(Long Island, NY) Throughout the history of professional sports, franchises have picked up and moved to different cities regularly. Perhaps the most famous – and heartbreaking – one was the Brooklyn Dodgers. When Walter O’Malley relocated ‘Dem Bums’ from the Borough of Churches to glitzy Los Angeles, it was looked at so angrily that a funny joke was started because of the former Dodgers owner:

“If you have two bullets in a gun and Adolph Hitler, Josef Stalin and Walter O’Malley are in the room, what do you do?”

“Shoot O’Malley twice.”

With the recent talk of a possible Islanders move to Kansas City, owner Charles Wang has to hope that he doesn’t become the punch line of a similar joke, albeit it a modern version with Sadam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden taking the places of Hitler and Stalin.

Although that was baseball in the 1950s and this is modern day hockey, there are actually some similarities between the two situations. Ebbets Field, the ballpark that housed the Dodgers since it was opened in 1913, was terribly antiquated and its seating capacity (upgraded to 32,000 from 25,000 in 1932) considered small for the 1950s. There was also the issue with a lack of parking at the ballpark. When it was built, that was not something thought about, but as the years went on, it became a legitimate problem.

O’Malley proposed a location for a new stadium that he would build with his own money. All he wanted was the land for free from New York City. The area in downtown Brooklyn where the new Nets arena project is slated for was what O’Malley had his eye on, and even stated that it’s close proximity to the Long Island Rail Road station would be a plus for transplanted Brooklynites who moved out east attending Dodger games.

The city offered O’Malley a parcel of land in Flushing, Queens that eventually housed Shea Stadium. The Dodgers in Queens? O’Malley thought the idea was preposterous and when he declined, he took an offer that he couldn’t refuse, which, of course, was going to California.

Wang may have an offer that he will find hard to refuse, especially in light of Nassau County’s reluctance to change their stance on the Lighthouse Project. The politicians have agreed to refurbish the falling-apart Nassau Coliseum, but feel as if the entire plan would be too expensive.

Built in 1972 for the expansion Islanders, this venue has seen better days, in both a literal and figurative sense. Of course during the dynasty era when the Isles won four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980-1983), hearing talk of a move would have seemed completely insane. But that was long ago and times – and the team – are very different now.

Numerous losing campaigns filled with questionable moves have become commonplace in Uniondale. The entire Mike Milbury saga, the 15-year contract for goalie Rick DiPietro (who is out for the season with a knee injury), the hiring and quick firing of head coach Ted Nolan, the hiring and quicker firing of general manager Neil Smith, the signing of Alexi Yashin and plenty more.

Wang has tried other ideas in the past; even flirting with the possibility of moving the team to Suffolk County if an arena could be built for them.

This situation will eventually come to a head, if that hasn’t already happened. The Islanders have scheduled an exhibition game in September versus the Los Angeles Kings in Kansas City. The same town that spawned the New Jersey Devils (who began as the Kansas City Scouts and moved to Colorado before settling in the Garden State) wants another shot at the NHL. While this can be viewed as an innocent neutral site game, whispers are that there is some posturing by Wang going on.

“According to league sources this game could be perceived as a veiled threat of potential relocation if plans for a new arena on Long Island aren’t soon finalized,” as stated by Darren Dreger of TSN.

Islanders’ general manager Garth Snow refuted that report. “I’m not worried about (the perception),” he told reporters. “It’s a preseason game. The last few years, and even before I became GM, we always played preseason games in different markets.”

The venue known as the Sprint Center was built in Kansas City with the impression that a hockey team would eventually call it home. The recent Britney Spears concert held there was not the reason why that building stands today. With NHL commissioner Gary Betman stating that there will be no expansion teams in the foreseeable future means an established franchise may have the need for their mail to be forwarded.

If you look throughout the NHL, the Islanders are not the only shaky team, with Nashville, Carolina, Phoenix and Atlanta also being mentioned as having problems. But as far as old arenas go, the Islanders have to be viewed as the most likely to move.

And if that becomes a reality, it will be no laughing matter.

Giants Need to Make a Call on Plaxico Burress

Call it a ‘Catch-17’ situation for Jerry Reese. The Giants’ general manager knows in his heart that the outcome of last Sunday’s 23-11 loss to Philadelphia in the NFC divisional round may have been different if Plaxico Burress was on the field catching everything quarterback Eli Manning would throw right between the 1 and 7 on the front of his jersey. But due to the suspension of the troubled wide receiver, we will never know that for certain.

Before Reese can even think about Burress coming back, there are a few legal matters at hand that need to be addressed first. Most importantly is the one in Manhattan on March 31 when Burress will have to answer for the November 29 shooting incident. Before discussing anything with the wideout, Reese will wait at least until Burress sees a judge.

“Well, the legal process can veto everything, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to make a lot of decisions prior to the legal process running its course,” he said. “That will be a part of the decision making as we go forward. Plax is still a New York Giant right now.”

Reese further stated that the decision will be made as an organization – ownership, the coaching and personnel staff will all be involved on whether Burress comes back next season or not. That is, if he is able to. Not only does the he face criminal charges, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell runs a tight ship and may elect to suspend Burress. The four games that Burress missed at the end of the regular season was the result of team discipline.

Always seeming to get himself in trouble, Burress was in a courtroom recently, albeit for a civil trial in Pennsylvania. According to a report in Newsday, a local car dealer is seeking $36,000 for a 2004 Chevrolet Avalanche and an additional $6,600 in counsel fees after the car was damaged and impounded by the New York City Police Department. The court complaint said the vehicle was “involved in a criminal incident involving gunfire” in New York City after Burress loaned it to friends. Seems to be a pattern here with this player.

His teammates have stuck by him, and collectively have publicly stated that they want him back. Manning and defensive end Justin Tuck, two considered team leaders, both made it clear that they hope the wideout returns. While that sentiment may be the majority in the locker room, it doesn’t exactly have the same feeling coming out of the coach’s office.

During an interview on WFAN’s Mike Francesa show, Tom Coughlin was hesitant to welcome back Burress. “I’m not ready to say that,” the head coach said. “The issue that I have to think about is there are 52 other guys in that locker room as well.”

Never being on the best of terms, Coughlin and Burress have had their differences, even before the latest incident. Looking at it from the head coach’s point of view, he cannot allow one player to behave as if he was a rich teenager whose father was the District Attorney. Burress goes by the beat of his own drum and has not shown even a hint of turning the page. In fact, his actions have progressively declined.

For the short term, the team may be weaker in the passing game, and the statistics over the last month of the season back that up, with Manning throwing for less than 200 yards during that span and the playoff game. But someone has to step up and take a stand against the distraction that Burress has become.

If that person happens to Coughlin, so be it. And the people who will also be involved in the decision to bring Burress back or not have to respect their coach’s opinion.

(Long Island, NY) They didn’t acquire the nickname for nothing. It took years in the making and earning it through many different regimes is not that easy. Bad bounces coupled with bad decisions – on the field and off – all have been the culprit and piled together spell it out.

Same Old Jets.

Regardless if the revolving door of front office personnel, coaches and players will never admit it, that stigma weighs on everyone who has ever put on the green and white for the last 40 years. Eric Mangini is merely the latest to understand that.

By presiding over another December to not remember, the man who was called ‘Mangenius’ only two short years ago in his rookie season on the Jet sideline now finds himself on the unemployment line. After leading Gang Green to a wild card playoff berth with a 10-6 record in 2006, Mangini and the entire organization took a major step back last year with a 4-12 mark.

That set everything up for this year to be a ‘make-or-break’ one for not only Mangini, but general manager Mike Tannenbaum, as well. They both came on together and have been linked with both successes and failures of the team. Owner Woody Johnson gave them an open checkbook and the offseason spending spree – which addressed the offensive line and pass rush – was capped off by the acquisition of Brett Favre in August. What looked like a strike of genius at the time ended up being the kiss if death for Mangini.

Perhaps Johnson was seeing the Favre of old, not an old Favre, when number four recanted on his retirement and forced the trade from Green Bay. Judging by the swift dismissal of his head coach that may just be the case.

“It’s one of those things that is a judgment call – Mike and I looking at this organization now and trying to see if Eric was the right fit or whether we should move on in a different direction,” said Johnson on Monday during the press conference announcing the firing. This came only a scant few hours after Johnson said that he didn’t want to make a decision on his coach in the “heat” of the aftereffects of the 24-17 loss to Miami on Sunday, which eliminated the Jets (9-7) from playoff contention.

Both Johnson and Tannenbaum have publicly stated that they want Favre to return in 2009, even though he will turn 40 and looked every bit his age by leading the league with 22 interceptions.

“We, as an organization, want Brett back,” Tannenbaum said. “I think that will unfold over the days and weeks from now.” Word is that the front office informed Favre to take “as long as he needs” to make a decision, but that they would like to know by the Scouting Combine in February.

When the Jets signed two big offensive lineman in Alan Faneca and Damien Woody, then picked up Favre, the eerily similar circumstances reminisced of 1996, a season in which ‘Same Old Jets’ was stated often during a 1-15 nightmare.

That year, Jumbo Elliot and David Williams were added to the offensive line and Neil O’Donnell – coming off a Super Bowl appearance with Pittsburgh – was signed to a five-year, $25 million free agent contract. What seemed to be a good formula to improve on the 3-13 mark from the previous campaign, the Jets couldn’t get out of their own way from the get-go. Both lineman were injured during training camp and O’Donnell was pummeled in the 31-6 season opener at Denver.

Missing time with more than one injury, including one suffered in pre-game warm-ups, O’Donnell was a bust and was gone by 1998. Not comparing Rich Kotite to Mangini, but both coaches were removed after disappointing seasons following the addition of two O-lineman and previous winning quarterbacks.

This team may not need the overhaul that the ’96 club did, but this one needs to have many questions answered. The old quarterback, the future head coach, the direction of the franchise being the important ones. As Tannenbaum put it, they will be “looking under every rock” for talent. That won’t be as difficult as it sounds since they nearly hit rock bottom with this latest collapse.

(Long Island, NY) One of the first things that CC Sabathia told the media on Thursday was that he got a “chill” when he said that he was a member of the New York Yankees and put on their hat. He also was sporting a pinstriped jersey with the number 52 on the back, which no doubt must have been at least what the size tag stated and still not baggy enough to hide his 311-pound girth.

For a free agent that did everything possible to find another taker closer to his northern California home, it would seem a bit of a farce that Sabathia would resort to the Yankee mystique as an attraction to inking a seven-year, $161 million contract.

“As far as having a chance to win every year, and that’s something that I talk about all the time, if you ask anybody, that’s the bottom line for me,” he said. “There really was no other place to go.”

The key to that entire statement is the last part. Was Sabathia referring to the Yankees being perceived as ‘winners’ and playing for them will guarantee some semblance of success, or that there were no other offers out there even close to the one he accepted?

The Milwaukee Brewers – who Sabathia went 11-2 with after being acquired from Cleveland – put forth a five-year, $100 million offer to the 28-year-old lefthander. Besides that and the Yankees’ original $146 million over six years, there were no other bidders out there for his services. Sabathia was blatant about preferring the west coast teams, but besides a rumored low-baller from the Giants (obviously hoping for a hometown discount and a bit gun shy after getting burned on Barry Zito), it was the Yankees bidding against themselves.

The Bombers’ new ace spoke about going house hunting with his wife. Wherever he ends up residing, it may be a short stay. One of the final ingredients in the negotiations was the inclusion of a player opt-out clause after three years. Makes one think of how genuine his “chill” was or if he only felt one because of President-elect Barrack Obama’s plan on blasting the rich with heavy taxes.

If Sabathia does decide to pack his solid gold luggage in 2011 and head west, he will have pocketed $69 million of Hal Steinbrenner’s money and – the rest remains unanswered. Delivering what is the only goal of the organization – World Series title number 27 – determines if signing the overweight southpaw was worth it or not.

For a team like the Yankees, spending another $82.5 million on a second free agent hurler is merely a luxury. A.J. Burnett was also introduced at the press conference and brings with him a history of injury problems to 161st street. Timing is everything, and the righthander remained healthy in 2008 while going 18-10 for Toronto, giving him enough reason to opt out of a contract paying him $11 million a year. Now he has five years to prove that it was the right move.

“We’re all family now,” Burnett said at the press conference.

A very wealthy one at that.

(Long Island, NY) With everything falling into place on a near-perfect season, the last thing the New York Giants needed was a distraction of epic proportions. The Plaxico Burress shooting incident cannot become the fly in the ointment and even with other members of the organization involved, they have to put this behind them.

For a team that has had their fair share of controversial figures (Tiki Barber, Michael Strahan and Jeremy Shockey being the top three), Burress has taken it to another level with his latest in a long list of what not to do. To make matters worse, he is taking down someone with him that has been the mark of consistency for everything that Burress is not.

Antonio Pierce has always been viewed as one of the go-to guys for Big Blue and is known in the industry as a player that will stand by his locker and answer all questions. But he has been put in an awkward position here and has had to – for legal purposes – refuse to speak about what happened that night in the Latin Quarters nightclub.

“If there are any questions about the New York Giants as a team and going forward about the Philadelphia Eagles (the Giants’ next opponent) I will answer, but I am not answering any questions or tell you anything that happened on Saturday,” said Pierce.

While that is totally understandable, Pierce has to realize that he is no angel in this matter. First of all, he was out late and possibly drinking (Burress was) not long before the team was to leave for Washington. Due to the circumstances, Pierce ended up staying out a lot longer than he probably expected and became involved by allegedly taking possession of the gun. These actions are still open to criminal charges and/or discipline from the league.

According to head coach Tom Coughlin, he expects Pierce to play on Sunday, a game in which the Giants can clinch the division with a win. “I don’t believe so,” he said in response to a question if he has any reason to believe that Pierce and Ahmad Bradshaw (the third player at the nightclub) will not be on the field.

It’s obvious that the Giants will do everything they can to ensure Pierce’s status does not change, as hard as they made sure that Burress’ did. By placing the wide receiver on the non-football injury list and suspending him for the last four games of the regular season, the Giants have in effect ended their relationship with Burress. It appears that they are taking the stance that Pierce is guilty by association, which may have some validity to it but is not totally accurate.

The NYPD apparently does not see Pierce in the same light, according to a report in the New York Post. The gumshoes, looking for blood and gun powder residue, impounded Pierce’s vehicle, the same one that he drove Burress home to New Jersey in with a bullet hole in his leg. Conflicting reports had Pierce also driving Burress to the hospital in Manhattan, but either way, they both stated that the gun was placed in the glove compartment of the Cadillac Escalade.

Give Pierce credit when he is able to set aside the distractions from this incident and concentrate on the next game. “Whatever the outside world or whatever these people that sit here in front of my face today talk about or write about it doesn’t matter,” he said. “We focus on football.”

For a team trying to repeat as Super Bowl champions, nothing less will do.

(Long Island, NY) They aren’t out of the woods just yet. By the time December rolls around, things may look a lot different for the New York Jets. Currently occupying first place in the AFC East may seem foreign for players and fans alike but if the team can continue on its current streak, they may have a chance to lock up a playoff spot and then some.

Having won four straight after the ugly 16-13 overtime loss in Oakland, the Jets have given themselves a boost in a very competitive conference. Of the six remaining games, three are at home and the opponents (Denver, Buffalo, Miami) are all capable of ruining the Jets’ holiday plans. The road games look a bit easier on paper, but – as the Raiders proved – anything can happen on any given Sunday. San Francisco and Seattle have not been particularly tough opponents this season, but this week’s contest against the 10-0 Titans may be a good barometer for Gang Green, according to Kerry Rhodes.

“They’re the only undefeated team in the league, so they have to be playing the best ball,” the safety said. “It’s another chance for us as another measuring stick game.”

Although the Jets may have passed the first two tests of late in victories over Buffalo and New England, their head coach realizes that their next opponent will be their hardest of late.

“They’re talented in all three phases. They’re well coached,” said Eric Mangini. “They don’t make a lot of mistakes. They haven’t turned the ball over much offensively, and they’ve been able to generate a lot of turnover defensively. That always goes a long way to winning and losing.”

Entering Week 12, the Titans had a +10 turnover ratio compared to the +1 for the Jets. This is one statistic that apparently makes a big difference, as Tennessee is not in the top five of the three main offensive and defensive categories (total offense and defense, passing for and against, rushing for and against). The Jets held a spot only by holding opponents to an average of 81.3 yards per game on the ground, fourth in the league.

Even if the Jets become the Titans’ next victim, it isn’t the end of the world. But talk of another late season collapse may begin. 1993 and 1994 may have been a long time ago, but two unforgettable swoons only added to the paranoia surrounding this team. In both campaigns, they were playing playoff-caliber football heading into the end of November before the wheels came off and ‘Same Old Jets’ became the familiar saying.

It wasn’t until Bill Parcells’ second year at the helm that a six-year postseason drought was snapped in 1998. Some success since then mixed in with disappointments has made fans cynical and doubtful. But that was then and this is now, not only for the green-bleeding followers of the team, but the players, as well.

“Definitely, there is a lot more confidence, a lot more energy,” cornerback Tee Law said, who recently came back to the team for his second stint after playing here in 2005.

Hopefully some of that confidence will transcend into more wins and an extended schedule into January. It would be a refreshing change from the same old routine.

(Long Island, NY) At the mid-way point in the current NFL season, there are two teams that have risen to the top of their respective conferences. In the AFC, the surprising Tennessee Titans have an unblemished record and lead the league with eight victories. The defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants have had one hiccup in a road loss on a Monday night in Cleveland and look to be the class of the NFC.

Big Blue may have buried the Dallas Cowboys for good with Sunday’s convincing 35-14 win at Giants Stadium. Although they only have three home games out of the remaining eight, the Giants should be able to ensure themselves of a playoff spot. They still have to face Philadelphia twice and go to Washington, which will tell the tale on who takes the top spot in what many consider to be the most competitive division in the NFL.

While many wondered if the Giants were a lucky champion last year, they have quelled any of that talk in their seven wins this season. What makes their success even more impressive is that they have done it without their two top defensive lineman from 2007. Michael Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora was lost for the year after blowing out his knee in a preseason contest against the Jets.

Justin Tuck, who has taken over as the leader on the D-line, doesn’t see many comparisons from 12 months ago. “Everyone wants to compare this football team to last year,” he said. “The thing about last year’s team is that we had a rocky start and we continued to climb. So I hope that’s what we’re going to do this year.

“Obviously 7-1 is a great start, but we can always look at things we can do better,” Tuck continued. “So that’s what we’re going to continue to do; we’re going to watch this film (versus Dallas), learn from it, grow from it, and continue to climb this mountain.”

Reaching those heights has become more attainable with Tuck’s eight and a half sacks – which lead the team -, 37 tackles and 41-yard interception return for a touchdown. Next up is Mathias Kiwanuka, who moved back to the line after being switched to outside linebacker. He broke his leg and missed the Super Bowl run, but has become an important cog in the Giants’ defensive machine this season with six sacks and 23 tackles.

Offensively, Eli Manning has quarterbacked the team the way he did in the postseason. 12 touchdowns versus five picks has made him considered more than the ‘other Manning.’ Brandon Jacobs and his 680 yards (5.2 average) makes opposing teams wary of the bruising running style he possesses.

At wide receiver, the Giants are so deep that the hero of the Super Bowl, David Tyree, may never see the field this season. Plaxico Burress brings production and a weekly soap opera to the team, but will be forgiven as long as the wins keep coming. Kevin Boss has been steady at tight end and made Jeremy Shockey’s departure a non-issue.

Head coach Tom Coughlin has remained even-keeled throughout the season, not looking ahead at all. “It is one game at a time for us. That’s all we focus on,” he said. “We are where we are because we have done it that way and we will continue to do that.”

Hopefully all the way to February 1.

(Long Island, NY) There’s more than one way to skin a cat, and also to become a contending baseball team. The quick fix that both the Yankees and Mets have employed may have certain advantages, but in the long run the wasted money and frustration outweigh the pennants and rings.

The young Tampa Bay Rays may not have the revenue to build a team in that fashion, but they do have the former and eye the latter. By defeating the reigning champion Boston Red Sox in an American League Championship Series that went the distance, Joe Maddon’s club is what they call the ‘sexy’ pick to win it all. They opened the World Series on Wednesday night and will host the first two games against the Philadelphia Phillies.

How the Rays got to this point is nothing short of amazing. Although not the first team to go from ‘worst to first,’ this has been a perennial 90-loss team since their inaugural season back in 1998. Prior to their recent success, the then-Devil Rays’ biggest claim to fame was having three former superstars wear their colors before hanging it up – Wade Boggs, Fred McGriff and Jose Canseco.

Actually, the Rays back then tried to get by with signing players past their prime, similar to what the Yankees and Mets have done. Some who came and went were Wilson Alvarez, Greg Vaughn and Vinny Castilla. But all of the losing did have its advantages with high draft picks, and the older players left to make way for the likes of Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli.

The biggest addition to Tampa came at the expense of none other than the Mets. For inexplicable reasons, Double-A pitcher Scott Kazmir was sent to the sunshine state in exchange for a converted infielder at the trading deadline in 2004. Victor Zambrano turned out to be one of the worst Met pitchers in team history and was actually in the Yankee farm system recently trying to come back from arm surgery. Kazmir? He has been a mainstay of the Rays’ rotation for nearly five years, led the AL in strikeouts in 2007, an All-Star in 2008 and the starting pitcher in Game 1 of the World Series. Although he pitched effectively (three earned runs in six innings), ‘Kaz’ was the losing pitcher in a 3-2 Philadelphia victory at Tropicana Field.

According to Kazmir, there are no hard feelings from the trade, one that was rumored to have taken place partially due to the youngster’s cockiness. “I really don’t think about that,” he said to reporters. “That seems like forever ago.”

That deal is a microcosm of the difference between an organization like Tampa Bay and the two New York franchises. While the Rays show extreme patience and build through their farm system, big market teams trade for or sign veterans to long-term contracts. What this does is either move or block the very players that are the building blocks of a winning club.

Once a player – especially a pitcher – is drafted, he is reared through every level of the minor leagues and practically ‘raised,’ if you will, in the method that the parent club wishes. To turn around and deal a player after spending time and money on him to learn the way you want is detrimental. While necessary at times (such as the Johan Santana trade), there are many situations where the polar opposite occurs.

Just ask any Met fan how they feel about Scott Kazmir.

(Long Island, NY) There is always that one kid you knew growing up that everyone said would be “the one.” The kid that hit the ball further than everyone else and was able to throw it by the rest of the group. One that was able to be and ‘untouchable’ and also ‘touch ‘em all.’

A generation ago in Massapequa, Rob Cafiero was that kid. By the age of 14, he had joined the Long Island Braves, an organization that his father Mike helped found. “It was a competitive team and league,” Cafiero recalled. “With the coaches we had, it was very laid back. At a young age, this game should be fun. Fun first, then win.”

Cafiero receiving a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Villanova was definitely helped by his association with the Massapequa-based Braves, which made his transition smooth. “I played in a lot of different tournaments in different states,” he said.

“I always had great coaching,” he continued. “My dad and also my coach at Massapequa High School, Bob Dell, who made our season tougher than a college season. Even on Saturday we practiced, from 9 am to 2 pm.”

Being recruited for Villanova as both a first baseman and pitcher was the main reason why Cafiero chose the Pennsylvania school. “I didn’t feel overmatched as a freshman,” he said. “I’m quite proud of the way I handled myself.” As well he should have by starting in all 54 games in 1999 and matching the team leader with a .361 batting average.

The following year was one in which Cafiero had to deal with an injury and see his stats go down. He later played in the Cape Cod League, which became his “first taste of continuously failing and getting through it.”

Heading into his junior year, professional scouts were projecting Cafiero to be a 10th round pick, causing the youngster to put a lot of pressure on himself. His coach moved him across the diamond to third base and he was hit by a pitch in the same hand as the previous year. “No excuses,” said Cafiero. “It just didn’t work out for me that year.” He finished at .299 with four home runs and 36 RBI.

Knowing that his senior year was a make or break one for him, Cafiero worked hard during the summer and came back in the best shape he ever was in. A new coach moved him back to his familiar position at first base and, according to Cafiero, “It just clicked for me.” Hitting .370 with 15 home runs and 69 RBI would seem to back that up, especially when you also consider that Cafiero broke school records for games played, doubles and RBI, as well as placing in the top 10 in five other categories.

Following the baseball draft from home, Cafiero expected to hear his name called by the Milwaukee Brewers. “One of their scouts told me they were looking at me, but they took Prince Fielder in the first round,” he said. Because the two played the same position, the scout called back and told Cafiero that it was not to be.

By Day Two, his anticipation was rewarded when the Philadelphia Phillies picked Cafiero in the 32nd round in 2002. “It was one of the greatest experiences. Everyone grows up saying they want to play professional baseball.”

Three days after signing a contract at his kitchen table, Cafiero found himself on a plane headed for Clearwater, Florida for a mini camp. He was assigned to the Short Season Single-A affiliate in Batavia, which gave him the opportunity to play close to home on certain road trips. “I played at Keyspan Park (in Coney Island against the Mets’ farm club, the Brooklyn Cyclones), and against the Staten Island Yankees,” he said. “I had to leave a bunch of tickets.” Those family members and friends had the opportunity to see Cafiero hit six home runs and drive in 35 base runners in only 60 games.

In spring training the following year, Cafiero received a hairline fracture of his shin while breaking up a double play. Falling behind while rehabbing the injury did not help his chances of advancing in the organization, who already had Jim Thome playing first base and Ryan Howard – Cafiero’s roommate that spring – waiting in the wings.

The Phillies also drafted a first baseman in the first round that year, and Cafiero was given his release. “The guy they drafted only spent two years with them. That’s the nature of the business.”

Representing himself, Cafiero touched base with other teams and agents before obtaining a phone number for Joe Klein, the Atlantic League president. After speaking, Cafiero was on his way to Atlantic City for a tryout with the Pennsylvania Road Warriors, who were a road-only team in the Independent circuit.

“They needed a first baseman and I fit the bill,” Cafiero said. “I was signed right after batting practice.”

Cafiero played one and a half seasons for the Warriors before reaching out to Frank Boulton, the owner of the Long Island Ducks. “I told him that I would love to play with you guys.” A few days later, Cafiero was plying his trade right in his own backyard.

Since joining the Ducks as a back-up first baseman and designated hitter in 2005, Cafiero has never been more satisfied in his career. “It’s great coming to the ballpark every night. Having a familiar face everywhere I turn.

“The fans give so much to us,” he continued. “It brings you back to when you were a kid. They come here looking up to us. This might be somebody’s first game. I want them to remember the way you made them feel – giving them a ball or just saying hi to them.”

It’s qualities such as those that made Cafiero a perfect candidate as a player/coach, which he started doing at the beginning of this past summer, one that saw the Ducks qualify for the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. “(Full-time) Coaching is something that I ultimately want to get in,” he said. “I enjoy it as much as I do playing. As long as I’m still in the game, I’m going to be happy.”

The book has a few more chapters before being completed on the baseball life of Rob Cafiero, who was destined to earn a living in the game he loves.

(Long Island, NY) Right smack in the first month of the NFL season, football is in the news. While that should come as no surprise, perhaps the fact that Arena football is what is being referred to is.

The New York Dragons yesterday unveiled their new ownership group and logo, and brought two familiar faces with them to do so. Jets safety Kerry Rhodes and Danny Clark, Giants linebacker, were seated at the dais and introduced as part of the team’s new advisory board.

“I am pleased to be a part of an organization such as the New York Dragons,” said Rhodes. “I feel with the talent, my experience as a professional football player and position on the Board of Advisors will allow me to explore options to enhance this team. I am excited and we are looking forward to a great season.”

Besides being on the board, both Rhodes and Clark will be a part of the Dragons’ promotions with personal appearances at games and signing autographs. With so much competition in this town for attention, having familiar names from the ‘other’ football league cannot hurt, something that the new team owner fully realizes.

“We’re so excited to have both NFLers on board giving the Dragons support throughout the season,” said Steven Silva, who purchased the team from Charles Wang as part of a group led by his wife Shanna and himself on July 25, 2008. “It shows how dedicated both Kerry and Danny are to growing the sport of football – as well as fan support of football – in the greater New York area.”

In the past few seasons, the AFL has had a distinct NFL flavor with the addition of some high profile names in the front office of many different teams, for the most part, in the same city. John Elway stayed close to his roots and is a part-owner of the Colorado Crush, Mike Ditka (Chicago Rush), Ron Jaworski (Philadelphia Soul) and Arthur Blank (Georgia Force), to name a few.

Since moving from Iowa, the franchise formerly known as the Barnstormers have been owned by Wang and have played their home games at the Nassau Coliseum, which will stay take place. Last season, the team finished with an 8-8 record, but made some noise in the AFL playoffs. They ousted the Dallas Desperados with a 77-63 win on the road, and then faced the Soul in Philadelphia in the conference finals.

A miraculous play as the clock ran out gave the Soul a come-from-behind 49-48 win. Two weeks later, Philadelphia beat San Jose for their first Arena Bowl title.

Silva took some time to explain the reason for the logo change during the press conference, which took place at the Sports Museum of America in Manhattan. “We want to bring a brand new start to the Dragons football team. Updating the logo is just the beginning. We want to show the fans that making sure they have the ultimate fan experience is paramount to this management team.

“From putting the best football team possible out on the field every night, to making sure fan involvement and customer service is the best it can be, this is the ‘new’ New York Dragons.”

Even for a team that didn’t need it, a fresh coat of paint is always welcome.