Ex-model Azra Shafi-Schelierini is known as the major leagues’ unofficial psychic—as former Mets pitcher Ron Darling put it, “Nostradamus with a better body.” Her roster includes Yankees slugger Jason Giambi (“He won’t go to the bathroom without her,” jokes sports-insurance agent Richard Salgado) and Mets reliever Duaner Sanchez. “She’s a holistic life coach,” says Mets pitching coach Rick Peterson. “She taps into your heart and soul, and shows how to untap your potential.” Yankees GM Brian Cashman says, “She’s got a great demeanor, very easy to talk to.” She spoke with Geoffrey Gray.
If you’re not a psychic, what are you?
I’m a consultant. I’m no more “psychic” than anybody else who has instincts or intuition. But sometimes mine just slap me in the face.
Which team has the most positive energy?
If the fans are happy, the players are happy. The Yankees have the best fans in the world, but when they don’t win, they let you know it. Mets fans are happy all the time.
Does signing expensive players give the Yankees bad karma?
No. I don’t really understand baseball, but a team can be up 7-0, and a guy hits a grand slam, and then another guy can’t catch the ball because the sun came out or whatever, and the team loses, 9-7. That’s not karma. That’s just the way it is.
Why does Derek Jeter call you “the Wiz”?
When we met, he couldn’t pronounce my name. So it was “Az.” That became the “Wizard of Oz.” Then he shortened it.
Does Jason Giambi really call you from the dugout?
Nobody calls me from the dugout.
Why do players respond to you so well?
In baseball, if you’re good 30 percent of the time, you’re the best. So, if I am right 50 percent of the time, it’s like I am from another galaxy.
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