Radiothon with Mike Francesca

Mike and Dave Winfield reminisced about his 8 All-Star seasons as a NY Yankee and the fact that he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2001 – his first year of eligibility; also could have played football and basketball but chose baseball for his career.

Mike and Bernie Williams shared fond memories of the four World Series rings Bernie won as the centerfielder for the New York Yankees from 1991- 2006 and how hard it is to believe that the beginning of that dynasty, the 1996 World Series, was twenty years ago. Bernie also talked about his music, a classically trained guitarist and has released two jazz albums since leaving baseball.

Mike was happy to introduce one of the NY Yankees latest acquisitions, Starlin Castro, the 2015 second baseman for the Chicago Cubs. Starlin talked about his excitement to be wearing the pinstripes and looks forward to spring training and a great season. Starlin said that former NY Yankee Alfonso Soriano had a big influence on him.

Mike and John Wetteland talked about the early days when Mariano served as his set-up man in 1996 and the 1996 World Series where Wetteland had 4 saves and the Yankees won the World Series against the Atlanta Braves in 6 games. He won the World Series MVP Award that year.

Mike and Roy White shared memories of Mickey Mantle when Roy was beginning his tenure with the Yankees toward the end of Mickey’s career. Roy commented on how generous Mickey was with young players by serving as a mentor to them. Mike and Roy share anecdotes about the NY Yankees from the mid-1960’s through the late 70’s.

Cancer patients, survivors and social worker, Hunter, Brooke and Mason, Emily and Victoria, Brittney and Liv, Tim and Gavin, Martha and Abby were interviewed by Mike, sharing their stories of struggle and survival and how the Connecticut Sports Foundation impacted their lives.