I haven’t been shy about admitting how superstitious I am when it comes to the Yankees. And I know I’m not alone among fans. Even the players have their little quirks and rituals. But mine have become ridiculous, particularly during tense games (when aren’t the games tense?) and any post-season contest.

But as Opening Day draws near, I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and abandon my voodoo fandom. That means no more:

1. Sitting on the same cushion of the couch as long as the Yankees are winning.
2. Standing directly (like 3″) from the TV whenever Mo is pitching so I can touch his face.
3. Eating something (anything) as soon as the Yankees score a run but not a minute before they do.
4. Eating the same thing for every meal (during the playoffs) as long as the Yankees are winning.
5. Using the same “Lucky Pen” to keep score as long as the Yankees are winning.
6. Wearing the same clothes (during the playoffs) as long as the Yankees are winning.
7. Refusing to pick up the phone during a game.
8. Being afraid to say a Yankee is playing well, staying healthy or looking good enough to make the All-Star team.
9. Saying no to social invitations that might conflict with Yankees-Red Sox.

There are other superstitions I could list, but you get the picture. The point is, I’m giving them all up. I’m heading into the 2011 season on Thursday with a rational mind. I’m renouncing the idea that what I wear, eat and say influences whether the Yankees will win or not. I’m growing up….finally.

But just for old time’s sake, I’m going to finish up this post and then do this.

I haven’t been shy about admitting how superstitious I am when it comes to the Yankees. And I know I’m not alone among fans. Even the players have their little quirks and rituals. But mine have become ridiculous, particularly during tense games (when aren’t the games tense?) and any post-season contest.

But as Opening Day draws near, I’ve decided to turn over a new leaf and abandon my voodoo fandom. That means no more:

1. Sitting on the same cushion of the couch as long as the Yankees are winning.
2. Standing directly (like 3″) from the TV whenever Mo is pitching so I can touch his face.
3. Eating something (anything) as soon as the Yankees score a run but not a minute before they do.
4. Eating the same thing for every meal (during the playoffs) as long as the Yankees are winning.
5. Using the same “Lucky Pen” to keep score as long as the Yankees are winning.
6. Wearing the same clothes (during the playoffs) as long as the Yankees are winning.
7. Refusing to pick up the phone during a game.
8. Being afraid to say a Yankee is playing well, staying healthy or looking good enough to make the All-Star team.
9. Saying no to social invitations that might conflict with Yankees-Red Sox.

There are other superstitions I could list, but you get the picture. The point is, I’m giving them all up. I’m heading into the 2011 season on Thursday with a rational mind. I’m renouncing the idea that what I wear, eat and say influences whether the Yankees will win or not. I’m growing up….finally.

But just for old time’s sake, I’m going to finish up this post and then do this.