When Dr. Stephens told the class that we could blog on whatever we want, I promised myself that I would not post about anything regarding sports. Yet sure enough, here I am unable to resist the urge to write about a rather emotional day I had today in my dorm room sitting in front of the TV as I was forced to say goodbye to what is considered by many as the greatest sporting venue in the western hemisphere.
Ever since a young age, I was very passionate for the game of baseball. Living just outside New York City, my favorite team was the Yankees. I was fortunate enough to have a father with season tickets who would often bring me to Yankee Stadium to see games. Many of my earliest childhood memories took place in this historic ballpark, whether it was begging my dad for cotton candy, snacking on hot dogs, catching a fly ball, watching crazy drunken New Yorkers brawl with Red Sox fans in the stands, or the monumental post season success that the Yankees had in the late 90's. The visions and excitement I experienced in “the house that Ruth built” are truly unforgettable.
Perhaps the most unbelievable time of my life was in November of 2001, right after the September 11 terrorist attack when our country was in a period of shock and terror. The people of New York City were horribly hurt as a result of the loss of many innocent citizens and firefighters. However, there was one thing that brought the city and country together, and that was baseball, America’s national pastime. I will never forget watching President Bush, who was seriously threatened by terrorists at the time, standing by himself on the pitchers mound, fearless, throwing the ceremonial first pitch at Yankee Stadium in the 2001 World Series. I experienced fans around me explode with patriotism and excitement. The Yankees made three “magical” come from behind victories in New York that united our nation as strong as ever. The Yankees healed the cities heart.
Video of the Patriotic time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8WhoiuU3Og&feature=related
Four years ago, George Steinbrenner, the owner of the Yankees, announced plans for a new Yankee Stadium. He spoke of a day where they would tear down the current complex and move to a brand new stadium nearby. The idea seemed so distant and impractical at the time, but this year when the players began wearing “Yankee Stadium: Final Year” badges on their jersey’s, it became a reality.
Tonight at 7PM, I found myself in tears in front of the TV as I watched ESPN highlight all the memories and traditions of Yankee Stadium as they televised the very last game ever to be played there. Never have I been so attached to a TV for three hours. I literally felt like I was back in the stands with all the best fans in the world. The whole city came together as a family, and it wasn’t just about baseball, it was about pride and sentimental value of such a historic place. An 85-year-old American cultural monument will be destroyed, but the fans and memories will live forever.
R.I.P. Yankee Stadium - 1923-2008
Yogi Berra’s tribute to Yankee Stadium: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4qbfk8t97o
