Sunday, June 08, 2008

Trip to Yankee Stadium



This past thursday, I had the opportunity to go to Yankee Stadium for the first time. I was pretty excited about the opportunity. While I don't think I'll ever make it to every city where there is a Major League team, I certainly would mind trying. (My friend Shane has two more to go, and it looks like he'll get them this year.) So I jumped on the opportunity to go visit the headquarters of the Evil Empire.

For all it's lore, legend, and history, I really didn't think Yankee Stadium was that much to look at. The concourses are small, and so are the space between the rows of seats. Evidently, we're bigger now than in the 20's (Thanks Krispy Kreme). I had the chance to go to Monument Park. The first part was very underwhelming (re: disappointing). There were just the players numbers with a plaque of some sort with highlights. When you turn the corner, you see the full bronze plaques, which is more of what I was expecting.

The game was everything you could ask for in a game. The Blue Jays had control for most of the game. The held a 2-run lead heading into the 9th inning when they brought closer BJ Ryan to the mound. Ryan let one run in (I think it was A-Rod when Matsui hit him in). So with Matsui on base, Jason Giambi walked up to the plate to pinch hit. He quickly was in an 0-2 hole with 2 outs. It looked like the game was over. Then Ryan grooved a pitch which Giambi destroyed to his a 2-out pinch hit, walk-off home run. (It's hard to believe that was the first one in Yankee history.) The place was electric.

All in all, it was a great day and a great game. So far on my slate, I will be at the Orioles v. Astros in a week. Then I get to see my Pirates take on the Phillies in Philly. There is talk of heading to Shea Stadium to see the Mets later this summer.

2 comments:

stephen said...

Steve,

Glad to hear you had a good time at the Stadium. My friend and I are headed up there in two weeks for an afternoon game. Any tips?

Steve and Andrea LaMotte said...

If you can do it, get to the stadium 2 hours early to go see monument park. You'll need to know which gate to line up at. The beginning is underwhelming, but the bronze plaques are really cool, and rich in baseball history. Have fun.