Tampa Bay, FL (WFAN)  -- As we near the start of another season there’s a matter that I have to address. I’ve heard it many times over the years. The Yankees haven’t won a World Series since I began covering this team in 2001. Some have taken this as a good-natured joke. Others have taken it seriously enough to ask for my resignation. They call it the Murti Jinx, and you know what? It’s all true.

Yes, I was the one who threw the ball into centerfield and later gave up the bloop single to Luis Gonzalez in 2001.

Yes, I was the one who couldn’t get the red-hot Angels out in 2002.

Yes, I was the one who’s back hurt so much in Game 5 of the 2003 World Series that I could only pitch one inning. I was also the one who couldn’t hit Josh Beckett in Game 6.

Yes, I was the one who stopped hitting after Game 3 in Boston in 2004. I was the one who slapped the ball out of Bronson Arroyo’s glove in Game 6. I was the one who gave up the grand slam to Johnny Damon in Game 7.

Yes, I was the one who gave up 5 runs in 3 innings in Game 3 against the Angels in 2005. I was the one who went 2 for 15 in the series and hit into a double play in the 9th inning of Game 5.

Yes, I was the one who couldn’t hit Kenny Rogers in Game 3 in 2006. I was the one who went 1 for 14 and batted 8th in Game 4.

Yes, I was the one with the ERA over 19 against the Indians in 2007. I was the one who let the bugs out in Game 2.

Some other things for which I have also been responsible:

• Your flat tire on the way to work.
• Your NCAA pool going up in flames.
• That day it rained.
• The fact that you’ve never won the lottery.
• Global warming.
• Gas prices.
• Sanjaya.
• Carl Pavano.
• Police Academy 6: City Under Siege.
• That dropped cell phone call.
• When that hot chick showed no interest in you whatsoever.
• Alicia Silverstone’s career.
• That math quiz you failed in 9th grade.
• Scott Norwood: wide right.

And I’m not sure if you know this, but my great-grandfather, Mahatma Murti, wrote for the Bapatla Bugle and covered the Madras Tigers of the National Cricket League. His first year was 1915, the year after the Tigers won their last NCL championship.

I hereby take full responsibility for the Murti Jinx. But if you still have some blame to spread, send it to Mark Feinsand of the Daily News http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs who began covering the Yankees the same year I did.

Blame whomever you want…but certainly not the players. Now that would just be silly.

Thanks for reading. Send comments, questions, and other complaints to yankees@wfan.com.

Sweeny