I spent four days in New York with my family, with my mother, and during the process of being there also I was able to do some things. I was getting ready while I was up there.

When she (his mother) saw the first parade in New York, she was so happy.

As an East Coast artist who paid his dues performing in the clubs of New York City, Redman's inspired rhymes bring the gritty realism of the city to life in our game. His bold lyrics and hard-edged funk beats capture the vibes of the city, from Washington Heights to Harlem and all the way down to Battery Park.

I'm trying not to think about it, because we've got a big game in New York. Going into their home opener and trying to get three more points on the road is our main focus right now. I just have to worry about staying healthy for that game. Once that game is over, then I can concentrate on that Jamaica game.

Baseball fans west of New York City might hate the Yankees, but Yankee-hating is a good thing for the sport. Stadiums sell out, ratings go up and a team's own shortcomings can be blamed on someone else.

It's a real family - father, mother and four children. They do the most amazing job. You really don't want to miss them.