EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – There was a time when you would ask a player, “Can I have your autograph?” That
question has since turned into “How much for your autograph?”
An event was held last week at the American Dream Mall in the shadows of Met Life Stadium. It was billed as Pinstripe Pride 2025, and the New York Yankees had nothing to do with this ripoff of an autograph show, where every dollar possible was squeezed out of the suckers that were willing to pay.
It started with a $5 parking fee and a $20 admission charge before the stickup began. Current Yankees players along with the alumni showed their non-pride simply by showing up to this “pay-me-to-sign” event. Current left fielder Jasson Domínguez, whose only contribution to this team is hope, got $160 for his scribble, while Hall of Famer Dave Winfield’s signature set you back $110.
The invincible Oswaldo Cabrera got $80, while the “great” Andrew Velazquez, who soon turns age 31 and is headed to AAA, gets $20. Another disturbing price was for newly acquired reliever Devin Williams, who has yet to throw a pitch in pinstripes and blew a save in the Brewers’ elimination playoff game, who gets $100. Meanwhile, Hall of Famer Goose Gossage only got $40. The fact that general manager Brian Cashman’s tag was $100 and manager Aaron Boone was less at $80 made me scratch my head.
Even the broadcasters wanted a piece of the pie. For $60 each, John Sterling, Suzyn Waldman, and Michael Kay played this “Take my autograph, please” game. This next one’s gonna make you sick. While Don Mattingly got $130, Tino Martinez $100, Bernie Williams $100, and Wade Boggs $70, the great Spike Lee, who hasn’t made a movie in years, was charging $150. How’s that for pinstripe pride? Spike “f*ckin'” Lee!
The title “Pinstripe Pride” gets tarnished with vomit for this event that was sadly held in American Dream Mall, as the suckers who gave up part of their rent money for a photo and autograph opportunity need to wake up from this nightmare.
