NoMaas recently had the pleasure of sitting down with former NYC mayor, 2008 Presidential candidate, and world-renowned Yankees fan Rudy Giuliani.

We had a great conversation on topics ranging from his favorite Yankees' memories to his thoughts on On Base Percentage.  The Mayor definitely knows his stuff.  We would like to thank him for taking time out of his busy campaign schedule to speak with the one and only, NoMaas.org.

When we sat down with the Mayor, we asked him eight questions.
 

NoMaas: Tell us about your earliest Yankees memory.

The Mayor told us about the first time he could remember going to the Stadium.  He was about 5 or 6 years old and went with his dad.  "It was a Yankees-Red Sox game, probably in '49-50," he said.  "Joe DiMaggio was in centerfield for the Yankees, and Dom DiMaggio was in centerfield for the Red Sox."  Giuliani remembers the game well, because both DiMaggio brothers "hit singles to each other."
 

NoMaas: What are your favorite Yankees moments?

After we asked this question, we were amazed at how many classic Yankees moments the Mayor saw in person.  Here's the list:

1. Roger Maris' 61st homerun
2. Reggie Jackson 3 HR World Series game
3. David Cone's perfect game
4. Aaron Boone's HR vs. the Red Sox
5. 1996 World Series because the Yankees "hadn't won in a long time."  Giuliani also remarked at how he brought his son to this Series, so he could "indoctrine him" to Yankee fandom.
 

NoMaas: Alex Rodriguez - Critic or Defender?

"Big-time defender, big-time" were the first words the Mayor spoke.  He told us that he "gets annoyed with fans" when they boo Arod.  Giuliani said he once went on the Mike & Mad Dog show to tell Yankees fans that heckling Rodriguez was "not a smart thing to do."  "As a Yankees fan, you want your guys to succeed," the Mayor told us.  "Booing him doesn't help."

Giuliani explained to us that the demeanor of the Stadium fans have changed over the years.  "In the 50s, fans would even cheer for the pitcher of the other team if he pitched a great game.  They did it out of respect for his performance."  He noted Yankees fans could be "more balanced."
 

NoMaas: If you could be guaranteed the Presidency, but you would have to wear a Red Sox hat for a month straight, would you do it?

The Mayor found this question amusing, but he did laughingly concede that the only way he would ever don a Red Sox hat is "if I lost a bet."
 

NoMaas: Do you follow the Yankees while you're on the campaign trail?

"Definitely," he told us.  "I have satellite radio, so I can listen to the games.  When I can't because of the campaign, one of the first things I do in the morning is check the box score."
 

NoMaas: Who are your three all-time favorite Yankees?

"Yogi Berra," Giuliani immediately remarked.  "I idolized him growing up.  I was a catcher."  His next two were Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle.

Without being asked, the Mayor told us his favorite modern-day Yankees.  His favorite right now is Derek Jeter because "he fits well into the Yankees tradition of class."  He also was a big fan of Paul O'Neil because "he provided that energy."

It was very interesting to hear he was also a big fan of Chuck Knoblauch.  Surprised to hear this, we asked for his reasoning.  He told us it was "because he took so many pitches" and helped wear down the opposing pitcher.  In response, we mentioned Bobby Abreu, who Giuliani also admires for his patient approach at the plate.  "Bobby Abreu has been a terrific addition," the Mayor told us.  "He has a great on-base percentage."  Giuliani went on to discuss Giambi, too.  "Even when he's in a slump, he's still getting his walks."

"On base percentage is very important to me," the Mayor stated to us.
 

NoMaas: Carl Pavano - Great Yankee or the Greatest Yankee?

After laughing and not knowing if we were serious, the Mayor said, "He hasn't been a Yankee.  He has a lot to prove."
 

NoMaas: If you win the Presidency, will you require the White House chef to make cannolis?

"I hope so," he told us.  "I'm not a big dessert guy, but there will definitely be a lot of pasta."
 

We would to thank Rudy Giliani for taking time out of his busy Presidential campaign schedule to speak with NoMaas.  Best of luck, Mr. Mayor.