Charlie Voelker is the co-host of The Drive every weekday afternoon from 3 pm to 7pm. Charlie has been a part of the Capital Region Sports scene for over the last 25 years. In 1996 he joined Big Board Sports host and NewsChannel 13 sports director, Rodger Wyland in the UAlbany broadcast booth for football and basketball. Charlie spent 6 years in minor league baseball, then spent the next 17 years as the Associate Athletic Director for the University at Albany before retiring from that position in 2020. Charlie and his wife Kim live in Albany County with his son Andrew.
Charlie Voelker
This New York Mets Squirrel Is Driving Opponents Nuts Again
It's no secret that the New York Mets are hot, winning their record setting sixth straight series to start the season on Tuesday. Sure, you can point to Buck Showalter or Max Scherzer, even Mr. $341 Million, Francisco Lindor, is playing great. However, there is one Mets player, that has been around a few years, who is not getting as many headlines. Maybe he should.
The Unwanted Truth Confirmed By The New York “Yankee Letter”
Some things are pretty simple. Cheating is cheating. There is no, "well, they sort of cheated" in Major League Baseball, where franchises are worth billions and players salaries are predicated on performance. Or maybe there is. On Tuesday, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's 2017 infamous "Yankee letter" was released, as directed by a judge.
Wins Come As Boone Plugs Holes In New York Yankees
Poker players will tell you that you are only as good as the hand you are dealt. Major League managers will privately tell you the same thing. Seasoned big league skippers, at times, know when to push the right buttons to get their teams going. New York Yankees top dog Aaron Boone did a terrific job pushing some key buttons this weekend that may have resulted in wins but, more importantly, are crucial for the Yankees long-term success.
Rexford Native Flashes World Series Bling While Supporting Friend
Life is pretty good when you are a World Series champion in the city of Atlanta or any city for that matter! You are almost ensured the best seats in the house. When your old buddy from high school is the shooting guard for the local NBA team, well then you two have each other covered with those good seats!
A Costly Gamble By The Brooklyn Nets Pays Nothing
When Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks traded James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers in mid-February, he was essentially making a big bet. Now, down 0-3 to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, we may be seeing how that bet paid off. Essentially, the 46-year-old Nets executive bet on three players in that transaction and unfortunately for Brooklyn fans, it appears that he got it wrong.
Out Of Control Yankees Fans Ruin New York’s Celebration
It should have been an awesome celebration. Gleyber Torres came off the bench and delivered a pinch-hit single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 5-4 comeback victory for New York Yankees over the Cleveland Guardians. Fans should have been cheering and players should have been jumping up and down with happiness. That happened briefly, then the ugliness in right-field began.
Explicit Photo Accusation Haunts Newest Buffalo Bills Star
If you are a Buffalo Bills fan, all you have to do is look to the Cleveland Browns and Deshaun Watson and you may feel better about this story. However, if you are the team that just invested $120 million in a player that is being accused in court of distributing "sexually explicit photos," well then this may be a bit tougher to digest, especially if you expected this player to be the "defensive face" of the franchise.
New York Yankees Intentionally Pass On History
Home team fans always want to see a victory. On days like Thursday afternoon in Detroit, when the Tigers hosted the New York Yankees in the final game of the three-game series, some in attendance were there for another reason as well, history. Sometimes history has to wait as a result of the opposing team's strategy to win the game and let's just say, that made the Comerica Park faithful less than happy.
Ex-Mets Star Gets Unwanted Interest From New York Baseball Team
Two weeks ago, the New York Yankees offered outfielder Aaron Judge $230 million to remain in the Bronx for the next 7 years. Judge said no. The surprising answer reminded many Mets fans of a similar situation involving one of their stars during spring training of 2021. Now that former Mets player is getting offers from teams he doesn't really want to hear from.
Blueprint For New York Jets Turnaround May Change Quickly
Fans of NFL gossip and rumors love mid-April. The Draft is next Thursday and the New York Jets, with 2 picks in the top 10 in 2022, are in the midst of many of those whispers. Wednesday afternoon, within a few hours of each other, ESPN reported that San Francisco 49ers All Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and Arizona Cardinals All Pro quarterback Kyler Murray were both tied to the New York Jets.
Red Hot New York Mets Will Be Buck-Less
The New York Mets are red-hot coming off of their doubleheader sweep of the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday. The 9-3 Amazin's sit in first place going into Wednesday's game. ESPN's Buster Olney told The Drive with Charlie & Dan that new manager Buck Showalter is a big reason in that turnaround.
New York Yankees Facing Another $250 Million Dilemma
Weeks after New York Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge turned down a contract extension worth north of $230 million, Pinstripe general manager Brian Cashman is facing another money problem. This time the issue isn't with spending money, it's with money already spent. Tuesday night was a great win on the field for New York but individually there are some glaring costly issues.
Amos Lee Puts The Egg In Albany On A Slow Simmer
Folk, rock and soul performer Amos Lee returned to The Egg in downtown Albany on Monday night. The singer/songwriter has played the venue before and seemed right at home as he stopped by with a few more friends. The six-piece accompaniment was a departure from the previous solo-acoustic shows that the performer had played in Albany. The multi-talented ensemble added a unique depth to his wide ranging vocals.
A Cloud That Hangs Over The New York Mets Clubhouse
The New York Mets are rolling. Going into Tuesday's double-header with the San Francisco, the Amazin's are off to a great start under new skipper Buck Showalter with an impressive 7-3 record. Timely hitting and great pitching are the perfect formula for success. However, the veteran manager of over two decades in the dugout knows that simple things can derail a great team. One of those things is chemistry.
Buck Sharpens An Edge For The New York Mets
Coaching young baseball players can be frustrating. Instructors are constantly imploring them to watch more Major League Baseball to reinforce how to play the game the right way. However, time after time, we see MLB players making Little League mistakes. Knowing the rules can be one of those costly mistakes, unless you are one of those teams that take advantage of knowing the rules.
It Happened Sunday & Only 8 New York Yankees Have Ever Done It
Some things in baseball seem like they would happen more than they do. For instance, a player hitting four home runs in a game has happened only 17 times in Major League Baseball history. On Sunday, a New York Yankees pitcher accomplished one of those rare baseball feats.
New York Islanders Greatest Ever Loses Battle
He changed a franchise. He changed a community. The New York Islanders were building a great franchise but when Mike Bossy came along, something clicked. The Islanders had a goal scoring machine. Two years later, #22 was hoisting the Stanley Cup, the first of four straight for the Long Island NHL franchise.
Bottom Of New York Yankees Batting Order A Big Win For Boone
So many things have to go right for a good team to beat another good team in Major League Baseball. New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is faced with two of his strong defensive positions, shortstop and catcher, being light on the offensive side. Going into Thursday night's game, shortstop Isaiah Kiner-Filefa and catcher Kyle Higashioka were a combined 2 for 35 on the season.
Average Cole Should Inspire New York Yankees Deal For An Ace
Let's start here. Gerrit Cole is a very good Major League pitcher. The question that is looming is whether or not the $324 million man is an "ace." On Wednesday, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone sent his highest paid pitcher to the mound to face division rival and odds-on favorite to win the AL East, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Winter Games Helped Get This Yankee Back In Center In New York
Major League Baseball players that have multi-year, million dollar contracts don't often play winter baseball. The ones that do have a purpose. Usually, that purpose involves recovering from an injury. The smart players know that live-game action against top competition is the only way to know you are ready.
He Shot A U.S. President & Now Sold-Out Concerts In New York?
We all have our opinions on the criminal justice system, one way or another. However, when it comes to living in a democracy like the United States, some things should be non-negotiable, like getting out of jail after trying to kill the President of the United States. To me, that seems like a no-brainer.
New York Mets Knock Phillies Prospect Into F-Bomb Shot At Fans
Philadelphia fans are known for being tough. Whether you are on the visiting team or a home player, Philly fans can be a bit rough. Remember when they booed Santa Claus at an Eagles game? Prior to the New York Mets falling apart in the 8th inning of Monday's game against Philadelphia, it was one of the Phillies own that was directing his ire at the fans.
Bills’ NFL Draft Hopeful Jumps Into Action At Buffalo Airport
What is that saying about first impressions? How about one made by a person that is not even sure they are going to be around? It's awesome when you see college and professional athletes do great things in their communities. When they are random acts of kindness with no cameras focusing in, those are character revealing.
New York Mets Citi Field Unveils ‘The Franchise’ On Friday
Many New York Mets fans had a tremendous problem when the team's former owners failed to pay homage to the Amazin's franchise when they constructed Citi Field prior to 2009. The atrium is dedicated to Brooklyn Dodger star Jackie Robinson, the seats are New York Giants' Polo Grounds green but there was a bigger problem. Something, rather someone was missing.
How Did 9 New York Yankees Grade In Opening Series With Sox?
In 2022, every American League East victory is going to be crucial for the New York Yankees. That's why Sunday night was so important. Even though there are 159 games left for the Pinstripes, manager Aaron Boone knows this division will decided by a few games or less. A three game sweep would have been sweet but Boston showed that they too plan to stick around this season with their 4-3 victory in series finale.
Ex-New York Mets Superhero “Thor” Wearing #34 Special for Angels
The colors and the name across the chest were new. The long blonde hair on the 6' 6" frame was all too familiar. Former New York Mets right-handed pitcher, Noah Syndergaard threw his first regular season pitches for his new team on Saturday. He wore number 34, like he did with the Mets. However, an Angels player had not worn that number in 13 years, exactly.
Judge Denies New York Yankees Mon$ter Offer
Call me harsh but I have little sympathy for professional athletes that turn down fairly valued hundred million dollar contracts. Then, when circumstances or injuries prevent that player from ever earning the amount of money that they turned down, you want to say I told you so.
Scary Moment For New York Mets Fans, As Nats Take Down Polar Bear
New York Mets first-baseman Pete Alonso is never afraid to get his uniform dirty. In the fourth inning, the burly Home Run Derby champion tried to score from first on a double to the wall by new teammate Eduardo Escobar. Fleet of foot, Alonso is not. He was gunned down by Washington shortstop Alcides Escobar on a perfect throw to the plate. But that wasn't the worst of it in Game 1 of 2022 for the Polar Bear, as he is nicknamed.
Time Ticks As New York Yankees Fans Wait On Judge’s Decision
His loyal followers wear number 99 for a reason. In the physical and satirical sense, Aaron Judge is larger than life. For many 2022 New York Yankees fans, the 6' 7" right-fielder represents the greatness of this storied franchise.
Buck’s Second Chance To Win A World Championship In New York
Thursday afternoon, barring rain, Buck Showalter will take the helm as manager for a New York based Major League team for the first time since 1995, when he was the manager of the New York Yankees. That year, Showalter led the Bronx Bombers to the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners.