July 4

Happy Fourth of July! 

Hope everyone is enjoying the day and staying safe.

Whether it's hanging with family and friends, having a barbeque, playing or watching sports, watching fireworks or just enjoying the day, hope it was fun. 

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July 4 big day in baseball history and specifically, Yankees history. 

"The Boss," George Steinbrenner was born on this date in 1930. Happy birthday to the former Yankees owner. 

Oh, how things have changed since Steinbrenner passed away in July of 2010. Imagine if George was still in charge with the way the team is performing of late. 

Additionally, former (okay that's weird to say) Yankees radio broadcaster John Sterling was born on this date in 1938. 

Happy birthday to "The Boss" and John. 

Also, on this date in 1939, Lou Gehrig delivered his "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" speech. 

This can be debated, but it's one of the best speeches of all time, at least sports wise. To me, this and Jim Valvano's ESPY's speech are both right near the top, sports-related wise. 

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The annual Fourth of July Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest took place today in Coney Island. 

It definitely lost some of its luster with Joe Chestnut not competing as he was banned due to a sponsorship deal with a rival hot dog company, who sells plant-based dogs. You can read more here from USA today.

That being said, congrats to Patrick Bertoletti, who won while eating 58 hotdogs. 

While some people like the contest, others don't like it. The sports competitor in me enjoys watching the competitive aspect of it. 

I heard on the broadcast that one of the competitors recently was in a pasta-eating contest. That's definitely more my speed.  

All that said, certain things are tradition, like the hot dog eating contest on July 4.