Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
September 21, 2008
Remembering Yankee Stadium

For some reason I missed it when Alex posted, but my fondest memory of Yankees Stadium is up at Bronx Banter. I do have a couple of other memories of the place. My first visit there was also my first visit to any ballpark. It was in September of 1969, a meaningless game between the Yankees and the Red Sox. Mel Stottlemyre pitched. That was my first year watching baseball and Mel was one of my favorite players. Thurman Munson caught. The Yankees called him up in September of that season, and there was already buzz that he would be a star. Stottlemyre was a good hitter, and he tripled and scored in the game.

My other favorite moment came in 1986. Once a year my company would attend a trade show in New York, so I always tried to catch a game while in the city. My good friend Jim Storer came down from Connecticut to join me. It was a rain delayed, poorly played game between the Twins and Yankees that seemed to go on forever. Late in the game, however, a message flashed on the scoreboard that Roger Clemens struck out 20 Mariners. Jim let out a scream. "I could have taken him in the 20th round of my fantasy draft!"

During the 1998 World Series, I did get on the field. We watched batting practice near the cage, sat in the dugout, and explored the bowels of the stadium. Having done the same in more modern parks, it's clear they need a new facility. The tunnels are narrow and cramped, dark and damp. In Cleveland, Atlanta, Colorado and Miami, you can drive a truck around under the stadium. Some fans may not love the move, but I'm guessing the press, broadcasters, players and their families will love the spacious digs.

I'm grateful I was able to see the original configuration and the improved new look. I can't wait to see the new park.


Posted by David Pinto at 10:16 AM | Stadiums | TrackBack (0)
Comments

Thanks for this. I like it when you add personal anecdotes - makes the blog more interesting.

Posted by: Matt at September 21, 2008 11:39 AM
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