For the fifth year in a row, I am sitting here writing a column about how the New York Yankees were, “this close” to the World Series. How the Bronx Bombers were “almost there” – and how the “House That Ruth Built” would once again be the home of the World Series trophy…

…and how they once again, didn’t make it.

I know that the definition of a fan is someone who sticks by their team through thick and thin – but I have to say that I give up. I can no longer sit either in front of my television or in Yankee Stadium itself only to watch the Yankees blow it yet again. From 1996 to 2000, the Yankees were an unstoppable freight train – mowing down any team that stood in their way. From the Atlanta Braves, to the Boston Red Sox – to even the New York Mets in 2000 – nothing could derail the #4 train…

…and now, just like the New York City Subway system – they suck.

I watched the last game of the Division Series on Monday when the Yankees played the Anaheim Angels with immense anticipation. I prayed that this time, the Yankees would make it all the way and finally parade down the Canyon of Heroes as they have 26 times in the past. Like my fellow New Yorkers, I was starving for another World Series championship and eager to put the miserable losing streak behind us that saw the Yankees lose their grasp on the brass ring year after year – and finally allow their arch enemies, the Boston Red Sox, break the famous “curse” and not only win the World Series for the first time since 1918 – but do it against the Yankees.

But, as they have since 2000, they let me and the rest of their fans down.

Despite the unprecedented $203 million dollars that George Steinbrenner paid for the team he amassed, no matter the records of the players who wear the pinstripes – and regardless of the support of the millions of Yankee fans all over this country – they blew it again…

…well I say no more.

As much as I love “America’s pastime” – I am going to find another one. When the 2006 season begins next year, I will be busy doing something else – anything else, rather than waste my time watching the Yankees build up myself and the rest of their fans for another supposed win – only to let us down at the end of the season. I refuse to get roped into another season of hope, only to have to write yet another column about the Yankee’s stupidity next October. If other Yankee fans want to spend their valuable time and money cheering on the winless – than do it without me. For I hereby relinquish my pinstripes – and will go on with my life enjoying it without cheering for a team that, quite frankly – doesn’t deserve it.

At least I still have my NASCAR.