Slammin' Sam on Sports Media Congratulates Girardi and More

Coming at you with a distinctly Illinois edition of Slammin’ Sam on Sports Media today. In fact, I’d argue that the biggest story for the next few days emanates right out of the heartland. That’s thanks to World Champion New York Yankees manager Joe Giradi’s East Peoria, IL roots. Congrats to the Bombers and their skipper.

The Associated Press’s Jim Litke reminds readers that Girardi set a target for a Yankees’ World Series winner not too long after he hung up his catcher’s gear. A decade later, Girardi hit the mark dead on.

Closer to home, Chicago Sun-Times writer, Chris De Luca echoes Litke’s sentiments and adds that the Yankees are simply the right fit for Girardi. Any other scenario, including a spot at the helm of the Cubs’ ship would have yielded different results.

New York Post columnist Mike Vacarro writes a more personal story about Girardi’s latest experience, which can be seen through a lens familiar to any number of fans. It’s all about family.

Finally, the last link in the apparent Joe Giradi corner today is from the New York Daily News. Marie Henry couldn’t care less that Girardi just guided the Yanks to the title. She didn’t even recognize him. All she knew was that Girardi was there for her in her time of need.

Those of you non-Yankees fans can breathe now. We’ve emerged from that realm. De Luca’s colleague, Neil Hayes says former Illini football head man and current Bears Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner is running out of excuses.

Sam Miller/Free Keon