New York Yankees 2024 Season: Reigniting Confidant Memories

Congratulations to the New York Yankees for clinching the ALDS last night to advance to the American League Championship Series, with the winner heading to the 2024 World Series.

Every Yankee game, especially playoffs, ignites memories of my years as confidant to members of two world championship teams from the 1970s - 1980s.

It is still a privilege to remain in contact, notably just this morning with my friend for 42 years, Bucky Dent, a world champion with two teams, and MVP for the 1978 World Series.

Related: 

New York Yankee Confidant and Little League Memories / Excerpt:

Major League Baseball (MLB) has lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance for the upcoming Olympics, and for all who enjoy sports.

Since baseball has always been my favorite sport, I often used lessons from it not only during coaching, but in many of my presentations on leadership.

As a child, love for the game was expressed through card collecting.  The real fans always knew statistics, the lineup of one’s favorite team by heart, and articulating it with each batter at every whiffle ball, stickball, or Little League game.

Baseball became significantly more serious to me after the tragic death of Yankee catcher Thurman

Munson.

Soon thereafter, I found myself involved with MLB on a much more profound level - confidant to the New York Yankee baseball players, and to many players throughout MLB.

In particular, I will always be grateful to legendary former New York Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent. His appreciation for my work with poor youth as a Salesian of Don Bosco opened the door for me to work with New York Yankee players.  

Bucky's leadership was exemplary not only as a world-class player, but as a person of character. His respect by his teammates, and those in the Yankee organization led me to serve as a confidant the team, and collaborating with them on my first book.

During one summer in particular, I was working at a camp at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 118th Street in Harlem in 1982 as a youth counselor. In the evenings, I took the subway to Yankee Stadium to work with the players, as well as to collaborate with them on my book, On the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees.

The experience with inner city kids during the day and with the great names of baseball in the evening, gave me an unforgettable perspective. I was working with the very poor and the very rich, extreme sides of the economic spectrum, all in the course of the same day.

The lesson from this experience remains with me to this day, money, fame, and prestige do not define the person. It is character – a good heart, appreciating life, and fostering good will toward others – that is paramount in life.

Final Reflections

Yankee pinstripes do not determine a person’s greatness, but the stripes of thoughtfulness, respect, civility, truthfulness, kindness, and charity toward others.

This is what is important in the game of life, and living a life of character is greater than any World Series Championship. 

Many Yankees learned that lesson in the summer of 1979 after the death of their beloved captain.  

It is a lesson each of us must live as life is short, and every day we must strive to live a life of character, and to do something to help others.

About Vincent

Vincent J. Bove is a national speaker and author. 

He authored eighteen cover stories for The Chief of Police, and a total of 325 articles for numerous publications. 

His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen to Their Cries.

Bove is recipient of the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award, and former confidant for players from two world champion New York Yankee teams.

He developed “Leadership Principles: Crisis Planning, Community Partnerships, Violence Prevention” keynotes to safeguard New York City at sites including:

·         Museums hosted by the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

·         Corporations hosted by The New York Stock Exchange

·         Hospitals hosted by Rockefeller University

·         Properties hosted by The Union Club of New York

·         Universities hosted by Columbia University, the New York Athletic Club and Fordham University.

Bove has conducted extensive leadership presentations for the FBI, the United States Military Academy, law enforcement, educators, security professionals, and students nationwide. www.vincentbove.com

“We must all serve as catalysts to protect our workplaces, schools, communities, public spaces, and houses of worship.  Public safety demands leadership, vigilance, and collaboration.  Security demands comprehensive enhancements, on-going training, effective response to warning signs, and building bridges with law enforcement, private security, and every member of the community.”  Vincent J Bove

Photos:

1. Vincent J. Bove with Bucky Dent, April 19, 1982, Columbus, Ohio exhibition game. (Reawakening America LLC)

2. New York Yankee collage, includes photos from Yankee Stadium, the New Orleans Superbowl, and the Columbus Clippers Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, circa early 1980's. Also included is cover of my first of four books, And On the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees, copyright 1981 with all proceeds for poor youth in various Salesian of Don Bosco apostolates.

 
3. Vincent J. Bove with youth of Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, Harlem, New York City.  Summer camp 1982. (Reawakening America LLC)

Baseball 2021: New York Yankee Confidant and Little League Memories

Despite the challenges of the 2021 baseball season due to the coronavirus, a new season of  Play Ball has begun.

The excitement of the national pastime is here, and affords countless fans like me who cherish the game, the gift of unforgettable memories.

From the time that I was a  boy in the Bronx, sports have always been a part of my life. I played Little League Baseball, stickball, and basketball in the public school yards, ran cross country track for Mount Saint Michael High School, golfed at Van Cortland Golf Course and Mosholu golf courses, and wrestled for John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

During my years as an educator, I was privileged to coach a state championship soccer team for Shaw High School in Louisiana, and also serve as a lifeguard, swimming coach, and lifeguard instructor not only in America but also in the Bahamas. 

And I loved to run, especially from 1978 - 1985 when I jogged about 15 to 25 miles per week.  

In both 1983 and 1984, I ran 100 miles twice, once each year while studying for my master's degrees as fundraisers.  The purpose was to raise money for Saint Michael's Catholic Church on Grand Bahama Island.

I had worked for the parish during two summers in 1982 and 1983 directing their summer youth camp.  The parish needed a new Volkswagen bus to assist picking up youth for the camp, along with assistance for different programs for the poor.  

The bus was also important to pick up people on Sundays throughout the community to attend Mass.  It was also essential for public safety to assist the community, most of whom had no vehicle, with emergency assistance to the doctor's office, or to the hospital.

My running was successful and I was able to purchase the bus and assist the parish programs thanks to the generosity of many family, friends and benefactors.

Coaching Little League Baseball

One of my greatest thrills was coaching my son’s Hackensack Little League baseball team for 7 years. The years of coaching his team provided some of my fondest sports memories.

Coaching is a treasured privilege as it gives one the opportunity to utilize sports in the development of character in the life of the young.

Like it or not, athletes and coaches are role models for our youth and must strive to be examples of character.

Major League Baseball: Lessons for Athletes

Major League Baseball (MLB) has lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance for the upcoming Olympics, and for all who enjoy sports.

Since baseball has always been my favorite sport, I often used lessons from it not only during coaching, but in many of my presentations on leadership.

As a child, love for the game was expressed through card collecting.  The real fans always knew statistics, the lineup of one’s favorite team by heart, and articulating it with each batter at every whiffle ball, stickball, or Little League game.

Baseball became significantly more serious to me after the tragic death of Yankee catcher Thurman Munson.

Soon thereafter, I found myself involved with MLB on a much more profound level as a confidant to the New York Yankee baseball players, and to many players throughout the American league.

In particular, I will always be grateful to legendary former New York Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent.  His appreciation for my work with youth as a Salesian of Don Bosco opened the door for me to work with players on the New York Yankees.  

Bucky's leadership was exemplary not only as a player, but as a person of character. His respect by his teammates, and those in the Yankee organization led me to serving as a confidant to many of the players, and collaborating with them on my first book.

During one summer in particular, I was working at a camp at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 118th Street in Harlem in 1982 as a youth counselor. In the evening, I took the subway to Yankee Stadium to work with the players, as well as to collaborate with them on my first book titled On the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees.

The experience with inner city kids during the day and with the great names of baseball in the evening, gave me an unforgettable perspective.  I was working with the very poor and the very rich all in the course of the same day.

The lesson from this experience remains with me to this day, money, fame, and prestige does not define the person. It is character – a good heart, appreciating life, and fostering good will toward others – that is paramount in life.

Final Reflections

Yankee pinstripes did not determine a person’s greatness, but the stripes of thoughtfulness, respect, civility, truthfulness, kindness, and charity toward others.

This is what is important in the game of life, and living a life of character is greater than any World Series Championship. 

Many Yankees learned that lesson in the summer of 1979 after the death of their beloved captain.  It is a lesson each of us must live as life is short, and every day we must strive to live a life of character and to do something to help others.

About the Author

Vincent J. Bove, CPP, is a national speaker and author on issues critical to America with 275 published works.  Bove is recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award and former confident of the New York Yankees.  He served as spokesperson for a coalition of Virginia Tech tragedy families of victims. His most recent books are Reawakening America and Listen To Their Cries. 

For more information see www.vincentbove.com or twitter@vincentjbove 

Photos:

1.  Moshulo Little League, circa 1966, Vincent Bove 2nd from top left.

2. Running for the Money article, Columbus Citizen Journal, Nov. 6, 1984 covered Vincent Bove fund raising running for St. Michael's Parish in the Bahamas.

3. New York Yankee collage, includes photos from Yankee Stadium, the New Orleans Superbowl, and the Columbus Clippers Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, circa early 1980's.

4. St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Harlem, New York, 1982, Vincent Bove with summer campers.

5. Mount Saint Michael freshman track letter, 1968.

America’s Flag Deserves Honor, Respect, Reverence

As America commemorated the sacred fifteenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy this past Sunday, expressions of respect for our flag were profoundly inspirational.

America’s flag is the sacrosanct symbol of our beloved nation, and always deserves the greatest honor, respect, and reverence.

Respect for our flag was immortalized by the iconic flag-raising by U.S. Marines during the battle of Iwo Jima, and again at Ground Zero by New York City firefighters.

America’s Flag: Our Rallying Point

The America flag is, and will forever be, the rallying point for our dedication, devotion, and duty to country.

Each of us must do everything according to our vocation in life, to respect what our flag represents.

These are challenging times throughout the nation, especially with police-community relations, political polarization, escalating violence, and a crisis of leadership.

But we have always had challenging times, as with the war to earn our independence, world wars, and the civil rights movement of the 1960’s.

Throughout our history, and in the aftermath of 9/11, America’s flag must always be raised high, as at Iwo Jima. Our flag is our rallying point of hope, unity, and patriotism.

America’s Flag: Our Current Scandal

Currently, there is an intensifying scandal toward our flag on America’s athletic fields. This contempt for our sacred symbol during the National Anthem deserves condemnation without reserve.

This scandal began with one National Football League (NFL) player, and has senselessly escalated to numerous players, teams, and even a high school football team in Camden, New Jersey.

Over the past few years, there have been numerous sports scandals including extensive arrests of NFL players for crimes including aggravated assault, unlawfully possession of weapons, disorderly conduct, drunken driving, resisting arrest, drug possession, and domestic violence.

Aside from the NFL, there have also been other sports scandals including Major League Baseball’s steroid abuse, and disgraceful behavior by an Olympic swimmer at the recent games in Brazil.

As shameful as these acts are, any purposeful disrespect for America’s flag, which has draped coffins of countless armed forces heroes throughout our history, is also contemptuous.

One can only wonder if any of those involved with this reprehensible dishonoring of our sacred symbol, would have the courage to endure the sacrifices made at Iwo Jima.

Furthermore, would any of them have the courage to serve America on the shores of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, or in the blistering heat of Afghanistan or Iraq.

One can only surmise where the lack of wisdom, family guidance, understanding, fortitude, reverence, or character education was so lost in such contempt for our flag.

Perhaps a deficiency took place somewhere during formative years in the family, community, or school, or was planted by a manipulative media.

More tragically, this outrageous contempt for America’ flag is receiving no condemnation from NFL leadership. Yet, this should come as no surprise, as this is the same leadership that tried to cover-up an outrageous domestic violence crime by one of its players.

The current NFL leadership only responded to this barbaric domestic incident after their ineptitude, superficiality, and complicity was brought to light by an elevator video.

The NFL needs to send a clear message, not only to current players, but also to all aspiring athletes at colleges and high schools throughout America.

The message must be clear, strong, and immediate, that the NFL will not ever tolerate criminal behavior by its athletes, nor will it accept dishonoring the flag as an acceptable expression of players rights.

Players, who are privileged to play the game, and reap extraordinary financial rewards, must be held to the highest standards of professional ethics, and reflect responsibility to our nation.

Final Reflections

Respect for America through our flag is a sacred privilege, responsibility, and duty.

This respect is solemnly proclaimed in our Star Spangled Banner, Pledge of Allegiance, prayers for our beloved nation, and honoring our flag.

The next time anyone in the NFL, or anywhere considers dishonoring our flag, let them be mindful that this same flag is draped over countless coffins of armed forces and law enforcement heroes.

It is the same flag over the coffins of all who have offered the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation on foreign soil and here at home, and this flag deserves eternal honor without compromise.

May honor for America’s flag forever live in the hearts of all who are truly sons and daughters of our nation.

Let the words of Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776), a true patriot, who served to gain America’s freedom and offered the ultimate sacrifice, forever be engraved in our souls:

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Related Coverage

Viewpoints Gold Star Families: Honoring Those Who Make the Ultimate Sacrifice

America’s Flag, Patriotism: Resuscitating Our Destiny

America’s Leadership Crisis: Reigniting Our Character

NFL Domestic Violence Scandal: Time for Action

Note Well:

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Vincent is author of over 200 articles, including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Photos

1. American flags, Rockefeller Center, NYC. (Vincent J. Bove)

2. The Iwo Jima Memorial is silhouetted in Arlington, Va., across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., on April 27, 2005. (Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty Images)

3. Nathan Hale by Frederick William MacMonnies, model 1889-1890, cast 1890, bronze - National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. (Public Domain / Wikimedia)

The Olympics: Character, Courage, Competition

The Olympic games is the stage for the world’s greatest athletes to courageously perform at the most intense level of competition.

Currently, thousands of athletes from across the globe are competing in the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

This year, the Olympics will also allow athletes to compete as Independent Athletes under the Olympic Flag due to various reasons, including the European migrant crisis.

Previously, these athletes were ineligible for competition due to their inability to represent their countries.

There is an ethical code required for all Olympic athletes and those involved with them, demanding that all participate with character, sportsmanship, and honesty.

Sports: A Call for Character

From the time that I was a young boy in the Bronx, sports have always been a part of my life. I played Little League Baseball, stickball, basketball in the public school yards, ran cross country track for Mount Saint Michael High School, golfed at Van Cortland and Moshulu golf courses, and wrestled for John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

During my years as an educator, I was privileged to coach a state championship soccer team and also serve as a lifeguard, swimming coach, and lifeguard instructor.

One of my greatest thrills was coaching my son’s little league baseball team for 7 years. The years of coaching his team provided some of my fondest memories.

The importance of sports in the development of the child makes the crisis of character in professional sports even more reprehensible. Like it or not, athletes are role models for our youth and must strive to be examples of character.

Major League Baseball: Lessons for Athletes

The Major League Baseball (MLB) scandal has lessons for the Olympics, and for all who enjoy sports.

Since baseball has always been my favorite sport, I would like to use lessons from it for all athletes.

As a child, love for the game was expressed through card collecting, knowing the lineup of one’s favorite team by heart, and articulating it with each batter at every whiffle ball, stickball, or Little League Game.

Baseball became significantly serious to me after the tragic death of Yankee catcher Thurman Munson.

Soon thereafter, I found myself involved with MLB on a much more profound level as a confidant to the New York Yankee baseball players, and to many players throughout the league.

During one summer in particular, I was working at a camp at St. Thomas the Apostle Church on 118th Street in Harlem as a youth counselor. In the evening, I took the subway to Yankee Stadium to work with the players as well as to collaborate on my first book, “On the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees.”

The experience with inner city kids during the day and with the great names of baseball in the evening, gave me an unforgettable perspective, as
I was working with the very poor and the very rich all in the course of the same day.

The lesson from this experience remains with me to this day: money does not define the person. It is character – a good heart, appreciating life, fostering good will toward others – that is important in life.

Yankee pinstripes did not determine a person’s greatness, but the stripes of thoughtfulness, respect, civility, truthfulness, kindness, and charity toward others. This is what is important in the game of life. Many Yankees learned that lesson in the summer of 1979 after the death of their beloved captain.

Because of this unique experience, I was particularly disappointed with the MLB steroid scandal. Weak steroid policies were destructive to the integrity of the game and too many officials ignored the crisis until public outcry forced their hand.

The House Government Reform Committee held a Congressional hearing on March 17, 2005 entitled “Restoring Faith in America’s Pastime: Evaluating MLB’s Efforts to Eradicate Steroid Use” to highlight the Major League Baseball steroid scandal.

I remember listening to the testimony of some of the great contemporary players and thinking that it was an embarrassment to the national pastime. The testimonies lacked veracity and they served as a warning sign depicting so clearly the lack of character in many professional athletes.

These players were given so much by the great game of baseball and they could not stand at the plate with the uniform of character at this congressional hearing. They could have shined so brightly before the nation by courageously speaking the truth.

It was particularly ironic to me that two of the players called to share testimony, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, were highly instrumental in restoring MLB’s popularity when they battled for the home run crown in 1998 while chasing Roger Maris’ record of 61 homers in a season.

McGwire, who hit 70 home runs during that record breaking season, refused to answer questions on whether he took steroids. If only McGwire understood that truthfulness and integrity would have a greater impact on the nation than his home run record.

MLB and American society must learn that the power of truth travels much deeper into the character of the nation than any home run ball into the upper-deck of any stadium. The destructiveness of a lie will live longer than Bobby Thompson’s shot heard round the world and the ramifications of the truth will remain radiant longer than the shine on any World Series ring.

Aside from MLB, the brilliance of character will also shine much brighter than any Olympic gold medal.

Sooner or later, each and every one of us, regardless of our state in life, will be have the opportunity to allow character to shine brightly in our lives.

Final Reflections

As we enjoy the competition of the XXXI Olympiad, we are reminded that character at the games, in all sports, and particularly with our youth programs, must always be emphasized.

America, and all the nations of the world, will be on the path to reawakening our societies, when character is paramount in athletic competition, and with all the responsibilities of civic life.

Related Coverage:

America’s Critical Ethical Issues Demand Resolution

America’s 21st Century Student: Character, Courage, Community

America’s 21st Century Teacher: Security, Character, Pedagogy

America’s Leadership Crisis: Reigniting Our Character

Note Well:

Linkedin: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Join Vincent’s Linkedin Group: The Sentinel: Reawakening the Nation

Facebook: Vincent J. Bove Consulting, Speaker Services, Publishing

Vincent is author of 190 articles including his weekly column titled “Reawakening the Nation” for the Epoch Times; 35 countries, 21 languages, and growing.

Photo:

1. Hackensack Little League 1998 team coached by author Vincent J. Bove (top row on right). The author’s son Austin is on the bottom right. Vincent coached his son's team for 7 consecutive years.  (Courtesy of Vincent J. Bove Publishing)

2. Vincent J. Bove with Yankee shortstop Bucky Dent prior to game on April 19, 1982. Dent was MLB All-Star, Two time World Series Champion with the Yankees (1978 and 1979) and 1978 World Series MVP. (Photo Courtesy of Vincent J. Bove Publishing/Credit Nick Ciranni)

3. Vincent Bove with summer campers at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church, Harlem, NYC, Summer 1982.  

Lou Gehrig: 75th Anniversary of "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" Speech

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"Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." — Lou Gehrig

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The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech takes place on Friday, July 4, 2014.
All of Major League Baseball's 30 teams will hold pregame ceremonies to honor Gehrig's speech before the Fourth of July games.

We do well to reflect on the life of Lou Gehrig—not only because he was one of the greatest players on the field, but because of the greatness of character the Iron Horse displayed off the field.

I have spent many days at Yankee Stadium with my son Austin while he was growing up, enjoying regular season games, playoffs and even the World Series. These games—Austin wore the jersey of his favorite player, Paul O’Neill as I wore the jersey of my all time favorite, Lou Gehrig—provided many memories and a special father/son bond.

Aside from these memories with my son, my past experience as a confidant to the New York Yankees in the 1980's and authoring a book titled And on the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees during that time make baseball a special part of my life. 

In the book is one of my favorite photos of Lou Gehrig signing his 1937 contract for $37,700 while Jacob Ruppert, Joe McCarthy and Joe DiMaggio look on.

The Character of Lou Gehrig—The Iron Horse

Immortalized as the Pride of the Yankees, Lou Gehrig's durability and dedication are reflected in his playing in 2,130 consecutive games between 1925-1939. Complimenting this streak, he held a record of 23 career grand slams for decades. Gehrig had a .340 lifetime batting average, won the American League MVP Award in 1927 & 1936 and was a Triple Crown winner in 1934.

The character of Lou Gehrig was exemplified throughout his life, beginning with his humble upbringing in New York City, his college career at Columbia University and throughout his years with the New York Yankees. His character is most remembered through the memory of July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. Lou, after a lifetime of contributing to the game of baseball as a player, was only 36 years old and dying. More than 61,000 fans listened to his words—one of the greatest messages of character America has ever heard:

"For the past two weeks, you've been reading about a bad break. Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

Personal Baseball Experiences
Aside from serving as confidant to the Yankees, by far my favorite baseball experience is coaching my son’s little league team for seven years and sharing Gehrig stories, as well as personal Yankee experiences, to inspire sportsmanship with his team.

I believe youth sports venues should be packed with parents and loved ones, so coaching my son’s team was not only a privilege but a responsibility. The years of childhood fly by quickly and provide a treasure-trove of opportunity for developing character, community, and family through parental support and example.

Final Reflection

Perhaps Richard Vidmer, a reporter covering the story the next day for the Herald Tribune, expressed it best:

"Somehow I felt that at the Stadium yesterday not a great baseball player but a truly great sportsman who could take his triumphs with sincere modesty and could face tragedy with a smile. His records will attest to future generations that Lou Gehrig was one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, but only those who have been fortunate enough to have known him during his most glorious years will realize that he has stood for something finer than merely a great baseball player—that he stood for everything that makes sports important in the American scene."

Lou Gehrig - Pride of the Yankees (2:53) Lou Gehrig - The Iron Horse (5:21)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vya1NrHyXE">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

Blog—Transforming Major League Baseball	Click here to visit site
Blog—Baseball Steroid Scandal: Jason Giambi Admits Use	Click here to visit site

PED's in Major League Baseball: Dangerous, Damaging, Dishonorable

Steroids in professional, college and high school sports are a dishonorable contradiction to the integrity of athleticism that demands character as the heart of competition. Yet some athletes persist in abusing steroids for self-serving hypocrisy that serves as an unfair competitive advantage, which, quite simply, is cheating, unethical, and unjust.

Aside from the moral high ground society must take in regard to steroids, there are physical and mental side effects that demand prevention:

• Sexual Dysfunction
  
• Bloated Appearances
  
• Rapid Weight Gain
  
• Clotting Disorders
  
• Liver Damage and Cancers
  
• Premature Heart Attacks and Strokes
  
• Elevated Cholesterol Levels
  
• High Blood Pressure
  
• Weakened Tendons
  
• Depression
  
• Delusions
  
• Eating Disorders
  
• Severe Irritability and Hostile Emotions
  
• Premature Halting of Growth in Adolescents

Players, coaches, trainers, parents and doctors need to know about the "Russian Roulette" hazard of abusing anabolic steroids. Education to counteract steroid abuse is critical on the professional, college and high school level. Complimenting this education, implied approval by any individuals associated with sports must be strongly responded to by educational campaigns, testing and serious consequences that serve as a deterrent and punishment. Click here to read more about steroid abuse...

Major League Baseball: Responding to the Drug Abuse Scandal

As headlines today address the potential worst drug abuse scandal in the history of the national pastime, my previous reflections of December 24, 2007 remain timeless:

Transforming Major League Baseball: Truthfulness, Character, Courage

Baseball has always been my favorite sport. As a child, love for the game was expressed through card collecting, knowing the lineup of one’s favorite team by heart and articulating it with each batter at every whiffle ball or stickball game. Some of my most cherished memories are of coaching my son's little league baseball team. I consider this the highest honor and privilege.

Baseball became particularly important to me after the tragic death of Yankee catcher Thurman Munson. Soon thereafter, through coincidental circumstances, I found myself involved with Major League Baseball on a much more profound level as a confidant to the New York Yankees and to many players throughout the league.

The lesson from this experience remains with me to this day: money does not define the person. It is character — a good heart, appreciating life, fostering good will toward others — that is important in life. Pinstripes do not determine the person but the stripes of thoughtfulness, respect, civility, truthfulness, kindness and charity toward others are what is important in the game of life. Many Yankees learned that lesson in the summer of 1979 after the death of their beloved captain.

I was particularly disappointed with the Major League Baseball steroid scandal. Weak drug policies were destructive to the integrity of the game and too many officials ignored the crisis until public outcry forced their hand. The release of the Mitchell Report on the illegal use of steroids in Major League Baseball has brought the scandal once again into the forefront of America's collective consciousness.

As a leadership and security educator dedicated to the transforming of our nation through character development, I view this scandal as one facet of America’s crisis of character, built on the unethical foundations of deception, cheating, disrespect and arrogance.

Baseball Scandal Reflections

• As the national pastime with a rich history in America, baseball reflects the character of our nation.
  
• Our nation needs its moral compass realigned and it is essential that professional baseball and all associated with it—players, coaches, owners, executives and employees—is fully committed to implementing a code of ethics emphasizing truthfulness, character and courage.
  
• The message of any Major League Baseball team when signing a player with known unethical behavior is that cheating is rewarded. Rewarding dishonesty hurts all involved in the long run and a dedication to ethics is a path worth taking.
  
• Major League Baseball must be committed to transforming the sport. Its response to the House and Senate hearings was slow. It is time for action, not more investigations and meetings.
  
• Unless Major League Baseball is truly committed to fair play, integrity and a code of ethics, the lesson to hundreds of thousands of college, high school and youth athletes is that winning is the goal at any cost.
  
• The truth is critical to healing. Unless the truth is told by players, managers, owners and executives, the opportunity for a return to ethical behavior will be lost and denial will continue to rule the day.

Like it or not, the behavior of professional sports personalities plays an important role in setting an example for our youth. The reaction of those players named in the report will be watched and evaluated. We must commend those players who have come forward and admitted their mistakes and apologized to their fans.

Jason Giambi, who admitted using steroids months prior to the release of the Mitchell Report—even at the risk of losing his contract—must be singled out for speaking out when no one else would. Such truthfulness shows character and moral courage. (click here to read previous blog on Giambi)

It is important to understand that in America one is innocent until proven guilty and that the Mitchell Report does not carry the evidentiary weight that would be needed in a criminal proceeding. That being said, I am deeply disturbed by Roger Clemens' denial of steroid use. His video denial is reminiscent of former President Clinton's denial on national television. (see video clips below)

Assuming there is no "hard evidence" to "prove" that Clemens used steroids, it comes down to Roger's word against the word of Brian McNamee, Clemens' former personal trainer.

Some argue that McNamee is jealous of Clemens and trying to destroy his reputation. To date, no other players have denied McNamee's allegations. Andy Pettite admitted his mistakes and apologized, implicitly confirming McNamee's statements about Pettite's use. It is clear that McNamee stands to lose much by lying about Clemens' steroid use. According to the report,

• McNamee faces criminal prosecution if any of his testimony is found to be false.
  
• In the summer of 1998, McNamee injected Clemens with Winstrol, an anabolic steroid.
  
• In 1999 after Clemens was traded to the Yankees, McNamee was hired by the Yankees.
  
• McNamee was paid by both the Yankees and by Clemens as his personal trainer.
  
• In the middle of the 2000 season, McNamee injected Clemens four to six times with testosterone; during the same period, he also injected Clemens with human growth hormone.

For the good of his family, for the good of the game baseball, for the good of the nation, Roger Clemens should show some courage and character and tell the truth about his steroid use. If by some chance, Brian McNamee was lying about Roger Clemens' steroid use, then Mr. McNamee should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Roger Clemens Statement (1:48) Bill Clinton Statement (0:25) Vincent Bove on Character (0:11)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD0GHx980CU">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

What Major League Baseball teaches our kids	Click here to visit site
The Mitchell Report	Click here to visit site
A Guide for Understanding Steroids and Related Substances	Click here to visit site
www.steroidabuse.gov	Click here to visit site
Steroids: Dangerous, Damaging and Dishonorable Vincent J. Bove—December 2006	Click here to visit site
American Leadership in an Age of Scandal Vincent J. Bove—December 2005	Click here to visit site
Baseball Has A Day of Reckoning In Congress Washington Post—March 2005	Click here to visit site
Baseball officials announce tougher steroids policy USA Today—January 2005	Click here to visit site

Rutgers University Sports Scandal: A Crisis of Leadership

The firing of head basketball coach Mike Rice by Rutgers today, after video documentation of his massive, pervasive and disturbing behavior indicates a crisis of leadership at the university.

Throughout the nation, public outrage continues on why the termination came only after extensive coverage by the press. The lack of judgement by both the school athletic director and president for allowing the coach to stay so long despite continuous, reprehensible and overt abuse toward players is shameful.

As documented in my January 16, 2007 blog (written because of my concern of dysfunction by numerous individuals in sports) the qualities of effective coaching must be sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship. Unfortunately, the administration at Rutgers made it obvious through scandelous headlines; character, so critical to a college sports, was not part of their basketball curriculum:

Youth Coaching Principles: Sportsmanship, Leadership, Citizenship-January 16, 2007

If youth sports coaching throughout the United States were to be honestly evaluated, there would be some alarming concerns exhibited by poor example, lack of training and certification, omission of background/reference checks and inappropriate cultivation of a hyper-aggressive atmosphere. Conversely, the qualities of effective youth coaching must be sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship with an unwavering focus on the best interest of the young that are entrusted to their care. Coaches must be trained, evaluated and required to concentrate on character education and positive reinforcement, ingredients which must be the core of youth social and skill development.

American sport programs must turn the tide from a failing grade that does not have the total education of the youth at heart due to a win at all cost dysfunction. The proper youth athletic education program centers and inspires life lessons that include:

• Character
  
• Fair Play
  
• Teamwork
  
• Dedication to Study, Family and Community
  
• Respect
  
• Hard Work
  
• Patriotism
  
• Commitment
  
• Civility
  
• Proper Nutrition and Hygiene
  
• Safety
  
• Leadership
  
• Integrity
  
• Diversity
  
• Honesty
  
• Responsibility
  
• Self Control
  
• Compassion

The future of America is its youth and character education, as well as a code of ethics, must be cultivated by the coach and inseparable from personal example in all school, league and community athletic programs. Read the National Youth Sports Coaches Association's Code of Ethics

American Baseball: A Call for Character

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"Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." — Lou Gehrig

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As the 2013 season opens for Major League Baseball, we would do well to reflect on the life of Lou Gehrig—not only because he was one of the greatest players on the field, but because of the greatness of character the Iron Horse displayed off the field.

I have spent many days at Yankee Stadium with my son Austin while he was growing up, enjoying regular season games, playoffs and even the World Series. These games—Austin wore the jersey of his favorite player, Paul O’Neill as I wore the jersey of my all time favorite, Lou Gehrig—provided many memories and a special father/son bond.

Aside from these memories with my son, my past experience as a confidant to the New York Yankees in the 1980's and authoring a book titled And on the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees during that time make baseball a special part of my life. In the book is one of my favorite photos of Lou Gehrig signing his 1937 contract for $37,700 while Jacob Ruppert, Joe McCarthy and Joe DiMaggio look on.

The Character of Lou Gehrig—The Iron Horse

Immortalized as the Pride of the Yankees, Lou Gehrig's durability and dedication are reflected in his playing in 2,130 consecutive games between 1925-1939. Complimenting this streak, his record of 23 career grand slams still stands today. He had a .340 lifetime batting average, won the American League MVP Award in 1927 & 1936 and was a Triple Crown winner in 1934.

The character of Lou Gehrig was exemplified throughout his life, beginning with his humble upbringing in New York City, his college career at Columbia University and throughout his years with the New York Yankees. His character is most remembered through the memory of July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. Lou, after a lifetime of contributing to the game of baseball as a player, was only 36 years old and dying. More than 61,000 fans listened to his words—one of the greatest messages of character America has ever heard:

"For the past two weeks, you've been reading about a bad break. Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

Perhaps Richard Vidmer, a reporter covering the story the next day for the Herald Tribune, expressed it best:

"Somehow I felt that at the Stadium yesterday not a great baseball player but a truly great sportsman who could take his triumphs with sincere modesty and could face tragedy with a smile. His records will attest to future generations that Lou Gehrig was one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, but only those who have been fortunate enough to have known him during his most glorious years will realize that he has stood for something finer than merely a great baseball player—that he stood for everything that makes sports important in the American scene."

Lou Gehrig - Pride of the Yankees (2:53) Lou Gehrig - The Iron Horse (5:21)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vya1NrHyXE">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

Blog—Transforming Major League Baseball	Click here to visit site
Blog—Baseball Steroid Scandal: Jason Giambi Admits Use	Click here to visit site

A Crisis of Character in America's Pastime: MLB All Star MVP Fails Drug Test

When the 2012 Major League Baseball All Star Game MVP fails a drug test and is suspended for 50 games, it is a reminder that the American pastime must more seriously address its substance abuse problem.

Melky Cabrera of the San Francisco Giants was leading the National League with 159 hits and batting .346 which was second in the league. And so the questions, how many games did the Giants win unfairly while he was using a banned performance enhancing substance? Also, does the National League deserve homefield advantage in the next World Series since they won the All Star Game with Cabrera as the MVP?

This latest scandal confirms my December 24, 2007 posting on the need for MLB to more seriously address its drug problem:

Transforming Major League Baseball: Truthfulness, Character Courage

Baseball has always been my favorite sport. As a child, love for the game was expressed through card collecting, knowing the lineup of one’s favorite team by heart and articulating it with each batter at every whiffle ball or stickball game. Some of my most cherished memories are of coaching my son's little league baseball team. I consider this the highest honor and privilege.

Baseball became particularly important to me after the tragic death of Yankee catcher Thurman Munson. Soon thereafter, through coincidental circumstances, I found myself involved with Major League Baseball on a much more profound level as a confidant to the New York Yankees and to many players throughout the league.

The lesson from this experience remains with me to this day: money does not define the person. It is character — a good heart, appreciating life, fostering good will toward others — that is important in life. Pinstripes do not determine the person but the stripes of thoughtfulness, respect, civility, truthfulness, kindness and charity toward others are what is important in the game of life. Many Yankees learned that lesson in the summer of 1979 after the death of their beloved captain.

I was particularly disappointed with the Major League Baseball steroid scandal. Weak drug policies were destructive to the integrity of the game and too many officials ignored the crisis until public outcry forced their hand. The release of the Mitchell Report on the illegal use of steroids in Major League Baseball has brought the scandal once again into the forefront of America's collective consciousness.

As a leadership and security educator dedicated to the transforming of our nation through character development, I view this scandal as one facet of America’s crisis of character, built on the unethical foundations of deception, cheating, disrespect and arrogance.

Baseball Scandal Reflections

• As the national pastime with a rich history in America, baseball reflects the character of our nation.
  
• Our nation needs its moral compass realigned and it is essential that professional baseball and all associated with it—players, coaches, owners, executives and employees—is fully committed to implementing a code of ethics emphasizing truthfulness, character and courage.
  
• The message of any Major League Baseball team when signing a player with known unethical behavior is that cheating is rewarded. Rewarding dishonesty hurts all involved in the long run and a dedication to ethics is a path worth taking.
  
• Major League Baseball must be committed to transforming the sport. Its response to the House and Senate hearings was slow. It is time for action, not more investigations and meetings.
  
• Unless Major League Baseball is truly committed to fair play, integrity and a code of ethics, the lesson to hundreds of thousands of college, high school and youth athletes is that winning is the goal at any cost.
  
• The truth is critical to healing. Unless the truth is told by players, managers, owners and executives, the opportunity for a return to ethical behavior will be lost and denial will continue to rule the day.

Like it or not, the behavior of professional sports personalities plays an important role in setting an example for our youth. The reaction of those players named in the report will be watched and evaluated. We must commend those players who have come forward and admitted their mistakes and apologized to their fans.

Jason Giambi, who admitted using steroids months prior to the release of the Mitchell Report—even at the risk of losing his contract—must be singled out for speaking out when no one else would. Such truthfulness shows character and moral courage. (click here to read previous blog on Giambi)

It is important to understand that in America one is innocent until proven guilty and that the Mitchell Report does not carry the evidentiary weight that would be needed in a criminal proceeding. That being said, I am deeply disturbed by Roger Clemens' denial of steroid use. His video denial is reminiscent of former President Clinton's denial on national television. (see video clips below)

Assuming there is no "hard evidence" to "prove" that Clemens used steroids, it comes down to Roger's word against the word of Brian McNamee, Clemens' former personal trainer.

Some argue that McNamee is jealous of Clemens and trying to destroy his reputation. To date, no other players have denied McNamee's allegations. Andy Pettite admitted his mistakes and apologized, implicitly confirming McNamee's statements about Pettite's use. It is clear that McNamee stands to lose much by lying about Clemens' steroid use. According to the report,

• McNamee faces criminal prosecution if any of his testimony is found to be false.
  
• In the summer of 1998, McNamee injected Clemens with Winstrol, an anabolic steroid.
  
• In 1999 after Clemens was traded to the Yankees, McNamee was hired by the Yankees.
  
• McNamee was paid by both the Yankees and by Clemens as his personal trainer.
  
• In the middle of the 2000 season, McNamee injected Clemens four to six times with testosterone; during the same period, he also injected Clemens with human growth hormone.

For the good of his family, for the good of the game baseball, for the good of the nation, Roger Clemens should show some courage and character and tell the truth about his steroid use. If by some chance, Brian McNamee was lying about Roger Clemens' steroid use, then Mr. McNamee should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Roger Clemens Statement (1:48) Bill Clinton Statement (0:25) Vincent Bove on Character (0:11)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD0GHx980CU">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

What Major League Baseball teaches our kids	Click here to visit site
The Mitchell Report	Click here to visit site
A Guide for Understanding Steroids and Related Substances	Click here to visit site
www.steroidabuse.gov	Click here to visit site
Steroids: Dangerous, Damaging and Dishonorable Vincent J. Bove—December 2006	Click here to visit site
American Leadership in an Age of Scandal Vincent J. Bove—December 2005	Click here to visit site
Baseball Has A Day of Reckoning In Congress Washington Post—March 2005	Click here to visit site
Baseball officials announce tougher steroids policy USA Today—January 2005	Click here to visit site