George M Steinbrenner III: From A Fan's Point Of View

It has been a sad week for Yankee fans. In my latest post for Empire Sports now, I take a look at George Steinbrenner from a fan's perspective.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/13/george-m-steinbrenner-iii-from-a-fans-point-of-view/

-Mike Tursi

Remembering Bob Sheppard

In my latest post for Empire Sports Now, I honor the legendary man who gave a voice to Yankee Stadium. Bob Sheppard was a man who became as iconic as the ballpark he helped turn into a cathedral.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/11/remembering-bob-sheppard/

-Mike Tursi

Life after "The Decision"

And so, we have completed day 1 ALD (After LeBron's Decision). And we've found out a few things about our brave new world. For one thing, it's a lot quieter than the final days of the old world. During the counting down to "The Decision" (Do I owe ESPN royalties for the use of this?), the sports world was in a frenzy on what team King James would choose to play for next season. The announcement itself seemed so anticlimactic. How could it not be. It was impossible to live up to that kind of hype. Did I mention there was an hour long special on ESPN?

Things have now pretty much returned to normal. In New York, Knick fans have gone back to coveting Amare Stoudemire. In Chicago, the same can be said about Carlos Boozer. Those crickets you here; that's Cleveland. The only place to really be affected by all of this is Miami. This is the place in which LeBron James has decided to try and make his legend a reality. Which is something he could never quite realize in Cleveland.

There were no Parades. No keys to the city given out. The sun rose, and we all went about our day. The verdict on this choice is still months, maybe years, away. After all, that's what free agency is. Hope. You can dress it up and sell it anyway you want. But a championship isn't rewarded in July.

The noise will return. It will rise to a crescendo preceding a trip to Cleveland, or to Madison Square Garden. Which is where, for the past two years, most people thought James would be playing his home games. After that, the noise will fade again. Until the playoffs, which is where the noise will be justified. Then, and only then, will his decision be put to the test.

But until that time comes, we will go about our business in this new world much as we did in the old one. With not much concern for what LeBron James is doing or where he is going.

-Mike Tursi

History In Action, Part I: Derek Jeter

My latest post for Empire Sports Now is the first in a four part series that takes a look at the Yankees Core Four and their status in Yankee lore. First up, Derek Jeter.

http://empiresportsnow.com/2010/07/09/history-in-action-part-i-derek-jeter/

-Mike Tursi