About the Off-Season: Giving Thanks
By Tim Kabel
November 23, 2023
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Today is Thanksgiving. Instead of writing an article about which free agents the Yankees should sign or what trades they should make, I would like to pause and reflect upon the things I am thankful for, whether or not they are baseball related.
Before I do that, I would like to say that the hiring of Brad Ausmus as the bench coach for the Yankees was a very good move. He has experience. He is very bright and has an excellent reputation in the game. He's also not a crony of Aaron Boone, and therefore, if Boone gets off to a shaky start again this season, Ausmus would be a perfect candidate to replace him. I'm not saying that Boone should be looking over his shoulder but, a rear-view mirror might not be a bad idea.
I am thankful for:
The chance to have seen Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs in a season.
Being a Yankees' fan. No matter how things have gone lately, they have still won 27 World Series, which is the most of any team.
Watching seven of those World Series victories.
Having three amazing children who make me proud every day, in every way.
Seeing tremendous stars play their entire careers for the Yankees, including Thurman Munson, Ron Guidry, Don Mattingly, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and now Aaron Judge.
An amazing group of family and friends who have stood by me through thick, thicker, and thickest of all. Sometimes, the thickest of all was my skullI
The chance to see several young players come up in the recent past who seem as if they could be key contributors in the future. I have high hopes for Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, Clarke Schmidt, Jasson Dominguez, and Oswald Peraza.
A 30-year career in the field of child protection that allowed me to actually make a difference in a few lives.
Parents who gave me love, support, guidance, and redirection when I needed it. They instilled integrity, a work ethic, and a sense of humor in me, and I have nothing but love and gratitude for them. I wish I had not inherited arthritis from them but, you get what you get, and you don't get upset.
The knowledge that no matter what, the Yankees will at least be competitive almost every single year. Although I would like to see them win the World Series every year, I really can't complain.
The chance to have a second career as a writer. I have encountered many people who have given me nothing but support as I try to publish my novels.
The chance to go to those old fan festivals at the Jacob Javits Center. I was able to shake hands with, and get autographs from Jimmy Key, Andy Pettitte, Derek Jeter, and many others, including Don Larsen.
The chance to write for SSTN. I truly enjoy sharing my thoughts and observations. The positive reception I have received from the readers is truly heartwarming. The kindness and support from the other writers, and especially our editor, Dr Semendinger, has been remarkable. I am truly fortunate to be part of this team.
My sense of humor. Although it may not be everyone's cup of tea, it has helped me through many situations in my life and I hope that when the day comes for me to cash in my chips, I do so with a joke on my lips.
The chance to see my son, Jack, excel in baseball. I might have been a good baseball player myself, were it not for a total lack of athletic ability. But witnessing him develop to the point where he is pitching for a Division One College fills me with pride. He worked very hard to get there, as do all my children at everything they do. I can't ask for anything more.
My ability to cook and bake. It has helped me make other people happy and it is a way for me to relax and deal with the stress that I encounter in my life. I am attempting to bake 10 varieties of pie or cobbler this year. Since I am having my celebration on Friday, I have not completed them, yet I will provide an update on Saturday.
My wonderful, beautiful, and thoughtful wife, Stacey, who was able to see something worthwhile in this worn-out old plow horse. She has brought joy, hope, and love into my life.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!
