The Bronx Is Burning

At one point, Yogi Berra asks Billy Martin if he thinks Rod Carew (who played for the California Angels) will hit .400. To which, Billy responds "I hope so." While some might question why someone from the Yankees would be interested in what a player from the Angels does, there is a reason for this exchange: When Rod Carew was beginning his career with the Minnesota Twins, Billy was a scout, a coach, and a manager with the team. Carew has said that Billy was one of his biggest supporters on the club and that the Twins ownership wanted to get rid of him when he was a rookie but Billy fought for him. So, Billy was genuinely hopeful for Carew's success as it proved Billy's ability to judge talent. In 1977, Carew won the AL Batting Title with a .388 average.

Reggie Jackson in 1977 did not sport a "soul-patch" beneath his lower lip. Facial hair for New York Yankees is prohibited below the lower lip. Back in the late '70s Thurman Munson, when in dispute with Yankee ownership, would from time to time begin to grow a beard, and then would be ordered to shave it. Over the years, other Yankees, such as Goose Gossage and Don Mattingly, have been reprimanded by Yankee brass for long hair or facial hair in violation of Yankee policy.

Featured in 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (2008)