As the 2019 regular season enters its final weekend, I want to take a moment to acknowledge that this is also the end of our first regular season here at Views. The time has certainly flown by, hasn’t it? There was a huge void left for many of us when Mike decided to shut down RAB. The Yankees and RAB felt like the perfect fit. The site grew to be just as important as the team in many ways. It legitimately felt that a part of my fandom was taken away when RAB left us. So it is pretty funny that I am writing this thank you letter to you all.
All of this began for me during a game back in April. My girlfriend, Eljon, and I were spending a couple innings at the stadium with Bobby and his wonderful fiancé Leah. After joking that the Yankees crazy injury run was going to be a great story in the 2019 World Series DVD (true story), Bobby mentioned starting a new blog and asked if I wanted to be a part of it. I was very excited, but also nervous as all hell. I had all the faith in the world that Bobby, Derek and Steven (Matt and Jonny didn’t join until later in the planning) were going to create something awesome. The issue was all I did was write random thoughts on Twitter hoping I didn’t come across as an idiot. Writing puts you in a vulnerable position. At the time, I wasn’t sure I could provide enough value to the site to justify being a part of it. But then I thought, why the hell not. I’m gonna keep posting my thoughts on Twitter so why not take the leap. My decision to join Views is one of the best things I’ve done in a very long time.
All of you are the reason why this was such a great decision. It is amazing to see this crazy journey of Yankees fandom from the other side. There are so many smart and insightful fans out here. I have learned a great deal from you over the course of the season. You demand the best not just from the Yankees, but from the site as well. All of us at Views earn a living doing something other than writing for the site. This is in some ways a hobby, but it has grown into a responsibility for us. We deeply care about what we do here and we strive to give you the best of ourselves. All of you deserve that. It is truly humbling to earn your respect and trust.
We’ve come a long way since that last week of May. There was a clear desire to honor RAB, but add our own flavor to it. A big goal of mine was to expand the community of Yankees fans. That is one of the beauties of sports right? It provides us an opportunity to come together and share in a common cause. I believe we are building that community. The ultimate goal is to be here for the long haul. That aim doesn’t get accomplished without your tremendous support. We recognize it and greatly appreciate it. Thank you for giving us a chance. And thank you for helping to build Views by our side. This belongs to all of us.
Thomas
I’m a lurker coming forward to say: Thank you guys for stepping in! Sports fandom is just not the same without the shared emotion and the narrative and opinion giving reality to the raw numbers. I don’t understand how the Yankees aren’t paying up for a blog like yours, I think you are a very important part of the organization. Anyhow, RAB shutting down was, pathetically, a big crisis in this grown-up’s life–just as Pete Abe and Moncada choosing Boston. Keep it up, please!
ruralbob
Replacing RAB was like replacing Jeter (or, for old guys like me, Mantle). You’ve done a more than admirable job and are to be commended for your efforts.
Randy
Thank you very much.
dzb
Thanks for filling a massive RAB sized hole in my life. I visit the website religiously many times a day. Loads of first class content presented really well. I am really really thankful to have this resource, especially as a NYer living overseas without other fans to chat with
Randy
Thank you very much. Glad we can fill that hole for you.
Steve
Not to repeat what everyone else has already said, but thank YOU for bringing us 314. Like everyone else, I missed the in depth and smart analysis that RAB brought to the table. This blog is the first thing I read in the morning. Thanks again.
Randy
That is great to read. We’re glad we’ve become must read in such a short amount of time.
Mark D
Thank YOU! 314 is my first click for Yankee analysis and commentary.
Randy
Nice! Thank you very much.
BillyMartinVanBuren Boys
I was terrified to read the article because I thought it was going to say “thanks but we’re closing up shop!” Boy was I relieved! Keep up the good work!
dzb
Same here! That would be a massive loss!
Ydoodle
I had that same sinking feeling when I started to read. When RAB posted they were shutting down, I probably read it 4 times in disbelief. I was lost, my morning Go To was leaving me. But then the View found me and all was right in Yankee world.
THANK YOU!!!
Randy
Nope. We’ll be around for a little while.
Brian M
You’re welcome. I am the best.
Randy
Thanks for the reminder.
Olaf
Thanks for the hard work everybody put in . The first thing that i do is read this site . Greetings from Germany 🙂
Randy
Shout out to Germany!
ΣδυG 。・ 』
Views has been so far the best blog this year. When RAB closed it felt really different being a Yankee fan, not getting analytical analysis/articles and it wasn’t the same on other blogs. Then came the announcement of this being created and fast-forward to now and it’s been Godsend ever since.
Thanks, hope to keep seeing you guys working on amazing articles
Randy
Thank you very much for the kind words.
Chris Obrien
Part of my morning every day is getting to my desk and going right to VF314 and reading the analysis of the game I watched in its entirety the night before because I always learn something new.
I read Moneyball in the offseason and as a result got really into sabermetric stats so I really appreciate the effort you all put in to dig through the stats and explain them in very simple terms that we can all understand.
Keep up the great work! Really looking forward to the playoff stuff on here.
p.s. whats up the Citi Mets ads lol (i’m sure it helps pay the bills so ill always watch them regardless)
Randy
Thank you very much. Citi Mets ads?
Rick Watkins
You all deserve credit for your hard work and have my sincerest thanks as well. RAB closing was a bummer for me, and to have you guys step up and fill the void was indeed a pleasant surprise.
I’ve been a Yankee fan since 1956, and this has not been the greatest year for me personally as I’ve dealt with some health problems. To awake every day and know there’ll be a 314 posting or two in my mailbox has been a godsend!
That, and the remarkable Yankee season, have buoyed my spirits. Now, it’s on to the playoffs and let’s win the World Series!
Randy
Wow. Thank you for sharing that with us. It really means a lot that we can a bright moment in your day. I hope your health improves and the Yankees bring you that title.
Mban93
Keep it up. Love the RAB style site
Randy
Thank you. We will.
macaroni100
Huge void indeed when Mike shut RAB. You guys really stepped up…and 314 is one of the best parts of my day.
Many thanks to all of you and your excellent coverage.
Randy
Glad to read that. Thank you very much.
deltajoe15
It has been a great read all year. Thank you all for your hard work
Randy
Thank you very much.