the Informer

It’s the bottom of the ninth in the Bronx and the Yankees are down by one with two out, to the dismay of fans, the number nine batter steps up to the plate.

The air is charged with emotion as 50,000 fans rise to their feet. Overwhelmed by excitement, the thrill of the unknown and the fear of losing all at once, I can only wait and see what happens.

But suddenly, the tension of the stadium erupts into celebratory chants, as the number nine guy rounds the bases and the Yankees win the ball game.

It is in these tense final moments when the winner is yet to be determined, that spectators watch as the game unfolds, completely enamored and nothing else in the entire world matters.

The immense stress and pressure of the situation is overwhelming for fans, but in the stands I am able to close my eyes and look the other way when the 0-2 pitch is dealt. The number nine guy is locked in at the plate, forced to face the intensity of the moment where he will either embrace it or allow the fear and pressure to take him over.

During my tenure as sports editor this year, I felt like the number nine batter; forced to fight to overcome the challenges, scrutiny and responsibility or crumble.

By merit of my academic excellence, knowledge of sports and ability to work with others, I accepted my position as sports editor with the utmost confidence in my abilities. Determined to make the sports section better than it had ever been before, I dove into the first issues with passion and energy, but the time, effort, work and stress that came with the position was not only unexpected, but also extremely humbling.

I faced deadlines, all-nighters, sacrifices and stress of office tension when my outspoken personality got me into trouble.

Although there were times when I was ready to throw in the towel, I trudged forward, and in the process I developed a work and business ethic reminiscent of “The Boss.” George Steinbrenner was hated by many, known to be a volatile hothead, outspoken with a “win-at-all-costs” mantra.

But Steinbrenner was once the number nine batter himself, courageous enough to defy his family name and pursue his passion in sports.

“My best and worst boss was the same man – my father. He never – and I mean never – took ‘I can’t’ for an answer,” he said.

Steinbrenner was not a man who led by example, but with intimidation. He rubbed people the wrong way and has publicly admitted his volatile nature, but at the core of this man was incredible courage and heart.

Despite the public outbursts, legal troubles and controversy that surrounded Steinbrenner, he poured every ounce of his being into reviving the Yankees as a sports franchise until his death.

Steinbrenner looked adversity dead in the eye and spit in its face; he never stopped fighting nor did he give up on building a successful New York team.

Over these past two semesters, I was able to stay motivated and determined enough to overcome adversity and improve the sports section by looking towards my own aspirations in Manhattan, and the die-hard spirit of New Yorkers like Steinbrenner.

Ever since I was a child I have been enamored with New York as a city that envelops greatness, character and unparalleled levels of success. For me, the New York Yankees are a reflection of this incredible city, and the legacy and success of the franchise under Steinbrenner is the result of relentless determination and perseverance.

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But New York is also a tough city, where only the best can make it, as Henry Miller once said, “New York has a trip-hammer vitality which drives you insane with restlessness if you have no inner stabilizer.”

As sports editor, I poured my heart and soul into my section each week. I pursued uncharted territory, earning media credentials for semi-pro teams like the Hartford Colonials, Hartford Wolfpack, WWE and even MMA fighting. Through all of this, I was able to develop my own “inner stabilizer,” a toughness, confidence and relentless spirit pulled me through.

Joe Torre once illustrated the inner-stability of iconic Yankee, Derek Jeter, born from experience and overcoming adversity, “The tougher the situation, the more fire he gets in his eyes. You don’t teach that.”

The fruits of my labor taste even sweeter as I was able to excel as sports editor while also managing the tremendous work load that I took on when I decided to graduate this May, one year early. Because of all this, I leave Hartford a more fierce competitor, better prepared for the challenges I will face as I pursue a media career in New York City and the peace that comes with knowing I have what it takes to succeed.