What it Means to be a Yankees Fan: Sarah Ancelet

Another day here in the Major League season, another day of blogging here on The Greedy Pinstripes, and another day where a fan of the New York Yankees gets to tell their own story of fandom and what being a fan of this great team means to them. Today’s fan of the New York Yankees is Sarah Ancelet, a fan of not only the team but of the blog as well. Sarah reached out to us on Twitter wanting to showcase her fandom, so here it is.

What makes you a fan of the New York Yankees?

I’ve always watched and played sports growing up, and I usually liked the same teams as my dad.  I like the history of the Yankees, players like the Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Mantle.  Even the ones we got to see like Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte, and Jorge Posada were easy to love and watch.  Hearing stories of old players and how great they were always stood out to me. 

What is your earliest memory of the New York Yankees?

My earliest memory of the Yankees that I can remember would be watching the 2001 World Series with my dad.  I was 11 years old and in the 6^th grade, I’m sure I watched games previously, but I can for sure remember this time.  I was heartbroken when Luis Gonzalez blooped that single over Derek’s head to win.  I was young, but that day I fell in love with Mariano Rivera.  I cried when he tore his ACL, I was an hour away at college, when I saw that he was hurt.  I called my mom crying and she thought something was wrong with me.  I was not only sad that he was hurt, but we were planning a trip to NY that summer and I knew I wouldn’t get to see him pitch in pinstripes.  I cried when he left the field at Yankee Stadium for the last time, again when he signed a baseball for me at Minute Maid Park in Houston a few days or so later.  I’m sure I will cry next summer when he’s inducted into the Hall of Fame. 

What is your fondest memory of the New York Yankees?

Like all Yankee fans I have many fond memories, but the one that stands out to me most would be the 2009 World Series.  That one is special to me because my dad and I got to watch it together.  After Robinson Cano made the play to Mark Teixeira at first base my dad and I jumped up and hugged each other.   In 2008, my senior year in high school, my dad was diagnosed with cancer.  So, it was special to watch the last championship together.  He passed away in 2010.  I also have enjoyed watching them play in several parks along with three trips to Yankee Stadium.   I hope this season will be as special as 2009.  I’m from Louisiana, about 3 hours east of Houston and I’m already tired of hearing crap from my friends who are Astros fans. 

What do you think of when you see the interlocking NY of the Yankees?

When I see the interlocking NY, I think of history of New York as a whole.  It’s not just baseball, but the city as well.  Everyone around the world knows New York City and the Yankees are very popular globally as well.   

Thank you for taking the time to do this for us, Sarah, and we hope you enjoyed doing it as much as we enjoyed reading it. If you want your words and your story showcased here on the blog like Sarah, then answer these four questions and submit your stories to me personally at danielburch1102 at yahoo dot com.