Here we are again for another Behind Bronx Pinstripes as we continue to dig deeper to find out more about the BP family. This edition, I put Rich Kaufman on the hot seat. Let’s go Behind Bronx Pinstripes.
JM- Tell us how you got involved with BP and what is your current role?
RK- I responded to a tweet back in April 2012 about looking for new writers. Suzanne put in a good word to Scott for me. She and I went to the same college and both majored in Communications/Sports Journalism. She had been with BP for a few weeks when I applied. I submitted a writing sample to Scott and the rest is history. I originally was brought on to write stat-based opinion articles. That transitioned into writing more feature stories. Now I’m the editor for the site. I’m also responsible for posting the Yankees lineup for every game.
JM- The guys started it on the podcast, but what is your “Walk Up” song coming up to the plate?
RK- This is a tough question. I could probably pick about 50 different songs. Let’s go with “Guess Who’s Back” by Scarface featuring Jay Z. One of Kanye’s greatest beats.
JM- Who is your favorite Yankee of All-Time? Your favorite NON Yankee? If there was one player in the history of baseball that you would want to see play- past or present, who is it?
RK- Paul O’Neill is my favorite Yankee of all-time. They don’t make ballplayers like him anymore. I loved his intensity and the way he played. He played hurt a lot of the time, and I always respected that. He felt like he should get a hit every time up, which was insane, but I loved that mentality. The water coolers didn’t like it too much. As far as non-Yankee goes, it has to be Ken Griffey Jr., which I feel like is a pretty common choice among Yankee fans my age. Bryce Harper is a close second.
For past players, I’d love to see Babe Ruth play. We hear so many stories about him and how legendary he was. It must’ve been amazing to see him play in person, because that was the only way you could see him back then. He was truly larger than life.
JM- You’re at the Stadium for a game, what’s your go-to drink/food order?
RK- Nothing like going to the Stadium on a hot summer day and going right for the beer. I usually get Summer Shandy (delicious and refreshing). Shout out to my beer girls in the Great Hall, Juanita and Whitney!
Hard to pick one thing to eat because there’s so many good options at the Stadium. One day I’ll be feeling garlic fries, the other I’ll go with sausage and peppers. The meatball sandwich from the Parm stand is a hidden gem in the Stadium. I also had the opportunity to sit in the Legends Seats at a game in April. Crab legs piled to the ceiling. Lobster claws. Sushi. You name it, they got it. It’s a different world down there
JM- What is your most memorable moment sitting in Yankee Stadium?
RK- As a Yankee fan, we’re lucky we have a lot of moments to choose from. My favorite has to be Jeter’s last home game. It was strange because the Yankees were already eliminated form the playoffs, but the atmosphere felt like a World Series game. I’ll never forget the sound when Jeter hit that ball to RF. There was kind of a silence as Antoan Richardson rounded third. Then the place just erupted when he scored. For the first time, the new Stadium sounded like the old place. Strangers were hugging each other, people were crying. It was pretty surreal to be there. A very, very close second is the Raul Ibanez game in the 2012 ALDS. That was insane.
JM- If you were on the Yankees, what position would you be playing?
RK- I played shortstop in little league and thought I was Derek Jeter, but there’d be too much pressure to play that position in the Bronx now. I’ll go with 2B and fill that void left by Robbie.
JM- Since you’re on the Yankees now, you hit a HR- what’s Sterling’s radio call as the ball leaves the park?
RK- “Swung on and driven to deep left field. IT IS HIGH….IT IS FAR…IIIIT IS GOOONE! Money in the bank! Richie Rich deposits one into the left field seats, and the Yankees take a 1-0 lead!” If Sterling ever needs a ghostwriter for his calls, I’m available.
JM- We’ll be sure to put in a good word with Sterling if he’s ever in need of help! When you aren’t watching the Yankees, what are you most likely doing?
RK- I’m probably playing MLB The Show on PS4, NBA 2K, or Madden. Speaking of which, I still need to play you in Madden, Justin. My Giants vs. your Cowboys. Let’s do it.
JM- You name the time, and you’re on! Continuing to gather data, what is your Top 3 baseball movie list?
RK- Ugh this is tough. Two and three could change depending on the day, but one is untouchable. 1. Sandlot, 2. Major League, 3. Bad News Bears. If Sandlot isn’t on your list somewhere, there’s something wrong with you.
JM- Completely agree! From your Twitter profile, your followers can see 2 things- you love Seinfeld & A-Rod. Give us a short summary of an A-Rod themed Seinfeld episode. GO!
RK- Oh man. I love it when my worlds collide. Let’s see. How about George is assigned to be A-Rod’s personal assistant. A-Rod asks George for Elaine’s number. Kramer becomes the bat-man for the team, gives A-Rod corked bat by accident. A-Rod suspended for life at 2,999 hits.
JM- Forget being Sterling’s ghostwriter, you need to help out Larry David! That is an episode I’d watch over and over! Since that probably won’t happen (unfortunately) something that may be more realistic; what is your dream vacation spot, or your favorite vacation you’ve been on?
RK- I’d love to go to Italy one day. My favorite vacation so far was probably last summer. I went out to Santa Barbara, CA for a wedding and stayed for a week. Drove up the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco, then back down to LA. Everyone should drive on the PCH at least once in his or her life.
JM- Who is your favorite “non-Yankee”/ “non-baseball” Twitter profile to follow?
RK- @Dragonflyjonez. Dude is hilarious. Talks about everything from music to politics.
JM- If you could break one record in baseball what would it be?
RK- Surpassing Barry Bonds would be cool, but I’ll go with Joe DiMaggio‘s 56-game hitting streak, probably the hardest record to break in sports. I don’t think anyone will come close to breaking it.
JM- Now that you’re the new hit-streak leader, what would you rather accomplish next: Hitting a walk-off HR in the 9th of the 7th game of the World Series, Scoring the winning TD in the Super Bowl, Hitting a winning three in game 7 of the NBA Finals, Scoring the winning goal in overtime of Game 7 in the Stanley Cup, Winning an Olympic Gold or Winning the Masters?
RK- Even though it was Game 6, seeing Joe Carter freaking out as he rounded the bases convinced me that I’d want to hit a walk-off homer to win the WS. Game 7 would make it even more ridiculous.
Now you all have a bit of insight to our editor, Rich Kaufman- thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Make sure you all give him a follow on his Twitter @RakCity27 for more A-Rod/Seinfeld mash up loving.
Be on the look out for our next edition of Behind Bronx Pinstripes when we talk to The Recap Machine, Ryan Nakada.
