NY Daily News Reports Roberto Alomar Allegedly has AIDS

The February 10th, 2009 edition of the New York Daily News reports that former All-Star Second Baseman Roberto Alomar allegedly has full-blown AIDS after allegedly testing positive for HIV in 2006. He is being sued by his former live-in girlfriend, Ilya Dall for $15 million for potentially exposing her and her children to the virus. Further updates will come as this story develops, as Alomar was unavailable for comment and his lawyer would not give specifics on the status of his health. Look for the Mets to have a smaller version of the Spring Training media circus that their Bronx counterparts are experiencing as Alomar's father and brother are both coaches for the Mets. Alomar is eligible for election to the Hall of Fame in 2009.

UPDATE
Roberto Alomar tells ESPN that he is in good health, and asks that "people respect his privacy at this time."

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Ed Kranepool recalls the sparse teachings of Rogers Hornsby with the 1962 Mets

Ed Kranepool briefly discusses in the video below, his interactions with Hall of Famer Rogers Hornsby as an 18-year-old rookie with the New York Mets in 1962. Hornsby was a coach on the Mets inaugural team, and passed away shortly after the season in January 1963.

Ed Kranepool listening to Casey Stengel in 1962

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Ron Swoboda Recalls Casey, Duke and the 69 Mets

I recently caught up with former outfielder Ron Swoboda at the Thurman Munson Dinner in New York City. Swoboda best known for his acrobatic diving catch in game 4 of the 1969 World Series, spent 9 seasons in the Majors with the Mets, Yankees and Expos. Ron speaks on his experiences playing with Duke Snider, Casey Stengel, his "place" in baseball history, as well as his observations on current ballplayers from his view as a broadcaster for the New Orleans Zephyrs.

Ron Swoboda Interview

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Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran Honored at 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner

Tuesday evening at the Grand Hyatt New York City brought us the 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, benefiting the AHRC. Among the honorees for their charity work were New York Yankee Outfielder, Johnny Damon and New York Met Outfielder, Carlos Beltran.

Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda, Carlos Beltran / N. Diunte

Damon received the Thurman Munson Award as a result of his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. Damon was glowing in his praise of Munson, describing him as a "gamer, great family guy, great competitor and a champion."

As much as he tried during the press conference, he could not escape the repeated questions about Joe Torre's new book which had been released the same day. Damon took a little jab at the reporters.

"I'm not sure I am going to need to read the book as I am going to hear every little bit about it every single day."

Beltran was honored for his charitable donations to create sports education programs in his native Puerto Rico. He was proud to be recognized for his efforts.

"It's about doing things right off of the field, being able to give back to the people who really need it the most," Beltran said. "When I give, I don't expect to receive awards, but when you do, it lets you know you are doing the right thing."

Beltran also tried to sidestep the Torre questions, after a reporter found the two sentences where Beltran was mentioned in the book.

"When I met with the Yankees, he wasn't there, he didn't know what we talked about," Beltran said. "He said what he said, and that's his opinion. I don't have a comment on it. I am happy where I am."

Also honored were: 1969 Mets players Ron Swoboda, Bud Harrelson, Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool, NY Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree, former NY Knick Allan Houston and Olympic Gold Medalist Dara Torres. On hand at the event to present awards were former Yankee Bernie Williams, and 1986 Mets pitcher and SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Johnny Damon










David Tyree, Diana Munson, Allan Houston, Dara Torres, Bernie Williams

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Juan Marichal 'Dominican Dandy' Interview

Hall of Famer Juan Marichal was in New York recently for a few public appearances. We sat down to talk about his memories of playing in New York early in his career and what he enjoys most about attending the BAT dinner.

In this interview below, he shared  his memories of playing in the 1964 All-Star game at Shea Stadium, his current work with ESPN Deportes, his thoughts on the Dominican entry in the World Baseball Classic, and how he was signed by the legendary Horacio Martinez.

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Berke Aims High With Queens Memorabilia Show

Promoter Jack Berke is looking to tap the Queens autograph and sports collectors market by bringing the big gatherings back to the home of the Mets. Berke, founder of Jack Berke Sports has been in the business of player representation and promotion for 20 years. His clients include baseball Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda, Bobby Doerr, Ralph Kiner and Juan Marichal.

During a recent interview Berke discussed the need for a return of shows to Queens, as the "location is central to Long Island, New Jersey and Connecticut." His most recent show during the Super Bowl weekend at the LaGuardia Crowne Plaza contained over 100 dealer tables and appearances from, the aforementioned Marichal, Bert Blyleven, Lee Smith, former Met heroes Jon Matlack, Jack Fisher, Craig Swan and Yankee All-Star Roy White.

Berke says that people attending his shows can expect, "good prices, a friendly atmosphere and well stocked dealers. We're offering future Hall of Famer Lee Smith for free with admission during the show. How many other promoters can make that offer? I am able to offer these type of value deals because of my close relationships with the players. I want the customers to feel like they are getting something for their admission."

If you aren't able to attend Berke's shows in-person, no worry, he offers reliable mail order service for your favorite player's autograph. "I personally handle every mail order item, to ensure that it is properly taken care of and returned to my customers."

Upcoming shows include Saturday February 7th and Sunday February 8th, 2009 with Hall of Famers Goose Gossage and Monte Irvin in Albany, NY , and Saturday February 28th and Sunday March 1st, 2009 with newly minted Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson, Jim Bunning, Bobby Doerr, Ralph Kiner, and Robin Yount in Teaneck, NJ. As with both shows, there will also be free autograph guests with admission. "I'm bringing new players to the metropolitan area. I will be the first promoter to have Rickey Henderson since the announcement of his induction to the Hall of Fame. I also expect Robin Yount to do well since he hasn't done a show here in some time."

For more information on upcoming shows and events from Jack Berke Sports, check out their website: www.jackberkesports.com

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Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda to Appear At The 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner Tuesday February 3, 2009 at Grand Hyatt, NYC

Who: Honorees/Special Guests: New York Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran; New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon; 1969 Amazin' Mets, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Championship, right fielder Ron Swoboda will accept; outfielder Art Shamsky, shortstop Bud Harrelson, 1st baseman Ed Kranepool, 3rd baseman Ed Charles, Joan Hodges, wife of manager Gil Hodges, son Gil Hodges, Jr., Maxene Agee, wife of centerfielder Tommie Agee, will be in attendance; Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree; former Knicks All-Star guard Allan Houston; Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres; Corporate Hero Award honoree: Michael Rosen, Partner, Bryan Cave; Diana Munson, widow of late, great Yankee catcher Thurman Munson; Len Berman, NBC Sports, Master of Ceremonies.

What: 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner to benefit the AHRC-NYC Foundation

Where: Grand Hyatt New York, 42nd Street at Grand Central; Chrysler Room, Mezzanine Level

When: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Time: 7:00 pm dinner/ awards

For More Information: 212-649-6188

Diana Munson, Thurman's widow, has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $9 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The honorees will be cited for their accomplishments on the field of play and philanthropic efforts. The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

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