Doesn’t matter how cold it is, we’re almost there, Opening Day. This will be the ninth season for me at Bronx Banter and I’m as happy as I’ve ever been as a blogger. Of course, I’ve written more about the arts and New York culture over the past few seasons than I did in the early years and that has helped sustain my passion and focus. But following the Yankees remains central to why we gather round and I’m stoaked to experience another season with you.
Thanks for coming, and coming back.
[Painting by Roger Patrick]
thanks to you too alex for creating and sustaining this space where all sorts of yankees fans can come together and share our love (and other emotions) for the yankees. i enjoy the ny, arts, culture, and food, posts and appreciate that there is room here to banter beyond just the yankees but with the yankees being at the center and what brings us here.
i also appreciate the tone of the comments here. although there are many issues, both yankee related and non- i think we have set a pretty good tone that doesn't devolve into pettiness and name calling and instant snark.
anyway, opening day week is upon us and it is damn near brick out there today. i am looking forward to this season - hoping for some bounce-backs, some sustained great performances, and to see how the rotation holds up.
Yay, real baseball on Thursday.
Been a long cold lonely winter. . .
There are three sites I open when I turn on the computer in the morning: the NY Times, my e-mails, and the Banter. I refer to all three throughout the day, but it's the Banter that provides the most pleasure. I don't jump in the conversation often, but I love to read what you and the regulars have to say about the Yanks, baseball in general, the arts, food, and life in the City. It helps me feel connected to a sensibility and a place that where I grew up and spent most of my adult life -- and where perhaps I will return one day. The Banter is filled with smart, articulate, and passionate people. Thanks Alex, and thanks to all you. Here's to a terrific season.
[3.] Hey me too! Not sure about NYTimes coming shortly as they're gonna make me pay to read. Bastids! If I wanted to pay my way I'd buy the hard copy. Oh Well. I'll probably just pay.
The Banter rules. I love the interweb.
I'll be there on Thursday. I'm beyond psyched.
All I can say is, you are the man – the Renaissance man.
[5] me too, here's hoping the weather holds up
I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait!
Thanks for kicking ass all these years, Alex! Thanks for kicking ass all these years, Banter!
And Ms. O, as to tone? Why don't you go fuck yourself.
(Sorry, I really just couldn't resist.)
Let's start the show alreadyyyyyyy!!!
[7] I think it will. If not, I'm out there Friday. I finally like the day off between opening game and game two. :)
The Banter is the most enlightened Yankee blog on the web. Bar none. Nobody else even comes close, Alex.
Everything that has happened with the web and social media in the last ten years has made the digital world a part of the real wold. Websites have become "places" for people to make connections and find meaning.
I think this is one of the best "places" on the web. Marvelous.
[8] hahahaha :}
like arod i see a big year from you!!
Looking forward to another great baseball season in the House That Belth Built. Thanks, Alex, and everybody else who makes this such a great place.
[11] Hhahahah!! If you see that, you've better eyes than most!
I remember an old NYC t shirt--"Welcome to New York, Now Go the Fuck Home."
Anyhow, I'm really proud of this place and that it has attracted such cool readers. Thanks for the kind words, guys. It means a lot.
Alex - i've been reading you since the beginning days of "all-baseball" and followed you ever since. i LOVE this place! it's my online family home. i simply couldn't imagine daily existence, let alone a baseball season, without the Banter.
oh, and did [8] & [14] require moderation for the f-bomb's or can we curse again freely?! i really really really really really wanna curse again in my posts without feeling like the comment is gonna be held up. the 'colorful' language is simply how i normally speak (except in the classroom, i hope...).
the Banter RULES!!!
15) yeah, cursing should not keep you held up again. Just no cursing at each other in earnest. The comment today was clearly a joke.
Longtime listener, infrequent caller...just wanted to say this is one of my regular stops throughout my work day, and I am grateful for the commentary and camaraderie.
OK, back to lurking.
[16] oh, but of course! and WAHOO! i mean, FUCK YEAH!!!
i laughed at weepings joke and RI is the only one i'd curse at! ; )
(And btw, the voice in my head was really saying, "Why don't you go fuck yourself, Tommy." Anyone, anyone? (I know, this is an easy one.))
19) I thought of Lebowski: "Man, if my fuckin' ex-wife asked me to take care of her fuckin' dog while she and her boyfriend went to Honolulu I'd tell her to go fuck herself."
Hhahaha!!
"Hey, Spider, this is for you! Don't take no shit off nobody! He shoots him in the foot, he tells him to go fuck himself!"
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG.
"Ya fuckin' mutt!"
I thought you said I was okay Spider.
Opening Day is Thursday?? Wow, but it will be 2am here..I'll have to watch Friday evening on delay. Will chime in on the pre-game thread for sure though. Viva Banter!