EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TODD ZEILE

I'm a Yankee fan. I love the team, I love the YES Network gang, Kimberly Jones, Jack Curry, Ken Singleton and the like, and I love the Stadium. But I also love baseball. Before I was a Yankee fan, I was a baseball fan and today, I consider myself a student of the game, constantly researching players and records. It's real fun to me.One guy's career that I've followed is Todd Zeile. Mr. Zeile played for the Cardinals, the Mets, and even the Yankees among several others. Not only was he a stand up guy, giving Bleeding Yankee Blue an interview, he also gave us some pretty interesting and surprising answers to our questions. It was a pleasure to talk with Todd Zeile, and we're are pleased to release Bleeding Yankee Blue interview with him for all of you. Enjoy!
BYB: You started your baseball career as a catcher with the Cardinals. At the time, Joe Torre was the manager and it’s been reported that he thought you were a true talent and wanted you more utilized so he suggested you play first or third base. First off, is this true, and secondly, describe your relationship with Joe Torre then and now?

Todd Zeile: I was a catcher from 8 years old and moved in my second year in the big leagues. Joe did have some influence on the decision, but the organization wanted to let Terry Pendleton walk and figured they could keep my bat in the lineup for more games and fill two positions with me at third and Tom Pagnozzi behind the plate. I wasn't happy at the time, and Joe and I butted heads about it, but it's hard to argue after 2000 more games in the infield. Joe taught me more about how to play the game than anyone else in my professional career, and I consider him a very close friend today.BYB: You were with the Mets in 2000 with Al Leiter. Tell me about the World Series that year and what is was like playing at Yankee Stadium against your cross town rivals?

Todd Zeile: The 2000 Subway Series was the highlight of my career and eternally linked me to the city that is like home to me. I always loved playing at Yankee Stadium. There is nothing like the energy of that World Series, on that stage, with that city relishing every moment. Obviously, I wish the results were different, but the series was much closer and more hard fought than a 5 game series would represent. We had chances to win every game, and I'm proud to have played in it and played well!

BYB: You came to the Yankees in 2003, what was it like to be reunited with Torre and explain the feel of the clubhouse?

Todd Zeile: I came to the Yankees in 2003 specifically out of my relationship with Joe, and looked forward to a great experience. Unfortunately, Nick Johnson got hurt before spring training, negating a trade that was supposed to happen. That would have given me an opportunity for 450 plus at bats if it did happen. Instead, I fell into a platoon role with my good buddy Robin Ventura, and never really adapted to a limited playing schedule. I think it hurt both Robin and myself since neither of us had ever played on a part time basis.

BYB: Who did you latch onto with the 2003 team and why?

Todd Zeile: Robin Ventura and I were already close from our time with the Mets, but I became friends and am still friends with a few of the other guys. Jason Giambi's awesome. Roger Clemens and Andy Pettitte helped me hone in on my golf skills on the road. The team was filled with classy guys and great players.

BYB: You were released in August 2003 by the Yankees and it’s been reported that you weren’t happy about how the Yankees handled it. Was it just a heat of the moment thing or are you still annoyed by it?
Todd Zeile: I wasn't upset about the way it was handled, I was actually appreciative to be given an opportunity to go somewhere to play every day. I pleaded with Joe to let me go...Robin had been traded and Aaron Boone was playing third at the time. I got a chance to go to Montreal and had a great month plus with a hungry team fighting for a playoff spot.

BYB: If you had to name 1 player in Major League baseball that you admired as a kid, who would it be and why?
Todd Zeile: That's tough...I was a Dodger fan, so I watched them as a kid, and admired Steve Garvey, and emulated his hitting approach. However, I was also a catcher, and Johnny Bench was the best, so I was a little conflicted.

BYB: How about during your career, what player did you have a close relationship with and why?

Todd Zeile: I have a few good friends, but Robin Ventura was my closest player relationship for many reasons....the World Series, 9/11, our families.
BYB: A lot of people don’t know this but you’re married to another famous athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist Julianne McNamara. She was the first American Gymnast to receive a perfect 10.0 Right? How did you 2 meet?

Todd Zeile: Very true....we met at UCLA in my junior year. She had to retire soon after we met in order to try and maintain a relationship with a traveling minor league ballplayer. Her sacrifice and understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level enabled me to sustain a career, especially with the many strains that 11 teams in 16 years can create.

BYB: Describe what made you decide to go Hollywood. You started a production company called Green Diamond Entertainment. Tell me about how it all came together?

Todd Zeile: Stupidity mixed with Vanity...Kidding! But it has not been an easy ride. I grew up in LA and with my MLB experience, am one degree separated from everybody...including many people that have been very successful in Hollywood. Unfortunately, it took some time, and I paid for an "education", but I have moved on from some early relationships and have some fun projects on the horizon.

BYB: Do you have a project you’d like to promote, maybe a website so people can keep up with what you’re doing these days? Are you on Twitter or Facebook?

Todd Zeile: I am not on Facebook and not a Twitter guy. I know, I'm a dinosaur, but I keep in touch with the people I want to, and know that if I started with social media, I will never stop looking at a computer screen. My 4 kids deserve to have my full attention, especially since they've had to share me with a very demanding profession for such a long time. Having said that, I may have to join the 21st Century soon, as I have been working on some interesting projects with the king of social media - Charlie Sheen. We just shot his Roast for Comedy Central, which will air tonight, 9/19 at 10 pm. It is epic...and will be a huge success. If you watch, you might see a familiar name scroll through the end credits as Co-Executive Producer.

Todd Zeile is the coolest guy out there. I hope everyone enjoyed the interview and just like Scott Brosius, Chuck Knoblauch, Kimberly Jones, Roy White and the other great interviews we've done, Todd is also now part of the Bleeding Yankee Blue family... always welcome. Thanks so much Todd, we appreciate it.

Please comment, we have DISQUS, it's easier than ever. Let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

ROY WHITE & THE RUNYON 5K RUN

Just a quick note that the Runyon 5K run on August 7^th at Yankee Stadium is Sold Out, but you can still donate and support a runner. A total of 4000 cancer survivors and supporters are registered for the big run.

You may remember, we had the pleasure of interviewing Roy White (EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE) who is the official starter of the Runyon Run on August 7^th. It was great interview, he's a stand up guy and we did our best to get the word out about the Runyon 5k Run.

Last year’s event raised more than $400,000 and drew a capacity crowd of 4,000 participants from 29 states. Click to see videos and photos of the 2010 Runyon 5K.

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY SWISHER NEEDS TO STAY IN YANKEELAND

Believe it or not, Nick Swisher is in his last year of his contract and in 2012 he has a team option (HERE). If the Yankees are no longer interested, Swisher could walk away into the sunset and millions of Yankee fans would be devastated. It’s just not fair.

Nick Swisher has done more than any of us thought he would do in the Bronx. Let me back up, I knew he could do it but many didn't. Don’t forget, Nick Swisher is talented and he and Chavez ran Oakland for quite a few years. Ironically, now their both in the Bronx, but the point is, Nick can still hit, he’s got right field locked down and he’s not only become a New York celebrity, he’s a baseball icon at this point. The "Bronx Elvis" has an unbelievable following on Facebook. Because of his incredibly charismatic personality and energy, people flock to him. WE WANT NICK SWISHER TO HOST SNL is in full effect and the more people that join that group, the better. It’s not just a page, it’s an operation run by Beth Hucke who runs a tight ship and is doing her best to get Swisher to host Saturday Night Live. We all believe in her and you should too. Click on the link HERE. Join the group…. Do it. Click HERE. Don’t read past it. Click WE WANT NICK SWISHER TO HOST SNL, then, pass it on to a friend and tell them to join, the more, the merrier. Also, check out this interview with Beth Hucke about the page. Our interview with Beth was our first interview on Bleeding Yankee Blue and since then we’ve been rolling with a lot of great interviews, Kimberly Jones, Mickey Rivers, Steve Karsay, Scott Brosius and Roy White, and the list goes on. The point is, Beth needs our help and we all want Nick to host Saturday Night Live so it’s going to take a grassroots effort to get it done.

I can’t imagine Nick Swisher NOT on the New York Yankees. It just doesn’t seem right to me. To think that when he came over before the 2009 season, it wasn’t hyped as much as say Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia and AJ Burnett, yet, Swisher took the reigns and made his own hype. (In Photo: Joanna Garcia)

Since then, Swish won a ring in 2009, appeared in the All-Star game in 2010 and married his babe, Joanna Garcia. He’s also the King of New York and to me, having Swisher walk away at the end of this season would just suck beyond belief.

Take a moment, check out WE WANT NICK SWISHER TO HOST SNL. Also check out Swish’s Wishes, Nick’s charity and then of course, check out Joanna Garcia’s official website because she’s absolutely gorgeous. What's my point of this? Get Swish and the Yankees fired up, let them realize how important they are to each other. He can’t leave at the end of the season. Let’s remind him and the Yankee brass just how important this guy is to our team. Oh… and click HERE.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY THERE ARE STARS ON THE 4TH OF JULY

The Yankees are All-Stars, we know that, but having 6 guys from the Yankees selected and going to the actual All-Star game is damn special. Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson will be in the starting lineup for the American League team and you have to love that. Read it HERE. It's very special to be selected to such an elite group of players. In fact, when we interviewed Roy White in EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE, I asked this question:

BYB: You made the All-Star team in 1969 and 1970. Clearly that is a game the most talented get chosen to play. What was it like when you found out you had been chosen?

Roy said this: "It was unbelievable. I thought that I had no shot because fans didn’t vote back then.... Being on the same field as guys like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, and Frank Robinson is a position I never thought that I would be in"

I love that. It's special, quite special to be among the best in baseball and while the game doesn't count, it's great for the fans to watch. I personally worry a bit during the All-Star game because bottom line, these are your best stars representing your favorite team and because the game doesn't count, you don't want to have them getting hurt out there. It's supposed to be fun, yet, I still love to watch it.

In addition to Cano, A-Rod, Derek and Granderson, Russell Martin and Mariano Rivera have been named as All-Stars via the player vote. Martin is a reserve. That's 6 New York Yankees and they deserve it, although, not to be selfish, but I'd love to see Mark Teixeira and David Robertson there as well. That's just me.

Congrats boys, Congrats.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

WHY KINDNESS MAKES THE WORLD GO 'ROUND

Obviously we here at Bleeding Yankee Blue think that certain causes are important and should be brought to your attention. We try to do it whenever necessary and in return, we get to talk to some really interesting people. It's a neat gig.

Recently, we spoke with Yankee great Roy White about the Runyon 5K Run to be held at Yankee Stadium on August 7th. This cause is to raise money for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. You can read all about it in EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE.

And, yesterday, we brought to your attention to High Socks for Hope, a Foundation started by David and Erin Robertson to raise money for the Tornado victims in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, David's hometown. We did what we thought was right, bring the cause to all of you, so, if you weren't aware, you would be aware now and maybe you'd send them a check and help the people in need. All we wanted to do was to be an outlet for the Robertson's. Thankfully, you all responded by reading and retweeting and discussing on Twitter and Facebook and I was overjoyed to hear from David via twitter that same day our post, EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: HIGH SOCKS FOR HOPE was released:



But, that wasn't the only thing that made me smile. Erin, David's wife sent the sweetest note in response to a piece I posted titled WHY ROBERTSON'S AN INSPIRATION. In it, I speak of my son's new hero, David Robertson. Erin's note read:

"We love your blog and think it's great that your son is so passionate about baseball. Hopefully when he is drafted in about 10 years David is still pitching for the Yankees :)"

To me, that was not only kind, it was heartfelt and I will cherish both messages for a long time. Thanks guys.

We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue just want to have alittle fun, give some statistics and give our opinion. We also want to help if we can, any way we can. Hopefully, you guys see that and will continue to enjoy us....we sure are enjoying all of you.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE

There are so many New York Yankees that are known to being exceptionally kind people. Roy White is one of them and with all the great stars in baseball, people tend to forget Mr. White, but I don't and I never have. He is known as one of the most motivated and friendly Yankees ever and he never turns down his fans. Luckily for us at Bleeding Yankee Blue, we were able to get an interview with him courtesy of Jason Zweig and Doug Drotman of Drotman Communications. Thanks guys.

I have always respected Roy White and I feel like he's always there to either guide the players as a coach, take pictures with the fans or even be a spokesperson for important causes. The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and the Runyon 5K Run are important causes to me because people very close to me have been affected by cancer. We here at Bleeding Yankee Blue found it super important to bring this cause to your attention and if you are interested, please click on Runyon 5k Run and register. The event takes place at Yankee Stadium on August 7th and Roy White is the official starter for the run. Be sure to check it out.

And now we bring you... Mr. Roy White.

BYB: You made your Yankees debut in 1965. Describe the feeling of your first at bat as a New York Yankee.

Roy White: It came in the first game of a double header against a guy named McNally. I was extremely nervous because there were 35,000 people watching me and we never had more than 4 or 5,000 in the minors. I remember I was just shaking in my uniform but I ended up hitting a line drive up the middle for a base hit.

BYB: You were part of 2 championship teams in 1977 and 1978, plus you won the AL pennant in 1976. Was it clear to you looking back that you had a team that could win it all and why?

Roy White: After 1976 it was clear to us. We weren’t prepared for that first series with the Reds; we ended up getting swept 4-0. We came into that series with only one days rest and mentally we weren’t ready. The next year we were all very anxious because we knew we had a very good team plus we added Reggie and Bucky.

BYB: If you only had to chose just 1 player, which New York Yankee player did you consider yourself closest to during your time on the Yankees in the 1970’s and why?

Roy White: I would have to divide that into two parts. First was a guy named Horace Clarke. We were roommates and we both played second base but he was traded in 1975. After that I would say it was Thurman Munson. His locker was next to mine and we talked a lot and shared a lot of dinners together.”

(In Photo: Horace Clarke)

BYB: You made the All-Star team in 1969 and 1970. Clearly that is a game the most talented get chosen to play. What was it like when you found out you had been chosen?

Roy White: It was unbelievable. I thought that I had no shot because fans didn’t vote back then it was up to the players and managers. Mayo Smith who was the manager of the Detroit Tigers at the time picked me. Being on the same field as guys like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Al Kaline, and Frank Robinson is a position I never thought that I would be in.

BYB: What was it like playing for Billy Martin?

Roy White: Very exciting. He was unpredictable so you always had to be on your toes. He let us play a very wide-open type of baseball. He let us steal a lot of bases and run a lot more so we had a lot of freedom.

BYB: What is your fondest memory as a New York Yankee?

Roy White: I would say getting to our first World Series. When Chris Chambliss hit that home run to put us on top against the Royals and into the World Series was something I will never forget.

BYB: You were the first base and outfield coach for Joe Torre’s 2004-2005 teams. What was it like to work with such a talented manager like Joe Torre?

Roy White: Great because he let you do your job. He let you be responsible and didn’t run the whole show and he would ask your input on certain things. There was no better manager to work for.

BYB: A lot of people don’t know that you played baseball in Japan. Describe going from an American Dynasty like the New York Yankees, to then playing for a Japanese Dynasty like the Yomiuri Giants?

Roy White: The whole experience was eye opening. The Tokyo Giants were bigger and the whole country loved them. Not everyone in America likes the Yankees. I couldn’t believe how many fans they had.

BYB: Tell me about the Roy White Foundation and the Roy White All-Stars?

Roy White: The Roy White Foundation was created to provide students with financial assistance for college. Books and baseball was kind of our slogan because I read a lot and reading was very important to me. We would pay the textbook cost for the first two semesters for students.

BYB: You will be serving as the Official Starter for the Runyon 5K Run at Yankee Stadium on August 7th. This cause is to raise money for the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. How did you become apart of it and why is it important that people turnout to this event?

Roy White: It came through Marty Appel and he asked me to do it. It is a great cause because everyone has someone close to them who has been affected. It is a great event they put on at Yankee Stadium so it was a win, win and a no brainer. For more information, check out the website http://www.damonrunyon.org/yankeestadium.

Again, you can register or even donate, but make sure you check it out. Mr. White, you are a stand up guy and we appreciate you so much here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. Much respect sir, Thank you.

Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.