Appearance
question:I'll never forget my first day in The House that Ruth Built: April 9, 1962, the day before opening day. I made the team that spring as a non-roster player, having pitched in the Texas League (AA) the year before. And I had just turned 23. The Yankees had scheduled an afternoon workout, but I was so excited that I couldn't sleep and I drove in from my parents' house in New Jersey at 7 in the morning. After introducing myself to a skeptical guard, he led me down two flights of stairs and through a hallway, where I was greeted by the clubhouse man Pete Sheehy (who died in 1985 and for whom the room is now named). The Yankee clubhouse in 1962 was like a large subterranean living room. A wall-to-wall grayish green carpet muffled all sound, and the overhead lighting was subdued. Three walls of walk-in wood lockers faced a wall of large frosted windows that cast shafts of light from the street above. Everything was painted a muted gray green to match the carpet, including the exposed ductwork in the ceiling above. A cleat-dented wooden stool sat in front of each locker. And hanging in the lockers, with military precision, were the classic Yankee uniforms. Your locker is right here by the door, said Pete. I couldn't help smiling when I saw Whitey Ford's nameplate just one locker away. I asked Pete if this was the same room that Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig and all those guys used. He pointed to a locker across the room where he used to bring a bi-carb and coffee each day to the Babe. Pete returned to his duties and I touched my uniform reverently. With no one around, I decided to try it on. Perfect fit. I adjusted my hat in a mirror. That looked good, too. iReport.com: Share your memories of Yankee Stadium . Then I grabbed my glove and went out to the field -- you know, just to get oriented. After sitting in the dugout a few minutes, I trotted out to the mound. Looking up at the three tiers of stands was like being in the Roman Coliseum. Of course, I had to toe the rubber and look in for the sign. Fortunately, at that hour of the morning, it was just me and the pigeons. What would it be like to pitch there when the stands were filled with people? My big chance came on May 7, 1962, in the second game of a double-header against the Washington Senators, in front of a real crowd that included my Mom and Dad, my brothers and a whole bunch of neighbors from New Jersey. I was thrilled and scared at the same time -- maybe a little more on the scared side. I walked the bases loaded with nobody out. Then I fell behind 3 and 1 on the fourth hitter. My next pitch was a little bit high and manager Ralph Houk stepped out of the dugout - either to calm me down or remove me from the premises. But the umpire, bless him, called it a strike and Houk stepped back into the dugout. The inning seemed to last forever, but I finally got out of it and ended up pitching a complete game shutout. Maybe the worst shutout in history - 7 walks and 7 hits. After the game Houk said to me, any more shutouts like that and we're going to need a new bullpen. The best part was when I walked into the clubhouse after the game. I arrived a few minutes late because I'd done a TV interview in the dugout. And when I opened the door, there was a path of white towels leading to my locker -- and Mickey Mantle was laying down the last towel. This is my favorite memory of Yankee Stadium. Unless it was Mantle's 9th inning walk-off home run in '64 World Series that beat the Cardinals 2-1, which also happened to be my first World Series win. After that it was all down hill. In 1968 a sore arm got me traded to the Seattle Pilots for a bag of batting practice balls. That's the year I kept a diary that became Ball Four -- a book that also mentioned Mantle hitting a home run with a hangover -- which got me banned from Old Timers Day at Yankee Stadium for 28 years. My eventual return to Yankee Stadium came after my son Michael wrote a letter to the New York Times, saying the Yankees should let bygones be bygones and invite me back. It was such a beautiful letter the Yankees were embarrassed into inviting me. After 28 years, Yankee Stadium was a different place -- a strange and garish place. A makeover in 1973-75, under the new owner George Steinbrenner, added cantilevered stands that destroyed the elegant upper façade, and exterior elevators which spoiled the view of the of the lower facade. Inside, the grayish green carpet was now bright blue and featured a giant Yankee logo. The honest ceiling with its exposed pipes was now a dropped ceiling with stark white tiles. Everything was painted blue and white -- the Yankee colors, get it? Now, instead of restoring the stadium, they're going to tear it down. Raze the clubhouse where Pete Sheehy made coffee for Ruth. Destroy the dugout where Stengel slept. Bulldoze the field where Mantle roamed and level the mound where Larsen pitched the only perfect World Series game. And they're going to build an underground parking garage on the site! This will no doubt be The Garage that Ruth Built -- which could produce a reverse Curse of the Bambino. If you check the current standings, you'll see this may already be happening. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer.
answer:On April 9, 1962, the day before opening day, the author, a 23-year-old pitcher, made the Yankees as a non-roster player. He arrived early, excited, and was introduced to the clubhouse by Pete Sheehy, the clubhouse man. The clubhouse, with its muted green decor and military-precision uniforms, felt like a subterranean living room. The author tried on his uniform and explored the field, imagining what it would be like to pitch there with a full crowd. His big moment came on May 7, 1962, in a double-header against the Washington Senators. Despite walking the bases loaded and falling behind, he managed to pitch a complete game shutout, though with 7 walks and 7 hits. After the game, his teammates, led by Mickey Mantle, laid a path of white towels to his locker, a gesture he cherished. The author's favorite memory, however, was Mantle's walk-off home run in the 1964 World Series, which secured his first World Series win. His career took a turn in 1968 when a sore arm led to a trade to the Seattle Pilots. His diary, which became the book
question:What are the most common mistakes writers make when writing an essay? What do you focus on when editing a given essay, or written piece.
answer:When reviewing essays and written pieces, I often notice that writers tend to make a few common mistakes. These include: A lack of clear thesis statement or main argument, which can lead to a disjointed or unfocused piece. To address this, I help writers refine their central claim and ensure it's consistently supported throughout the text. Insufficient transitions between paragraphs, causing the writing to feel choppy or disconnected. I focus on suggesting transitional phrases and reorganizing paragraphs to create a smoother, more cohesive flow. Wordiness and unnecessary tangents, which can dilute the main message and confuse readers. I advise writers on how to cut redundant phrases, tighten their writing, and stay on topic. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors, which can undermine the credibility of the writing. I meticulously review each sentence to catch and correct these mistakes, ensuring that the writing is polished and error-free. Inconsistent tone and voice, which can make the writing feel uneven or unengaging. I work with writers to establish a consistent tone and voice that resonates with their intended audience. When editing a given essay or written piece, my primary focus is on enhancing clarity, coherence, and overall impact. I consider the writer's goals, target audience, and the purpose of the piece to inform my suggestions. My editing approach involves: Carefully reviewing the writing to identify areas that require improvement, including grammar, syntax, and sentence structure. Evaluating the organization and flow of the piece, suggesting revisions to create a clear and logical narrative. Analyzing the writer's use of language, tone, and voice, offering guidance on how to refine these elements to better engage the reader. Providing constructive feedback on the writer's arguments, evidence, and supporting details, helping them strengthen their claims and build a more convincing case. Ultimately, my goal is to help writers refine their ideas, express themselves more effectively, and produce high-quality writing that resonates with their audience.
question:What is the best way to write a strong, solid thesis statement for a writer's essay. How would you suggest one constructs a well built arguable thesis.
answer:Crafting a strong, solid thesis statement is a crucial step in writing an effective essay. A well-built thesis statement serves as the foundation of the entire essay, providing a clear direction and focus for the writer's arguments. Here are some guidelines to help construct a strong, arguable thesis statement: 1. **Start with a specific topic**: Identify a specific issue, problem, or question that you want to explore in your essay. Avoid broad or vague topics that may be difficult to cover comprehensively. 2. **Conduct preliminary research**: Gather information and insights about the topic to gain a deeper understanding of the issue. This will help you develop a more informed and nuanced thesis statement. 3. **Ask questions and brainstorm**: Pose questions related to the topic, and brainstorm potential answers. This process can help you identify patterns, relationships, and areas of debate that can inform your thesis. 4. **Determine your claim**: Based on your research and brainstorming, formulate a clear claim or assertion that you want to make about the topic. This claim should be specific, focused, and relevant to the topic. 5. **Make it arguable**: A strong thesis statement should be arguable, meaning that it takes a clear stance or position on the topic. Avoid statements that are too obvious, universally accepted, or lack a clear point of contention. 6. **Consider the type of essay**: Different types of essays (e.g., analytical, persuasive, comparative) may require different types of thesis statements. Tailor your thesis to the specific essay type and purpose. 7. **Keep it concise**: A strong thesis statement should be brief and to the point, typically no more than one or two sentences. Avoid wordy or convoluted language that may confuse or dilute the message. **Constructing a well-built arguable thesis**: A well-built arguable thesis statement typically follows this structure: [**Claim**] because [**Reason**] and [**Evidence**] support [**Position**]. This structure allows you to: * Make a clear claim about the topic * Provide a reason or justification for the claim * Offer evidence or supporting details to bolster the claim * Take a clear position or stance on the topic Example: The benefits of a plant-based diet outweigh the drawbacks because studies have shown that a well-planned vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and also promote environmental sustainability. In this example: * **Claim**: The benefits of a plant-based diet outweigh the drawbacks. * **Reason**: Studies have shown that a well-planned vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. * **Evidence**: The reduced risk of chronic diseases and promotion of environmental sustainability. * **Position**: The writer takes a clear stance in favor of a plant-based diet. By following these guidelines and constructing a well-built arguable thesis, you'll be well on your way to writing a strong, focused essay that effectively presents your arguments and persuades your readers.
question:What does bringing emotional connections through storytelling do for the reader.
answer:Bringing emotional connections through storytelling is a powerful way to engage readers and make a lasting impact on them. When writers share personal anecdotes, vivid descriptions, and relatable characters, they create a emotional resonance that can: 1. **Establish empathy**: By sharing personal experiences or those of others, writers can create a sense of empathy in readers. This empathy allows readers to connect with the story on a deeper level and understand the emotions and motivations of the characters. 2. **Create emotional investment**: When readers emotionally invest in a story, they become more engaged and invested in the outcome. This investment can lead to a stronger connection with the writer, the characters, and the message of the story. 3. **Make the story more relatable**: Emotional connections make the story more relatable and memorable. Readers are more likely to remember a story that evoked strong emotions than one that simply presented facts or information. 4. **Convey complex ideas**: Emotional storytelling can help convey complex ideas or concepts in a more accessible and engaging way. By tapping into readers' emotions, writers can make abstract ideas more tangible and memorable. 5. **Build trust and credibility**: When writers share personal stories or vulnerabilities, they build trust with their readers. This trust can establish the writer's credibility and authority on the topic, making their message more persuasive and impactful. 6. **Evoke emotional responses**: Emotional storytelling can elicit a range of emotions, from joy and inspiration to sadness and empathy. By evoking emotional responses, writers can create a more immersive and engaging reading experience. 7. **Create a sense of community**: Emotional storytelling can create a sense of community among readers. When readers share a common emotional experience, they can connect with each other on a deeper level, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding. **Techniques for bringing emotional connections through storytelling**: 1. **Use sensory details**: Incorporate sensory details to bring the story to life and engage readers' senses. 2. **Show vulnerability**: Share personal vulnerabilities or weaknesses to create a sense of authenticity and trust. 3. **Create relatable characters**: Develop characters that readers can identify with and root for. 4. **Use dialogue and conversation**: Incorporate dialogue and conversation to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. 5. **Use emotional language**: Use emotional language and imagery to evoke feelings and sensations in readers. 6. **Be authentic**: Share genuine emotions and experiences to create a sense of authenticity and connection. By incorporating these techniques into your writing, you can create emotional connections with your readers and make a lasting impact on them.