1495 Sports The Magazine by 1495Sports

Greetings Sports Fans: Welcome to the First Edition of the 1495 Sports Magazine. Within these pages are what I hope are the best stories in sports combined with the great deeds that athletes are involved with in the community. That is the goal of 1495 Sports, to bring the best in both community related and recaps in the world of sports and it has been a dream come true for me personally to see both the magazine and the website grow. The site which can be seen by typing 1495 Sports.com and will be providing not only these great stories, but will also have live scoring updates, as well as recaps and live updates from WWE programming. It has been a dream of mine to have my own brand in the world of sports, and I am very thankful to Brad Kurtzberg and Dexter Henry for their invaluable contributions to both the site and the magazine thus far. If this is your first or 100th experience with 1495 Sports, I hope that you have enjoyed what you have seen thus far. Looking forward to growing 1495 Sports with you the fans, and as always stay tuned! Sincerely, Stacy Podelski Stacy Podelski Coordinator/Owner 1495 Sports www.1495Sports.com Athletes In Your Community CoverCollage Made by: Stacy Podelski Top Right: Tom Seaver during the Citi Veterans Day Ceremony Top Left: Martin Biron & Dan Girardi in the Garden of Dreams Scavenger Hunt at the Museum of Natural History Bottom Right: Mr. Met and Daniel Murphy helping the students of PS 12 pack food for City Harvest Bottom Left: Jake Ballard &Kari Miller at the Citi Kids Program Center: Sasha Cohen skating in the inagrual Citi Pond Kids program All Photos taken by : Stacy Podelski

The Magazine Table Of Contents

*Rangers Look Ahead After Tough End to Rewarding Season By: Brad Kurtzberg *Athletes In Your Community: Mets Alumni Give City Harvest a Helping Hand By: Dexter Henry *1495 Sports Photo Gallery: Sights from Citi Field By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Jets Quotes from Day Two of Jets Mini-Camp By: Stacy Podelski *1495 Sports Chat: Art Shamsky By: Stacy Podelski *Giants Take Care of Business at Mini-Camp By: Brad Kurtzberg * United Way Celebrates 125 Years with annual Day of Action By: Stacy Podelski *Starting Pitching Key to Yankees Resurgence By: Brad Kurtzberg

Rangers Look Ahead After Tough End to Rewarding Season

“I love our jam, I love our [guts],” Tortorella told reporters just before the team left the club’s practice facility for the last time. “I really like what we ven now, more than a week after their sea- have here. I don’t think it will be the same. There’s always changes. But what our group has developed son ended, the Rangers loss to the New Jersey in their identity, their mindset, I think showed. Devils in the Eastern Conference Finals still Again, we don’t get it done, but I just like the way stings. Watching the Devils play for the Stan- they handled themselves.”

By: Brad Kurtzberg

ley Cup against the Los Angeles Kings hurts because the Rangers and their fans realize how “We’re still a young club and we still have quite a bit to close they were to reaching that goal themlearn as far as the desperation when you get to this third selves. round. You hear it so much, and I won’t accept it. You know, you won a couple of rounds. You got into the third In time, fans will realize that 2011-12 was a round. That isn’t good enough. We still have to find a way season of accomplishment for the Blueshirts. to win another round and get there.” It was the first time the Rangers reached the third round of the playoffs since 1997 and the As they enter a pivotal off-season, here is a look at issues first time they were the top seed in the Eastern the Rangers need to address to return to contention for a Conference since their Stanley Cup year of Stanley Cup in 2012-13. 1994.

1) The Rangers need more goal scoring. The lack of scoring depth cost them in the series against the Devils and made both the Ottawa and Washington series closer than they should have been. There is no doubt that the Rangers should be players in free agency as they do have some cap room to play with. Zach Parise heads a fairly strong class of free agents and would be a great addition (and a subtraction from the Devils). It is also possible the Rangers will re-start trade talks with Columbus and try to acquire Rick Nash. Both Nash and Parise are in their “I love our jam, I love our [guts],” Rangers primes, but expect the Blue Jackets to ask a pretty penny head coach John Tortorella told reporters just for Nash and it may still be more than the Rangers are before the team left the club’s practice facility looking to pay. The fact that Marian Gaborik will have for the last time. “I really like what we have surgery and will probably miss the early part of the season here. I don’t think it will be the same. There’s doesn’t help the scoring problem, but it is more important always changes. But what our group has devel- to have Gaborik ready for the stretch drive and the playoped in their identity, their mindset, I think offs than to have him for all 82 games. If they don’t trade showed. Again, we don’t get it done, but I just him, the Rangers need Brandon Dubinsky to bounce like the way they handled themselves.” back and provide more offense. Having Chris Kreider for a full season will help, but don’t expect Kreider to be an instant 30 goal scorer as a rookie. This Rangers team showed guts and determination throughout the season. This was a team that completely bought in to John Tortorella’s system and it clearly paid dividends. The Rangers played strong team defense, sacrificed their bodies to block shots and relied on the goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist and just enough offense to win hockey games.

2) Defensive depth must also be added. The Rangers top four defensemen are as good as any group in the league but over the course of the Devils series, the fact that Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Michael Del Zotto played so many minutes every game took its toll on the Rangers. Getting Michael Sauer back and healthy would help, but it remains questionable when or if Sauer will be able to return from his concussion that kept him out of action since December. The Rangers don’t need any stars here, but having a third pairing on the blue line that Torts feels comfortable playing more than five minutes per game in the playoffs is a necessity. Reducing the ice time of the big four would make them more effective when they are in the game. Rookie Tim Erixon may play be ready to help solve this problem next season. 3) Backup goalie Martin Biron’s contract is up and the Rangers need to figure out whether to bring the veteran netminder back for another year, or find someone else to play behind Lundqvist. Biron will turn 32 this summer. He is great in the clubhouse and capable of starting for a few games if Lundqvist goes down, without hurting the club. Biron can give the Rangers 20-25 quality starts and keep Lundqvist sharp enough for the playoffs, so bringing him back makes sense if Glen Sather can agree to terms with him. Otherwise, the Rangers need to bring in a relatively inexpensive and reliable backup.

4) The Rangers need to address their own free agents and role players. Ruslan Fedotenko’s contract is up. He has proven to be a valuable role player, knows Tortorella’s system well and is a positive influence in the locker room. Brandon Prust adds size and muscle and is also an unrestricted free agent. Depth players John Mitchell, John Scott, Stu Bickel, Steve Eminger and Jeff Woywitka are UFAs and may not be back. Most of them can be replaced fairly easily. RFA’s include Del Zotto and Anton Stralman. Mighty-mite Mats Zuccarello already left for the KHL. In the salary cap era, changes come every season for all hockey teams. The Rangers had a very successful season and are close to being perennial Stanley Cup contenders. How they handle this off-season will determine if they stay among the league’s elite or fall back to the pack.

“We’re still a young club and we still have quite a bit to learn as far as the desperation when you get to this third round. You hear it so much, and I won’t accept it. You know, you won a couple of rounds. You got into the third round. That isn’t good enough. We still have to find a way to win another round and get there.” John Tortorella

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Athletes In Your Community:

Mets Alumni Give City Harvest a Helping Hand By: Dexter Henry

The New York Mets Alumni Association teamed up with Citibank Volunteers for the Seventh Annual Global Community Day on June 15, 2012. Mets-greats Edgardo Alfonzo, Jerry Koosman and Cleon Jones were on hand to help re-pack over 30,000 pounds of sweet potatoes and apples at Mets Plaza for City Harvest.

“We are partnering with City Harvest for what we call a re-pack event where the Citibank employees work with City Harvest to re-pack large amount of food to be distributed to food pantries in New York City,” said Bill Brown the Manhattan Division Director of Citibank. “Between Jerry, Cleon and Edgardo it really makes our Citibank employees feel great about volunteering.” Alfonzo, has been actively involved in the Mets Alumni Association…making appearances on behalf of the Mets at Citi Field and for the Citi Tuesdays program earlier in the year.

“I think it is great to help others and to have the opportunity to help others whenever they may need it,” said Alfonzo of the event. “It is great to be a part of something that can Mets Alumni (r to l) Edgardo Alfonzo, Cleo make a positive impact in the community.” to Citibank, City Harvest volunteers at the Citi Field. Photo by: Stacy Podelski Koosman, who is considered to be one of the best left handed pitchers in Mets history, helped to lift the franchise to their first World Series title in 1969 had this to say of the event, “It is fun I always try to help out charity.” Satesh Patel who is a volunteer with Citibank shared his experience with 1495 Sports on what it like to work with a company like Citibank, who is always an active company in the community.

“I work for Citi and I like to give back my time and Citibank is very good at allowing their employees to give back,” said Patel. “Citi allows employees one day off to do volunteer work so I used that as an opportunity to come here and give back.” Cleon Jones, who caught the final out of the ‘Miracle Mets’ World Series Championship, was named to the Mets’ All-time left fielders list in 2012 had this to say on the day of service, “I am always looking for ways to help out others.” There has been a positive buzz for the Mets both on and off the field, as the Mets-alumni shared their thoughts on the 2012 season thus far. The Kids from Queens have been thrilling fans with their play, as they currently sit in third place in the National League East. “They have had some good quality wins so far,” said Jones of the 2012 team. “The Mets have just got to continue to play heads-up and error free ball.” Koosman, who had his club record for consecutive scoreless innings streak snapped by R.A. Dickey this month share these thoughts on the club with 1495 Sports, “I enjoy the fact that this club has been doing so well. It is good to see the spirit back and that everyone is having fun.” Alfonzo, who was known for his clutch hitting during the 1999 playoffs, while ranking third in Mets franchise history with 1,135 hits and fifth with 538 RBIs.

on Jones &Jerry Koosman lend a hand e 7th Annual Global Community Day at “It will be interesting to watch the Mets this season, especially if the pitching staff can stay healthy,” Alfonzo said on the 2012 Mets. “I would say watch out for them this year.”

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Photos by: Stacy Podelski

1495 Sports Jets Quotes from Day Two of Jets Mini-Camp

By: Stacy Podelski 1495 Sports is proud to bring these quotes from

“I am not going to say that it is. Yeah, we finished rough but we said we are a better group than that. We Day Two of New York Jets Mini-Camp, as Antonio have to play up to the level that we Cromartie, David Harris and Brandon Moore all are capable of,” Antonio Cromartie chatted with members of the New York media. said. “I think that is one thing that we are working on this year, commu*Cromartie had this to say on the performance of nicating what we need to do, flying the defense this year versus last: to the ball, just doing the things that we know how to do best and letting “I am not going to say that it is. Yeah, we finished our pass rushers be pass rushers. rough but we said we are a better group than that. We are just going out and doing the We have to play up to the level that we are capable simple things right now, just trying of. I think that is one thing that we are working on to put all of the pieces together.”

this year, communicating what we need to do, flying to the ball, just doing the things that we know how to do best and letting our pass rushers be pass *On wearing a black jersey at practice: rushers. We are just going out and doing the simple things right now, just trying to put all of the pieces “As guys we have talked about it, black with green with a little bit of white, maybe grey together.” in it. I think that would look real good. *If going back to Cortland for training camp will be Mike Tannenbaum, if you’re listening to this, yeah I just said it. (joking) It’s just a positive for the team: jersey. It’s all about the decal that goes on the helmet and the guys that you play with. “I definitely think so. I think it is good for us to have a full off-season. I think the rookies got in and If you know a guy is playing 100% for you, they got to run a bit more. They didn’t have to get you want to give 100%, that’s just the tempo thrown into the fire. You know what to expect out we have been trying to set this off-season.” of everyone right now going into our training camp. I think this is going to help out a lot with the cama- *Linebacker David Harris had this to say raderie of the team as well. Being here last year in on the defense setting a high standard for itself: New Jersey and having training camp here, it was a lot because we (weren’t around our teammates). Everyone was going home. We didn’t have guys in “Yeah, it’s a very high bar. But this is New dorms which changed the camaraderie of our team. York, there is a lot of expectations and it’s a tough crowd.” I think that is something that Rex Ryan is really good at. Like he said he wants to have the pulse of the team.”

*His thoughts on the four-man rush looks the defense has shown: “Yeah, it’s the same defense it’s just that everybody’s in different positions. Quinton Coples, who’s very athletic for his size, he really loves it. With so many different choices in our front four with the things that he’s able to do and he has tremendous upside. *Moore gave these thoughts on how he is getting ready for Cortland: Hopefully it’ll carry over into the season.” “Some rest, conditioning, lifting, getting ready for camp and just enjoying your free time cause you won’t have any for a “I think it’s been a great spring for the defense. I while. If you feel like it, (spend a) little think a lot of the younger guys have stepped up. They stepped into the system; they ask their coaches extra time with your (play) book. Just open it up and keeping things fresh for questions and get up to speed. A lot of guys on a little bit. (Just) get away, as coach told defense have made it a goal to become faster and me a long time ago, just enjoy your time lighter on their feet and better conditioned. They sought that out themselves. I think you have to like with your family.” what you see by the way we’re practicing.” *How the spring has been for the defense:

“Yeah, it’s the same defense it’s just that everybody’s in different posi“It’s good to get some extra time together, especially tions. Quinton Coples, with a new offense. It kind of sets the stage to be a who’s very athletic for his part of the process to try and be a productive team.” size, he really loves it,” *On how good the offense will be as the year goes David Harris said. “With on: so many different choices “I mean, we’re in shorts, pajamas as Tony Sparano in our front four with the likes to say. We got a lot accomplished. We’ll know things that he’s able to do more as we go along. You’re only as good as once and he has tremendous the season starts and each game you play. I saw upside. Hopefully it’ll carry some good things on how we can attack people but those are going to come down to execution up front, over into the season.” *Guard Brandon Moore had this to say on how much the offseason has helped the team:

in the back field, and with the quarterback making decisions and the receivers being where they need to be. That’ll be an indicator.”

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Chat with Art Shamsky..... Photo/Written by: Stacy Podelski

1495 Sports sat down with Mets-great Art

“It was an incredible team,” Shamsky said on being a part of the ’69 Mets. “I have always said that the 1969 Mets may not have been the greatest team in terms of ability to win the World Series, but they rank right up there as one of the most incredible teams.” Shamsky continued by saying, “They were a Citibank began the Citi Tuesdays program to team known as the lovable losers at one point in provide added value to Citi customers and Mets time, and for them to turn it around when no fans for the 2012 season. The promotion takes one had expectations for them to do anything. place whenever the Amazin’s have a home game It turned out that was the year that the Jets had at Citi Field on Tuesday, offers unique experiwon the Super Bowl, the Knicks won the NBA ences and exclusive access to benefits and reChampionship in 1970, to see all three of these wards to Citibank customers using their credit teams winning their first championships-it was or debit card. a great year for professional sports in the New York area.” “It is a great partnership between the Mets and Citibank,” said Shamsky. “I have done a number Generations of Mets fans still continue to know of these events for both Citibank and the Mets about the ways of that Magical team, as the genand am happy to be here. Queens is like home eration of fans have passed along the legacy of for me, and I really miss those days where I the first World Series victory to the future fans played for the team in the 60’s and 70’s.” seen at Citi Field today. Shamsky who was in Middle Village, Queens to support the Citi Tuesdays program on June 19. Shamsky spoke in-depth on a number of topics including his adjustment to the New York area and his legacy with the team.

Shamsky, who was traded to the Mets in the 1968 season for Bob Johnson continued by saying, “I had actually lived not too far from this branch when I first came to New York and it just brings back a lot of memories. I enjoy meeting and talking with people who maybe weren’t around when I played, but know about that team. For me to go out and do what I can

“The team will always have a legacy because of the fact that the history of the team has been passed on from generation to generation,” Shamsky said. “Children who weren’t even born know the names of the players, thanks to those parents and grandparents who told our story. There are so many people who come up to me and say-‘I was there when you won the World to meet people and do what I can for Citibank Series.’ It is great for me because no matter what and the Mets is a good opportunity for me and I you did you will always be known as a part enjoy it.” of that 1969 Met team that lives on forever in terms of how popular they were.” The outfielder was a vital part to the Mets winning their first World Series Championship in 1969, had a .300 average at the dish that season, with a .375 on-base percentage. Shamsky was the regular starter for the franchise against right-handed pitchers.

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“I think there was something special, there were a lot of National League fans who were disappointed when both the Giants and the Dodgers left and there was an opportunity for fans to have that again,” Art Shamsky said. “No matter how they played on the field fans appreciated that there was another team from the National League there and it developed into the Mets fanatics that we know today.” It is a legacy that still lives on with Shamsky, “I still have great memories and friends from that year. We have lost seven members of that team unfortunately, but the remanding guys I am still very close too and will always have this wonderful bond of having done something that most people thought incomprehensible early in the season. We were able to beat a terrific Baltimore Orioles team in the World Series and I think the legacy will live on forever.”

The Mets were one of baseball’s first expansion teams were founded in 1962 and had the daunting task of taking the place of the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Giants. Shamsky had this to say on there being a National League squad back in New York.

Helping to change the culture for the franchise in those years was manager Gil Hodges, as things began in 1968 as the team posted a 7389 record, which was the best in their sevenyear existence. In ’69 Hodges helped New York to become the first expansion team to win the World Series, and to do so after finishing at least 15 games under .500 the previous season.

“When the Dodgers and the Giants left in the late 50’s New York was left without a National League team. In ’62 baseball expanded and the Mets were developed,” Shamsky said. “Ironically enough the Mets took one color from the Dodgers (blue) and one from the Giants (orange) and that is how they got their colors.”

“Gil was the one that really helped to start the transformation of the Mets,” Shamsky said. “He was a very down to earth, good and strong individual, who really turned the tide for the team. I believe if he had not passed at such an early age that the Mets would have gone on to win more championships.”

Shamsky who was originally with the Cincinnati Reds from 1965-67 gave this perspective, “Having played against the Mets, I knew there was so much excitement for the fans even though the team was not any good. Even though they were the ‘Lovable Losers’ fans still came out and you saw how passionate the fans were when you played against them.”

Shamsky who seems to have his own place in pop culture, as the Mets-great is a favorite among fans. For those who had ever watched the hit TV Show ‘Everyone Loves Raymond’ may know as the Brad Garrett character Robert Barone named his dog after the star-had this to say on his own legacy.

“I am smart enough to know that any legacy that I have is because I was a part of that 1969 team,” Shamsky said. “The beauty of that team is that when you talk about it-it is not just about Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Cleon Jones or Tommy Agee-it was about Al Weis, Kenny Boswell, Jerry Grote and Bud Harrelson and all of the guys who were a part of that team.”

Art shared with 1495 Sports the most commonly asked questions by fans:

“People always ask me ‘What about the Black Cat that ran on the field’ or ‘What did you think about Tom Seaver’s almost perfect game?’ Other questions include ‘What about the Ron Swoboda catch and the Tommy Agee catch? I never get tired of answering them because it was a part of my life and “My legacy was being a part of that, I was lucky now and for me it is a great feeling to be a enough to have two dogs named after me-Jon part of the team and I wear this World SeStewart of Comedy Central named his dog after ries ring with much pride because in reality me and I was on the show ‘Everyone Loves Ray- there were only 31 of them. mond’ because they named the dog after me and it was a wonderful experience.” “To be a part of that team and club that won the first Mets World Championship is very Shamsky went on to say, “One of the questions special and I know all the guys feel the same I am asked because I played with the Reds is way.” ‘Should Pete Rose be in the Hall of Fame,’ the second is ‘Do you wish you were playing now Shamsky wrapped up his legacy with the with the money that the players are making’ club by saying, “I try to do things over the and the third is ‘How does it feel to have a dog years to maintain my visibility here in the named after you?’ I think it is great to have New York/Metropolitan area and it has been people remember me in that way, and I am still very special to be a part of that wonderful in New York thanks to having been a part of 1969 Championship team.” that 1969 team. I try to do what I can to keep the team’s legacy remain what it is.” It took the St. Louis native a bit of time before growing to love the New York area, and On being able to be a part events including the Shamsky shared what it was like adjusting to the Big Apple. Citi Tuesdays program Shamsky had this to say, “To have an opportunity to do events like this with Citibank and chat with their customers as well as Mets fans it offers me a chance to say hello and let them ask questions about the things they may want to know about that team.” “To be a part of that team and club that won the first Mets World Championship is very special and I know all the guys feel the same way.” Art Shamsky

“New York was so big and it wasn’t really scary-but it was too big for me, and when I got here I was a little overwhelmed,” Shamsky said. “I enjoyed it, but never really took advantage of it until when the season is over, that is when I took advantage of being in New York at the time. That was when I fell in love with the city, the culture, what the city had represented in terms of what it offered for people.”

Shamsky continued by saying, “It was a bit of a

“One of the things I’ve always prided myself on was not striking out much, making contact, and I always enjoyed that confrontation between hitter and pitcher-especially as it got later in the game.” Known as a clutch hitter, Shamsky had a .538 Art Shamsky said, “You can average in the three games that he started in the compare it to other things I National League Championship Series, shared guess, but when that pitcher these thoughts with 1495 Sports on hitting. has that ball and the game is on the line, that confrontation “I always tell youngsters who have any ambition to get to the next level in baseball to take care of to me there is nothing like it in yourself,” said Shamsky. “You have to stay healthy, sports.” transformation period for me, I will also say that when I came over here-I fell in love with the fans because they were so good to me. They always appreciated the fact that you gave an effort. I feel in love with fans from the beginning and I’ve been in New York ever since.”

a lot of it is having ability and a lot of it is being in the right place at the right time and staying healthy.” On clutch hitting Shamsky had this to say:

Shamsky had this to say about the 2012 Mets:

“One of the things I’ve always prided myself on was not striking out much, making contact, and I always enjoyed that confrontation between hitter and pitcher-especially as it got later in the game.” Art continued by saying, “You can compare it to other things I guess, but when that pitcher has that ball and the game is on the line, that confrontation to me there is nothing like it in sports.”

“I think they are real streaky and part of that is because of the fact that they are a young team,” Art shared with 1495 Sports. “What they need to do, and they will do is learn how to win close games. That is what happened to us in 1969 is that we learned how to win a 3-2 game, we learned how to salvage a series.”

The Mets-great went on to say: “I cherished those moments because it made me bare down, I think the fact that I didn’t strike out much and made contact gave me the opportunity to put the ball in play in that respect I am proud. Being known as someone who put the ball in play and someone who is a clutch hitter is a great thing.”

Art continued the comparison between ’69 and the current team by saying, “We had some great pitching and this current team does as well between R.A. Dickey and Johan Santana, and there are still some things that this current team will learn. I think if they can learn to win some of the close games, and they can get that clutch hit anything can happen, but I think Mets fans should be excited about this team.”

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Giants Take Care of Business at By: Brad Kurtzberg Mini-Camp “Tom is the right person in the right job The Giants held OTA’s last week and came

away with two important signings: First, they extended the contract of head coach Tom Coughlin for three years and then they renegotiated their deal with defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora to at least keep him happy until the end of the 2012 season. Signing Coughlin was a no-brainer and completely expected. Coach Coughlin has now won two Super Bowls with the Giants in the past four years, matching the number of Super Bowls won by the legendary Bill Parcells. Coughlin is now under contract through the end of the 2014 season. It’s uncanny how many fans and members of the media were calling for Coughlin’s firing last season, but when the Giants got healthy and hot late in the regular season and went on a run in the playoffs; Coughlin was in the driver’s seat if he wanted to return. “From where I sit, I couldn’t ask for more in a head coach,” Giants GM Jerry Reese said. Coughlin is a tough coach who has a reputation as a disciplinarian. But one of the best things about the former Jaguars head man is that he has evolved and grown during his time with Big Blue. Early in his tenure with the Giants, some of the players thought Coughlin was a little too tough, but he learned to adjust his style a little bit without compromising who he is and the results have been beneficial to both Coughlin and the Giants organization.

at the right time,” said Giants co-owner Steve Tisch. “I just really appreciate how our players respond to his leadership, and obviously our organization has benefitted tremendously because of the relationship Tom has with his players.” “Tom is the right person in the right job at the right time,” said co-owner Steve Tisch. “I just really appreciate how our players respond to his leadership, and obviously our organization has benefitted tremendously because of the relationship Tom has with his players.” The signing of Umenyiora was more surprising and is also vital to the team’s success. Osi was entering the last year of a seven-year-contract and his unhappiness with the deal has been an issue for the past few years. In a conversation shortly before the NFL Draft, Umenyiora expressed his frustration with his present situation but added that he understood that the Giants had other, younger players who they would probably make a higher priority of signing then him. He also wondered how much longer he could continue to “take one for the team.” In the end, the Giants lowered Osi’s base salary but gave him more incentives and added a signing bonus that keeps both the club and the player happy. It is also likely that this will be Umenyiora’s last year in a Giants uniform.

Osi was grateful for the new deal. “They stepped up to the plate and they didn’t have to,” Umenyiora admitted. “They could have just allowed me to play out this last year, which in essence I am doing. But they definitely, definitely showed me some love.” The Giants are a stronger team with Umenyiora in the lineup. Along with Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck, he gives them three strong pass rushers on the defensive line, a threesome that few teams can hope to match. When the Giants put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, their defense is among the most effective in the league. When they don’t, they are very average.

During the regular season, Osi had nine sacks in nine games and added 3.5 sacks in the team’s four postseason games. The defending Super Bowl champs were 9-4 last year including playoffs with Umenyiora in the lineup and just 4-3 without him. The former 2nd round pick out of Troy State will be 31 this November and may have one big contract left in his NFL career.

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United Way Celebrates 125 Years with By: Stacy Podelski annual Day of Action

There are volunteer activities at service sited around that giving back and helpthe country, and they will be ing out others can have, pared with social media and and the United Way orgaonline advocacy activities to nization is one such exraise awareness around the ample of how the power of importance of volunteerpositivity and giving back ing. Those on twitter that are can make an impression volunteering today should on all of our lives. tweet #IAmTheChange and #LIVEUNITED and share Founded in 1887, the New York Giants defensive tackle Chris their experiences on the powUnited Way movement Canty with the future leaders of theUnit- er of giving back. now celebrates 125 years ed Way Photo by: Martin Dixon of advancing the common United Way is currently making good, while creating a beta splash in Washington, DC as ter life for all by focusing on the three key building members of TEAM NFL were seen in action blocks of education, income and health. during the United Way Youth Empowerment Summit, which was hosted by American UniThe United Way recruits civic-minded people and versity. organizations to bring passion, experiences and

It is amazing the impact

the resources needed in order to make that positive impact happen.

United Ways from around the country is currently engaging in service projects, in the Fifth Annual United Way Day of Action. Projects include everything from advancements in education, income and health. The Day of Action will culminate tonight with the lighting of the Empire State Building in blue, which is the United Way’s signature color.

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The three-day event engages participants in identifying opportunities to improve the academic success of American students and engage in opportunities for NFL players and their supports to recruit readers, tutors and mentors. “Youth involved in mentoring relationships have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Money alone won’t solve the education challenge. Communities of support that give their time to advancing and empowering youth create a bright future for all Americans,” said TEAM NFL Captain Nnamdi Asomugha. who represents the Philadelphia Eagles.

Representing the local teams were New York Giants defensive tackle Chris Canty and New York Jets left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Members of TEAM NFL were on Capitol Hill and speaking to members of Congress about the importance of education and how it impacts the future leaders of America. “United Way TEAM NFL volunteers play an important role in raising awareness and providing inspiration to youth around America. TEAM NFL recruitment efforts will advance the United Way call to activate one million readers, tutors and mentors and improve the academic success of our nation’s youth,” said NFL Partnership Director Tracey Holmes. For more information on the United Way fans are encouraged to click on the link below: http://www.unitedway.org/ More information on TEAM NFL can be seen below: http://www.unitedway.org/team-nfl

“United Way TEAM NFL volunteers play an important role in raising awareness and providing inspiration to youth around America. TEAM NFL recruitment efforts will advance the United Way call to activate one million readers, tutors and mentors and improve the academic success of our nation’s youth,” said NFL Partnership Director Tracey Holmes.

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Starting Pitching: By: Brad Kurtzberg Key to Yankees Resurgence Say what you want about

the steady bat of Derek Jeter, the power of Curtis Granderson or the clutch walk-off home run hit by Russell Martin last weekend, but they are not the biggest reason for the Yankees recent hot streak. The fact that the starting rotation has been consistently excellent has been the key to the Bronx Bombers’ recent resurgence.

The continued good play of the back three starters of the rotation, Hiroki Kuroda, Ivan Nova and Phil Hughes, will be a big key to the Yankees success for the rest of the season. These pitchers don’t need to be excellent, just consistent and the Yankees bullpen, now led by closer Rafael Soriano, Andy Pettitte Photo by: Stacy Podelski should be good enough to lead to plenty of wins.

The rotation has an impressive 7-1 record and a 1.76 ERA in the month of June (through 6/11). In April, the starters had an ERA of 5.80 while in May, it was 4.15. When the season began, the rotation was a big question mark for the Yankees, at least after C.C. Sabathia. The loss of newcomer Michael Pineda for the season due to injury made for more doubters but the Yankees were able to turn things around and are now again tied for first place in the tight AL East. The return of Andy Pettitte, who returned after taking 2011 off, has been a big help and a steadying influence. In six starts since rejoining the Yankees, Pettitte has a tiny 2.81 ERA, best among the starters on the staff and has walked only nine hitters in 41.2 innings pitched. Having two pitchers they can definitely count on has definitely helped the Yankees rotation gain confidence.

Lately, all three of them have found a way to get it done and the result is a record of 8-2 in their last 10 games. On Monday, Nova didn’t have his best stuff but still pitched seven shutout innings in a win over the Braves. Hughes has won his last three decisions while Kuroda has had three straight quality starts, winning two and garnering one no-decision. Pitching remains the most important part of baseball, even in this age of six inning starters and specialty relievers. Perhaps the biggest key to the Yankees continued success will be the consistency of their starting pitching.