Joe Girardi looks on during batting practice prior to their...

Joe Girardi looks on during batting practice prior to their game against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. (June 12, 2011) Credit: Getty Images

Joe Girardi, from Peoria, Ill., grew up a Cubs fan, and his return to Wrigley Field, where he also played as a major- leaguer, was a popular topic. It also was a return home for Larry Rothschild, the Cubs’ pitching coach for nine seasons before he joined the Yankees last offseason. He was born in Chicago and still has family in the area. Curtis Granderson also was born here.

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