Hairston handled himself well
Last night, Jerry Hairston Jr. conducted a clinic on how to handle the aftermath of committing a devastating error. First, he stopped the first reporter he saw — WFAN’s Sweeny Murti — and told him, “I know you guys want to talk to me. I’m going to get something to eat and I’ll be right back.”
Then, when he emerged, Hairston literally invited the media to his locker with a wave. And he answered every single question.
“He knows you have to be accountable,” Derek Jeter said. “Everyone makes mistakes. That’s one reason it’s so hard to throw a perfect game.”
Pettitte also reassured Hairston, joking that he didn’t want to throw nine innings anyway. Posada said everyone felt bad for “J-Hair.”
“Jerry’s been outstanding,” Jeter said. “He’s playing everywhere, the infield, the outfield, and he’s catching between innings. I don’t think people appreciate how difficult that is.”
Speaking of Jeter, he is the Yankees nominee for the 2009 Roberto Clemente Award, which annually recognizes the player who performs exceptionally on the field and contributes in the community.
Johnny Damon: Told Damon today that I could not say “calf cramp” on yesterday’s pregame. He laughed. Much more significantly, Damon paid a “very rewarding” visit to Walter Reed Army Hospital today, part of his ongoing commitment to the Wounded Warrior Project. Swisher, Robertson and Coke went along. Johnny was particularly touched by a young quadriplegic he has seen on several visits. “I see the progress he’s making,” Johnny said. “And he has a great spirit, a great sense of life. Definitely, he’s an inspiration.”
Alex Rodriguez: He’s back at third tonight and this morning, Alex spoke to 500 student-athletes at Millford Mill Academy in Baltimore County about the dangers of performance-enhancing drugs. According to a news release, Alex opened his remarks: “As a kid, my favorite player was Cal Ripken, Jr. Has anyone here heard of him?”
The man knew his audience. Alex went on to say he made a mistake and “one of my missions in life is to turn a negative into a positive.” He called his admission of steroid use “pretty darn liberating.”
The call-ups: Francisco Cervelli, Ramiro Pena, Mark Melancon, Edwar Ramirez and lefty Mike Dunn. As you would imagine, they were smiling a lot in the clubhouse.
Adam Jones: The young Oriole center fielder hates to lose, which will be important as he becomes a leader on a Baltimore team that is trying to rise from the ashes. And Jones wasn’t thrilled last night to see Yankees fans taking over Camden Yards. “We’re not at the new Yankee Stadium,” Jones said. “I expect more of our fans to be here, but I understand completely why they’re not. But it (stinks) that they’re not.”
Jim Thome: Had a chance to interview him for Saturday’s “Batting Practice Today presented by Audi” when the White Sox were in town. No wonder he’s considered one of the friendliest players in the game. Anyway, today on WFAN, Dodgers GM Ned Colletti was interviewed by Adam the Bull and Jon Heyman. Colletti said Thome wanted to make sure he was upfront in telling the Dodgers he did not think he could play first base for them. No matter. The Dodgers want his bat and his leadership, which could pay off big.
The Kimberly Jones Blog 
I think that Yes should play a rim shot for some of Shecky Singleton’s best lines. For instance tonight, “Anyway you slice it Pie was running that out.” Or my favorite, “It looks like Marshall has a plan.” Kay doesn’t even laugh. I guess they go over his giant head.
What a great fit Jerry Hairston is for this team. Being accountable is one thing, but actually approaching the first reporter you see to let them know you’ll be answering questions, and then going on to answer every question you’re asked – no matter how difficult they might have been to listen to, let alone answer – takes a strength of character rarely seen. And I’m not speaking exclusively of Major League Baseball or any other professional sport, but of life in general. If only we all took responsibility for our actions – both deliberate and accidental – so willingly. Way to step up, buddy. We, the fans, appreciate the integrity and the hard work.
What a great fit Jerry Hairston is for this team. Being accountable is one thing, but actually approaching the first reporter you see to let them know you’ll be answering questions, and then going on to answer every question you’re asked – no matter how difficult they might have been to listen to, let alone answer – takes a strength of character rarely seen. And I’m not speaking exclusively of Major League Baseball or any other professional sport, but of life in general. If only we all took responsibility for our actions – both deliberate and accidental – so willingly. Way to step up, buddy. We, the fans, appreciate the integrity and the hard work.
No, I didn’t love my own comment so much that I decided to post it twice. The website threw an error page at me and this is what we wound up with. So if you get this strange feeling of dejavu as you’re reading through the comments section, my apologies. I accept full responsibility. For whatever the heck it was that just happened.
Just wanted to be one of the first to wish you a happy birthday. I know it is a few days early, but that’s OK.
Great blog.
Saw an promo for a YES football show. They have you with too much makeup. I realize it is studio tv, but ask them to tone it down.
Mark
When Jerry Hairston’s name came up on the last day of the trade deadline nobody thought much of it. Now, he is already growing on me and other Yankees fans because he’ll do whatever is necessary to get in the line up and help the team win. My feeling was that Hairston should’ve been in the line up tonight just to get the bad taste out of his mouth. Hopefully he forgets about his mistakes quickly because the Yankees need a utility player like Hairston.
Kim, do you think if Andy Pettite would’ve pitched a no-hitter or perfect game that A.J. Burnett would’ve Pie’d him in the face?
Kim, do you think if Andy Pettite would’ve pitched a no-hitter or perfect game that A.J. Burnett would’ve Pie’d him in the face?
Kim, do you think if Andy Pettite would’ve pitched a no-hitter or perfect game that A.J. Burnett would’ve Pie’d him in the face?
I think we need A.J.Burnett rules just like JOBA RULES…AJ should only pitch 3 innings if at all ever….He is a disaster
This team is absolutely a class act with the way they all back each other up & stand behind each other. The whole Andy & Hairston thing…& then the way the team tried to cheer Hairston up…these men just simply amaze me.
I think the team did a great job in making J. Hairston feel better about his error. It was a tough one to watch.
As for A.J., I can’t figure what happened to him. Maybe he needs to sit out a few and get his act together. We are up 6.5, but we have alot of games ahead. We can’t afford to have a “hole” in our pitching.
Now Hairston is a hero for answering a few questions about missing a ground ball? Come on Kim -you are turning into Waldman right in from of our computer screens!!! He conducted a clinic? Lol
J-Hair! These guys crack me up with their pet names. What will the nickname for call up Mike Dunn be? This lefty can be very valuable to the Yanks in the stretch run. Big arm, smart and a real hard working kid.
Wow, what a fun year. All we need to go all the way is to get AJ back on track. Kim, does Al have an opinion on what AJ needs to do to turn his control around?