All in With John Jastremski – Oh Captain, My Captain.

The title of captain on any team in any sport is a special honor reserved for the best of the best. 

The captain of a team in New York City takes the honor to a totally different level. 

Think about the history of captains in New York Sports and the legends that held the particular titles. 

Lou Gehrig delivered the “Luckiest Man In The World” speech while battling a deadly disease. 

Willis Reed delivered a Finals Entrance for the ages that propelled the Knicks to their first ever NBA title. 

Thurman Munson was the heart and soul of the late 70s Yankees before his tragic passing. 

These are all examples of brilliant captains and leaders before my time on this earth. 

Think about the captains in town since I was born in 1988, and it’s still an unbelievable group. 

Don Mattingly and Patrick Ewing personified toughness, leadership by example and full fledged heart. 

Mark Messier taught a team with a tortured history how to win and answer a whole lot of demons. 

Derek Jeter and David Wright displayed the grace of knowing they are the face of the franchise and finding a way to say and do the right thing in the public eye again and again. 

I know I love speaking off the tip of my tongue, but I can’t imagine putting together a speech as poetic and perfect as Jeter’s speech right after the final game at the Old Yankee Stadium. 

I think it’s fair to say the history involving New York City athletes and captain is rather special. 

Last week, Knicks star Jalen Brunson joined this illustrious group and was named Captain of the New York Knicks. 

Brunson has emerged over the last two seasons as one of the most beloved players in town. 

He works hard, gets better and better and has become the face of the up and coming, emerging Knicks franchise. 

I hope that in about 10 years or so, there are some iconic moments that are forever linked to Brunson’s leadership and career as a Knick. 

Brunson joins Yankee star Aaron Judge as the two larger than life captains and faces of New York sports in 2024. 

I can’t think of two better current New York athletes that are more worthy and deserving of the captain mantle. 

On and off the field, first class leaders, players and human beings. 

I think it’s fair to say the title of New York Captain is alive and well.