at second, Chris Chambliss was at first base and Graig Nettles at 3rd. Their SS was a bunch of weak hitters and not so great fielders. The outfield had a few names I can recall, but one of the best was Lou Piniella, not because he was a good player, because I always thought of him as average to slightly better than average, but he gave you 110%. Also Roy White and Mickey Rivers

It was their pitching that got them to the World Series that year, with Ron Guidry, and a couple of ex A's Catfish Hunter (may he rest in peace as well) and Ken Holtzman. And mister relief himself Sparky Lyle. Say didn't we get him from the Red Sox for Danny Cater. Bet not too many people remember that trade. What a steal.

Regarding the crash. I have been to several Yankee old timers games after he died and his wife was there for them all. He was a true Yankee in heart and soul. As you must know he died trying to be closer to his family. He took flying lessons, so he could get home to his kids and wife on off days. There was talk of trading him to the Indians so he could be near his home, but George would have none of that. So in the end everyone lost.

The Yankees are missing something, indeed it is spirit in my opinion. When you win so often, you expect it, you don't know what it is like to have to fight for it. And fight for it as a team. You see that is the missing ingredient in the Red Sox - they don't play like a team, haven't done so, since Yaz, Lynn, Evans, Rice and those boys. Oh well it is late for me - thanks for the memories. Good night.