Thanks For Watching The Robinson Cano Show!

Tonight was the HR Derby and all the stars were out to swing for the fences. Both the American and National Leagues were stacked with a bevy of talent just waiting to make their mark on the game and we fans got into the zone and put our game faces on. Let's recap some of tonight's amazing highlights.

With hitters, turned this year's team captains, such as David "Big Papi" Ortiz and Prince Fielder, we were more than certain that they would be launching balls left and right out of the park. While their swings were monstrous, two stars who really came to be seen were New York Yankee superstar second baseman Robinson Cano and Boston Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. There's no way these two could possibly get the crowd exceedingly hyped right? Wrong!

In the first round, Adrian hit an impressive 9 home runs while Cano hit 8 with one of the homers reaching 472 feet. That's more than amazing not to mention his father Jose Cano was his pitcher. It was from then on we started to believe that the night could in fact be worthwhile. After watching other hitters such as Matt Holiday, Rickie Weeks, and Matt Kemp attempt at breaking the gates open, we zeroed our attention in towards the big four: Gonzalez, Cano, Ortiz, and Fielder. Things soon began to heat up.

Both Ortiz and Fielder had to play a bit of catch up so we narrowed in on Gonzalez and Cano. Boy oh boy did Robinson Jose Cano put on a show. We all remember how he had to withdraw from the Derby last year because of a back injury. This year, there was no stopping him. In the second round,with Curtis Granderson, Russell Martin, and David Robertson cheering him on, Cano hit 12 more beautiful shots to bring his total to 20 home runs. The crowd went wild just as us fans at home were going bananas! Gonzalez belted out 20 as well. Time for the final round.

In the last round, Gonzalez continued the show by launching 11 homers without seeming as if he was out of gas. Cano had his work cut out for him but he wasn't worried about that because he beasted, yes beasted, the last round to take the ENTIRE derby with 12 homers in the round.

Oye! Cano! Congratulations on winning the derby. You deserved it kid! The night belonged to you because you lit the place up. Thank you for showing up and showing out. Also, congrats Gonzo because you were a delight as well.

XOXO,
Whitney

3,000 Ways Derek Jeter Can Make You Smile!

As I sit here to begin to write this post, I have to stop and breathe because the more I write to the point of this piece, my body begins to shake because it cannot contain the happiness and euphoria I feel inside. Every word leaves me close to hospitalization so before 911 has to carry me out on a stretcher, I will come out and say HAPPY 3000TH HIT DEREK JETER!

Yes, Derek Sanderson Jeter, face of New York/New York Yankees, husband to millions of women, myself included, son/brother/loyal best friend/boyfriend/professional/downright amazing man hit his 3000th hit today at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees have been his everything for the past 17 years and although it seemed as if this beautiful marriage almost saw a divorce during the off season, the love and admiration exhibited on both ends is something to be appreciated. I know I may be rambling but I'm too enamored to write coherently. I'm too in awe to think, I just want to grab Derek, squeeze him tight and never let this moment go. But, because I love my readers, I will stay on course.

As if the day wasn't already etched in greatness because of the 3000th hit, Derek continued this wonderful day by going an impressive 5 for 5 and almost hitting for the cycle. Once again, you read right. Derek garnered two singles(one being the game winning single), a double, and a home run. Talk about seizing the day! Derek's last single in the 8th would give the Yankees a 5-4 lead and sealed the deal for a victory.

Another monumental moment was when Yankees fan Christian Lopez caught the 3000th hit which was a home run, on his birthday might I add, and in true altruistic fashion didn't negotiate/haggle with the Yankees or Derek but in fact graciously returned the ball back to the captain. As reward for his humble nature, he was treated to Championship Suite tickets for the remainder of the season up to an including the World Series as well as other amenities. It pays to not block your blessings kids.

Wherever Derek is and whatever he's doing, I hope he takes a moment to stare out into the abyss, place his hands on his hips, and say "Holy shit....I did it. I, mothereffing Derek Jeter have 3003 hits. Damn I've got it going on". While hey may or may not use expletives and be completely self centered, he will revel in this moment. If that doesn't work, he can recite the chorus from Nicki Minaj's "Moment For Life", "I wish that I can have this moment for life...for life...for life...cause in the moment I just feel so alive...alive..." Congratulations Derek!

XOXO,
Whitney

Happy Birthday Derek Jeter!

Writing With Whitney bore its first post on June 27, 2010. Words couldn't and even today cannot express the sheer happiness I felt writing that first post. In the midst of the excitement that was the first week of the blog, I   slapped myself on the forehead because I decided to create the blog the day after one of the most greatest and memorable dates known to mankind...Derek Sanderson Jeter's birthday (Derek was born on June 26, 1974). Clearly that decision still haunts until this day but today, June 26, 2011 is my redemption for I will use this space to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEREK JETER!

The love I have for Derek Jeter spans beyond his gorgeous blue green eyes, scattered freckles on his nose, pearly white teeth and 6 foot 3 inches 180 pound frame, no, it's something much more than that. I first became enamored with Jeter in June 1995. I didn't know much about love but what I was certain of was the fact that I was 7 and my heart was pounding fast. That was me thinking "who is that man? He is cute!". For the past 16 years, that love has never died and I'll be the first to shout from the rooftop, "He is my husband and we've been married for over 10 years". Over that span of 10+ years, millions of women would go on to profess the same sentiment. 

While I can sit here and dispute their claims, I'll keep this post argument free and just say Happy 37th Birthday Derek Jeter. Enjoy this day, live it up, soak up every moment, and revel in the fact that your fans love you, appreciate you, and are grateful for your existence and your hard work. Thank you

Now, I couldn't leave my readers stranded. Here are a few photos and video of Derek that are sure to break your CPU's:

A Proud Duke Momma x 3!

Just when you thought the basketball madness had ended with the Dallas Mavericks being crowned the 2011 NBA Champions, yes folks are STILL talking about that, something happened that added to the wonderment of the National Basketball Association, the NBA Draft. Players from every college team across the United States, sat with family, friends, and fans alike to await the announcement of where they would start their professional careers. As if I wasn't excited to see where this array of talent were heading, my heart suffered near palpitations...times 3!

Among the talent being fussed over and ultimately drafted, 3 of my Duke Blue Devils had the honor of being drafted tonight: Kyrie Irving, Nolan Smith, and Kyle Singler. Needless to say, I was overcome with joy because every academic year, my heart and my schedule belongs to Duke. 2010 NCAA champions Nolan Smith, who was the 21st pick in the 1st round, will be heading to Portland while the 2nd round 3rd pick Kyle Singler will be headed to the Detroit Pistons. Freshman phenom Kyrie Irving was an impressive 1st round 1st pick who will be going to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

I am more than proud of what these guys have accomplished under the tutelage of Coach K and I truly wish them and EVERYONE who was drafted tonight nothing but the best. In the hopes that there isn't an NBA lockout next season, I look forward to seeing these men play and showing off their talents.

Congratulations to players who represented the NCAA well & knock them dead y'all!

XOXO,
Whitney

You Know You've Heard About UConn

College is comprised of 4 amazing years filled with friends, parties, academics, possible love interests and sports. Sports for a college is a huge deal and if you're lucky enough to attend a school with a Division 1 Men's and Women's athletic teams, then you're in for an added treat. Every school year, students buy season tickets to watch their favorite teams play for a chance at the coveted NCAA title, and while it would seem that college football reigns supreme in all schools, let's not forget about college basketball.

Fans of college basketball dress up, paint their faces, and cheer in the spirit of school pride. There's nothing like watching your team battle for months for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. A tournament filled with upsets, tears, and victories, it never disappoints and this year was no exception. We saw a bountiful of old favorites, Duke for me, and new teams fight for a spot in the big dance....the Finals. This year, we were graced with the opportunity to see the Butler Bulldogs play against the UConn Huskies and Butler was back for blood after being embarrassed last year. Unfortunately, they had to contend with the bold Bronxite Kemba Walker and his clan of warriors.

After a back and forth match, UConn took the game and ran with it and was crowned the National Champions. This is certainly a huge win for the state of Connecticut and the borough of the Bronx as we celebrate this fantastic victory. Congratulations to both teams for their effort and for UConn on their win. The college basketball season has come to a close and I look forward to seeing everyone again in September.

XOXO,
Whitney

You Can Pinch Me 46 Times And I Still Won't Believe Andy's Gone

Most of us have big families with multiple aunts, uncles, and of course cousins and with this big family comes the many options in having that one brother, sister, or cousin that winds up being your best friend. The Yankee family is comprised of millions of members but for every fan, there's one player that's a best friend. For me, it's Derek Sanderson Jeter but for others it's Andrew Eugene Pettitte. You've spent every waking moment looking at, reading about, and falling in love with Andy. Every season, right before April, you made sure you had enough in your "Yankee Fund" account to see Andy pitch in person. Thing seemed good until the day your best friend broke your heart. Today, February 3, 2011, Andrew Pettitte shattered the hearts of his many best friends by announcing his retirement from baseball.

If you're like me, you still haven't fully comprehended the fact that Andy won't be in pinstripes this season. You won't hear that Southern gentleman's accent, you won't pierce into those big brown warming pools called his eyes. Funny thing about those eyes is that one minute they're calming and the next they are sending sharp pains to your heart...they're deadly. Every movement, every sound, every smile, every curse word that encompassed Andy will be leaving the Bronx and permanently settling in Texas. I want to scream, I want to cry, I want to be supportive but the separation is too real and too much to bear right now. So fans, where do we go from here? How do we cope?  Moreover, how do we prepare for his press conference tomorrow?  The answers to those questions aren't so cut and dry and I haven't thoroughly answered these for myself. I do have something in the form of bullets for what we can all do. Want to hear/read them? I know you want to.

The season is nearly a month away and the Yankees have to continue to uphold the principles of perseverance and excellence which means to crumble now will be bad business. As an Economist, personal issues take a back seat to remaining in the black every quarter. They can grieve Andy's retirement but they have to play the balancing act with being excited over new prospects and keeping current players happy. There's a lot on the emotional plate of the Yankees right now and God only knows what the owners are really thinking behind closed doors. As I re-read what I just wrote, I'm a little glad that we fans aren't the organization so to speak but just an extension of it. We can all grab our Kleenex tissues and cry because our best friend has packed up and shipped out.

Call me crazy but I only used my Kleenex for roughly 5 minutes because I don't want to mourn his retirement but celebrate the 16 years he gave us. Call me crazy guys but I think this is how we have to cope with the situation. Dwelling in the sorrow only makes us sadder and speeds up the aging process. When you replay the last 16 years, that should overshadow 24 hours of bad news. Also, are we really that selfish? We were the best friend, brother, father, mother, and sometimes wife to a man who legitimately had all of those members to love and be loved back from.  It hit me today that for 16 years we all cherished a man who left his wife and 4 children in Texas to make me smile. We played the "mistress" to a man who wore a wedding ring and said his vows before God while his children spent birthdays, parent teach conferences, and school plays wishing their father was home and not entertaining thousands each night. That is purely unacceptable so once again call me crazy but I'm kind of glad Andy has decided to step out of the spotlight.

As we all watch the press conference tomorrow, I hope we can learn to value what's truly important in life. Ok ok so it won't be easy watching Dandy Andy say his goodbyes but we're classy folks and after all he's done for us, the least we can do is watch, cry a little, and applaud his being. I'm going to miss you Andy but I'll feel a little easier knowing that 4 children have their father again and a wife has her husband to hold and yell at for not cleaning the dishes. Andrew Eugene Pettitte, born June 15, 1972 in Baton Rouge, Lousiana, I wish you nothing but the best. Y'all come back now and visit us up here North sometimes....it'll do us crazed Yankee fans some good.

XOXO,
Whitney

What The Folk Just Happened?

Football Saturday, yes Saturday, was one for the ages. The evening started with the defending Superbowl champion Saints playing the I-never-would-have-thought-I-would-see-them-in-the-playoffs Seattle Seahawks. If we all slept on the below .500 team before then you were in a rude awakening because Seattle kicked ass and defintiely took names. New Orleans lost to Seattle with a score of 41-36. Onward to the Jets game.

The New York Jets took things a little personal against Indianapolis as they were ready to grind it out for a victory. Let's just say they didn't disappoint. The back and forth tempo of this game left everyone on edge and praying that their bets be fulfilled. There's no need to recap the game because if you saw it, you're shaking and if you didn't then catch the highlights my dear fans. I have two words though and that is Nick Folk. Nick Folk redeemed himself from earlier in the season for kicking the winning 32-yard FG and sending the Jets to New England. 

I'll be with my boys as they take on Brady and the Pats. I have faith in my team because like I've been saying all season: Jets Rule Everything Around Me! Good job tonight boys!

XOXO,
Whitney