A Yankee standout from an era long ago, Tommy Henrich, passed away in Dayton, Ohio yesterday at the age of 96. A member of seven world championship Yankee teams(1937,’38, ‘39, ‘41, ‘47, ‘49 and ‘50). He was given the nickname” Old Reliable,” by legendary Yankees’ broadcaster Mel Allen for his ability to come through in the clutch.Four times in his 11-year career he scored over 100 runs-leading the American League in 1948 with 138. He also led the AL in triples twice – with 13 in 1947 and 14 in 1948. Always a popular guest at Yankee Stadium on Old Timer’s Day, Henrich was a great storyteller and will be missed.

Arguably the most famous athlete in the world at present has an automobile accident at 2:30 Friday morning. .

What was the real reason behind the crash? Come clean Tiger and take control of the story before the tabloids do and your public life becomes an even more open book.

I read with sadness that NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia.I wish him well in his fight for he was one of the true greats not only in the NBA but in all professional sports and is a real gentleman.

The world title is back home in the Bronx where it belongs! How about those NY Yankees! A six game series that was thrilling. A Phillies team that was  a great opponent and with a couple of breaks,the series could have gone their way. Congratulations to another Joe-manager Joe Girardi for guiding the Bronx Bombers to its 27th world title. May you have many more.

Braylon Edwards has much ability but the Jets’ wide receiver keeps getting into trouble with the law. COME ON, BRAYLON-WAKE UP!

Unicoi County High running back Scott Gibson had the game of his life against Unaka 10-23-09. He rushed for 278 yards in 35 carries and scored five touchdowns in a 35-30 Blue Devil win. Great game, young man!

A 5-2 ALCS clinching win over the LA Angels, the NY Yankees won its 40th AL pennant and will play the defending world champion Phillies in the world series. The Phillies have potent lineup, good defense and above average pitching. It should be a DANDY world series. Go YANKEES!

There was only a small mention of his passing recently in local papers but condolences go out to the family of former NY Giants’ pitcher Larry Jansen who passed away at his home in Oregon at age 89. He was an integral part of a NY Giants team that marched back from 13 1/2 games to defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in a three-game playoff in 1951 that is remembered for Bobby Thomson’s three-run home run off of Ralph Branca. Rest in peace, Larry.

Today’s 48-27 drubbing of my NY Giants by the New Orleans Saints was eye-opening. The Saints made a statement today: they are for real and Drew Brees is having an MVP season-so far. The Giants looked overmatched, slow and a bit befuddled. Hopefully, it was a one-game lapse and they can right the ship.

In her senior year, UCHS golfer Leah Pitcock qualified for the State Tournament in Murfreesboro where she shot a two-day total of 185-good enough for 19th place out of 52 golfers. It was a fine  end to her high school career.