Szen and the Art of Scapegoat Maintenance

From today's times


Somebody noticed Stubby's shameful treatment of that office lugnut who didn't tell the IRS that players were tipping him for the extras, like making sure the trainers hide their syringes, or eliminating red M&Ms from the dreessing room before a performance.

"The guilty plea was barely out of David Szen’s mouth in a federal courtroom in Connecticut last week when the Yankees said, “You’re fired.”

"So much for the Yankees’ practice under George Steinbrenner of giving people a second and in some instances a third chance. Szen, who in a 25-year career with the Yankees had been their public relations director and traveling secretary, apparently didn’t rank high enough to merit a second chance and so is the victim of a double standard."


For 25 years, the poor slob worked in Scroogebrenner's dingy, suffering office. Can you imagine the shit he ate?

"Szen pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false income tax return. He owes the government $10,285, which is less than the $15,000 fine Steinbrenner paid in 1974 for making illegal contributions to Richard Nixon's re-election campaign."

Holy Billy Martin! How many times did this guy do the paperwork on players that Steinbrenner was forgiving?

The Times mentions a few cocaine abusers: Dale Berra, Rod Scurry, Rodney Scottt, Al Holland and, of course, the great Steve Howe. George took them back. Gooden and Strawberry pulled so much baggage I don't know where to begin the list. Martin's drinking. Giambi's juicing. George took them back.

This guy?

"But not only was Szen fired, he was not even told he was fired.
"“They never called me,” he said. “I read it on the Internet. The next day I got an overnight letter.”"

I hope the guy writes a book.