Workers Flunk Repair

Workers Flunk Repair

1 Month After it was Taken Down, Construction Scaffold Returns Overnight at P.S. 86

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 13- A dozen burly construction workers arrived just before twilight, hours after the last child had left P.S. 86 in Kingsbridge Heights. Workers began putting up the steel and wood sidewalk-shed in the front of the school-- a month after the same workers had dismantled it.

Many of the parents of the 1,600-plus kindergarten and elementary school children who attend the Reservoir Avenue school, dubbed "The Kingsbridge Heights School," and residents of the block were surprised to see what is called a construction scaffold or sidewalk-shed, back in front of the school on the morning of May 1.

One resident recalled, "Yeah, they took it down and it went away and then it came back. It's crazy."

According to Jason Fink at the Department of Education (DOE), "This is an exterior modernization project. Some of the decorative terracotta that was part of the project had to be replaced by the manufacturer, so the contractor is going back to install the replacements."

Fink added that the contractor Vardaris Tech, Inc., was doing the work on the $4.5 million project.

Additional details were revealed when Anjaykumar Shaw of the DOE's School Construction Authority (SCA) stated, "At the time everything was fine and everything was done, but ultimately whatever winter conditions we went through, they went up there and found out what had happened."

Shaw elaborated on the problem, explaining, "Bolsters are the decorative pieces there (in the front of the building) and that bolster had some cracks in it."

Unable to provide an exact timeline, Shaw recalled, "We just realized after the winter, I would say... I don't know exactly, but in the last three or four weeks we came to know there was a problem."

Asked why the scaffolding came down in the first place, Shaw replied, "Oh, because work at the time seemed complete."

A follow up call to Shaw was re-directed to Nicole Halloway, the Bronx Community Relations Manager and the Project Support Manager for the School Construction Authority, who could not provide additional details, stating, "Because the building in question is a DOE facility, we cannot answer questions pertaining to that, only the DOE can."

Several parents stated they were very happy with the school, one believed it to be the largest public school in the borough.

One teacher called it an "A-plus" school and added, "Teacher morale here is great."

However, one parent who claimed her daughter was recommended powerful drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) fumed,  "They told me I had to be sympathetic to the fact that the teacher had 37 students."

Referring to P.S. 86, that parent added, "I feel like every time I hear a teacher, there telling a parent their child has ADHD."

In a follow-up e-mail, Fink stated there would be no additional cost to the SCA, and added the completion date is not yet known.

Calls to P.S. 86 Principal Fiona Tyson and contractor Vardaris Tech were not immediately returned.   

#Schools #Construction #Education #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Firefighters get Sinking Feeling

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Firefighters get Sinking Feeling: Firefighters get Sinking Feeling                 Photo by Andre Rivera     Members of FDNY's Engine 90 were responding to a medic...

Firefighters get Sinking Feeling

Firefighters get Sinking Feeling

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo by Andre Rivera

 

 

Members of FDNY's Engine 90 were responding to a medical emergency at 1857 Colden Avenue when their right front tire got caught in a sink-hole. An FDNY heavy-duty towing vehicle was called out and the rig was removed from the hole. No injuries were reported. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Skelos out

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Skelos out: Skelos  Out - Flanagan in as New Republican Senate Leader By Robert Press  BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 12- On January 22 nd  U.S. Attorney P...

Skelos out

Skelos Out - Flanagan in as New Republican Senate Leader

By Robert Press 

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 12- On January 22^nd U.S. Attorney Pheet Bharara announced the arrest of New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver on Corruption Charges. By the end of January Silver became former Speaker Silver as he stepped down after leading the state assembly as its speaker for over 20 years. This led to a new leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie who became the new speaker in a much different way from his battle to become the Bronx Democratic County Leader in 2008. 

On April 17^th I reported on my blog and in my next column of 100 PERCENT (in this newspaper) that State Senate Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son Adam were being investigated by the U.S. Attorney's office. On May 4^th the U.S. Attorney's office announced the arrest of State Senator Dean Skelos and his son Adam Skelos on Corruption Charges. Skelos vowed to continue on as Majority Leader of the state Senate despite the indictment of him and his son by the U.S. Attorney on corruption charges. However giving into pressure from Democrats as well as fellow Republican State Senators, Dean Skelos has stepped down as the State Senate Majority Leader. 

Replacing Skelos as Majority Leader is fellow Republican State Senator John J. Flanagan, who was the Senate Education Chair. Flanagan has his private practice at the law firm of Forchelli, Curto, Deegan, Schwartz, Mineo & Terrana, saying that the job of majority leader will be a 24/7 job. Flanagan is confident that he has the support of his fellow Republican Conference members, and is probably going to make an even better offer to the IDC and State Senator Jeff Klein. 

Klein in a statement said, "I offer my sincerest congratulations to Senator John Flanagan in his new role as Majority Leader. I look forward to a positive and productive six weeks ahead as we focus on the remaining legislative session and working together to improve the lives of all New Yorkers."

Albany has become a very different place since the beginning of this year. One problem that still looms over the head of State Senate Republicans is that State Senate Republican Deputy Majority Leader Tom Libus is under federal indictment awaiting his trial to begin soon. Libus is reported to be in poor health suffering from cancer, but is said to be continuing in his role as Deputy Majority Leader of the State Senate. 

#DeanSkelos #Albany #JeffKlein #Politics #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Tickled Pink

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yanks Tickled Pink: Yanks Tickled Pink Pineda Fans 16, Remains Undefeated in 2015  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 11- Sunday’s starting pitcher for th...

Yanks Tickled Pink

Yanks Tickled Pink

Pineda Fans 16, Remains Undefeated in 2015 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 11- Sunday’s starting pitcher for the Yankees, Michael Pineda, zeroed in on the strike zone throughout his outstanding pitching performance. The Dominican native fanned 16 batters, a career high in seven innings. It is only the seventh time since 1900 that a pitcher has struck out that many in as few as seven innings.

He struck out each of the Oriole batters he faced except J. J. Hardy. It was the second highest total of strikeouts in a single game for the Yankees. He tied the mark set by perfect game pitchers, David Wells and David Cone, and has been bested only by Ron Guidry, who fanned 18 in 9 innings on June 11, 1978.

The 26 year old has exhibited an amazing control of his pitches. On Sunday, he struck out 16 without issuing a walk. The last time a major league pitcher accomplished that feat was on August 19, 2007, when Johan Santana struck out 17 without walking a batter.

The total for his seven starts in 2015 are 54 strikeouts and three walks for an American League high k/bb ratio of 18.00, second only to Bartolo Colon in the majors.

He is one of only five active major league pitchers who have multiple appearances with at least seven strikeouts and zero walks.

Pineda’s catcher on Sunday, Brian McCann, was impressed, but not surprised by the pitcher’s performance, “He had all three pitches working. When you can throw three pitches for strikes whenever you want that allows the pitcher to attack the hitters. He doesn’t walk any guys. He pounds the zone. His stuff is electric every time he takes the ball.”

Yankee skipper Joe Girardi, a former catcher, described what he saw, “Location, outstanding mix of pitches, deception. A lot of things have to go right to get 16 strikeouts in 21 outs. Oh God, he was really good!”

Girardi explained why he removed Pineda from the contest after seven frames, “The time of the year, how young he is, how important he is to the team, and the pitch count (111).”

The result of Pineda’s work was another Yankee victory and the team’s continued presence in first place in the American League East. Pineda remained undefeated, 5‐0, in his seven starts this season. He is also undefeated in six contests with the Baltimore Orioles, who lost 6‐2, with a mark of 3‐0.

Pineda, naturally a happy person, was overjoyed, “Today was the best game. The weather was like the weather in the Dominican. It’s Mother’s Day.” The devout player’s reaction in general, “Thank you God.”

#Yankees #MichaelPineda #MothersDay #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Orioles End New York City Losing Streak

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Orioles End New York City Losing Streak: Orioles End New York City Losing S treak (Photo by Gary Quintal) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW TORK, MAY 9- After playing...

Orioles End New York City Losing Streak

Orioles End New York City Losing Streak

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW TORK, MAY 9- After playing and losing four straight games in New York City this week, the Baltimore Orioles felt sufficiently comfortable to defeat the Yankees, 6-2 on Saturday afternoon. The Orioles win ended both their four game losing streak, two to the Mets and two to the Yanks, and the two game winning streak of the Yankees.

The win for starter Wei-Yin Chen (1-1) was his first of the 2015 season. 

Before the game began, Chen had the lowest ERA, 2.83, of any qualified major league pitcher who had not won a game this season. The victory, his 36th, is the second highest career total of any of the eight major league pitchers born in Taiwan. His toal is only topped by former Yankee Ching-Ming Wang with 62. His mark is 18-1 when he pitches at least seven innings, which he did on Saturday,  and the Orioles are 22-3 when that happens. The only run he gave up came in the sixthwhen Chase Headley celebrated his 31st birthday with a single and scored after a doucle by Stephen Drew. 

After the contest, Chen remarked through a translator, “My command was good. I was pitching to contact.”

Yankee starter Chase Whitley gave up his first home runs of the season, three, which accounted for the first four Baltimore runs. Jimmy Paeredes hit a solo home run on the first pitch with two out in the second. Baltimore manager Buck Showalter said of him, “He’sdoing what it takes to stay in the lineup.”

Three batters later, in the third, Chris Davis also homed with no one on base on the first pitch. Three batters afterwards, Alejandro De Aza took a 2-2 pitch into the stands in right with one man ion base. The score stood 4-0 in the fourth, a lead Baltimore never relinquished. 

Outside the Stadium on River Avenue, before, during and after the game, both neighborhood residents and visiting fans were having an enjoyable time at the Stadium Street Fair sponsored by the 161st Street Business Improvement District (161 BID).

The final game of the four game series and Baltimore’s visit will take place on Sunday afternoon at 1 pm.

#Yankees #Baltimore #MLB #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees Dynamic Duo

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankees Dynamic Duo: Yankees Dynamic Duo Ellsbury, Gardner Score By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 9- For an organization to be successful, there is a need...

Yankees Dynamic Duo

Yankees Dynamic Duo

Ellsbury, Gardner Score

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 9- For an organization to be successful, there is a need for each of its employees to recognize his/her role and be capable of fulfilling it. In baseball, the lead-off batter and the hitter who follows are called the table-setters. The players in those positions need to reach base often, advance as far as possible and be in a position to score if the hitters batting after them fulfill their roles as power hitters and runs batted in specialists. 

This year’s lead-off hitter on the Yanks, Jacoby Ellsbury, has been extremely consistent and capable of fulfilling his responsibilities. In his 28 games, Ellsbury is one of the top ranked players in a number of offensive categories. He is batting .362. His two hits on Thursday night extended his hitting streak to 10 games. In his team high 13 multi-hit games the Yankees have an 11-2 record. 

He has reached base far more often than any other member of the Yankees. In addition to his 42 hits, he has drawn 13 walks and been hit by a pitch on three occasions for an on-base-percentage of over .439. This outstanding ability to reach base has placed him near the top of the American League rankings of scoring with 24 runs scored in his 28 games. 

Not only does he reach base often, but quite often manages to advance on his own. He paces the A.L. with 11 stolen bases and has only been thrown out stealing four times. 

The second place hitter on the Yankees, Brett Gardner, is close to Ellsbury in these positive offensive categories. He is batting .326 with an on-base-percentage of .412. The left fielder has 29 hits, drawn 13 walks and been hit by a pitch twice. 

The two 31 year-old players, born 17 days apart, scored four of the five runs of the Yankees on Friday night. They began in the first inning. 

Ellsbury led off with an infield single, which extended his hitting streak to 11 games. He moved to third on a double to left by Gardner. The next batter, Alex Rodriguez, drove in the first run of the contest with a deep sacrifice fly to center. Catcher Brian McCann knocked in two more runs with a home run to left. Before 20 minutes had elapsed, the Yanks led the orioles, 3-0.

Two more Yankees runs scored in the third frame on similar circumstances as in the first. Ellbury walked to begin the inning. He moved to third on a single to right by Gardner. The left fielder then stole second to put two runners in scoring position, his ninth stolen base of the season. With two out, McCann was intentionally walked to load the bases. The table setters each scored again as Carlos Beltran doubled, but the slower McCann was thrown out at home. The Yanks now lead 5-0.

The two outfielders were largely responsible for Friday’s Yankee win, and have been instrumental in the Yankees current first place standing in the American League East.

#Yankees #JacobyEllsbury #BrettGardner #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Celebrate the Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Celebrate the Bronx: Celebrate the Bronx BP kicks off Bronx Week 2015 BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. officially launched Bronx Week 20...

Celebrate the Bronx

Celebrate the Bronx

BP kicks off Bronx Week 2015

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. officially launched Bronx Week 2015 on Sunday, hosting a celebration of the “Best of the Bronx” with a street festival at the Bronx General Post Office on Grand Concourse and East 149th Street.

“I always look forward to this time of the year, when we celebrate everything that is great about The Bronx,” said Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “We kick things off with this great street fair on Sunday, holding 10 days’ worth of amazing and fun events for the whole family throughout the borough, all culminating with the Walk of Fame inductions and parade.”

A full calendar of events is available at www.ilovethebronx.com.

“Bronx Week is the opportunity to showcase the Best of The Bronx,” said Bronx Tourism Council Executive Director Olga Luz Tirado. “There is a lot to celebrate -- tourism, overall, is up in the borough. Our attractions are reporting a substantial increase in visitors. We are enjoying increased positive coverage from media. It's a great time to be in The Bronx right now.”

“Bronx Week is a time to celebrate our businesses, big and small, that provide much needed jobs to our community as well as a time to honor veterans, seniors, youth, volunteers and our hometown greats,” said Marlene Cintron, president of The Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation.

“As a new member to the community, we are excited to be a part of our first Bronx Week and to host the first event with Borough President Ruben Diaz at this iconic site,” said Christine Nebiar, marketing director for Youngwoo & Associates, LLC, who is sponsoring the kick-off event alongside The Bristol Group. “The Bronx has so much to celebrate and we are thrilled to invite New Yorkers to experience the borough at its best. The historic Bronx Post office will transform into a center of culture, community, and commerce and we hope to feature the great talents in food, art, music, and business.”

This year, four new individuals will be inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame. They are actor and activist Malik Yoba; National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes; and actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash. Longtime borough business leader, philanthropist and the founder of Delicioso Coco Helado, Alfredo Thiebaud will also be posthumously inducted in to the Bronx Walk of Fame.

Bronx Week 2015 is made possible thanks to the support of the Montefiore Medical Center, the principal sponsors of this year’s events.

"Montefiore is proud to support Bronx Week,” said Steven M. Safyer, M.D., president and CEO of Montefiore Health System. “Bronx Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate our strengths and the progress we are making to improve our communities. It’s a chance to highlight how healthcare providers like Montefiore, community based organizations and elected officials are joining forces to ensure Bronx residents have the tools and access they need for optimal health and wellness. Working together, the future of our borough is bright.”

Other Bronx Week 2015 sponsors include Care Connect, United HealthCare Community Plan, Healthfirst, HealthPlus Amerigroup, CenterLight Healthcare, conEdison, Lehman College, Bronx Community College, Hostos Community College, Cablevision, WellCare, Affinity Health Plan, AT&T, News 12, Domino’s, Bronxnet, Delicioso Coco Helado, Bronx Design Group, Emblem, Jewish Home LifeCare, Millennium Medical Staffing, and VNSNY.

#BronxWeek #BronxBoroughPresident #Malik Yoba #Stacey Dash #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *: A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record * Another Record Home Run Does Not Mean It’s All Good for A-Rod By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- The 6...

A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

A-Rod Breaks Home Run Record *

Another Record Home Run Does Not Mean It’s All Good for A-Rod

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- The 661st career home run that Alex Rodriguez hit to the left-center field Thursday night at Yankee Stadium surpassing Willie Mays for sole possession of fourth place on baseball’s all-time list may mean something for the record books. It does not mean that Yankees management will budge and give A-Rod the millions that were a part of his lucrative contract.

And it certainly does not mean that the home run, unless you are sympathetic to A-Rod, is a legitimate milestone. 

And despite an overall love fest from Yankee fans that has returned, there are still some who will not stand up and cheer as they did in the Bronx after the so-called historic home run. There are those who will not forgive and forget that Alex Rodriguez did it the wrong way. Then there are those who will forgive, because Rodriguez paid his dues by sitting out all of last year due to a suspension for violating baseball’s anti drug policies.

PEDs to many meant nothing when he rounded the bases with a big smile after the home run. And the next milestone, surpassing Babe Ruth, all of a sudden seems that more probable, but there is that question of accepting every home run hit now as being a part of the record book.

The question of accepting these home runs as a part of the record book will always be a subject of debate. Whether or not Alex Rodriguez has been accepted overall by baseball fans, or for that matter sports fans, who view records as importance is also something that will continue to be a subject of discussion.

The Yankees apparently are not making the home run milestones an important priority. They are happy to have A-Rod back in the lineup, and they should be because this early season comeback has seen him produce runs for a team that had serious issues doing that last season. He has quietly been doing the job and to the Yankees hierarchy, an Alex Rodriguez home run means more towards winning than achieving another milestone, or surpassing Willie Mays or Babe Ruth.

“It’s been a long time since I had a curtain call,” Rodriguez said about the fans in his post game meeting with the media. And there may be more curtain calls for A-Rod in the Bronx if he continues to hit home runs. Because this Yankees team has been hitting the long ball in the Bronx, and because fans will cheer for any type of runs that cross home plate, they will have reason to cheer. 

And if it is Alex Rodriguez, and in their ballpark, they will cheer. The Yankees though are having a different approach. Post game media notes did not highlight the milestone home run, and what should have been a headline was highlighted as number three after the important facts of Yankees wins in their last 20 games and the season series record of 2-2 against the Baltimore Orioles.   

Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds, they are next after Ruth. A-Rod may not be around that long enough to surpass them, but you can never tell how much longer or how many more home runs he can produce. And take into consideration, and we can assume this is true, for the first time Alex Rodriguez is hitting home runs out of the ballpark without the assistance of Ped’s.

So there is that room for forgiveness, at least from the perspective of fans who are paying big bucks to see A-Rod hit legitimate home runs in the Bronx.

"When you're productive, you re-earn their respect and they pull for you," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said about the fans. "That's the bottom line as players, not just in our sport but in all sports. They want to see their players successful. It really came down to how productive he was going to be, that really determined how he was going to be received. So far he's done a really good job."

And A-Rod overall has been doing the job. It started in spring training by giving the right answers to the media. The proper approach to the answers has continued to be acceptable enough to pass a damage control class.

Consider that Alex Rodriguez praised Mays, the man he surpassed. That he mentioned  how proud his late father would have been to see the milestone home run. And he mentioned how important it was to be playing baseball again after sitting out the last year. There was no mention again of rehashing the events, and A-Rod quickly got around the question of the possible battle of his employers not paying the millions that were specified in the contract of surpassing Mays, Ruth, or beyond.

No, that battle may be left for another time as the Yankees continue go about their business of winning games, and doing that with a healthy Alex Rodriguez in their lineup.

Rodriguez said about the fans reacting to the milestone home run: “I thought the reaction was incredible. It was very humbling. We have the greatest fans in the world. They treated me really good all year and it’s fueling the way I’m playing. I’ve said it all along, the league, the Yankees the fans, nobody owes me anything. I’m so grateful to be playing baseball and I’m thankful to everyone.”        

The question though lingers and it should: Does home run 661, and more to come be a part of the record books? Those who consider cheating attributed to a majority of those home runs will say they don’t count. Then there are those who say it doesn’t matter, but it should. An admission of guilt after battling the denial of using PEDs is evidence that those home runs are fiction. 

In the end the home runs go in the record book. The Yankees as a team won’t have an opinion either way if A-Rod adds to his career home run total. To them that means production coming from a spot in their lineup that was going to be a hit or a miss.

To the Yankees hierarchy, well that is another dilemma and the drama will continue.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786 

#ARod #Homerun #PED #Yankees #Sports #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A‐Rod’s 661st A‐Bomb Tops Mark of Willie Mays

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A‐Rod’s 661st A‐Bomb Tops Mark of Willie Mays: A‐Rod’s 661st A‐Bomb Tops Mark of Willie Mays  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- With the retirement of Derek Jeter much of ...

A‐Rod’s 661st A‐Bomb Tops Mark of Willie Mays

A‐Rod’s 661st A‐Bomb Tops Mark of Willie Mays 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 8- With the retirement of Derek Jeter much of the excitement at ballgames at Yankee Stadium has greatly lessened this season. The fans, of course, attend to root for a Yankees victory. After missing all but 44 games in 2013 after recovering from hip surgery and the entire 2014 season due to his suspension by MLB, Alex Rodriguez has returned to the Yankees with strong support from its fan base.

On Opening Day at Yankee Stadium on April 6, Rodriguez received the loudest cheers during the player introductions. That day set the tone for A‐Rod’s acceptance by Yankees fans.

Since that first day of the 2015 season, Rodriguez is no longer subject to a daily dose of jeers regardless of the opinions of sportswriters and TV commentators.

Rodriguez tied Willie Mays for fourth place in the career home run rankings on Friday, May 1, at Fenway Park by hitting his 660th homer. Both Rodriguez and fans in the Bronx were disappointed that the milestone home run was not hit at Yankee Stadium, but realized that more special days were to come.

The Yankees returned to the Bronx after their most recent road trip on Thursday, May 7, to begin a four game home stand against the Orioles, who had completed a two game series with the Mets at Citi Field one day earlier.

In the first inning of Thursday’s game, Rodriguez drove in the first run of the Yanks with a sacrifice fly to deep center field that scored Jacoby Ellsbury from third base to tie the score at 1.

What Yankee fans had been looking forward to seeing took place in the third inning with two out. Rodriguez belted a 1‐1 pitch from Baltimore starter Chris Tillman over the fence in left for his 661st home run. The four‐bagger broke the tie with Mays, one day after the former Giant and Met celebrated his 84th birthday, and gave him the sole fourth place ranking in home runs behind only Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds.

The Oriole right‐hander has been an easy mark for Rodriguez. The home run was his sixth hit in 11 at bats off Tillman. Four of the hits were homers and his runs batted in now number 9.

The solo home run broke the tied score to give the Yanks a 3‐2 advantage. The extended ovation from the fans brought Rodriguez out of the dugout for a short and rare curtain call.

Rodriguez spoke with embarrassment of the surprising tribute from the fans, “One year ago, I never thought I would get one again. It’s been a long time. I was a little embarrassed. It was a little awkward. I tried to do it as fast as I could. I didn’t want it to get in the way. I wanted the game to continue.”

The controversial superstar discussed his gratitude toward the fans with emotion, “They [fans] treated me so good all year long. I would want to go out and thank every fan.”

#ARod #Homerun #WillieMays #Yankees #Sports #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Batter Up for Bronx Native

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Batter Up for Bronx Native: Batter Up for Bronx Native  Columbus High Alum Waiting to Hit for the Mets By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 7- Johnny Monell got the c...

Batter Up for Bronx Native

Batter Up for Bronx Native 

Columbus High Alum Waiting to Hit for the Mets

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 7- Johnny Monell got the call Monday in Albuquerque on an unscheduled off day for the Las Vegas 51’s, the New York Mets Triple-A affiliate of the Pacific Coast League. The off day was the result of a rare rain out in the southwest. The call was one he has been awaiting and iIt was was time to come home. 

The Mets needing some punch off the bench, and for another left handed bat, decided it was time for the 29-year old native of the Bronx to get some more big league experience. He has had that cup of coffee the past few years, the term used for a player that gets limited time with the big club. Late in the 2013 season, Monel played eight games with the San Francisco Giants.

The Giants, as is the case with the Mets, were stocked with talent in the catching department. Manager Bruce Bochy said, Monell had the hands of a catcher and was impressed with his bat speed at the plate. But, as is the case in baseball there are so many jobs and sometimes the frustration grows.

“I’m here to do my job and help the team,” Monell commented Wednesday evening after the Mets 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles at Citi Field. “It means a lot. I’m just being the ballplayer I am, and control what I can control and be the best that I can.” And that’s exactly what a payer with 27 days of big league experience has to do, that is control what is front  and go about everyday business.

Mets manager Terry Collins saw the attributes that Monell brought to the table. When the Christopher Columbus High School all-star was signed to a minor league free agent deal in November, Monell came to camp down in Port St. Lucie prepared to have a role with the team. He hit .340, with three doubles and four home runs and had nine RBI in 27 spring games.

The impressive numbers left an impression as the Mets headed north for the start of a long season. The Mets, with two catchers sure to make the roster, and with rookie Kevin Plawecki ready to assume a role, had no choice to keep Monell in the organization. Then the injury to Travis d’Arnaud, a fracture to the little finger of the right hand, created an opening. Three catchers now occupy the Mets roster along with Anthony Recker.

During the exit meeting when the Mets broke camp, Collins and coach Bob Geren told Monell to stay sharp and get ready for the call when needed. They saw what many in the Bronx got to learn when Monell played on the fields and was pounding the ball over the fence during his playing days at Columbus.

He may get a start or two soon. If not, Monell will come off the bench and there is every reason to believe that the Mets will retain three catchers when d’Arnaud returns from the disabled list as soon as next week. D’Arnaud has also become a good teammate as catchers are that rare breed in baseball that always stick together.

To that, he says, “I think it’s very beneficial to have different mindsets as far as the staff we have here to express our thoughts as far as scouring reports go. We talk a lot among us with Travis. Each one of us has a job to do up here. Plawecki is up here now and he’s doing the job.”

“I’m happy to be here. It means a lot to put the jersey on to respect that honor, to come to work every day in the city that I was born in and raised in. I did everything here I was raised in in the inner city parks to the big stage here. Means a lot. I’m not going to get caught up in the  moment.”

“He has a lot of respect for the game and worked real hard during the spring,” Carlos Torres said the Mets reliable pitcher out of the bullen. And d’Arnaud seems to have no issue with having another catcher on the roster.   

He is just trying to help the team win and take it from there. When Collins makes out the lineup Monell is ready for the challenge. And if he gets the call to come off the bench, that challenge will also be accepted, though there was an awkward moment that he was a part of Wednesday evening in the Mets half of the sixth inning.

Jacob deGrom was cruising along on the mound for the Mets. After Dilson Herrera hit a two-run homer that was challenged by Orioles manager Buck Showalter, that gave New York a four-run lead, Collins asked Monell to get a bat and make his New York Mets debut off the bench. Except, deGrom was not removed after the Mets got a cushion and Monell went to the batters box.

Collins was awaiting a decision of the home run ball that went under review. But deGrom was staying in the game and Monell never got to take his bat. He was in the batter’s box and never announced. Showalter asked for a discussion to clarify a rule. An awkward moment, even for a kid from the Bronx who saw more than one over the years on the various fields where he played on.         

“No idea about the Showalter call,” he said.  I wasn’t sure. I was awaiting for my name to  be announced in the box. I felt great... I was ready. I knew i was going in to hit. Terry came out to see about Herrera.” But the opportunity never came and Monell was ready because he knew Orioles hurler Brad Brach, a former teammate when he was in the Baltimore minor league system in 2013.

So the days of preparing and staying in shape have paid off. Winter ball in Puerto Rico kept Monell busy and talking to his father, Johnny, who played for the Mets Tidewater Triple A Team in 1990, also was an incentive to get where he is today.

Perhaps that first bat as a New York Met at Citi Field will come soon. For the time being Johnny Monell is happy to be home, and getting a taste of the big leagues again as the Mets hit the road the next week with games at Philadelphia and Chicago.

Comment Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com   Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso   Twitter@Ring786

#JohnnyMonell #Mets #Baltimore #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rivera to step down?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Rivera to step down?: Rivera to step down? Bx. pol putting pressure in Mt. Vernon race? 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 7- There are rumors...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dreamers Protest Obama’s Visit to Bronx

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dreamers Protest Obama’s Visit to Bronx: Dreamers Protest Obama’s Visit to Bronx By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 6- Nearly 50 students of Herbert H. Lehman College gathered ...

Dreamers Protest Obama’s Visit to Bronx

Dreamers Protest Obama’s Visit to Bronx

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 6- Nearly 50 students of Herbert H. Lehman College gathered on school grounds to demonstrate against President Barack Obama's historic visit to the Bedford Park school.

Members of the Lehman College "Dream Team" hastily organized the protest to coincide with Obama's little-publicized visit to the school on Monday, May 4.

Many of the student demonstrators chanted slogans like, "Obama, Obama what do you say, how many kids have you deported today," upset that the current administration has not worked out a deal with Congress on immigration.

Christian Beruerio, a member of the Lehman College Dream Team which boasts 50 members at CUNY school's around the state, told the crowd, "I supported Obama thinking that Obama was going to represent the interests of people here in the Bronx"

Beruerio continued, "I quickly found out that Obama was no better than Bush. The conditions in which I lived in were no different. I was still unemployed, there was no access to jobs and I'm still struggling to go to school in 2008 and I'm still struggling now working seven-days a week and I still can't go to school."

Fellow Dream Team member Tafadar Sourov fumed, "Obama dishes out billions of dollars to Israel to fuel that settler-colonial genocide state, meanwhile people in Detroit can't even get water."

"People continue to be killed," Sourov continued, "throughout the U.S by police. Black people continue to be killed every 28 hours and what's the best Obama can do? Stay silent on it until people start to riot and then he has to talk about it and the best he can come up with is, 'I'm going to give federal funds for body cameras.' Eric Garner died on camera, what did that accomplish?"

Listening to demonstrators, Lehman student Lincoln Lewis remarked, "Everyone is entitled to their position and opinions and it's good to see them speaking out. I'm not in agreement with some things, but they should speak out."

Asked if he believed if he agreed with some of the demonstrators that President Obama was guilty of war crimes, Lewis replied, "It depends on your definition of war crimes. He could be, but then you'd be opening up Pandora's Box for every president" who could be implicated.

Despite the protest student Stephanie Ramnauth was excited about the visit, "I didn't know until I got to class and they told me the president was here. I wanted to see him because I go here and it's nice to know that the president came to the school.”

#President #Obama #LehmanCollege #Dreamers #Immigration #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): ‘Sense of powerlessness’ fueled riots-Obama

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): ‘Sense of powerlessness’ fueled riots-Obama: ‘Sense of powerlessness’ fueled riots-Obama Prez pushes for more opportunities for youth By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- Presiden...

‘Sense of powerlessness’ fueled riots-Obama

‘Sense of powerlessness’ fueled riots-Obama

Prez pushes for more opportunities for youth

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- President Obama came to Lehman College on Monday to promote the expansion of the My Brother’s Keeper initiative and address the underlying issues that led to the riots in Baltimore and Ferguson.

My Brother’s Keeper is a grass roots mentoring program created to steer at risk youth into new opportunities. Among the goals of the program is to have children read at grade level by third grade. In addition, the president would also like to increase the graduation rate by 20 percent.

“An initiative to address the persistent opportunity gaps and ensure that all of our young people, particularly young men of color, have a chance to go as far as their dreams will take them,” said President Obama.

Citing the recent riots in Baltimore and earlier in Ferguson, Obama said the protests were given life by a “sense of unfairness and powerlessness” including a lack of opportunity.

“I was thrilled to welcome President Obama to The Bronx today. But I am even more excited to hear his words,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. “The President’s stated commitment to the future of urban youth, especially young men of color in the United States, through the launch of his ‘My Brother’s Keeper Alliance,’ is worthy of considerable praise. I know firsthand the struggles young men of color face in this nation, and I know how challenging it can be to both lead one’s own life on the right path while also guiding others in that same direction. This initiative, which will combine public and private resources for the greater good, is welcome not only in The Bronx but across the United States.

“I am proud to have been present for today’s historic announcement, and I look forward to working with the ‘My Brother’s Keeper Alliance’ to help young men of color get the help they need to succeed,” Diaz said.

Coming to the Bronx appears to be appropriate when talking about lack of opportunities considering the number of merchants that have gone out of business throughout the borough and replaced with “For Rent” signs. Last week the good economic news was that the Bronx was no longer the number one borough in terms of unemployment. In addition there are a growing number of homes going on the real estate market which join those that have been sitting unsold for two plus years.

#President #Obama #BrothersKeeper #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Truman triumphs over Evander

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Truman triumphs over Evander: Truman triumphs over Evander By Gary Quintal BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- A pair of teams played a Saturday morning match-up for positioning in...

Truman triumphs over Evander

Truman triumphs over Evander

By Gary Quintal

BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- A pair of teams played a Saturday morning match-up for positioning in the Bronx AA West standings as PSAL boys baseball enters its final two weeks of regular season competition.  

Playing in Co-op City Harry S Truman defeated Evander Childs Campus 12-3 on the strength of a five-run fifth inning and a six-run seventh inning highlighted by a three run home run.  

Truman Senior Robert Boiter pitched 6 1/3 innings while allowing only 2 runs. Truman improved to 6-4, while Evander fell to 6-5.

#PSAL #Truman #Evander #Bronxnews

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): NYCFC Winless

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): NYCFC Winless: NYCFC Winless Drought Extends to Seven Matches By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 4- After a Sunday night loss to the Seattle Sounders ...