So here it is the 84th and last season at Yankee Stadium....or as they have stamped on the ticket "The Final Season." Sounds kind of ominous - even for the nicknamed Evil Empire. I don't much like the end of anything - except maybe the end of the work day.
Star Spangled Banner
What I do like is the start of the game - that feeling of anticipation. Getting your hotdog, finding your seat, and standing for the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. This was my view the night I was there. Such a wholesome picture - three of our Yankee players, facing the flag....and a closeup of Jeter's behind in living color on the Diamond Vision screen - boy, do I love baseball!
It was a chilly Friday night - the stands were full (or relatively) and the fans were hungry for a win. It was the return of the great broadcaster and former outfielder Bobby Murcer to the television booth after a bout with cancer. The young welcomed him back with homemade signs and enthusiastic grins. And the crowd cheered as Bobby waved to the fans below.
You can see the entrance to the new stadium as you exit the subway - the "Y" and "S" had yet to find their posts on the granite and limestone exterior. Seemed odd to see the virgin stadium lurking in the shadows - to view this gated castle in production.
Yankee Stadium Gate
Since 1923, Yankees home games have been played there (with the exception of the '74 and '75 seasons when it was undergoing renovations.) That's a lot of games and an impressive number of championships. It will be bittersweet to see the old stadium go - but change is good, right? But please, please don't tell me it's the final season for the always entertaining grounds crew YMCA dance? There are some traditions that must remain.
-- Liz Esquirol