Comment by Steve Zarelli on July 10, 2011 at 2:42pm

Kudos! 

 

When I was much younger, I never really understood why some "older" guys got all misty eyed about Mickey Mantle and the guys from the 60s. While Mantle was undeniably great, I didn't have a personal emotional attachment to him.

 

After yesterday, I am beginning to understand. I'm a few years older than Jeter, but not much. When you spend a good portion of your 20s and 30s watching certain guys play,  they begin to represent more than "just a ballplayer." 

 

While I have great respect for Jeter, Rivera is my favorite and it will be a very tough day when he walks off the field for the last time. Every time I watch him pitch, I get the feeling I am watching the greatest relief pitcher that ever lived... and I'll never see another like him.

Comment by Mike P on July 10, 2011 at 2:47pm

Mo is the greatest pitcher and one of my all-time favorites bar none.  He is a classy person, signs for anyone, and has great morals. He's my favorite autograph that I own.  About the attachment to Mo, I felt that way when Pettitte left.  Such a dominant lefty who was stellar in the postseason.  It appears CC is trying to fill his shoes which would be hard, but so far CC is untouchable.

Comment by Bill Panagopulos on July 12, 2011 at 1:07pm

Giving back Jeter's ball may prove tax liability

by Matt Snyder

And now we present to you, today's version of "no good deed goes unpunished."

Remember Christian Lopez? He was the fan who caught Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit, which was also a home run. He gave the ball back to Jeter without any monetary demands -- and he could have easily made a windfall had he put the ball up for sale. For example, Barry Bonds' 715th home run ball went for over $200,000. But when Yankees president Randy Levine asked what Lopez wanted for the Jeter ball, Lopez replied: "How about a couple signed balls, some jerseys and bats." (New York Times)

That's it. Obviously, Jeter and the Yankees granted Lopez's request. Lopez even told reporters he owed more than $100,000 in student loans, but felt the ball belonged to Jeter. Of course, Lopez is now likely going to have to pay some pretty hefty taxes on the gifts the Yankees have given him.

Via NYTimes online:

The Yankees gave Mr. Lopez four Champions Suite tickets for their remaining home games and any postseason games, along with three bats, three balls and two jerseys, all signed by Jeter. For Sunday’s game the team gave him four front-row Legends seats, which sell for up to $1,358.90 each.

With so many home games remaining at those lofty prices, it is estimated that the value of Lopez's coup could be over $50,000, which means he'd owe $14,000 in taxes. If it is determined the Yankees gave these items as an act of generosity -- instead of an exchange of goods -- Lopez wouldn't owe a dime. So it's up to the IRS.

Who would have thought, when Lopez caught the ball and did the kind thing, he may have incurred a $14,000 tax liability.

Comment by Mike P on July 12, 2011 at 1:17pm

Wow.  I don't understand why they need to nickle and dime the guy like that.  He did the right thing and took a hit.  He got 4 season tickets the 3 balls, 3 bats, and 2 jerseys signed by Jeter which probably is worth $20,000.00 if it wasn't game used plus tickets which they said is about $50,000.00 altogether.  The ball is said to be worth $250,000.00 but the guy did the right thing as a fan and a person by giving it to the man who hit the ball.  The Yankees should help this guy out and if it was found as an exchange of goods, pay it off for the kid.  Very interesting read Mr. Panagopulos.

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