Por Renan Filho · 2026-09-29**Lead**
Actor and Bronx native Chazz Palminteri brought his trademark candor to “The Craig Carton Show” this week, unleashing a blistering critique of New York Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray before pivoting to a jaw-dropping, “surreal” story involving Hollywood legend Robert De Niro. The “A Bronx Tale” star, known for his unapologetic love of New York sports, did not mince words when discussing Gray’s struggles on the mound, calling the right-hander’s performances “embarrassing” and questioning his ability to handle the pressure of pitching in the American League East.
**Contexto**
Palminteri, a lifelong Yankees fan who grew up in the shadow of Yankee Stadium, has never been shy about sharing his opinions on the team. His appearance on the nationally syndicated sports talk show, hosted by former WFAN personality Craig Carton, came amid a particularly frustrating stretch for the Yankees’ starting rotation. Sonny Gray, acquired from the Oakland Athletics in 2017, had shown flashes of brilliance but consistently failed to deliver in big moments, posting an inconsistent ERA and often struggling to get through the fifth inning. For a franchise built on championships, the margin for error in New York is razor-thin, and Palminteri made it clear that Gray’s tenure had become untenable in the eyes of many fans.
The actor’s critique was not just about statistics; it was about the intangibles that define success in New York. “You gotta have stones in this city,” Palminteri said during the interview, his voice rising with the passion of someone who has watched decades of Yankees baseball. He argued that Gray’s body language on the mound, often slumped and visibly frustrated, sent the wrong message to teammates and opponents alike. In a market where every pitch is dissected and every loss is magnified, Palminteri insisted that mental toughness is just as important as raw talent. He contrasted Gray unfavorably with Yankees legends like Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter, players who thrived under the brightest lights and delivered when the game was on the line.
But the conversation took an unexpected turn when Palminteri shifted gears to recall a “surreal” encounter with Robert De Niro. The story, which Palminteri described as “one of those moments you can’t make up,” involved a chance meeting at a restaurant in Manhattan. According to Palminteri, De Niro approached his table, not to discuss acting or their shared history in Hollywood, but to talk about the Yankees. “He sits down, looks at me, and says, ‘Chazz, what are we gonna do about this pitching staff?’” Palminteri recalled, laughing. The two then spent the next hour debating the team’s chances, with De Niro, a known Yankees fan, offering his own theories on what needed to change. For Palminteri, the moment was a reminder that no matter how famous you become, the love for your hometown team can bring everyone to the same level.
**Analise**
Palminteri’s comments reflect a broader frustration that has been simmering among Yankees fans for years. The team’s front office, led by general manager Brian Cashman, has often been criticized for prioritizing analytics over old-school intangibles, and players like Gray became symbols of that philosophical divide. While advanced metrics painted a picture of a pitcher who was unlucky rather than ineffective, the eye test told a different story. In a city that values results over process, Palminteri’s visceral reaction resonates with a segment of the fanbase that believes the Yankees have lost their identity. His critique also highlights the unique pressure of playing in New York, where every mistake is magnified and patience is a luxury no one can afford.
The De Niro anecdote, while humorous, serves a deeper purpose in the interview. It humanizes the larger-than-life figures of Hollywood and sports, showing that even the most celebrated actors are just fans at heart. It also reinforces the cultural significance of the Yankees in New York’s social fabric. For Palminteri, sharing that moment with De Niro was not just a celebrity encounter; it was a connection forged through decades of shared joy and heartbreak over a baseball team. In a world where sports and entertainment often intersect, these moments remind us why we care so deeply about the games we love. Whether Gray’s tenure with the Yankees would end in a trade or a demotion to the bullpen remained to be seen, but one thing was certain: the passion of fans like Palminteri would never waver.
**Fontes**
This article is based on comments made by Chazz Palminteri during an appearance on “The Craig Carton Show,” a sports talk program distributed by Fox Sports Radio. Additional context was drawn from public records of Sonny Gray’s tenure with the New York Yankees, including game statistics and team reports from the 2017-2018 seasons. The Robert De Niro anecdote was relayed directly by Palminteri during the same interview and has not been independently verified by FORTIS NEWS.