by Barry Klarberg | Jun 16, 2015 | Uncategorized
New York Giants 1913 (Wikipedia)
As one of the owners of the New York Yankees, I feel honored to be part of New York City’s longstanding history of bringing baseball to the city. With the Yankees and Mets both starting the season off hot, New Yorkers of both fandoms have something to root for this year. Then again, even during their worst moments both teams have their faithful fans to make sure they are there when their team turns it back around. No matter the season, New York has a deep history with baseball.
Even though New York is home to multiple high caliber franchises from every sport, it can be argued that the city remains a baseball one at heart. Since its first game in 1858, pitting the Brooklyn all-stars against the Manhattan all-stars, the city has fallen in love with taking in games across the five boroughs. Baseball fans are sure to recall some of the major clubs that helped create the city’s legacy. Clubs like the Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Giants not only brought history to the game, but also brought it to the city.
Jackie Robinson, 1950 (Wikipedia)
With players like Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays suiting up in New York, the city housed amazing talent with history-making players. While the two clubs departed for the west coast in 1957, the city fondly remembers these organizations to this day. If you get the opportunity, speak with an older fan from New York. Get them to discuss the era where the Dodgers and Giants were in town and you’re sure to hear some legendary tales. Some may still hurt for them moving, but you’re sure to hear some legendary tales as well.
Then, 1962 saw the Mets come to Queens and fill the void. By 1969, the Miracle Mets made history like their rivals in the Bronx.
Outside the Dodgers and Giants, New York was also a significant destination for the Negro leagues, the National Colored Base Ball League. In fact, the city supported the first Negro baseball league game back in 1859.
Currently, Major League Baseball’s headquarters are located in Manhattan–a symbol that baseball and New York are deeply connected.
Today, baseball is still alive in the city. You may not be able to find lots filled with kids playing pickup games as easily as you used to, but the game is still being played by kids of all ages. From the minor league teams through the five boroughs to children donning their school’s jerseys in the spring, New York’s passion with baseball doesn’t seem to be going anywhere.
by Barry Klarberg | Jun 1, 2015 | NYC FC
“Welcome to the Club!” That is the greeting to the inaugural season for New York’s Major League Soccer team (sorry to our rival Red Bulls), NYC FC! As an owner in the team, I am beyond excited to be part of another New York franchise taking the field at the legendary Yankee Stadium. Since the announcement of the team’s establishment in the spring of 2013, everyone involved couldn’t have been more excited. It’s been a long road in such a short time, but we’re all glad to see the sport of the world in one of the biggest cities on Earth.
The build up gained massive hype with additions to the team such as Spanish legend David Villa and US national team mainstay Mix Diskerud. Additionally, the signing of England and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard continues to build as his arrival gets nearer. After finishing last season with Manchester City, we can’t wait to have a game changing midfielder like Frank in the baby blue of our club in the near future. His winning pedigree and leadership will be key to the club’s growth in the coming seasons.
Led behind Head Coach Jason Kreis, our season started with a clash in Orlando against our fellow expansion club, Orlando City SC.
With Mix Diskerud opening up the scoring, NYC FC took pride in a season opening 1-1 draw to The Lions. A week later, we took the pitch for our first home game, played at the legendary Yankee Stadium. With a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution the club looked poised to gain on its early season momentum. 
Unfortunately, that hasn’t quite happened yet. As expansion clubs go, NYC FC is mired in the struggles that usually come with a new club full of players needing to gel. While we had hoped for the opening season the ‘98 Chicago Fire had when they won the title, we currently face a rough losing streak. It hasn’t been pretty but the effort of every player on the squad must be commended.
Regardless of the hardships, the club’s supporters–The Third Rail–have been incredible! Fans are packing the stadium and supporting the boys in blue regardless of the struggles the team and coach Kreis continue to push through. The support in the stands and online is felt by everyone involved with the team. Some people thought that soccer couldn’t survive in New York after the Pele and Cosmos days didn’t continue to grow the sport. The Third Rail is proving that wrong with each match.
Now, the club has bright days to look forward to. While the slump may not end overnight, our team will continue to fight hard with each and every match. We’re excited to gain Frank Lampard and his leadership this summer, and you never know what may come during this summer’s transfer window. The road may seem long and hard for us this season, but that won’t stop us from fighting on.
Speaking of fighting on, even during long spells of injuries, our club continues to challenge with the roster we have. Thanks to the incredible work of our training staff, we take the pitch every match as healthy as possible–even if that means going at it without a full roster.
With the season moving along, we know that our expansion season is one of struggle and frustrations at times. Then again, it’s a season of celebration. With the The Third Rail’s support, leadership on and off the pitch and these incredible players, NYC FC aims to bring several titles home to the Big Apple in the coming years. We can’t wait to share these moments with you all.
Once again, Welcome to the Club!
by Barry Klarberg | May 19, 2015 | Grizzlies
Just recently, my Memphis Grizzlies’ season of absolute Grit-N-Grind came to a halt at the hands of the out-of-this-world Golden State Warriors. While it’s not the ending the fans in the FedEx Forum hoped for, it was a season of improvement, action and nonstop heart. From the new arrivals to our veteran core, this squad came together and left it all on the court every night. Coach Dave Joerger and General Manager Chris Wallace have to be commended for their excellent work assembling this immensely talented team.
There is no shortage of heart in Memphis. From Tony “1st Team All-Defense” Allen to Zach “Z-Bo” Randolph and countless others, Grizzlies fans knew that there wouldn’t be any nights taken off by this squad. They came prepared and ready to take on the premiere organizations of the league on any night. That sort of work ethic showed via our improved record of 55 wins and 27 losses–improving on last season’s 50-win total. No one can say they got an easy win over this season’s
Grizzlies.
Our veterans were stellar on both sides of the ball as Marc Gasol joined Mike Conley and Zach Randolph as a key stat leader in several offensive and defensive categories. They’re hard work propelled the Grizzlies to have the second-fewest points per game allowed in the league. Even the most talented squads had a hard
Source: Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE/Getty Images
time getting through our stingy perimeter defense and strong bodies down low. Certainly, there were areas where we can improve on the stat sheets, but with a solid defensive foundation the team could assuredly contend with any club.
Once again, GM Chris Wallace did an excellent job making acquisitions before and during the season to keep the team thriving even during trying stretches. Veteran additions like Vince Carter and Beno Udrih helped anchor a strong bench, while the trade for Jeff Green improved an already impressive defensive unit. Although these moves led to Tayshaun Prince and Quincy Pondexter moving onto new clubs, the team made the tough decisions to put the club in a better position to compete.
Mike Conley grits it out during Game 6. (Source: Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images)
From top to bottom, this roster were willing to put themselves out on the floor and win no matter what.
Injuries bit the Grizzlies for most of the season, right down to the end, which served as just another testament to this team’s grit. Mike Conley and Tony Allen’s injuries nagged them right to Game 6 where they fought their hardest to grind another win out. While the result isn’t what anyone wanted, no one can say the Grizz didn’t go down swinging.
There are several major questions the team will face in the offseason. The draft and free agency are going to be integral pieces in the team’s immediate and long-term future. We have faith that Coach Joerger will continue to push this team in the right direction while we push off the court. The season may have ended earlier than we hoped for, but the Grizzlies will be back for many years to come.
