Welcome to the second installation of Behind Bronx Pinstripes as we continue our journey to learn more about each of the BP family members. Last week we talked to the founding member of Bronx Pinstripes and co-host of the podcast, Scott Reinen. Today we’ll chat with Scott’s podcast partner, and one of the first writers brought onto the site, Andrew Rotondi.
JM- Here’s an easy one to start Andrew, how did you get involved with BP? And what is your current role with the team?
AR- Back in 2011 I started a Twitter account and Tumblr page, and started writing about the Yankees. Obviously, I always had a passion for baseball so I figured I would start putting my thoughts on paper (online). Then I started following a page called NYYUniverse.com (RIP), and I messaged Scott that I was interested in writing, and the rest is history. We were both just starting our own things, so it all worked out. Right now I’m working on the podcast with Scott that we launched this season and still writing on the site. (Check out the Podcast here)
JM- Speaking of the podcast, you guys had started asking guest what song they would use, but what is your ‘Walk Up’ song coming up to the plate?
AR- Yes we did start that and then didn’t really follow through with it…that’s on us. My walkup song was ‘Dear Mr. Fantasy’. It’s a badass song and I get pumped every time I hear it.
JM- Where do you see the podcast going? What features might be added as it grows?
AR- We’re really excited about where the podcast can go. Podcasting was always something I thought I’d like, so I’m happy we finally got it going this season. I would love if we can get some interviews with current or ex-Yankees, some of the YES Network personalities, etc. I want the podcast to be the go-to show for all Yankees fans because we feel we’re speaking for a lot of the fans out there. We also want people to send in mailbag and voice mails, which will allow us to interact more with the listeners.
JM- As you model the podcast what is your favorite “non-Yankee”/ “non-baseball” podcast?
AR- Probably the BS Report with Bill Simmons, although he’s not doing it currently because he and ESPN got in a pissing match. But I love the way he was able to have casual conversation with any of his guests about the topics. That’s what I shoot for on The Bronx Pinstripes Show.
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?
AR- Paul O’Neill was always my guy growing up. I love the fire he played the game with. Also it’s the best when he’s in the YES booth.
Favorite non-Yankee is tough because I usually hate everyone who doesn’t play for the team. If we’re going all time that I’ve watched, its Barry Bonds…mainly from an amazement aspect. Yes I know he cheated, but his numbers from 1999-2005 were ridiculous. It was like when I used to use cheat codes in All-Star Baseball ’99 for N64. But that’s also probably because Bonds never really beat the Yankees. Once you beat the Yanks, you’re dead to me. For a current player, I’ll go with the future New York Yankee, Bryce Harper.
If I could watch anyone past or present it would be Mickey Mantle. Every time I read or hear people talk about him they say he was the greatest player they’d ever seen. And he was awesome to follow off the field. Although I don’t know if he would have survived in the game today with social media, blogs, etc. It would be like Johnny Football, but Mickey was actually good at his sport.
JM- Add a point for the N64 reference, a negative point for mentioning Johnny Manziel (you should know better)! Ok you’re at the Stadium for a game, what’s your go-to drink/food order?
AR- First stop is the beer stand, and hopefully they have something better than Bud Light at the stand I go to. And definitely sausage and peppers- I’m actually not a huge hotdog guy.
JM- What is your most memorable moment sitting in Yankee Stadium?
AR- Funny because I’m having a hard time thinking of one. As a kid, we always went to more Yankees games at Fenway than Yankee Stadium because it was closer. I was at a game when the Yankees scored 19 at Fenway. I was at a game when Knoblauch and Jeter led off with back-to-back HRs. I was, unfortunately, at the ARod—Varitek brawl. But my favorite Yankee Stadium memory was probably when I took a tour of the old stadium and got to walk on the field and sit in the dugout. (Does that count?)
JM- Of course that counts! You mentioned it, so tell all of us what is it like living in enemy territory being such a hardcore Yankees fan?
AR- Well I grew up in Rhode Island, which is definitely Red Sox territory but there are still a good amount of Yankees fans. It’s like 70/30 split, which isn’t bad. After college I moved to Boston…not many Yankees fans here. The thing is though, the teams have not been that good since I moved here. Their rivalry has kind of died since the mid-2000s, so I don’t get that much shit when I go to games or anything. I walk around in Yankees hats all the time, and rarely get anyone chirping. Even when the Red Sox won the World Series in 2013 it didn’t seem like their fans cared as much as I thought they would. Hopefully the Yanks-Sox rivalry is heating up and I can have a little more fun with the fans here. I need more sports hate in my life…
JM- If you were on the Yankees, what position would you be playing?
AR- I was a catcher from little league through high school, so I’d be behind the plate. I love being back there and calling the game. Plus, to follow in the footsteps of guys like Yogi Berra, Bill Dickey, Elston Howard, Jorge Posada, and Thurman Munson would be great.
JM: Yankees are running out of numbers to use, what’s on your back?
AR- I was always number 21 in high school because of O’Neill. So I’d ask Paulie if it’s ok that I wear 21.
JM- I’m sure he would have no problem letting you use his number! Since you’re on the Yankees now, you hit a HR- what’s Sterling’s radio call as the ball leaves the park?
AR- Oh god, it would be some awful word play. Like, “Rotondi Rocked It!” or “Oh that Andrew is Awesome!” Gotta love Sterling, right?
JM- When you aren’t watching the Yankees, what are you most likely doing?
AR- Tweeting about the Yankees. (Follow Andrew on Twitter)
JM- I’m going to ask everyone this question to come up with a definitive Bronx Pinstripes Top Baseball Movie list. What are your Top 3 baseball movies?
AR- Angels in the Outfield, which I watched every day one summer. Major League, just because there are rumors Charlie Sheen did steroids for that movie. And then The Sandlot.
JM- Dream vacation spot, or your favorite vacation you’ve been on?
AR- Honestly this might be the hardest question you’ve asked, but I’ve narrowed it down to two. One is Italy. I want to sit on the beach, drink wine, and eat awesome food for two weeks straight. The other is heli-skiing in Alaska. I know it’s the complete opposite of Italy, and I’d probably kill myself, but it would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
JM- If you could break one record in baseball what would it be?
AR- The easy answer is the home run record, but with the steroid era, all those offensive records are taken less seriously. This contradicts my answer to an early question where I said I would be a catcher, but I’m gonna go with career wins, which is Cy Young with 511. They’d probably have to rename the yearly pitching award after me if I broke that. Also as a side note, I don’t know if we’ll ever see another 300 game winner.
JM- The Andrew Rotondi Award..I can dig it! So you broke the all-time wins record, but which of the following big sports moments would you rather accomplish? 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?
AR- I was all set to say HR in game 7 of the WS, and then you dropped winning the Masters in there. I’m going with that. If you win the Masters you’re instantly immortal in the golf world. Tough question though. And if you were to ask something like: would you rather take batting practice at Yankee Stadium or play a round at Augusta. I’m taking Augusta… there’s just something about that place. Although I’d probably shoot 150.
Great answers Andrew, thank you for taking the time and giving our readers a look inside. Make sure you all check Andrew out on Twitter and be sure to listen to the Bronx Pinstripes Show. They are taking your questions and rants in the mailbag so drop them a line and say hi!
Stay tuned for the next edition of the Behind Bronx Pinstripes where we will put another Bronx Pinstripes contributor on the hot seat.
