Yankees get a walk-off win and for a night things went right

Yankees get a walk-off win and for a night things went right

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK,AUGUST 23- Not many games have played out the way they did for the New York Yankees Friday night, but for a change there was solid pitching out of the bullpen, good defense, and most of all a game winning walk-off single in the ninth inning. And the hero was Martin Prado in the Yankees 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Brett Gardner said it was “the biggest win of the year.” Prado, who has become a versatile pick-up for the Yankees, said about his walk-off bases loaded single, “I can describe that as one of the biggest moments of my career.”

Maybe a big win for the Yankees Friday night, only because this was another one of those games they needed to win if they have any chance of one or two wild card spots in the American League. Already they lost two of three this week to the lowly Houston Astros. Now they need two more wins Saturday and Sunday afternoons against the White Sox, another team the Yankees are, expected to handle.

But, to reiterate, teams the Yankees are supposed to handle have become a task. It seemed to be going in that direction again, that is until Prado came to bat with the bases loaded in that ninth inning. Until then, once again the Yankees had their chances against Chicago starter John Danks and the awful White Sox bullpen.

The Yankees seemed more aggressive at the plate, and maybe a clubhouse meeting Thursday, still not known what was said, provided some spark, but they were hardly outstanding getting runners home again, 3-for-13.

Prado, a veteran, recorded his fifth career “walk-off” hit. “He’s looked really good,” said manager Joe Girardi.

Important again, as Girardi reiterated because his team is behind in the wild card standings and the only way to catch up is to win games. It also helped that Prado smacked his third home run as a Yankee with one on, in the third inning, that put the Yankees back in the game after Shane Green gave up three runs in the first.

The last two wins for the Yankees it has been the mid-season acquisitions that have done the job. Thursday afternoon it was the complete game shutout pitching of Brandon McCarthy, and this night it was Martin Prado. In a limited amount of time in the Bronx, McCarthy and Prado may have made more of an impact than the off-season and lucrative acquisitions of Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran.

It certainly appears to be that way now, about how these moves of GM Brian Cashman have materialized for the better but the question is, with the Yankees in an uphill battle can they sustain the momentum and make a remarkable run for that post-season spot? That remains to be seen because of the inconsistency and there are doubts the Yankees can go on a vicious streak to make that run.

However, the last two games in the Bronx bring some type of hope. It is the close game the Yankees have not been able to win, and they did it in grand style with that Prado game winning hit. He had a great at bat, working to a full count on seven pitches. The last pitch off losing pitcher Daniel Webb went up the middle, and scored Ichiro Suzuki who opened the inning with a single.

Girardi said Prado made a quick adjustment with his new team. Extra batting practice has also helped his approach at the plate, and for the Yankees overall, extra swings before the game seem to have adjusted their approach a bit.

“It was a great win for this team,” Prado explained. “We all performed as a team and that’s all that matters by now.” The bullpen also came up strong, something that contributed to this first of a three game series win as Dellin Betances and David Robertson had no issues.

Robertson pitched the ninth, got the win and became the fastest Yankee to compile 500 strikeouts in team history. Betances had two strikeouts in 1/2-3 innings, staying consistent again with 113 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings pitched.  Where would the Yankees be, especially in close games without Betances, especially the way this offense has performed?

“Today was one of our better days,” Robertson said, “nice to get a win that way, especially nine innings.”

 And a game that went the Yankees way for a change. But the reality is one win has to lead to more because the Yankees see that time is not on their side. Three teams are ahead of them and a 3.5 game deficit, though not much will require winning a lot of their remaining 36 games.

Not impossible, but with these Yankees, this season, the odds have not been very good.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Derek Jeter’s Final Press Conference

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Derek Jeter’s Final Press Conference: Derek Jeter’s Final Press Conference with the Spanish Language Media By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK,AUGUST 23- On Friday afternoon at ...

Derek Jeter’s Final Press Conference

Derek Jeter’s Final Press Conference with the Spanish Language Media

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK,AUGUST 23- On Friday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, Derek Jeter, with the help of a translator, held his farewell press conference with the Spanish language media. Two weeks earlier, Jeter said sayonara to the Japanese media at another press conference.

The Yankee captain was asked a variety of questions that he responded to in his usual understated, courteous and non-controversial manner.

Jeter replied to a query of why he chose this season to be his final one as a player, “I just feel like this was the right time. I’ve done enough. I have other things I want to do.”

When asked if he wanted to remain in baseball in a different capacity, he quickly said no to being a coach or manager. He cited travel as one of the obstacles for him in those positions, “Travel is too tough.”

Travel is one aspect of baseball life that is particularly onerous to Jeter. He mentioned it as the one thing he would change in baseball if he had the power, “Our travel schedule is brutal.”

The legendary shortstop spoke of one baseball role that does appeal to him, “I would like to be part of a baseball ownership group. Hopefully, one day I’ll make all of the decisions.”
Jeter was born in New Jersey and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but was a Yankee fan as a child. His favorite team drafted him with the sixth overall pick in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft. His selection by the Yanks and remaining with the franchise throughout his entire big league career was especially meaningful to the shortstop, “When I started, being a Yankee meant the most to me. I’ve been one of the few to live out his dream.”

The icon is close to concluding one of the most impressive careers in MLB history. The records he has amassed will make him a sure first round Hall of Fame inductee. Jeter replied to the question of whether he had any remaining goals, “I want to win, that’s the mindset I always had and will have until my final game.”

Nearly every questioner prefaced his query with a compliment and/or an expression of gratitude for his career both on and off the field. The press conference subject explained how he appeared to avoid making human errors in his 20 years of scrutiny by the press and public while playing in the Big Apple, “Everyone makes mistakes. I’ve learned from the mistakes of others and from my own. I’ve learned not to make the same mistakes.”

He also credited his parents, “I learned a lot of lessons from my parents growing up.”
Jeter also discussed how he maintains an aura of always being under control emotionally, “I try to keep on an even keel. I’m very good at hiding my emotions.”

During his two decades in the majors Jeter has become both the face of the Yankees and the image of baseball throughout this nation. Jeter his expressed his feeling regarding the reaction of the fans in his final year’s visits to each opposing ballpark, “It’s been overwhelming to me. It’s been above and beyond my greatest expectations.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Voters are Back From the Grave

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Voters are Back From the Grave: Voters are Back From the Grave 100 PERCENT By Robert Press Voters are Back From the Grave #Politics BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST...

Voters are Back From the Grave

Voters are Back From the Grave

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Voters are Back From the Grave

#Politics

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 22- It appears now that you can have Derek Jeter and other famous names, or even names of those who have departed from the earth sign your petition you will get to stay on the ballot. 

This was the case last year in the infamous signature of Derek Jeter on a petition of a candidate for city council, and is the case this year of several people who departed (are dead), but signed a petition this year for a state senate candidate. 33^rd State Senate candidate Fernado Cabrera was ruled on the ballot by Judge John Carter. It seems although the signatures of several dead people were not enough to have the Cabrera petition thrown out entirely, only those signatures of the departed were not allowed to be valid. So that 33^rd State Senate primary between State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Councilman Fernando Cabrera is on. So why were you not at the Bronxtalk debate 33^rd state senate candidate Fernando Cabrera? More in upcoming weeks.

Let me explain how a dead person may wind up signing a candidate's petition. It takes the Board of Elections two federal elections of non voting or up to 11 years that a person may be dead until the Board of Elections removes them from the active voting list. When getting signatures the assembly party enrollment book is usually used so petition witnesses know who is enrolled, and which names to look for that are active voters. Lists are normally given by address and those getting the signatures should have an easy time of finding registered voters. The other way to get signatures on a petition is to stand on a street and ask people to sign the petition. Street petitions are often unreliable as many people who are not registered voters or live out of the district will sign a street petition.

So how does someone who is dead sign a petition? You will have to ask the person who got the signature of the stiff, and I am sure that Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson will have his hands full after this primary day. I wonder who may get a call to come in by DA Johnson or even the U.S. Attorney.

You can check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see a photo of one of the many new signs that have been put up on Jerome Avenue. The signs say Jerome Avenue 'Slow Zone' 25 Miles Per Hour Speed Limit. It seems crazy that it took a car accident that claimed a life for this to happen, but if the driver was speeding way over the 30 MPH speed limit what would make anyone think that a sign 25 MPH will stop the speeding?

By the way the yellow line in the middle of Jerome Avenue from Fordham Road and up is gone just like many other traffic lines or markings. Why do these markings wear out so fast DOT?

The Committee of 100 Democrats will be hosting their 10^th Annual Free Community Barbecue this Saturday, August 23^rd from 12 – 6 p.m. on East 204^th Street between Mosholu Parkway and the Grand Concourse. State Senate Co--Leader Jeff Klein is the Guest of Honor, and anybody can show up as has happened in the past. There will be free food and refreshments while supplies last, and lots of entertainment, which is still being added to the program.

State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein just returned from a visit in Israel with Governor Cuomo, and because he was on this trip he missed his own standing room only concert in Loreto Park by Engelbert Humperdink. On hand however was Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., State Senator Diane Savino (who mentioned that she was Senator Klein's girlfriend), Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and about a thousand people who came out for the Klein Summertime Symphonies Series. Even Klein's September Democratic opponent Oliver Koppell and November Republican opponent Alekander Mici were at the concert. You can go to my blog archive on the lower left to Engelbert Humperdink for more and some photos, but none of Engelbert due to the lighting.

I was able to speak with Senator Klein the next day about his trip to Israel (his third one), and the senator said that he was able to meet with members of the Israeli Parliament and Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu. 

I changed subjects on Senator Klein asking him a question about the KRVDC Movie Night program he is co-sponsoring with the non-profit, and the charges by his opponent of using the non-profit. The words Oliver Koppell and crazy were heard, and Senator Klein laughed when I showed him a photo from 2010 of Oliver Koppell with the Executive Director of KRVDC showing a one-time Riverdale restaurant guide then Councilman Koppel had the non-profit do. Klein said that unlike his challenger he continues to fund groups that may not agree with him. I could see that the senator was tired from the trip, and reminded that I would see him at the Committee of 100 Democrats 10^th Annual Free Community Barbecue on Saturday, August 23^rd.

If you have an item that needs to be looked into further, have any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where's this guy been for Yanks?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Where's this guy been for Yanks?: Where's this guy been for Yanks? Brandon McCarthy Throws a Four Hit, Complete Game Shutout of Houston By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW ...

Where's this guy been for Yanks?

Where's this guy been for Yanks?

Brandon McCarthy Throws a Four Hit, Complete Game Shutout of Houston

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 22- The Thursday matinee contest at Yankee Stadium was reminiscent of Yankee games of the past. A very large crowd of 41,767 fans attended a fast moving game of two hours and seven minutes in which the Yankee starter pitched a complete game shutout of the visiting team. Both pitchers hurled complete games, which is another similarity to the past.

Time of games is a factor in the popularity of the sport. Thursday’s game was the shortest Yankee nine inning home game since June 18, 1996.

In reality, the Yankees are nine games behind the American League East leading Baltimore Orioles and behind three teams for the second Wild Card position. The Yankee victory on Thursday broke a four home game losing streak and was only the team’s third win in its most recent ten games.

The recent reality has not made the players on the Yankees nor many of their fans ready to throw in the towel for the 2014 season. Chase Headley, a Yankee since July 22, has faith in his current team, “We know we can play a lot better than we have. I like our chances every time we go out there. I expect to win.”

Brandon McCarthy’s outstanding start on Thursday is the latest example of his complete turnaround in success since late June. McCarthy, as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, won one game of his first 16 starts. In his last 10 games, the 31 year old has compiled a 7-2 mark.

McCarthy’s control of his pitches has historically been excellent. He is third in the majors in walks per nine innings in the last four seasons. In the last 10 starts, he walked nine batters while fanning 64.

McCarthy, in 6.1 innings in each of his most recent losses, gave up seven hits and two earned runs. The defeats could more factually be attributed to the lack of Yankee hitting rather than defects in McCarthy’s pitching as the Yankees were shut out in both of those games in August.

In seven of his nine innings of pitching, the California native retired all three batters he faced. He gave up two hits in the fourth and two hits in the seventh. Runners were on second and third in both innings, yet McCarthy got out of each jam. Girardi praised the starter for his ability to extricate himself from difficult situations, “He [McCarthy] has the ability to make pitches when you need it.”

The complete game was McCarthy’s ninth in 147 major league starts. The shutout was his fourth in the majors.

He admitted tiredness before the conclusion, “I started to get tired, wobbly through the fifth.” McCarthy gave a great deal of credit to his catcher, Francisco Cervelli, for encouraging him to continue until the game ended by yelling at him.

The catcher praised McCarthy’s pitching and tried to minimize his own efforts as catcher, “He [McCarthy] did an amazing job. He was very consistent. I didn’t want to give up any runs, so I tried to give him a little push. I was just trying to make him believe he was that good today.”

The only runs scored in the game, three, came in the bottom of the second. Mark Teixeira led off with a single. Martin Prado followed with a double. Both scored on a run batted in double by the next batter, Chase Headley. Headley scored the final run on a sacrifice fly by Ichiro Suzuki.

Girardi commented upon the batting in that inning, “We had some really good at bats in the second. It was nice to get him that early lead and just let him work.”

Schmuck shoots from the hip

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 21- Police are trying to find the gunman who opened fire from inside an apartment building stairwell.

Investigators released surveillance video of the reckless shooting which occurred at 6:30 p.m. on August 19. The suspect is seen on tape running to the open side door at 575 Castle Hill Avenue and letting off at least three shots. He is then seen running up the stairs in the building. No one was injured.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 20 and 25. He is six feet to six foot two with a slim build. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, camouflage shorts, and white sneakers.

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
 
All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Umps brighten day for kids

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Umps brighten day for kids: Major League Baseball umpires visited patients at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. They gave out Build-A-Bear toys and outfits, includ...

Umps brighten day for kids

Major League Baseball umpires visited patients at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. They gave out Build-A-Bear toys and outfits, including bear-sized Yankees™ and Mets™ uniforms.

Prince Cruz, 7, enjoyed his visit from MLB umpires at The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore on Wednesday, August 20.

Isabelle Ortiz, 2, was thrilled to receive a monkey Build-A-Bear during the MLB umpires visit.

MLB Umpires, UMPS CARE Charities, and The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore staff prepare to hand out bears to the kids at CHAM.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Time's Running Out for Yankees

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Time's Running Out for Yankees: Time's Running Out for Yanks Brass dumbfounded by the way Yankees are playing By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 21- It was Jo...

Time's Running Out for Yankees

Time's Running Out for Yanks
Brass dumbfounded by the way Yankees are playing

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 21- It was Joe Girardi bobble head night at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night and the manager got booed when he lifted starter Michael Pineda in the sixth inning. The anguish for the Yankees continued and the displeasure from their fans were heard more when the Houston Astros scored four runs in the seventh inning.

And when any team takes a lead against the Yankees, the lowly Astros or a front runner, there is a good chance they will not score and make the comeback. Such was the case again as the Astros go for a three-game series sweep Thursday afternoon after their 5-2 win in the Bronx.

Now, it is more than panic time for the Yankees who are going backwards instead of forward and seeing their playoff chances dwindle each day. They will try and prevent a sweep of the series in a stretch of seven games this week, also with the Chicago White Sox that could have helped their wild card chances.

But the Yankees wild card chances are fading each day, losing seven of their last nine games. And unless there is a winning streak on the horizon, this could get worse before they arrive in Detroit next week to play the Tigers, a team that leads the Yankees by five games for that second wild card.

Girardi said, after this latest disappointing loss, “We got to score more than two runs. We’re just not getting it done.  The bottom line is, we can’t worry about who is in front of us.  We need to play better. If we don’t play better we won’t get there.”

Truth is, the reality is starting to set in.  The Yankees are not looking like a playoff team, nor have they resembled one with 37 games remaining. In their last nine games they are batting .135 with runners in scoring position, going 1-for-9 Tuesday night, and 1-for-8  Wednesday in trying to get runners to score with men on base.

Again, it has become a mission in futility. And at this juncture of the season, with every game having significant meaning, trying to figure out why and why not is not going to produce an answer. You hear, this is baseball and there is still some time to get it going, those words coming in a very quiet Yankees post-game clubhouse.

Girardi is now baffled. He can’t recall a time, either in his playing or managerial career when a team with such prominent names struggled to this magnitude. The scouts who sit up in the press box offer the same opinion, though with a perspective that perhaps the Yankees, overall as a team are pressing.

It has gone so backwards, enough to a point that Girardi was answering questions to a member of the media in the post game about possibly shifting positions in the lineup. Batting, maybe Jeter at cleanup and moving Jacoby Ellsbury to the third spot, and the manager quickly knocked that down.

He is the manager. And apparently a lineup he has, with experience and numbers to prove, should be and is expected to be producing at a better rate. That continues to not happen for any number of reasons that have the baseball experts perplexed. Either the roster on the field is playing below expectations, or these veteran hitters are past their prime and in their final years. The seventh inning continued to support a dilemma that the Yankees can’t seem to figure for themselves.

This time after Pineda left the game, which prompted fans to boo, the bullpen imploded again as it did the night before. The results was working from behind again and failing to get the big comeback hit.

David Huff and Esmil Rogers combined to give up four runs in relief of Pineda that gave away a one-run lead.

After Pineda walked a batter to start the seventh, Huff got an out and gave up a hit.  Rogers gave up five straight singles and the Yankees were behind 5-2.

A highlight of the night was Brett Gardner making a grab of a foul ball as he fell into the stands making a catch over the cement barrier down the left field foul in the ninth inning. He also tried to ignite something with a single to center with two outs in the Yankees ninth. If anything, he has proved to be the MVP of this team. Jeter followed and worked a walk off Jose Veras.

So the tying runs were on for Ellsbury who came to bat after with two singles and two stolen bases on the night. Of course, the futility continued with a fly ball to right and another loss for the Yankees in this stretch of games that should have been in the win column.

Before that, against starter Scott Feldman, whom the Yankees made into a Cy Young Award look alike, Mark Teixeira struck out the first of two times and Brian McCann popped out to end a rally. Gardner ended an inning with runners on second and third, and in the seventh in was Ellsbury again striking out with runners on second and third.  

Bottom line, the Yankees need to play better but time is not on their side as they continue to go backwards.

COMMENT RICH MANCUSO: RING 786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Quality Start for Michael Pineda but Yankee Pen Fa...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Quality Start for Michael Pineda but Yankee Pen Fa...: Quality Start for Michael Pineda but Yankee Pen Fails By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 21-On Wednesday night, Michael Pineda mad...

Quality Start for Michael Pineda but Yankee Pen Fails

Quality Start for Michael Pineda but Yankee Pen Fails

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 21-On Wednesday night, Michael Pineda made his second major league start since April 23. On that date, the 25 year old was ejected from the game after 1.2 innings and given a 10-game suspension for possessing a foreign substance.

When his suspension ended, the right-hander was placed on the disabled list with a right shoulder muscle injury. Pineda missed 87 games while on the disabled list.

After two minor league rehab appearances in August, the native of the Dominican Republic was reinstated to the Yankee roster on August 13 to start against the Orioles.

Pineda pitched extremely effectively in Baltimore. He yielded only two hits and one run in five innings. He did not walk a batter, but fanned four. Although he left the game with the Yanks leading, 2-1, the Yankee relievers were unable to save the game for Pineda as the Yanks were defeated by a 5-3 score.

On Wednesday night, Pineda was on the Yankee Stadium mound for the first time since August 16. As in his first three starts of the season in April, Pineda pitched an impressive six innings. He retired the first nine batters he faced in the contest until Robbie Grossman led-off the fourth with a single. With two out, Dexter Fowler doubled to right to knock in the first run of the game.

The only other hits surrendered by the Yankee starter came with two out in the fifth as third sacker Matt Dominguez and left fielder Jake Marisnick singled back-to-back. Grossman was retired on a grounder to end the frame without a score.

Pineda retired all three batters he faced in the sixth.

The only walk he issued was to Jason Castro to lead-off the seventh. Yankee skipper Joe Girardi then removed the starter after he threw his 89th pitch. Unfortunately the move was a mistake that cost the Yankees the victory.

Reliever David Huff struck out Jon Singlerton and then gave up a single to Marwin Gonzalez before Huff departed. The next relief pitcher, Esmil Rogers, yielded four consecutive singles. Before the inning concluded, the Astros scored four runs, which brought the score to 5-2. No further scoring ensued after that half inning. The first run of the frame was charged to Pineda, who thus was not involved in the decision.

Pineda commented about his ability and desire to go further than he was allowed, “I’m feeling good. I had good energy, but I don’t have control for this situation. I want to pitch, but they have control.”

Girardi, while praising Pineda’s performance, explained why he removed the starter, “I thought he was a little tired at the end, but that’s to be expected. We pushed him a little bit, but he gave us a really good performance.”

Pineda has the highest active streak of consecutive starts of giving up six hits or less, 14 games. He has the fourth lowest active career mark of opponents’ batting average with .211. He only trails Jose Fernandez, Matt Harvey and Clayton Kershaw.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Search for Driver in Road Rage Attack

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cops Search for Driver in Road Rage Attack: Cops Search for Driver in Road Rage Attack Photos by David Greene By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 20- A 50-year...

Cops Search for Driver in Road Rage Attack

Cops Search for Driver in Road Rage Attack

Photos by David Greene

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 20- A 50-year-old woman is fighting for her life after an apparent traffic dispute where witnesses say that after striking the victim, the driver backed his vehicle up and over the fallen victim-- before running her over a third time and driving off.

Officers from the 40th Precinct and paramedics were called to the southbound 

Bruckner Boulevard service road at East 138 Street at just after 1 p.m. on August 18.

The still-unidentified victim was rushed to Lincoln Hospital, one police source stated that the victim suffered severe, "trauma to the body and head."

Late Monday night that source added that police were in the process of releasing video obtained by detectives of the vehicle fleeing the scene. The brief clip of video was released to media outlets the following day.

The source described the vehicle as, "a white sedan, probably a Chevy Impala," with a dark front panel and bumper.

Friends of the victim reported that they were crossing East 138 Street when words were exchanged with a driver who was headed northbound, but made a U-turn.

Seconds before impact witnesses say the victim pushed a male friend out of the way as the driver apparently aimed for the group.

A major thoroughfare, Bruckner Boulevard has been the site of several fatal hit-and-run accidents in the last several years.

On September 15, 2013, Maria Dulce-Valencia, 27, was also struck and killed along the southbound Bruckner Boulevard service road at Evergreen Avenue in Soundview.

Police are believed to still be looking for the driver of the black sedan responsible for Valencia's death.

It was nearly one-year ago when on August 31, 2013, Abigail Lino, 24, was one of dozens of partygoers who fled a nightclub after false claims of gunfire.

Lino was mowed-down along the Bruckner Boulevard service road at Austin Place and she died at the scene.

Police would later capture and charge Leroy Forest, 31, with leaving the scene of a fatal accident.

On April 1, 2013, two men were discovered dead along Bruckner Boulevard and East 138 Street, the site of the latest crash. The driver in that crash remains at large.

Despite being one of the borough's most deadliest roadways, Bruckner Boulevard is not slated to become a "slow zone," with a 25 mile-per-hour speed limit as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's "Vision Zero" plan.

Anyone with any information on any of the hit-and-run incidents are urged to call investigators at (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?: Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise? By Rabbi Harry Hertzberg Temple Hatikva Spiritual Leader More than 70 years ago, the Jewish co...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?: Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise? By Rabbi Harry Hertzberg Temple Hatikva Spiritual Leader More than 70 years ago, the Jewish co...

Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?

Why are Pols Silent on Anti-Semitism Rise?

By Rabbi Harry Hertzberg

Temple Hatikva Spiritual Leader

More than 70 years ago, the Jewish community in the United States maintained a strange silence while the Holocaust was burning throughout Europe. Six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis, yet American Jews had virtually no voice and applied little public pressure to stop this atrocity.

Today, we again have a government who chooses to ignore the murderous and vicious entity known as Hamas. Even 

though Hamas has been recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, they are somehow not held morally responsible for their actions – but rather, are granted the status of being “morally equivalent” to Israel.

The charter of Hamas, simply states that Jews must be eradicated and Israel destroyed.  Much to their credit, Hamas does not try to hide their intentions – but instead, is proud of its’ goal to destroy Israel and the entire Jewish population.

Yet, even when confronted with their rockets firing at Israel indiscriminately, or their tunnels meant to wreak havoc and murder upon the Jews, our leaders are strangely silent concerning the actions of our government.

It is of particular note that our President hails from the Democratic party as do the vast majority of our elected representatives in the Bronx. Yet, not one elected official has taken the President to task for his obvious lack of support for Israel – the only democracy in the Middle East and our only ally.

Congressman Eliot Engle serves as the ranking member of the foreign affairs committee of the United States House of Representatives, but has not issued one statement criticizing the actions of the executive branch of the government in this situation. While the President and Secretary of State do all in their power to weaken Israel and protect Hamas, we have not heard one objection from our Congressman.

Recently, our State Senator, Jeff Klein, went to Israel with a star-studded group that included Governor Andrew Cuomo. This trip was ostensibly to show solidarity with Israel and support for Israel. Yet, upon their return, the Governor and State Senator were not critical of our President or Secretary of State, nor did they take them to task for the obvious lack of support for Israel.

It is embarrassing to note that the leaders of the Jewish community-at-large have also taken the silent approach to dealing with this situation. Rather than speak up and demand executive branch support for Israel, Jewish communal leaders have acted as cowards – afraid that by speaking up they would damage their own access to the seats of power.

We have long known that those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Anti-semitism in Europe is at an all-time high. A rabbi in Miami was murdered on his way to synagogue. Jewish schools and museums are the targets of hate. It is way past the time to speak up. It is time to speak out and take action – even if that means voting against those who have represented us for many years.

It is not enough to feel bad for Israel. It is not enough to silently support Israeli actions. The time has come for public displays of support for Israel and to hold our elected officials accountable for their actions. There is no excuse for silence in the face of such evil and horror. There is no excuse for silence in the face of such danger and hatred. And, there is no excuse for silence in the face of anti-semitism.

It is time for each and every one of us, Jew and Gentile alike, to speak out and demand that our country support Israel and that we make a bold statement against anti-semitism. It is time to tell the world that we will not stand idly by while Jew-hatred pervades Europe while planting the seeds of another Holocaust. And finally, it is time to stand up and demand that our elected officials really represent us, rather than run scared.

If we choose silence over action or choose to look away rather than meet the problem head-on, then shame on us. We will truly get what we deserve.

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks must win but don't

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks must win but don't: Yanks must win but don't First of six games Yankees need goes the wrong way By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 20- A six-game ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks must win but don't

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks must win but don't: Yanks must win but don't First of six games Yankees need goes the wrong way By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 20- A six-game ...

Yanks must win but don't

Yanks must win but don't
First of six games Yankees need goes the wrong way

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 20- A six-game home stand for the New York Yankees did not get off to a good start Tuesday night in the Bronx. The first three against a scrappy but bad Houston Astros team and three more with the Chicago White Sox are winnable games. And every game at this point for the Yankees is important.

But, as it has been this entire season, the Yankees could not get a win they needed. There are two more with the Astros, but the bullpen imploded again and the bats were in customary form, silent again as the Yankees went 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position in a 7-4 loss. With the exception of a Brian McCann two-run home run in the fourth inning, the reality is another step back, instead of going forward for the Yankees in this stretch run for a post season wild card.

And once again the manager Joe Girardi, who said these were an important six games, had a recurring statement. “Thought we hit the ball well but not in situations,” he said. This time of year and not scoring five runs in eight straight games, does not help the situation.

It’s been a season problem as the Yankees have been held to four runs or fewer in 80 of their 123 games.

Forget the fact that the Astros are where they are, sitting as one of the two worse teams in the American League to the Texas Rangers. The Yankees have a favorable schedule this week to make some noise in this wild card chase, and it is off to a bad start. When they take the field Wednesday night for game two of this three game series with Houston, the deficit is four games.

Not a good situation. And when the closer, David Robertson issued two walks and gave up a three-run home run to Chris Carter in the ninth inning, that led the Astros to their win, there is no second guessing of the manager. The Yankees bullpen, with the exception of Dellin Betances has also decided to implode at the wrong time.

“I tried to make a good pitch, down and away," Robertson said, "Instead I put it right in his bat path and he put it 30 rows deep." The ball went deep to left after Carter got the green light on a 3-0 count and went after a cutter that was in the middle of the plate. There are no excuses, except that Robertson is no Mariano Rivera, as much as he has been dependable most of the time in tight situations.

Said Girardi about Robertson, who allowed his first home run since June 1, “He has been really, really good. I think he has been as good as anyone could've expected. I've talked about the pressure that was on him, who he was replacing. He has come in and done a marvelous job."

But these are the games that the Yankees have confronted all season and Robertson is not the great Mariano Rivera, and the Yankees know time is not on their side. Every game, with six weeks remaining has become crucial and they all they have to do is put the blame on themselves.

“When we came together in spring training, we expected to have a little more thunder," Mark Teixeira said in a once again quiet Yankees post game clubhouse. The thunder once again did not come from Carlos Beltran, 0-for-3 and a walk. The only productive night came from Jacoby Ellsbury with three hits.  But he could not come home with the score tied in the eighth when the Yankees played small ball.

Ellsbury opened the inning with a single deep by the bag at second base. He advanced on a steal and went to third on a throwing error. But, he was stranded that led to the Astros big and deciding ninth inning. The Martin Prado one-out double to left in the sixth tied the game at 4-4. That got starter Chris Capuano off the hook after he tossed 5.1 innings on eight hits, and striking out eight.

Not much more to say, except the Yankees know what has to be done this week. They need to win at least two of three from the Astros and White Sox, except that may be asking for the impossible because it has been that type of season.

However, if the hits don’t come the task gets that much more difficult.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com
   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees, Victoria’s Secret Opening in Bay Plaza

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees, Victoria’s Secret Opening in Bay Plaza: Yankees, Victoria’s Secret Opening in Bay Plaza By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 15- The Bay Plaza shopping center’s new...

Yankees, Victoria’s Secret Opening in Bay Plaza

Yankees, Victoria’s Secret Opening in Bay Plaza

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 15- The Bay Plaza shopping center’s new wing, which has been in the planning stage for years, opened on Thursday morning.

Portions of the new mall, including its spanking new Macy’s, were still under construction by the middle of this week. Portions of the new mall will not be completed until next year.

The new mall, when it is fully completed, will be anchored by Macy’s at one end and a pre-existing JC Penney’s department store at the other end. 

Stores in the new mall will ultimately include Victoria Secret Express, Swarovski Crystals, H&M, Michael Kors, and the Yankee Clubhouse.

Other chains that have signed leases to be at Bay Plaza include Zales Jewelers, Kay Jewelers, Matthew’s Jewelers, Cohen Optical, Bath & Body, Charlotte Rousse, Champs, Footlocker, Lid’s Hats, Joe’s Crab Shack, the Olive Garden, Red Robin, American Eagle Aeropostale, and Sprint.

The new Macy’s, which will be an anchor store for Bay Plaza’s new, enclosed mall, will comprise 160,000 square feet on its own.

The 780,000-square foot extension of Bay Plaza will mean that the shopping center, which is on the outskirts of Co-op City, will comprise close to two million square feet.

The price tag for the extension of the Bay Plaza mall is expected to approach $300 million. The new mall is expected to create 1,700 permanent jobs and to have parking for up 2,300 cars.

The extension of Bay Plaza’s new wing will be connected to the existing JC Penney store at Bay Plaza.

In recent months, those living in Co-op City and those driving by the community have seen the new wing of the shopping center rising on its southern end of the Bay Plaza shopping center. 

The shopping center’s developers and elected officials have stressed that the impending of Bay Plaza’s new wing is an exciting development for the Bronx and Westchester.

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., among others, have touted the development of Bay Plaza’s new wing as a sign of progress in the Bronx and in the city as a whole. 

Bay Plaza, which first opened in the mid-1980s and spans 1.3 million square feet, is already the largest mall in the Bronx.

When the new mall is completed, it will be attached to the current shopping center. The entire mall will be enclosed, making it the first mall of this kind in the Bronx.

“We are talking to all the major chains about coming to Bay Plaza,” Sam Shalem, CEO of Prestige Properties (the shopping center’s developer), has stressed. “This is just the kind of suburban mall this area needs.”

Shalem has said that he is confident that the enlarged mall will have major appeal to the more than four million people who live in close proximity to Co-op City.

Shalem has stated that he expects the new shopping center to attract those living in Westchester and southern Connecticut, as well as those living in neighborhoods through the Bronx.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bay Plaza

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bay Plaza: Bay Plaza’s Open for Business BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 14- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was the very first customer at the new Macy&#3...

Bay Plaza

Bay Plaza’s Open for Business

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 14- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was the very first customer at the new Macy's near Co-op City, which officially opened as part of the new Mall at Bay Plaza—a facility which has 780,000 square feet of retail space and is the first enclosed fashion mall in the New York City area in almost 40 years. 

To fill 1,800 new job spots, Governor Andrew Cuomo's Unemployment Strikeforce partnered with Borough President 

Diaz and the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation to help match candidates with the positions.

“To all the Macy’s family, on behalf of 1.4 million Bronxites, I want to say thank you,” Diaz said. “This is truly a partnership between the community, community leaders, people like Marlene Cintron, who is the president of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation; and, of course, government.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I just want to say this: of all of the brands that are being sold at Macy’s, in all seriousness, the number one brand, the most important brand that is being sold here today is that of the ‘New Bronx.’

“When Macy’s makes a decision to go somewhere, they don’t make that decision lightly. And so to invest in our borough, to give our residents better and more pleasant shopping opportunities, to give employment to our borough…but also to send a message across the nation that they’re coming to The Bronx, and they’re here in The Bronx, it shows that something good is happening right here.

“So for that, we all want to say thank you, God bless you, and let’s continue to move forward.”

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Football

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Monroe Football: Football Phenoms Return Monroe Gears Up for New Season By Gary Axelbank BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 14- Last week, the NJCAA recognized thr...

Monroe Football

Football Phenoms Return

Monroe Gears Up for New Season

By Gary Axelbank

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 14- Last week, the NJCAA recognized three Monroe Mustangs playmakers as top-returners for the upcoming 2014 football season. Quarterback Clayton Turner, running back Robert Jackson, and wide receiver Jaquan Spann were cited for their achievements in Monroe's groundbreaking 2013 season and as important cogs in the future. Also two defensive players, tackle Elijah Young and safety Leonardo Lorenzo, were recognized.

For a team that relied on stellar defense to achieve a a stunning six-game winning streak that resulted in a 7-3 record in just their second varsity season, the NJCAA's notice of offensive playmakers is an excellent sign for 2014, but it might also contain some cautionary warnings.

"The emergence of our offensive weapons, especially in the running game, helped support our strong defense last year," said Coach Terry Karg.  "One of the challenges this season will be to replace many talented players who have moved on to play at NCAA level, but with the return of Turner, Jackson and Spann we hope to become more consistent on offense."

The development of running back Robert Jackson was a key to Monroe's success a year ago. The 5 foot 9 power half-back from Plainfield, NJ had more than 100 yards rushing in each of the Mustangs' last six games, coinciding with the win streak. His best game was the 176 yards he ate up against Thaddeus Stevens in a 26-6 win in late October.

Turner was another revelation on offense last year. The rangy 6 foot 4 signal-caller from Atlanta was injured in the season's regular season opener and he missed a month. But when he returned, he settled down the position, averaging 120 yards/game and throwing for 12 TD passes in the six games of the winning streak.

Spann caught 21 passes in his nine games as a freshman. His 336 yards were second on the team. The native of Newark, NJ had two games where he had five receptions and he hauled in three TD passes.

On defense, Young is a 6 foot, 260 pound sophomore from White Plains, NY. At 5 foot 8, 170, safety Lorenzo, who doubles as return-man extraordinaire, is a lightning-bolt of a player who hails from Miami, FL.

"We are appreciative the NJCAA has recognized these returning players," Coach Karg said. "We are very aware that in order to be competitive in our conference it will take a total team effort on offense, defense and special teams. Last year, we took a positive step with our program and we're working hard through the preseason to prepare for the opponents that are on our 2014 schedule."

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fashion week

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fashion week: Bronx to become center of Fashion Tweet   BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 13- Officials from Bronx Fashion...

Fashion week

Bronx to become center of Fashion

Tweet 

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 13- Officials from Bronx Fashion Week held a press conference at The Historical Andrew Freeman Mansion (1125 Grand Concourse, Bronx NY). 

Local, State and National press received a preview of the designers who will be featured for Bronx Fashion Week (dated for September 5-7, 2014 taking place at The Historical Andrew Freeman Mansion). Some designers included 

Jenny V, A Premier Custom Bridal and Evening Wear Designer who’s designs have graced the Emmy’s as well as numerous celebrities, Alexander Garcia, A Versatile and Accomplished Designer, Jo Lance, A Creative Art Director & Photographer who also the Host of Mexico’s Americas Next Top Model, and Fashion Designer Ayana who designs women's clothing, her company designs contemporary garments for those who desire high style, just to name a few. 

“It’s amazing to see something in such a high form showcased. It’s difficult to touch on all the designers lined up for this star studded historical event. You just have to be here in order to witness it!” says Flora Montes, Executive Director for Bronx Fashion Week. 

“The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is a proud sponsor of Fashion Week, which will help generate revenue for our borough. The series of events during Fashion Week will not only help showcase local talent but will also help bolster sales for our Bronx businesses,” Michelle Dolgow Cristofaro, Bronx Chamber of Commerce Chief-of-Staff.

Featured Fashion Designer pieces are being inspired by The Bronx Artist Documentary Project taking place at The Andrew Freeman Mansion starting September 10th. Additionally, Bronx Fashion Week has joined forces along side of The Gift to Empower which is a non profit organization aimed to inspire children and families in need. The mission is to hand these families with the necessary tools and resources for a brighter future. The program will include mentoring, education and workshops working hand in hand with other organizations to reach the same goal.

Sponsors include Andrew Freeman Mansion, Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum,Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Eva Jay Sweets, Fashion Avenue News, Fordham Bid, Jerome-Gun Hill Merchants Business Improvement District, LGBTQS Chamber of Commerce, New York Botanical Gardens, Port-Morris Distillery, Project Planes, Stylaga, and The Bronx Museum of the Arts.

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Summer Slay

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Summer Slay: Summer Slay Wife stabbed to death on quiet street (Photo by David Greene) Celebration, Children Playing and then Murder; Death Visits Q...

Summer Slay

Summer Slay

Wife stabbed to death on quiet street

(Photo by David Greene)

Celebration, Children Playing and then Murder;

Death Visits Quiet Residential Block

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 11- The sounds of cook outs and children playing were instantly silenced by a young woman's blood-curdling cries for help as her distraught husband stabbed her repeatedly in front of horrified onlookers.

Patrol cars from the 49th Precinct were observed racing through the immediate area when police were called to 1538 Hone Avenue at 6:14 p.m. on Saturday, August 9.

Officials say the victim was stabbed repeatedly and was discovered lying on the sidewalk in a pool of blood. Police say she was "unconscious and unresponsive," when she was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where she died a short time later.

Officers immediately placed the woman's husband in custody. The murder weapon, a gravity knife was discovered nearby.

As police walked the blood-soaked man to a waiting ambulance for the treatment of a gash to his hand, the man collapsed, telling cops, "I haven't eaten in four days." The suspect was eventually removed to a local hospital for the treatment of a gash on his hand.

A relative of the victim also collapsed at the scene and was given oxygen by paramedics before being taken to a local hospital.

As a handful of residents speculated on how many people witnessed or heard the attack, one area resident who identified himself as R. O'Neil, fumed, "I don't understand how nobody gave her any assistance, but I could almost guarantee that people took their phones out to record it."

Neighbor Melissa Ovando heard the screams, but assumed it was children playing, adding, "Nothing like this ever happens here, so we didn't think much about it."

Many of the two dozen or so witnesses were guests of a party that was just setting up in a driveway across the street at the time of the grisly attack. The suspect began stabbing the woman inside a vehicle and then chased her down and continued stabbing her on the sidewalk.

The victim was later identified as Amarita Khan, 23, of Ozone Park, Queens. According to the New York Times the victim and the suspect had two children.

The suspect was later identified as Nazir Khan , 25, who was charged with second degree murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.

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Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cemetery Rapist Arrested

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Cemetery Rapist Arrested: Cemetery Rapist Arrested By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 9- Police arrested a suspect in the cemetery rape in Throggs Neck.  ...