Born in New York City in 1960 and raised in a house filled with Yankee fans, I grew up on Mantle and Murcer, suffered through the lean years, was in college in the Bronx in 1978-79 (and was at the stadium for the last regular season game in '78 which set up the one-game, Bucky over the Green Monster, playoff with Boston. Also got to see Thurmon's final opening day in '79.

Transferred to Potsdam State (as far away from New York City as you can get and not be in Canada) and was there when legendary Division III coach Jerry Welsh lead the Bears to the National Championship in basketball. (To this day their semi-final win via a half court shot by my friend Leroy Witherspoon remains one of the great sports moments of my life).

Developed a love for the Mets on my own, independent and without the approval of the family, and now am positioned perfectly to have my heart broken twice every fall.