JJ: “A World Series Rematch With Better Version Of Yanks?”

By: John Jastremski

This weekend, the Yankees will renew acquaintances with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Remember those guys? The World Series Champs. 

It will be the Yankees first matchup with the Dodgers since last year’s Fall Classic. 

It was a World Series to forget for Yankees fans. 

I have a very hard time making a series at the end of May, a be all, end all type of series. 

That said, as the Yankees get set to take on the champs, this take dawned on me. 

If you would have said to me after the World Series a year ago, the Yankees would lose Juan Soto and be a better baseball team, there is no chance I would have believed you. 

Yet, as the Yankees get ready for the month of June and this World Series rematch to come, I think that they are. 

Look, this has nothing to do with Juan Soto. Juan Soto is one of the main reasons last year’s team won the AL Pennant. 

He was amazing, he was clutch, and make no mistake, I wanted him back in pinstripes. 

However, look at the complexion of the 2025 New York Yankees. 

Through two months, they have the best run differential in Major League Baseball. 

Offensively, they have done a wonderful job replacing the production of Soto. 

Ben Rice and Trent Grisham have come out of nowhere and have been essential components to the lineup. 

They’ve hit the ball hard, they’ve gotten on base and they’ve hit for power. 

The Yankees youngsters have been up and down, but Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells have all shown moments of promise.   

It also helps that the lineup has Aaron Judge, the best hitter in the world mashing at a record pace through the first two months. 

Offensively speaking, the Yankees have been just fine for now, without Mr. Soto. 

The first Free Agent signing in the Yankees Juan Soto pivot was Max Fried. 

Can you imagine where this Yankee team would be without Fried? Fried has been one of the three top starters in baseball over the first two months of the season. 

The team needed an ace in the absence of Gerrit Cole’s season ending Tommy John surgery and Fried has delivered on that front. 

Just think about this for a minute. 

The Yankees have played two months of baseball. Juan Soto is a Met. Gerrit Cole was lost for the season in March. Luis Gill and Giancarlo Stanton have not appeared in a single game. Oh and Jazz Chisholm has missed a month.. 

With all that. The Yankees have a six game lead in the American League East and have the best run differential in baseball. 

There is a long way to go, but in the post Soto pivot, there is a whole lot to like. 

If you’re a Yankees fan, you’re singing, “Gimme More!” 

You can listen to my podcast New York, New York on The Ringer Podcast Network following every Knicks Playoff Game on Spotify/Apple Podcasts. You can watch me nightly on Honda Sports Nite on SNY. 

New York City FC Extinguish the Fire, Move to 6th in East

New York City FC are starting to put it together. They now hold the 4th best defensive record in MLS as they climb the Eastern Conference standings. (Photo: Noah Zimmerman, @n.z.media)

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

Three goals and two red cards gave New York City FC a comfortable win at Yankee Stadium over Memorial Day Weekend. After conceding an opening goal to the visiting Chicago Fire, NYC found the net three times in the second half for a second straight win.

Chicago’s goal came in the 19th minute, a strike by Philip Zinckernagel with an assist by Jonathan Dean. New York left too much open space around the top of the box, allowing for a long-distance shot to settle in the bottom left corner. At the half-hour mark Chicago nearly doubled the lead, but the play was ruled offside.

The defensive task was made easier by a reckless move by Chicago’s Brian Gutierrez. The central midfielder seemed to jump into the body of NYC midfielder Aiden O’Neill, catching him in the face with his elbow. Gutierrez was given a straight red card and Chicago was sent down to 10 men.

NYC capitalized in the second half with a goal by Monsef Bakrar and a wonderful strike by Hannes Wolf. After a controversial second red for the Fire, Alonso Martinez sealed a 3-1 win from the penalty spot. 

The Boys in Blue entered the week 6th in the East. After their midweek match vs Houston they head to Nashville on Saturday before hosting Atlanta on June 12th.

Bowl Bites of Ozone Park to Host ‘Cheat Day Sunday’ on June 1

Bowl Bites, Ozone Park’s hottest Caribbean fast-casual restaurant, is inviting the community to join them at “Cheat Day Sunday” this Sunday, June 1, from 12 to 8pm.

Located at 102-16 Liberty Avenue, Bowl Bites’ Chipotle-style Carribean restaurant is known for their famous Jerk Chicken Bowl, Sweet Chili Shrimp Burrito, Whole Coconut Water, Guyanese Lime Wash, unique acai bowls, and many more unique items.

Sunday’s event will showcase a flavorful lineup of new dishes that blend Caribbean flair with global influences. The special menu for the day includes beef hamburgers, creamy rasta pasta, jerk chicken chowmein, tandoori chicken, and more. This event offers a perfect opportunity for food lovers to enjoy hearty comfort food in a festive atmosphere.

Led by well known chef, Michael Saroop, Bowl Bites has been a viral sensation since opening, garnering a whopping 1.25 million views on social media and acquiring over 3,300 followers in only 3 months time.

Since opening its doors in February, Bowl Bites has quickly become a neighborhood favorite. Co-founder Kevin Baksh expressed his gratitude, saying, “We’re incredibly thankful for the love and support the community has shown us during our first three months. We want to invite everyone to come out, enjoy some great food, and have a great time with us.”

Whether you’re a regular patron or a first-time visitor, “Cheat Day Sunday” promises a delightful culinary experience. For more details and updates, follow @bowlbitesnyc on Instagram.

Liberty take down Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever for 3-0 start

Breanna Stewart blocks Caitlin Clark in New York’s 90-88 win in Indiana (Photo: NY Liberty, Brandon Todd)

By Noah Zimmerman

Noah@queensledger.com

The New York Liberty have opened up the season 3-0, and they’ve done it with three very impressive wins. In their quest to defend the first WNBA title in franchise history, New York trounced Las Vegas at home before hitting the road to face newly re-armed teams in the Midwest.

In Chicago the Liberty took the floor against Courtney Vandersloot, a key piece of their 2024 championship team. Vandersloot was selected by Chicago 3rd overall in the 2011 WNBA draft, and returned for a 13th season in Windy City.

Vandersloot led Chicago starters with 14 points, but rough performances by Angel Reese, Kia Nurse, and Kamilla Cardoso kept the Liberty well beyond the Skyís reach.

In her second game with New York, Natasha Cloud led all scorers with 18 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and assisting on 4 Liberty baskets. She hit 4 of New York’s 19 3-pointers, a new regular season WNBA record.

Natasha Cloud puts in a layup over Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever (Photo: NY Liberty, Brandon Todd)

Kennedy Burke scored 17 points off the bench and Sabrina Ionescu added 16 as the Liberty won in Chicago, 99-74.

On May 24th, the Liberty travelled to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where the Knicks would take on the Pacers in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals the next day. In the WNBA edition of the NY vs Indiana clash, a packed crowd gathered to watch the league’s brightest young star and a newly improved Fever team take on the defending champs.

It seemed in the first half that New York’s firepower and defense would be too much for the Fever, but Caitlin Clark turned up in the 3rd quarter as Indiana outscored the Liberty 30-13. Clark scored 9 of her 18 points in the 3rd frame as Indiana seized a 76-68 lead entering the 4th.

Down the stretch, New York showed their toughness. They only allowed 12 Fever points, the lowest single-quarter total for either team in the game. Jonquel Jones was nothing short of dominant, picking up 14 of her team-high 26 points in the 4th.

In the final seconds, Sabrina Ionescu cut to the cup. She was able to draw a game-deciding foul, much to the dismay of the home crown. Ionescu hit both free throws as New York subdued the Fever 90-88.

Following two games this week against the Golden State Valkyries, the newest WNBA team, the Liberty head to Washington on Friday night for a date with Steph Dolson, Aaliyah Edwards, and the Mystics. They return to the Barclays Center on Sunday, June 1 for their first matchup of the year with the Connecticut Sun.

Genesis Captivates With the 2025 G80 3.5T Sport Prestige

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige

The 2025 Genesis G80 3.5T Sport Prestige is all you could ask for from a luxury sedan. With a newly redesigned look, G80 captivates inside and out while turning heads with immaculate performance.

The new G80 design features a new G-Matrix Crest Grille, 20î sport alloy wheels, and micro lens array headlamps. Inside is an ergonomic center console that’s both comfortable and eye-catching. 

Tempered glass gear selectors, a panoramic sunroof, and built-in 27-inch OLED display make the interior one-of-a-kind.

Genesis also ensures safety with an array of tech features. A surround view monitor system offers a full 360 degree view to reduce blind spots and dodge obstacles while driving or parking. The head-up display projects important information and data onto the windshield to keep your eyes on the road. The head-up display features speed, navigation directions, and safety suite functions.

Genesis Connected Services is included with the G80, as well as other 2023 and newer models.

G80 has a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine with Sport+ and Drive modes. It has 300-horsepower and offers 311 sq-ft of torque on top of all-wheel drive capabilities.

The G80 3.5T Sport Prestige starts at $77,000. An electrified G80 is available starting at $74,375.

Tenant Power Rises as Rent Freeze Fight Heats Up

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Nearly a thousand tenants gathered on May 15 at the historic Riverside Church in Harlem, demanding a rent freeze to combat rising housing costs and a growing affordability crisis. The rally, organized by the Tenants Political Action Committee (Tenants PAC) and Tenants Bloc, brought together passionate advocates, city leaders, and mayoral candidates who voiced their commitment to fighting for renters across the five boroughs.

The event, which drew thousands from across the city, was highlighted by speeches from Mayoral Candidates, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, City Comptroller Brad Lander, and several local tenant leaders. The rally marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle for affordable housing as New York City’s rent-stabilized tenants face the prospect of rent hikes for the fifth consecutive year.

New York City’s Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) has proposed rent increases of up to 7.75% for two-year leases and 4.75% for one-year leases, setting the stage for an intense debate as the board prepares for a final vote this summer. The proposal comes at a time when the city’s tenants are grappling with an affordability crisis that has left many struggling to remain in their homes. Approximately half of all city apartments are rent-stabilized, providing a measure of stability for residents who are now seeing the cost-of-living increase year after year.

“I want to say thank you, because we know in this city, a rent freeze is not a given. It has to be won. It has to be won and on June 24 that rent freeze is on the ballot. ” Mamdani said, energizing the crowd. “I want to thank the tenant bloc, because every time you go unlocked on doors, every time you come out to an event, every time you’re in a rally, you are increasing the power of that demand. You are reminding New Yorkers that their rent is on the ballot.”

Mamdani highlighted the toll of New York City’s affordability crisis, pointing to the displacement of working- and middle-class residents and the loss of nearly 20% of Black youth from 2010 to 2019. He called on tenants to fight back and demand a rent freeze to make the city livable again. “It’s working and middle-class New Yorkers who are being pushed out of this city because it’s the most expensive one in the country. Are you ready for a city you can afford? Are you ready to freeze the rent?”

Lander, who was also in attendance, expressed his support for tenants, emphasizing the importance of pushing for a rent freeze. “Tenants Bloc is building power to protect tenants in New York City and to demand a city that’s more affordable so tenants aren’t getting crushed and displaced,” Lander said. “Eric Adams’ rent guideline board has proposed 7.75% rent increases over two years, and tenants cannot afford that.”

Lander urged support for a rent freeze and warned against Andrew Cuomo’s mayoral bid, calling him “a disaster for the tenants of New York City” and “somebody who is funded by real estate,” emphasizing the need for “a city hall that actually shows up for tenants.”

The rally was also attended by Chen Ren Ping, a resident and community leader, who took the stage with a translator to share his perspective. “We need someone that fights for the people,” he said, voicing his support for Assemblymember Mamdani. “Cuomo has long been bought out by real estate. Long been bought out. We need a mayor that fights for tenants like you.”

The rally highlighted the deepening divide between the city’s renters and the political establishment, with many tenants feeling abandoned by officials who have been slow to address the housing crisis. The event underscored the growing momentum for a tenant-led political movement determined to make their voices heard at City Hall.

“New York City is America’s biggest city, and it’s the best place in the country,” said Ren Ping, capturing the spirit of the rally. “But we will continue to face the immense pressure of this affordability crisis.”

The call for a rent freeze echoes the broader concerns of many Democratic mayoral candidates, who have voiced support for rent stabilization measures and policies that would keep housing affordable for working-class New Yorkers. The final vote on the proposed rent hikes will take place in June, with any changes set to take effect in October.

The proposed rent hikes have drawn sharp criticism. In a joint statement, Ana Maria Archila and Jasmine Gripper of the New York Working Families Party denounced the Rent Guidelines Board, appointed by Mayor Eric Adams. “In all four years of his term, Mayor Adams’ Rent Guidelines Board has proposed hiking rent prices for over a million rent-regulated apartments. This rent increase isn’t just unnecessary — it’s cruel. At a time when most New Yorkers are already rent-burdened and squeezed by rising costs for necessities, taking another chunk out of their paychecks will only hurt,” they said. “Shame on Eric Adams and the Rent Guidelines Board. Election day is just over 50 days away. The time for new leadership is now.”

In the midst of rising rents and the pressure from real estate interests, tenants in New York City are mobilizing to take control of their future and ensure that they can continue to live in the city they have helped to build. As Mamdani put it, “We are going to keep New Yorkers in their homes, and we are going to ensure that the stability that you once had as rent-stabilized tenants is one that you get once again.”

The fight over rent hikes isn’t settled, but the rally at Riverside Church sent a clear signal: tenants across the city are mobilized and not letting this go without a fight.

Elmhurst CFO Honored as One of NYC’s Asian Trailblazers

Courtesy nychealthandhospitals

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst Chief Financial Officer Roger Zhu has been named on the City & State New York’s inaugural “Asian Trailblazers” list, an honor recognizing over 50 influential Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders across the state who have made significant contributions to public service, business, and community impact.

The announcement was made in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, highlighting leaders from a wide array of cultural backgrounds, including Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Korean, Bangladeshi, Vietnamese, and more.

Zhu, who oversees a $1 billion budget at one of the city’s busiest public hospitals, has spent nearly three decades in the NYC Health + Hospitals system. Under his financial leadership at Elmhurst Hospital, he has implemented a series of strategies that improved revenue collection by 62% over a three-year period, addressing long-standing billing and registration issues with a data-driven approach.

“There are many strategies behind these things,” Zhu said, describing his process. “Of course, that rely on the data and the statistic reports… reviewing those reports and ensuring that we are collecting what we needed.”

Zhu said that keeping Elmhurst financially stable allows the hospital to fulfill its core mission of serving a largely low-income and immigrant population. “Our mission is to provide care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay or immigration status,” he said. “Approximately 40% of our population is uninsured… I’m trying to balance the Excel spreadsheet in order for us to continue to provide the service or extend service to our local community.”

Born in China and raised in Queens, Zhu’s path into healthcare finance was grounded in community.

“It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s committed to delivering exceptional care, especially at a facility like Elmhurst that truly represents the spirit of Queens,” said Zhu. “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I hope it inspires the next generation of Asian American leaders to continue shaping the future of health care and public service.”

Starting as a grants panelist, he gradually built expertise in healthcare operations, budget management, and reimbursement systems, guided by mentors who understood the unique needs of the city’s public hospitals.

“I think this is a defining moment in my career, this is the time where I’m the chief financial officer level working with all the departments, how I can be able to hold other departments hands and working together on the same page,” Zhu said.

Now managing over 500 employees across 14 departments, Zhu has made it a priority to mentor and empower the next generation of diverse healthcare professionals. “We have 14 different departments that are allowing them to grow in their 14 different paths… to become future CFOs.”

Despite the magnitude of the recognition, Zhu remains humble about the honor. “I think I’m so humble and excited to receive this all. I think at the compared to the other trail blazers that list under the New York City and state, I think of my achievement is not worth the matching… but it is truly a remarkable experience, inspiring me to make significant contributions to Elmhurst Hospital, and further, probably, to the Health and Hospitals above and beyond.”

He added, “It’s a privilege to be part of a team that’s committed to delivering exceptional care, especially at a facility like Elmhurst that truly represents the spirit of Queens… I hope it inspires the next generation of Asian American leaders to continue shaping the future of health care and public service.”

Elmhurst Hospital is known for serving one of the most diverse communities in New York City, with a patient population that reflects a rich blend of cultures, languages, and backgrounds, including large Asian and Latino populations. This diversity is mirrored in the hospital’s staff and leadership, fostering an inclusive environment where cultural understanding and community connection are at the core of care. As  Zhu put it, “I’m in the right community. I’m in the right place.”

NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal healthcare system in the country, serving more than one million New Yorkers annually across more than 70 locations, with a mission rooted in equity, inclusion, and accessible care for all.

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