“You’re a Yankees Fan? Why???”

Time and time again, people will always approach me with the same question, just in different variations.  You’re a Yankees fan? Why The Yankees? You live in Chicago why would you root for a New York Team? How could you like that team all they do is buy their players? etc. Normally I come back with a basic response and tell them all, that sports and location are not synonymous. (Or call them an inappropriate name). But hopefully now I can answer the question that everyone is constantly asking me, “You’re a Yankees Fan? Why???”

My father grew up in a section of Chicago known as “Little Italy”, obviously this section of the city was predominantly Italian and Chicago Cubs fans. My father as a little boy had an idol ball player on another team, Mickey Mantle of the New York Yankees. He even told his substitute teacher during attendance call his name was Mickey Mantle. Anyone that went to a Catholic grade school in those times knows what the nuns did to you when you pulled a stunt like that. (I always did admire his courage) Needless to say, my father’s passion for the Yankees has set the foundation for what has become tradition passed down to his two sons, not only sports related, but more importantly family related. It has become much more than baseball, it has become a special bond between father and son, brother and brother, Brother and cousins, and now fortunately, boyfriend and girlfriend. Times that no matter what, we will never forget, and can never be replaced.

Getting back to my father. Anyone that happens to know my father personally can relate when I say that he is greatest man I have ever met in my life. A man who at all costs, lives for his children.  He does not take elaborate vacations, buy himself fancy clothes, or go out on long nights with his friends. He would rather spend his time thinking about how he can do something for his children. I have played organized sports of some kind for more than twenty-five years, my father has missed (maybe) a handful of my games. Needless to say, his children are his life and he doesn’t ask for much. One of the things he does look forward to, is watching the Yankee game with his two sons. A time where he can sit back on the couch with his boys, and just be a kid again. He knows that regardless of where life may take his family, the Yankees will always be something that holds him and his sons together. After all that he has done for me in my life, one of the small things I can do for him, is root for something that will make him happy, because at the end of the day, his children’s happiness is most important to him.

There have been some other great relationships that have grown much closer also as a result of my father and his love for the Yankees. I have two cousins, Bobby and Maxx, that are more like little brothers to me than cousins. I grew up in a family building where they lived above me with their mom and dad. Getting them hooked on the Yankees at a young age was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. Much like my father and I, we all spent night after night together watching those games, and over time those memories also built a strong bond between us. I thank God every single day for having those two in my life, they helped mold me into the man I have become today. I love you guys, and thank you for all the great memories you have given me throughout the years. Ill always be here for you, and we will have lots more to celebrate in the future.

I have had the luxury of dating the most amazing woman for the past year in a half, Sarah. Even though it has only been a year and a half, it seems like she has been a part of my family forever. When she first heard of my passion for the Yankees, Im not sure she understood why I was such a dedicated fan.  But after being around for the season, and observing the way a lot of my family bonding is held together by the Yankees, she now is the most understanding woman in my life, and believe it or not, it has also brought us closer to one another. I have gained even more of her respect by showing her just how much my family means to me, and how important it is we all communicate and spend time together. Sarah has been like an angel in my corner. Thank you Sarah for being there for me and my family, and thank you for just being you.

Last but definitely not least, my ace in the hole, my best friend, the closest person to me in my life, my brother Michael. We have a lot of things to keep us close, but one of the biggest bonds we have is the New York Yankees. We know deep down in our hearts how much our father has done for us, and we will do anything together to make him happy. Over the years we have been there for each other side by side, and it may not be Aaron Boone’s Homer in 2003 that has kept us close, but “memories” like that will have us talking with our father for years to come. My brother will never realize what he means to me. Even when we argue (hes always wrong) I always enjoy him being my right hand man. Thanks Mikey…. I love ya baby bro.

So there you have it. I hope I have answered everyone’s questions. Truly all that will ever matter to me is my family, because truthfully when the smoke clears, that is all we have is one another. That being said, if it is the New York Yankees that will be the cement in my family’s foundation, then so be it. For years to come many people and things will come and go, but your family is forever. I would like to thank you New York Yankees from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for all of your wonderful memories in the past that have helped shape the relationship between my family and I. Thank you for helping make my relationships stronger with my friends who hate the Yankees , because of you there is always something for us to talk about. Thank you for assisting in my new relationship with my girlfriend Sarah, who now has a better understanding of how important family is to me. Thank you New York Yankees, I will forever be in debt to you.

NYY UNTIL I DIE

Your forever loyal fan

Joe Yankee

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