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The Yankees take the memorabilia business very seriously, it appears

Peter Abraham
September
20

rawlings_baseball.jpgEvery Yankees player and coach had a memo from the team waiting for them in their locker today. It said, in 24-point bold letters, that the ball used to get the final out tomorrow night belongs to the Yankees and must be turned over immediately to federal or NYPD authorities for authentication.

The ball will be placed in a museum at the new Stadium.

The memo also said the players would be able to keep only their backup jersey “as a gift” under the condition that they never sell it or give it away.

Their game-used jerseys will apparently be sold.

The players were warned against taking any items from the clubhouse or the Stadium. Anything they want, it said, would be sold to them “at prices set by New York City.”

Federal authorities? Is there a Bureau of Baseball Authentication?

————

Just to make this clear … you must have a ticket for tomorrow’s game to enter Yankee Stadium. The gates open at 1 p.m., only to those fans who have a ticket for the game.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 20th, 2008 at 5:22 pm by Peter Abraham.
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241 Responses to “The Yankees take the memorabilia business very seriously, it appears”

  1. Doreen

    Wow.

    Well, I guess the whole fiasco with Mientkiewicz and the Red Sox WS game ball set this up, huh?

    And, well, frankly most of the players can afford to buy their mementos, so there shouldn’t be any problem with that.

    But, boy oh boy has the memorabilia business grown.

  2. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    I’m going to spend a small fortune on something. Like a jar of dirt.

  3. aado

    What happens if the last play is a game-ending home run by a Yankee?

  4. Tom

    WOW! I can’t decide if their paranoid or greedy. Can they claim ownership of a baseball? Does the last home run ball belong to them too…

  5. CK in LA

    Wow, pretty harsh. Sure the players can afford to buy anything but they’re the ones that do the work, they’re the ones people come to see. They should be able to keep their own uniforms if they want. I assume most of them would donate any money to their own foundations anyway.

  6. the ghost

    the one good thing about the coming depression is that this ridiculous memorabilia industry will vanish. It’s truly the tulip frenzy of our time.

  7. CK in LA

    “aado September 20th, 2008 at 5:32 pm

    What happens if the last play is a game-ending home run by a Yankee?”

    It would be the first time I hoped a fan would jack them for all they could get. Or, better yet, keep it on their own bookshelf!

  8. Tom

    “What happens if the last play is a game-ending home run by a Yankee?”

    From the sound of it, I think they would enforce the writ of eminent domain.

  9. Dave D

    Pudge Rodriguez will steal the last out, run to center field and vanish into thin air.

  10. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Pudge Rodriguez will steal the last out, run to center field and vanish into thin air.

    Ain’t no one running away w/ that ball besides Brett will catch him ;)

  11. Say it ain't so

    Wouldn’t be the Yankees if they missed a chance to make a little more money.

    Don’t steal any pens from the press box, Pete, you’ll get arrested.

  12. Quilvio Imposter

    That’s cold… the players should be able to keep their own jerseys and anything they want. Last out I understand, but uniforms?

    If Brett Gardner steals 2nd base, he should be allowed to keep the base. If Abreu hits an RBI double, he should be able to keep that ball. etc

  13. mel

    ESPN bias, “Jeter injures hand” :evil:

    650 media credentials issued for tomorrow, twice as many as a big game.

  14. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    It’s gotta end with a Mo strike three.

    It just has to.

  15. Clint

    Andy needs to be 100% sure his elbow will allow him to pitch the game of his life. Tomorrow is like game 7 of the WS.

    If he isn’t up to it, then let Ian Kennedy get the ball.

  16. Tom

    If the game ends with Millar getting the ball at first, I will puke.

  17. TurnTables

    For all this money they are trying to squeeze out of us, they better be damn committed to putting a legit product on the field next year and not he redundant mediocrity we’ve seen for years.

    Translation – If there is a Santana trade to be made this off-season, we make it.

  18. Jeff

    The final ball will be caught by Melky as a defensive replacement.

  19. Tom

    “George Steinbrenner is not expected to attend Sunday night’s Yankee Stadium finale, but a number of Yankees Hall of Famers will be on hand…”

    I’ve had mixed feelings about old George; however, I will be sad if he misses this.

    http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....kee_s.html

  20. Oddessy

    The new stadium is the house that George built… there is no point in any ceremony if he is not there.

  21. Don Capone

    “…must be turned over immediately to federal or NYPD authorities for authentication.”

    Wow, the feds are going to be there?

    If a HR ends the game, I hope that fan who wrote the book on how to catch balls doesn’t catch it.

  22. Forntoso

    Will the NYPD pepper-spray the entire section where the ball lands to try and retrieve it?

  23. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Will the NYPD pepper-spray the entire section where the ball lands to try and retrieve it?

    I’d be for it just to get that ball back.

  24. eyes of realism

    Virtually anything not nailed or bolted down will see pilfering eyes.
    There no telling how much bogus dirt or turf will be sold to unsuspecting buyers.
    With all the cameras at the game, photos will be taken of things like signs with reproductions made and sold as authentic by aspiring rip-off dealers.
    The Yankees need to have a running list made available to the public as to what was sold and who purchased the item.

  25. DYNASTY IS DESTINY!

    Wonder what the last home run ball will be worth?

    For that matter, what happened to the first home run ball hit at Yankee Stadium-the one Ruth hit?

    Is it in Cooperstown? Anyone know?

  26. Y26

    Sabathia got shelled today by the lowly reds in a must win game, after only 5.2 innings.

    And he was shelled just last week by the Cubs in a must win game. Two of his worst starts game when the Brewers needed him the most.

    Suddenly, that $175 million dollar deal doesn’t look so smart now, clearly the guy fails to perform under pressure in must win games. If he can’t get out the Reds in a must win game, what is he going to do in Fenway?

  27. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    I on’t think it’s so much pressure on Sabathia as it is overuse, but his numbers last october were ugly.

  28. DYNASTY IS DESTINY!

    “…his numbers last october were ugly.”

    Good point, Rebecca…around here October is all that counts!

  29. mel

    Obviously they’re talking about the ball from the last play in the field of play. HR balls belong to the fans.

    They’ve got to be heavy with this, it has the potential to be a big grabfest.

  30. RS

    “I don’t think it’s so much pressure on Sabathia as it is overuse”

    exactly. last october CC was coming off a year in which he led the league in IP. it was also a career high for him, so he was probably tired by the time the playoffs came around.

    this year he is leading the NL in CG’s and has thrown more pitches than anyone in baseball. he pitched on 3 days rest today.

    i think his poor end-of-the-season performances have come from being overused to much. the yankees wont abuse him like that, though, because we know how paranoid they are about the 100-pitch mark.

  31. Doreen

    What if the last home run hit was Robinson Cano’s homerun YESTERDAY????

    Just as well Milwaukee’s falling out of it, because I think CC’s done for the year. So, if the Yankees get him next season, what will the game plan be? Yes, he’s an “innings eater,” but at what cost? Will the Yankees or whatever team he ends up with, limit his innings – in other words, no complete games, no matter what?

  32. CaShBuM ( Sign manny )

    sox lose tomorrow we win 6 games
    sox get sweep by indians we sweep jays 2 games
    we sweep sox we go to playoff

  33. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Doreen: I love Robbie, but I *really* want the last HR to be Jeter.

    Well, the last hit, anyway.

  34. CaptainsCorner

    If Pettitte serves up some meatballs and they lose the game then the Orioles will have the ball. I would assume the same letter was in the Orioles clubhouse. But hopefully the Yanks can pull out a win and they won’t have to worry about that. The Orioles are pitching another lefty with off speed pitches so hopefully the Yanks can hit this scrub not like today.

  35. Doreen

    Rebecca -

    For Jeter to hit the last homerun at the Stadium would just be magical. I seriously doubt he’s going to be able to. Thank goodness he got his hits early in the homestand. I “hate” the Orioles. They always seem to be the team that gets Jeter (and others) and really badly, too.

    If it’s not Jeter, and there is a homerun tomorrow, maybe ARod? At least he’s a big part of the future, so that would be appropriate. If it ends up being Cano, that’s okay. Just as long as it’s not an Oriole, specifically you-know-who.

  36. DYNASTY IS DESTINY!

    Ironic how the guy that could be responsible for the last home run ever at Yankee Stadium and the last walk-off hit was benched just a few days ago…

  37. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    An Arod HR to cause a riot in the stands would be so like Arod he just can’t avoid the spotlight. :lol:

  38. Tom K

    Dynasty is Destiny –

    Well, as we are finding out this year, October only counts when you actually get there. CC helps you get there; what happens after that is anybody’s guess. It’s just as likely that he will dominate a playoff game that it is that he’ll get shelled; just like Andy through the years.

  39. DYNASTY IS DESTINY!

    So, if this stadium is known as “The House That Ruth Built,” what will the new stadium be known as?

  40. DYNASTY IS DESTINY!

    Yes, but we’ve gotten there many times without a CC…we’ll get there again even if we don’t sign him…

  41. Doreen

    You all must read this story by Steve Politi of the Star Ledger. It’s for you, the fans!

    http://www.nj.com/yankees/inde.....ars_w.html

  42. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    So, if this stadium is known as “The House That Ruth Built,” what will the new stadium be known as?

    “The House That George Built”

  43. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    I swear if someone saids Jeter built I’m going to hurl. Mariano Rivera before anyone else.

  44. CaptainsCorner

    The Indians announcers kept saying last year that CC was pitching bad in the play offs because he had never pitched so many innings. At the end of last season he was already at 240 innings…that is 50 innings more then he pitched the previous 2 seasons. Then he pitched 15 innings in the play offs. That is alot of innings for someone who is not used to it!!! Also they pitched him on 3 days rest a couple of times down the stretch and in the play offs. This season he is already at 230. I think he will be fine but he can’t be abused like what the Brewers are doing to him.

  45. S.A.-The 2008 NY Yankees: Staying alive...barely

    Thanks for the link Doreen. Just read it and I’m getting weepy again. :cry:

    Tomorrow will be a busy, emotional day

  46. Brandon (Humberto's coming home !)..."Keep Manny away !"

    Later peoples I’m out.

  47. Doreen

    S.A. –

    Weren’t those attendance numbers incredible? And not in a good way. The Yankees and their current fans have a lot to be proud of.

    I can’t wait for all the festivities tomorrow. These last days have been really wonderful. Even the weather has been perfect.

  48. Jimw

    How much you wanna bet AROD opts out tomorrow during the game.

  49. harwood

    What is Mientkiewicz still on the roster?

  50. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Would any of you be interested if I were to liveblog tomorrow? I’m currently weighing the idea.

  51. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    Anyone think I can take a baggie and scoop some sand from the outfield?

    Will look at the links later.

    Boring post coming up!

  52. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    (warning: this post is more boring than my usual posts, if that is possible; don’t crab about it if you take the time to read it and then find it more boring than ever! You have been warned.)

    Well after a circus, run around, and a minor fiasco, I am home with my DirectTV DVR or whatever you call it! Here were my blessings though. I had to make two trips to Circuit City because it took longer than I thought and I had to leave there to go to mass since I won’t miss mass and couldn’t do it tomorrow. When I got in the car to head to the church, the Yankees were in the bottom of the 9th, and yes, I got to hear Robby get the walk off hit! Then I switched to WEEI and got to hear the postmortem on the Sux game. I thought of all of you and how crazy you must have been going when Robby got that hit! Then I thought of Pete and how he would have to labor another day to remind us of the magic numbers.

    I have this dream that crazy things happen and magically we don’t lose another game (sorry to say this and I will apologize if need be but I wish we had anyone but Andy going tomorrow and I hope Girardi is at the ready with a short hook if necessary) and the Sux start falling apart and the Jays are so motivated that it doesn’t matter that a no name starts tomorrow’s game. Then Cleveland marches into fenway field with a box of midges and Cliff Lee pitches all three games :D and oh my goodness gracious, can you believe it, the Yankee games count for something!!!

    I agree that the percentages are slim – but not impossible, hey.

    Here’s a super great feeling. Still being excited about winning games, despite the slim percentages that we will see the Stadium for October ball.

    I would still like to call on the baseball gods and remind them that this is a very special season for the Yankees. I realize they’ve been good, but I hope they also realize the need to step up to the plate for very special events!

    I talked to my brother in Houston today and told him I was going to the Stadium tomorrow – at which point I started bawling. But they all know me so he wasn’t thrown. (At one point they had nicknamed me Toonces the crying cat. Ha ha right.) He said that the last game at the Stadium has been all the talk in Houston, at which point I cried even more, touched by just how universal our Yankees are. (As an aside, my brother is recovering from a stem cell transplant which he needed in order to save his life. He is a doctor and was treated at MD Anderson so he has gotten tremendous care. But he has contracted just about everything someone who is immunesupressed can get, so he has spent more time in the hospital than out. Ms. Optimist knows he will be fine, but I have to say I felt awful for crying over Yankee Stadium, not that I did it on purpose. But you can imagine it felt cheesy under the circumstances. But he was gracious – probably hasn’t the strength to be otherwise at this point.)

    Sometimes I feel like a bad person but I really don’t mean to be!

    OH MY GOODNESS GRACIOUS, GO YANKEES!!!

    (Now to hook up my TIVO)

    Oh yeah – when I called Circuit City they told me it was $199. They made a mistake. It is now $99! That was another blessing.)

    :D

  53. Mike R

    “How much you wanna bet AROD opts out tomorrow during the game.”

    HAHAHA

    A+

  54. S.A.-The 2008 NY Yankees: Staying alive...barely

    Weren’t those attendance numbers incredible? And not in a good way. The Yankees and their current fans have a lot to be proud of.

    I can’t wait for all the festivities tomorrow. These last days have been really wonderful. Even the weather has been perfect.

    Seriously. I didn’t realize the average attendance was that low back in the day.

    Tomorrow should be great. Just checked the weather and things should be a-okay for tomorrow night. :)

  55. mel

    The House the Taxpayers built?

    Ouch. j/k

  56. harwood

    “Would any of you be interested if I were to liveblog tomorrow? I’m currently weighing the idea.”

    It cant be worse than listening to ESPN. Do it.

  57. Tell No One

    Imagine what kind of stadium we could built with $700 Billion.

  58. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    harwood–thanks :)

  59. bigjf

    I predict a riot scene tomorrow night. They don’t have enough police force…

  60. Doreen

    Trisha -

    Good luck hooking up your technology. Make sure you test it out before you leave tomorrow morning. And get enough sleep!

    As for the baseball gods, all I ask from them is a victory tomorrow. The rest is up to the Yankees on their own. I think if you don’t get too greedy the baseball gods are very generous. In 2001 between the ghosts and the gods, while the Yankees didn’t get the WS championship, they DID get some special games and memories which gave a lot of people hope and sustenance and incredible memories. That’s what I want for tomorrow.

    As for the balance of the season, I don’t hold out much hope, but it’s nice that there still is some. Baseball is a crazy game, and anything can happen. I just want the Yankees to play good, solid baseball from here on out, and if they win more than they lose, that’ll be a good ending to the season. (Well, not the ending we all hoped for, but a better ending than going out like thieves in the night.)

  61. Tell No One

    Taxpayers, so let’s see… $700 billion / 1.3 billion/50 states = ?…. That’s like putting 11 new Yankee Stadiums in each state. Awesome!

  62. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    If you’re going tomorrow, for the love of g-d please stay safe.

    I can’t imagine how crazy it’s going to be…

  63. S.A.-The 2008 NY Yankees: Staying alive...barely

    “The House that Hank probably thinks he built all by himself?”

  64. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    Doreen I paid an extra $40 for the pleasure of one week of talk to Firedog – whatever that is. I was assured they are used to dealing with dummies :) and will walk me through the setup. I am hold right now to talk to them. I am afraid to attempt anything on my own. Once I am hooked up I will read the book but will also test it out. They are there 24-7 so I should be good to go. I just hope it will be quick and painless as I would really like to get myself set for tomorrow and get a little sleep!

  65. 2008 Yankees

    OK…being a wise guy here for a second. What if I catch the winning homerun in the bottom of the 9th when Jeter hits one right to me?? Are the Feds going to come rushing me and tackling me in an attempt to authenticate it??

  66. Doreen

    If you read the Politi article, you’d probably agree that it should be called “The House that the Fans Built.” Without all of you who’ve been attending over the past 10 years, it NEVER would have happened. NEVER.

  67. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    “OK…being a wise guy here for a second. What if I catch the winning homerun in the bottom of the 9th when Jeter hits one right to me?? Are the Feds going to come rushing me and tackling me in an attempt to authenticate it??”

    I’d count on it!

  68. Don't know why....

    Can’t wait until tomorrow: Elimination Day!!

    ah,…um, I mean last day at Yanks Stad!!!!

  69. bphill

    I went today….it was crazy after the game, the police came rushing out of the outfield, it was almost scary seeing them run out. It was a great game to go to today, very sad…I took 252 pictures on my camera. I probably stayed 15 minutes after the game, I have never seen it that crowded after, noone wanted to leave.

  70. Jimw

    I’m guessing fans will excavate around 6-8 inches of warning track to be sold on eBay and if yours is not authenticated by the FEDS I will not be bidding!…and please don’t list one of those darn reserve auctions…Thank you

  71. mel

    Pedro’s toast.

  72. The Rays are "in"

    Congrats to the second to last team in the payroll order:
    #29 Tampa Bay Rays $43,820,598

    They’re going to the playoffs!

    I guess $200 mill+ doesn’t get you what it use to. In fact it’s never gotten the Yankees anything. Just overpaid bloated old men who are slow and don’t care, because they got theirs.

    The fat cat is singing tonight!!!!

  73. S.A.-The 2008 NY Yankees: Staying alive...barely

    Pedro..yikes

  74. Braintrust

    Pettitte needs to bring his A+ game tomorrow. We need to close out the Stadium on a winning note.

  75. Brian McName

    So, if this stadium is known as “The House That Ruth Built,” what will the new stadium be known as?

    The House That Roids Built

  76. mel

    Just ignore it, please.

  77. JimmyH

    I attended today’s game and a couple things struck me that I feel I have to share.
    The first was the amount of NY Police that lined both sides of the warning track as soon as the last out was made. It was unbelieveable. From where I sat in right field tier, I counted 44 cops along the warning track from the bullpens to almost home plate on the third base side. Without looking over the edge of the railing I am presuming there were approx. the same number on the right field side. Yankees management is absolutely obsessed with no one touching their grass. When my son and I took the Stadium tour Tuesday, they were the same way. If they warned us once, they warned us fifty times to stay away from the grass, not to step on the grass, don’t touch the grass, don’t try to take a blade of grass.
    The second and, more upsetting point, is the lack of the Yankee organization doing anything to dress up the stadium and send it off in style. Frankly, for this last home stand series of games, I expected to see bunting or banners hanging from upper deck railings and some kind of emblem, perhaps the Final Days emblem that has been fixed onto every piece of merchandise they sold this year, spray painted on the field, much like the way a world series or play off emblem is, on the grass to the right and left of home plate.
    As I sat there during today’s game, it really struck me how little the management seemed to care that this is it. A lot of people are emotional about this place coming down and it would have been nice to see it dressed up for it’s final games.
    Sorry for all of that but I had to vent.

  78. GreenBeret7

    DYNASTY IS DESTINY!
    September 20th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
    So, if this stadium is known as “The House That Ruth Built,” what will the new stadium be known as?

    ___________________________________________________

    Why does it need to be called anything other than “Yankee Stadium”? The line was taken from a Mother Goose story (The House That Jack Built) and was used by a clever sports writer of that time. Since there are few if any great sports writers like Ring Lardner, Damon Runyon and certainly no Grantland Rice any more, they’re on their own to try and find a clever name for the new park

  79. Joe from Long Island

    Doreen – I really liked the article.

    Trish – hang in.

    Tomorrow will be a day to remember. Let’s all do that – remember. Memories of the past, our parents teaching us about baseball, our own memeories…This is really what baseball and rooting is all about…the memories. As Yankee fans, we have great ones.

    Let’s go Yankees, and win tomorrow. For the ghosts.

  80. Tell No One

    So nice to see Henry Kissinger, Paul Simon, Billy Crystal, etc. reflecting on the passing of the old stadium in the Times.

  81. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    Joe from LI – your post made me cry.

    “Let’s go Yankees, and win tomorrow. For the ghosts.”

  82. The Inquiz-ator

    You got that right. Yanks and Tigers should be embarrassed
    Especially Yanks. That’s just totally embarrassing for them. I’d go hide under a rock if I we’re a Yankee fan right about now. All that money and nothing to show for it. Numbers 3 to 8 are all in.

    It’s not all about money. It’s about a team playing together like a team from number 1 all the way down to number 25. 1 guy making more than the Tampa Rays just isn’t going to do it!

    Rank Team Payroll
    1 New York Yankees $209,081,579
    2 Detroit Tigers $138,685,197
    3 New York Mets $138,293,378
    4 Boston Red Sox $133,440,037
    5 Chicago White Sox $121,152,667
    6 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim $119,216,333
    7 Chicago Cubs $118,595,833
    8 Los Angeles Dodgers $118,536,038

  83. Thrillington

    Wow. Taking a break from the heavy emotion I am feeling in anticipation of tomorrow, this post made me comically think of a new game for PS3 called “Grand Theft Baseball,” the premise of which is a newly arrived ballplayer from a faraway land who makes the last out of an historically important game and attempts to steal the ball, evading cops and Randy Levine with all kinds of gadgets and defense mechanisms at his disposal.

  84. mel

    This one will really get to you…

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09.....f=baseball

    Look like tomorrow’s Times will have a whole lot of these articles, but it’s nice for non-subscribers to enjoy them, too. The wonders of technology.

  85. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    By the way, if it is possible I am going to get as much dirt as I can from the outfield warning track. And if I had enough of it I would share it with people here. I would never sink so low as to try to sell it on eBay. That’s about as low rent as you can get.

  86. pat

    A friend who is a NYer/Yankee fan and now lives in DC emailed me audio of a reporter asking Will Nieves and Aaron Boone for their memories of the Yankees on the final weekend of Yankee Stadium.

    What struck me as funny is if Wil Nieves and Aaron Boone were still playing for the Yankees, no one would be asking them for their memories of the Stadium. Almost every article I’ve read this week only refers to Jeter, Girardi, Mo and Andy’s memories. I get the homegrown and the rings thing but the other players have hardly been heard from. It does seem a little devisive in how the media has been covering this in NY.

  87. AROD fan

    wow this just gets dooshier by the second. this whole season was a sham. they are professionals in this game and they knew they couldn’t win with that rotation. they got their stadium so they didn’t care anymore about winning or baseball. not enough police? riot police? seriously? the bambino and all the others are rolling in their graves.

  88. Rishi

    I was at the game today too…I’ll tell you what’s been different lately for me: all the people visiting (I swear I have seen jerseys from every mlb team in the last few weeks) wondering if Yankee Stadium is really this quiet, do they really react like X when Y happens.

    I mean, when so many in the stands are visitors, you’re not getting a “Yankee experience” you’re getting a “i’m a fan of baseball and wanted to say I was there” experience…

  89. GreenBeret7

    Pat, I can only thank God that Roger Maris isn’t around for them to ask his opinion…not on Yankee Stadium, but those that show up to watch and write about the games there.

  90. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Things that need to happen tomorrow

    [/end shameless self promotion]

  91. Braintrust

    I’m looking forward to the new Stadium, and the Yankees creating great moments there as well.

  92. Tell No One

    I’m planning to bring a shovel to the stadium tomorrow too.

  93. Joe from Long Island

    Nice writing, Rebecca.

  94. Doreen

    Rebecca –

    That would be a great script for tomorrow.

    I just hope the game is never in doubt on the side of our team.

  95. Ed - strange things happens in baseball [the Yankee stadium ghosts will come out]

    The Yankee ghosts have came out and not going back, taking the Yanks to the playoffs.

    only 1 can hope. sigh!!

  96. Rishi

    I agree with all of that Rebecca! We were just saying today that George needs to be the one pulling the lever for the last time…

  97. DFox

    “All that money and nothing to show for it.”

    WOW, what a gutsy statement to make for a team that’s still alive and still has a very outside chance to pull off the greatest comeback story in sports history.

  98. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Thanks. Let’s hope at least some of it actually happens.

  99. Mark in Tampa

    So, would they Taser Jeter or Mariano if they tried to keep the ball from the final out? Would we see them in handcuffs if they tried to walk off wearing their uniform pants underneath their streetclothes?

    If it’s Arod, then absolutely, prosecute to the full extent of the law, but the TRUE Yankees? Come on.

  100. DFox

    Mark in Tampa, that’s actually a really good point.

    When you think about it, that rule is stupid. Like New York City would prosecute DEREK JETER or Rivera if they took something from Yankee Stadium.

  101. you gotta have faith (i miss posada)(phil coke is awesome)

    wouldnt it be amazing if the red sox just went on a losing streak and we kept on winning?

    i actually think the sux are due for some kind a losing streak, it happens to everyone

    but one can only hope

    i hate that the game is at 8 tomorrow, all that waiting is just plain horrible lol

  102. butterball

    Jeez, does Giambi get to keep his gold lame thong?

  103. Andrea

    Does anyone know if people who have tickets for the bleachers can get onto the field tomorrow?

  104. trisha - BRING BOBBY BACK!

    All set up! Ready to program! Call DirectTV to get authorization! WRONG RECEIVER!!! They gave me standard instead of Hi Def!!! Back to Circuit City. This night is definitely not going the way I wanted it to.

    :(

  105. Joe from Long Island

    trisha, you DO seem to be having problems with this. Thank goodness it’s a night game tomorrow, it might take you that long to get the darn thing up and going!

  106. pat

    “Starter Jeffrey Marquez and relievers Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan will join pitcher Phil Hughes, outfielder Austin Jackson and infielder Kevin Russo as Yankees players in the Arizona Fall League.”

    nj.com

  107. Quilvio Imposter

    Gardner is a winning player.

    Since being recalled he is hitting has mashed the ball—- 10/37 (.270) with 3 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 BB-7 Ks

    He needs to be given the starting CF job next year

  108. Buddy Biancalana

    Andrea-

    You can, you need to access Monument Park & then you can onto the field if you are in the bleachers. I read it somewhere, I will try & find it.

  109. COL 88

    We need to start Pudge tomorrow and have as many future HOF’ers on the field as possible for the final game.

  110. Andrea

    Buddy–I thought I saw it somewhere too, but I can’t find it for sure. I’m going to the game with my dad, and I just broke/sprained my ankle (I haven’t gone to a doctor yet. I’m an idiot) so I don’t want to get there all early if we are just going to sit there. I just want to make sure, you know?

    I thought about emailing Pete, but I’m sure he’s busy with important things :)

  111. you gotta have faith (i miss posada)(phil coke is awesome)

    im still a little iffy about gardner and rightfully so

    remember the catch melky had that robbed manny of a home run that would have tied the game? remember all those hits, that had people saying wow hes a winner

    i like brett, hopefully if they give him the job he wont dissappoint

  112. COL 88

    ….

    Hitting .270 is considered “mashing the ball”?

  113. Mike R

    “wouldnt it be amazing if the red sox just went on a losing streak and we kept on winning?”

    The only problem with that is that if we keep winning and Boston keeps losing, our last 3 games become important.

    It isn’t pretty to watch the Yankees play “important” games.

  114. Tank

    Just curious, if Pettitte gets shelled will the crowd boo him? Or cheer him for everything he has done for us?

  115. BBB

    ahhhh, those going to the game tomorrow are making me SO jealous. i’m recovering from surgery and cant even leave my house :( but, nevertheless and always, GO YANKEES!!!!!

    I want to try and buy some dirt when it goes on sale…I heard seats would be $500, anyone have any idea on the cost of the dirt?

    God bless baseball’s cathedral. the greatest place on earth for so many years!

  116. Redding

    Walters’ last game was a compete game shutout in Toronto.

  117. Andrea

    Tank: I certainly will not boo him.

    BBB: I’m sorry to hear about your surgery. The seats will be mighty expensive, and I heard they’re offering them first to season ticket holders. I bet you’ll be able to afford some dirt. I plan on stealing some tomorrow :)

  118. THTRB

    Does anyone know if the Stadium will be allowing people to come with video cameras tomorrow?

  119. BBB

    oh, and I’m sure this has been discussed incessantly on here already, but the idea of Joe Morgan or any of those ESPN automatons calling the game tomorrow pains my soul, makes me so ill, I don’t even have the words. You just know theyre going to be sipping – nay, CHUGGING – the Haterade the entire time.

    I’d do anything not to have to hear it, so I was wondering, has anyone ever tried muting ESPN and putting on John and Suzyn? I’m sure there is somewhat of a delay, is it so long that it’s unbearable?

  120. Gabagoo

    does anyone have a link to the updated pics of the new staduim

  121. BBB

    Andrea: Thanks. I always complain about being dirt-poor, so it would be the perfect momento for me, heh. Good luck tomorrow, don’t get caught!!

    Personally I’m wondering how heavily enforced this “don’t take stuff” mandate could possibly be. I know there have already been many news articles giving away some of the players’ specific plans. Girardi said in his postgame he took dirt today, are they gonna search his house and get it back? Better yet, I have trouble imagining the NYPD surrounding Mariano in the bullpen yelling, “unhand that pitching rubber!” lol.

  122. Ray

    This just in:
    The New York Yankees have released a memo:
    The ball player to get the final out tomorrow night belongs to the Yankees and must be turned over immediately to federal or NYPD authorities for authentication. The player will put on display in a museum in the new Yankees Stadium. Visitation rights will be awarded to the player’s family, but only with the purchase of a ticket.

  123. Ray

    Hey Pete- Do the Yankees have a plan to get people to leave the stadium tomorrow? I imagine that there may be some people who refuse to leave or will at least stay way too long.

  124. t-rock

    I have a feeling something spooky/magical will take place tomorrow.

    Like a walkoff HR, a rally from a large deficit, one of the starters throwing a perfect game etc.

    Or things happening that are symbolic of Yankee history like a Jeffrey Maier moment, the final score being reflective of some Yankee history occurrence, some unknown records being set etc.

  125. mel

    Waterworks continued…

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09.....rmann.html

  126. mel

    t-rock,

    I have a (tiny) fear that the new stadium won’t have any magic moments.

    Which is ridiculous of course…

  127. Quilvio Imposter

    Maybe we’ll see spirit apparitions from Ruth, Gerigh, Damaggio, Mantle, Scooter among others on the field when the game ends.

  128. GreenBeret7

    So is there a plan for a crowd sing-a-long after the last out to sing “Auld Lang Syne”? Not made in jest, it’s a serious question. It would be most fitting and certainly bring tears to everyone’s eyes.

  129. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    mel: The new stadium will, but they won’t be the same.

  130. t-rock

    mel,

    I’ve thought about that as well. The best way to ensure that won’t happen is to put a truly dominant team on the field next year with the idea of creating new memories and moments. We no longer can live off our reputation and have the Stadium aura/lure to add to our mystique and intimidate opponents. We are now just another team without Yankee Stadium.

    We can create magic in the new stadium by winning and winning right away so we can restore our mystique. Once we do that, the magic will come back. That is up to the organization.

  131. Fredo Corleone

    “Well, I guess the whole fiasco with Mientkiewicz and the Red Sox WS game ball set this up, huh?”

    Actually Doreen, it was Steinbrenner/Yankees organization greed that set this up.

  132. Ray

    You know, now that I think about it. The players don’t need to worry about the ball or uniform. They probably can just sell that memo about the ball and make plenty. The memorabilia market is so strange.

  133. Y26

    I’m really not impressed with the new YS… it is too corporate, no personality at all.

    A steakhouse? A Hard Rock Cafe? A Martini Bar? At a baseball Stadium?

    Exterior/interior looks more like the lobby of a 5-star hotel or an English tea-room, and doesn’t have any real ‘baseball’ feel.

    Look at Citi-Field, it looks like a great cozy place to watch a baseball game and has personality. They tried to emulate Ebbets Field.

  134. SteveB

    Here’s what I would like to see– Brett Gardner catches the final out, and is chased around the field by federal authorities. It would be like trying to catch a greyhound.

    I heard the Yankees are putting up a few last minute items for sale on EBay–
    -toilet water, starting bid is $150.00/pint. The final fill, of course.
    -4 portions of the last dust rag used to clean Thurman Munson’s locker– starting bid is $275.00, portion with dust is $425.00.
    -old chaw spots recently uncovered on tiling in storage room adjacent to home clubhouse, starting bid is $57.50 per tile.
    -a single ceiling tile with a water stain that looks eerily like Billy Martin, starting bid is $635.00

    anyway, that’s what I heard.

  135. Fredo Corleone

    “Since being recalled he is hitting has mashed the ball—- 10/37 (.270) with 3 doubles, 1 triple, and 3 BB-7 Ks”

    Actually, he’s 10/41 (.244) with 9 k’s and 3 BB’s since his recall. He’s 5 for his last 27. He CAN’T hit at this level yet and may never be able to. You certainly can’t give him a starting job. He’s a fourth outfielder/pinch runner. Anything that doesn’t involve a bat.

  136. Joey's Poodle

    Mel,

    Thanks for the Olberman link, nice piece.

    Remember the game when Knobby, in the grip of the throwing yips, threw a ball into Olberman’s mother’s face?

    Olberman was still a sports reporter then I think.

  137. mel

    Actually, we need Brett as a pinch hitter. His RISP is pretty impressive. :)

    What does Philly need? Pitching? Relief? We need to get Victorino.

  138. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Joey: How could we forget that?

  139. SteveB

    Y26
    September 20th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
    I’m really not impressed with the new YS… it is too corporate, no personality at all.
    A steakhouse? A Hard Rock Cafe? A Martini Bar? At a baseball Stadium?
    Exterior/interior looks more like the lobby of a 5-star hotel or an English tea-room, and doesn’t have any real ‘baseball’ feel.
    Look at Citi-Field, it looks like a great cozy place to watch a baseball game and has personality. They tried to emulate Ebbets Field.
    ———————————————-

    New Yorkers and Yankee fans are a different breed. All those cutsie extras work better elsewhere. We’re hardened baseball fans. But it is what it is. I’ve been speaking out against the new place for two years, yet now here we are. However, Y26 hit upon something when he mentioned Citi Field. This is the first time in my 43 years as a Yankee fan that I have been jealous of anything the Metsies did. Citi Field is a huge upgrade over Shea (well, DUH!), but it looks like a pretty darn good ballpark too. The overhang they built in RF is somebody’s VERY smart idea.

    I sure hope tomorrow goes well. The old place needs to go out on top.

  140. Bob(The Original)

    I’d do anything not to have to hear it, so I was wondering, has anyone ever tried muting ESPN and putting on John and Suzyn? I’m sure there is somewhat of a delay, is it so long that it’s unbearable?

    I feel your pain BBB. I can’t stand Morgan and can’t believe we have to listen to him do the final.

    There is an annoying delay betwen radio and tv, a few seconds. It really is unbearable to try and do that.

    Someone mentioned this idea to me the other day though. If the radio is ahead of the TV and you have a DVR or TIVO, you can probably sync the two up.

    Unfortunatley I have neither. lol

  141. mel

    Joey,

    I like how KO weaved the Knobby incident into his story.

    Verducci’s piece is the best I’ve seen. Looks like Monday’s SI issue will have a lot of YS stuff.

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.c.....index.html

  142. Joey's Poodle

    I should have added the Knobby-Mrs. Olberman game to my list of favorites on that other thread… ;-)

    Silly memories are also good.

  143. Fredo Corleone

    “New Yorkers and Yankee fans are a different breed. All those cutsie extras work better elsewhere. We’re hardened baseball fans.”

    Sadly, the new stadium will be less hardened baseball fan and more corporate asswipe who doesn’t know a damn thing about the game.

  144. Buddy Biancalana

    Andrea-

    If you are still around Pete posted the following here yesterday:

    3/4 of the way down it mentions if you have bleacher seats to enter thru Gates 2, 4, or 6 for Monument Park then onto the field.

    Have fun!

    http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....inal-game/

  145. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Then why don’t we make sure that we, as fans, make the new Yankee Stadium our own?

  146. Bob(The Original)

    Then why don’t we make sure that we, as fans, make the new Yankee Stadium our own?

    One of us needs to win the MegaMillions first.

  147. Y26

    I agree, I too am jealous of the Mets.

    They get the genuine, Camden Yards-esque, quaint baseball field while we get the Plaza Hotel lobby. They have unique NYC-centric food choices while we get the Hard Rock Cafe. It really is embarrassing.

    But this is what the Yankees have become. If only the product on the field matched their corporate luxurious ideology.

  148. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    We don’t need money to make it our own. As long as the fans keep the focus on the game, that’s where it will remain.

  149. mel

    There have been so many incarnations of the Yankees.

    Different owners, managers, free agents, farm hands, call-ups, super stars, super utility players.

    But they’re still the Yankees. Ya know?

  150. Doreen

    Here’s the thing about the amenities that some of you don’t like – you don’t have to have anything to do with them. Don’t like the Hard Rock Cafe? Don’t go. Don’t like the martini bar? Don’t go. Don’t like the ritzy steak-house? Don’t go. You can still enjoy the game the same way you did before.

    I strongly disagree about the new stadium not going to have magic moments, or having them, but they won’t be the same. But I will agree that it wholly depends on the team on the field. If they field a winning team, those players will make the magic. It was the players who made the magic in the old place. And it’s awfully short-sighted to think that players of the future can’t do what players of the past did. If that’s the case, then, why bother. I mean, if they Yankees win a WS in the new place, will it be any less exciting or meaningful than the past 26 championships? NO, it will not. It doesn’t restart the counter at 1. The Yankees have won 26 championships, not the stadium.

    Every generation things that the next one will be lacking. Every genre has the same ego – “ours was the best time.”

    Relax, all, and let the good times happen and enjoy them and celebrate them, no matter where they happen.

    I know everyone is caught up in goodbye right now, but if you buy into that the Yankees will not be the Yankees once they move, you’re really saying they were never any good at all; it was all the stadium.

    To everyone who is going to be at tomorrow’s game – have fun, be safe and savor each and every moment to add it to your collection of priceless memorabilia – your memories.

  151. Fredo Corleone

    The almighty dollar Rebecca. Lot of folks get priced out. Lot of affordable seats are gone in favor of luxury boxes. There already was a Yankees Stadium some 4+ million have been making their own over the years. That wasn’t good enough for the powers that be, I guess.

    Guess I’m in a mood tonite. I can’t think of a bigger waste of $1.9 billion than using it to build a completely unnecessary stadium.

  152. GreenBeret7

    Fredo Corleone
    September 20th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
    “Well, I guess the whole fiasco with Mientkiewicz and the Red Sox WS game ball set this up, huh?”

    Actually Doreen, it was Steinbrenner/Yankees organization greed that set this up.

    ________________________________________________

    As usual, you’re wrong. The Red sox were the ones that whined about the ball belonging to them. MLB declared the ball belonged to Mientkiewicz. To keep Henry, Epstein and Luccino from holding their breaths and turning blue, Mienkiewicz donated the bll to the HOF.

  153. pat

    IMO, Jane Heller hits the nail on the head.

    “Most of all, there were the 55,000 fans with whom I shared a passion for a team. I felt a keen sense of community, of family, of home. Yankee Stadium shook with the force of our love.

    Now they’re demolishing the old place, but I’m O.K. with it. The memories — the magic — were never really about the building.”

    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09.....eller.html

  154. mel

    Seriously, you guys don’t think Babe wouldn’t have partaken in the martini bar or eaten burgers & ribs at the Hard Rock cafe?

  155. BBB

    Bob: Damn, I don’t have a DVR either. But I do have a well stocked liquor cabinet, so hopefully that at least will make it slightly more bearable! I just hate that theyre making no effort to make the commentary Yankee friendly.

    As far as the corporateness of the new Stadium, I really hate it too. I consider myself a punk rocker at heart so I almost cannot abide it, but I will for our beloved Yankees, I just plan to shun every aspect of it that doesn’t have to do with baseball and also shun the know nothing fans that are clearly not there for the baseball. But what really keeps me up at night is worrying how the ghost of great Yankees past will react to this aura of corporate greed surrounding the new park. I know it sounds stupid, but I’m superstitious like that!

  156. Doreen

    As far as Citified goes, you do know they have luxury suites, too, right? And what about waiting until you actually see and experience the stadium before you condemn it. Just seems fair.

  157. mel

    I don’t care if the Yankees play in the old stadium, the new stadium, Fenway Park, or in a sandlot.

  158. Fredo Corleone

    “As usual, you’re wrong. The Red sox were the ones that whined about the ball belonging to them. MLB declared the ball belonged to Mientkiewicz. To keep Henry, Epstein and Luccino from holding their breaths and turning blue, Mienkiewicz donated the bll to the HOF.”

    As usual, you are a cranky, petulent, assbag who is about half as smart as he thinks he is. This has nothing to do with the Red Sox. It has everything to do with the organziation wanting to suck every last dollar out every ball, seat, jersey, dirt, grass, etc. That’s it. Nothing else.

  159. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Fredo: While I don’t like leaving the old one, from what I’ve heard, they really did need a new one.

    Not on the field or anything the fans usually see, but apparently underneath, where the food service vendors store their supplies and the like, it was getting pretty bad.

    I’m not sure how true this is, but it’s what I’ve heard.

  160. Compton

    I actually like the fact that there is a Martini Bar. I will be spending a lot of time there.

  161. Doreen

    And, Citifield Park will not be without it’s “higher end” amenities. From their website:

    “Fans throughout the ballpark will have access to multiple sit-down, climate-controlled restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges, a majority of which will provide field views, and a wide range of menu choices. “

  162. Fredo Corleone

    Mel:

    You do have a point there.

  163. BBB

    “We don’t need money to make it our own. As long as the fans keep the focus on the game, that’s where it will remain.”

    As long as there are more of us who think like this than there are people who don’t, I am optimistic Yankee Stadium will always be a great ballpark, even with that weaksauce Hard Rock Cafe. Like someone said previously, just don’t go there…I personally would not do so if you paid me.

  164. pat

    “It has everything to do with the organziation wanting to suck every last dollar out every ball, seat, jersey, dirt, grass, etc. That’s it. Nothing else.”

    The Yankees have control over the balls, bats, plates and jerseys. The seats, dirt and grass however belong to the City of NY.

  165. Joe from Long Island

    Doreen – Haven’t you heard? The Wilpons are running the Mets as a public charity, and will be donating all the proceeds.

    Let’s be real. The only reason the Mets – or anyone else – isn’t charging more is because they don’t think they can get away with it.

  166. GreenBeret7

    When Yankee Stadium was built in 1923, it had everything that no other park had….all of the comforts and was considered a palace. It was built to bring in the rich customers. What it actually did was bring in the blue collar workers and they mingled together. The rich people went stayed with the Giants and many of the wealthy were Dodger fans during the 40s and ’50s.

  167. hank hal

    Like the other poster said, the ‘magic’ and ‘ghosts’ and ‘aura’ will all be dependent on how much Cashman/Hal want to win. If they decide to go all out and give the stadium the team it deserves in 09, then all of those external things will come.

    If they decide they want to rebuild and put hope of the multi billion dollar franchise in the hands of overhyped kids while watching other organizations pass us in the standings while we toil in mediocrity, then there will be no ghosts or aura.

  168. Doreen

    Fredo

    With regard to the ball alone, not the rest of the stuff, the Yankees want it and don’t want any dispute about it. If they are going to place it in the stadium museum, then it will be there for anyone who goes to the stadium to see. I truly don’t see anything wrong with that particular aspect.

    In addition both the Yankees and the City of New York are going to profit from the memorabilia sale, not just the team.

    And frankly, it’s their stuff. And tell me the truth, don’t you think that at least a handful of people who would manage to take something from the stadium aren’t having dreams of sugarplums dancing in their heads because they plan on selling the stuff on EBay? I know, it really stinks that they’re not going to let people take toilet seats from the stadium.

  169. Fredo Corleone

    By the way, a belated congratulations to the Rays. While they’ve gone a long way towards screwing up the Yankees October plans by being something of a surprise guest to the postseason party, you really have to give that group credit.

  170. Bob(The Original)

    I’ll wait to give the Rays credit until they knock Boston and/or the Angels out of the playoffs. lol

    Afterall that they better not not just go the postseason and roll over for one of those teams.

  171. Thomo

    Green Beret,

    not sure what part of Brooklyn had “rich” people in those days – I was pretty young, but I remember working class people – shop keepers, sales people – not owners! but you are right, Yankee Stadium was a step ahead of little Ebbets Field.

  172. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    Above it stated that the ball used for the last out belongs to the Yankees and will be displayed in the new Stadium’s museum. Please, explain how that means that the Yankees are sucking any dollars out of doing that.

    As to the Jerseys used in the games, nothing was said. Given that they are going to be displaying the balls, it really isn’t beyond reason that those Jerseys would be put on display as well. While I certainly don’t know the plans, neither does anyone else. Yet, here we are ripping the Yankees because of “greed”, while they are an organization that has always pumped money into fielding a great team, pumping money back into the organization far more than any other club out there.

    I just don’t understand how people who call themselves fans of the Yankees can rip on the Yankees as they do.

  173. SteveB

    The current Yankee Stadium: 4 million fannies can’t be wrong!

    I don’t know… every time I’ve looked at the old place I see beauty. I have so many memories and so many pictures. I was going to record this weekend’s games and festivities, but then I realized I have VCR recordings from the 96, 98, 99 & 2000 World Series. I have the 1977 DVD set. It’s enough.

    I agree that we’ll make new memories in the new place. I wish it could be more of a place for BASEBALL and less of a place for Corporate flunkies who don’t care nearly as much about the team as we do. Maybe one day things will come full circle.

    So my question is this– in the off season, who is going to make the trip to Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to eat in the Hard Rock Cafe? Just askin’………

  174. Fredo Corleone

    Doreen:

    I do understand where they come from on the ball. I found the jersey thing to be a little offputting. I thought the players should be able to have those.

  175. Bob(The Original)

    This ball thing made me think of something. Where are all the World Series trophies? Are they displayed somewhere, and if so how have I never seen it?

  176. Fredo Corleone

    $13 Mac:

    Pete’s post indicated that the game jerseys are to be sold.

  177. Fredo Corleone

    Quick thought:

    How would that memo concerning the ball apply in the case of a walk off homer?

  178. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    Fredo, read it again. Pete doesn’t know they will be sold, he is making the assumption based on the statement that their backup Jerseys are not to be sold.

    “Their game-used jerseys will apparently be sold.”

    See, assumption, not definitative.

    There are players who would sell such items, especially when they are not ever going to get a big payday. Such as Betemit, Ransom, and so on. Those Jerseys could net quite a lot of money given the history they represent.

    If the Yankees do sell them, they do. I just don’t believe it right to jump to the conclusion that they will.

  179. Doreen

    Okay. Why can’t it be a place for baseball that accommodates the die-hard fan AND the casual fan, even if that casual fan is a “corporate flunky?”

    Second – there are people who come in from out of town who may want to take a tour of the Stadium in the off-season. A destination restaurant is a nice thing to have. It extends the day for that family. I may not agree with the choice of the particular “chain,” but I don’t find the entire idea as abhorrent as many of you seem to. Also, if it is successful, perhaps it draws other businesses to the area. OR it encourages the people who come to explore the surrounding neighborhood a bit.

    And even during the season, not everyone lives in or near the city that comes to the Stadium. Maybe you want to get to the Stadium area early to beat the traffic or whatever. The Hard Rock Cafe or similar is a recognizable venue for people to pass the time pre- or post-game.

    Most of you talk about the bars in the area around the stadium. If you’re coming to the game with a young family, maybe you’d want something else.

    It’s about choices. I don’t think the Hard Rock is going to take away business from the old places, because I don’t think the people who patronize them would be caught dead in the Hard Rock Cafe. But there are people who might like to have that choice.

  180. Clay Bellinger

    I hope its a Yankee walk off and a lucky fan gets to sell the ball for a million smackers.

  181. Doreen

    Fredo -

    I kind of agree with you on the jerseys. At least let them purchase them, I guess. After all, it is their sweat! Sweat equity should earn you something, right?

  182. GreenBeret7

    Thomo
    September 20th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
    Green Beret,

    not sure what part of Brooklyn had “rich” people in those days – I was pretty young, but I remember working class people – shop keepers, sales people – not owners! but you are right, Yankee Stadium was a step ahead of little Ebbets Field.

    ______________________________________________

    This came from a book on the The Yankee Encyclopedia. You’re correct, though. The Dodgers were originally a blue collar team, but, for whatever reason, the wealthy, mostly brought to the games by many of the entertainment field that for whatever reason thay became or were Dodger fans just stayed that way. Ruppert wanted to have a place for his rich friends to go and see his “trophy wife”, Babe Ruth, and when the Giants and McGraw kicked the Yanks out of the Polo Grounds, he had The Stadium built. Ruppert bought out Huston’s share of the team at the same time, mainly for getting Ruth and having the Stadium built against Huston’s wishes. It was the kids who grew up loving Ruth that became the blue collar crowds. You’ll always see some Hollywood types at Yankee Stadium, but nothing like the Dodgers, where all of them insisted they grew up Dodger fans, even those born in Ohio, Texas and every other place.

  183. Betsy

    I refuse to be jealous of the Mutts about anything. CitiField looks great, but I don’t have any doubts that the new Yankee Stadium is going to be awesome and that I am going to grow to love it as much (maybe not, but who knows?) as this one. I agree with the poster who said that if you don’t like the restaurant choices at the new YS, don’t go. When I go to YS with my father, we always bring deli sandwiches with us. It’s sort of a tradition and who wants to spend $10 for a hot dog anyway? Ok, so the Mets have more interesting food choices…..that’s great, but again, what does it mean? I don’t go to a ballgame for the food. I don’t go to a ballgame for cute little amenities; I just go because I think baseball is the most perfect sport in the world and there is nothing like watching a ballgame. There surely is nothing like watching a ballgame at Yankee Stadium. To me, the grass is emerald green and the bases and baselines are pure white – it just doesn’t get better than that. I’m very sentimental tonight and, in fact, am tearing up, but I have no doubts that the new Stadium will generate many great memories. If I didn’t think that, why would I be a fan. The YS field is going to be transformed into a park, which I love. Shea is going to be turned into a parking lot. lol.

    As to Verducci’s piece, I think it’s pretty gimicky for him to write a story from the Stadium’s point of view. I kind of viewed it on-line because I’d rather buy SI to read the article in print. I can already tell that it’s not my thing -too gimmicky and too cheesy. I’d rather read about the memories that those in baseball have for the old ballpark in the Bronx.

  184. SteveB

    Doreen, they’ve been talking about “bringing other businesses into the area” since 1972. Ain’t happening. Unless your business is selling hubcaps.

    The Hard Rock Cafe will not have enough customers year-round to stay in business. Yankee Stadium isn’t in the middle of a thriving city district like other ballparks.

    Just calling it like it is.

  185. Rishi

    Mel – thanks for that SI article…really powerful stuff

  186. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Some more shameless self promotion

    If you want to read about fellow lohudites favorite stadium memories, here you go

    http://yankees.lhblogs.com/200.....ent-248229

  187. GreenBeret7

    No idea what the deal on the unis are, but, they do belong to the New York Yankees. My guess is that the uniforms will either go on display or if sold at auction, the money will go to many of George Steinbrenner’s favorite charities.

  188. mel

    Rishi,

    Wasn’t that great? Long, but no fluff in there.

    Fredo,

    A HR ball belongs to the fan that gets it.

  189. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    GB7, how greedy of the Yankees if they do sell the Jerseys and give the money to a charity. :roll:

    Who knows, maybe they will bury the Jerseys beneath the new field.

    The real point is until they say what is happening with the Jerseys we don’t know. I don’t think its fair to rip the organization for something when we don’t know what they are planning.

  190. Rishi

    “It really is eerie: The only time the Red Sox have missed the playoffs the last six years, Grady Little was there with the Dodgers. And now that the Yankees are about to miss out for the first time in 14 years, Torre will return there with the same Dodgers.”

    -MLB.com

  191. mel

    Betsy,

    The article is jam-packed with memories. Please read it when it comes out. Especially Geno’s part and Yogi’s quote.

  192. Doreen

    Steve B -

    Alas, you’re probably right about that. But I still don’t think it’s an entirely bad idea. I stand behind my opinion that it gives people a choice.

    It’s such a weird situation for that stadium – they’re in NYC, but not near anything else (except for the zoo, I guess).

    I am one of those people who is not all that comfortable on a subway. So, it would be convenient for someone like me to have something right near the stadium if I wanted an “extended outing” – which would be lunch or dinner and the game. Although, I do admit that most of the time we go to any game, part of the experience is the ballpark food, no matter what it is.

  193. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    Trouble is, if the last ball is a HR, that fan will have to sell the ball (unless they are quite weathly) in order to pay the taxes on it. The Feds will set the estimated worth on the ball and that is what that fan will have to pay taxes on.

  194. mel

    These guys get paid gazillions, I don’t think they’ll mind giving up their game-worn jerseys. And they can keep their backup jerseys.

    I also don’t find it offensive to make the guys buy the parts of the stadium. Otherwise, how do you keep it fair and orderly?

    I’m sure they all would love the pole. Jeter and Alex would fight over it for their bedrooms. But Moose is willing to pay for it and has a plan.

  195. Rishi

    I don’t mind long articles that hold my interest :)

    As for all the “capitalism” in the new Yankee Stadium, I’m going to wait to see it before I believe it. While I’ve seen some great games at the old one, when you go see a game somewhere else you realize all the amenities we could have…it’s a totally different experience

  196. GreenBeret7

    Not sure when the original Yankee Stadium was sold by CBS, but, it was sold to a guy named John Cox. Cox died and the title was left in a will to Rice University, which sold the ball park to the city of NY before Steinbrenner bought the team from CBS. It was CBS that had first threatened to move the team to New Jersey, not Steinbrenner. This came about because CBS owned the stadium and NYC owned Shea Stadium, the Mets refused to allow the Yanks to sub-lease shea for their games to refurbish YS. That’s when the threat took place. When NYC bought the Stadium, the Mets could no longer block the Yankees from using Shea while YS was being rebuilt.

  197. mel

    Doreen,

    Deja vu, huh? We had these conversations when the plans were first revealed.

  198. Doreen

    mel -

    Yeah, we did. :)

  199. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Mo should be able to take whatever he wants with him. No question.

  200. mel

    Now, the old bullpen bench is the kind of thing I’d like to see in the new stadium.

  201. GreenBeret7

    For $13 I’ll be a Macadamia Nut
    September 20th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
    GB7, how greedy of the Yankees if they do sell the Jerseys and give the money to a charity.

    Who knows, maybe they will bury the Jerseys beneath the new field.

    The real point is until they say what is happening with the Jerseys we don’t know. I don’t think its fair to rip the organization for something when we don’t know what they are planning.

    ______________________________________________

    $13, like I said, I have no idea what’s going to happen, but, that would be a Steinbrenner move. When YS was being rebuilt, G. Steinbrenner purchased the light stanchions and donated them to University Of Florida for their stadium.

  202. jennifer

    haha that is great!!

    Well I just got home from the game. It still hasn’t hit me that that was the last time I walked out of Yankee Stadium.

    Something really cool. After the game was over no one wanted to leave, everyone was kinda hanging around either taking pictures or just sitting and soaking it in. I took so many pictures that my battery died!! Luckily the game was already over and I got my fill of pictures around the stadium.

    I have to say that the ‘toy security’ was quite rude. They were rushing people along, some fan got into a shouting match with one of them. I mean this is the last time many people were at the stadium and they are rushing us! Also one of them was quite enjoying not letting people down. He was a Met fan so he was in all his glory not letting us walk down.

    Anyway, if I get a chance later tonight I’ll upload my pictures and post a link.

    GAYLE!! If you are around, was Tino really there? I didn’t hear anything about that. Than again I was in the upper deck above right field and couldn’t exactly see if he was there.

  203. mel

    Nobody’s going to bury Yankee jerseys. The symbolism is horrible.

    Like the Yankees are dead and buried. Which they’re not. In spite of what all the doom and gloomers think.

  204. Betsy

    Mel, I’m going to buy the SI tomorrow and read it. I have to be fair and not judge it until I do read it. I’m really starting to get very emotional, but I’m going to tape all the YS specials tomorrow so at least I will be able to go back whenever I want to relive memories. I know ESPN is airing higlights of some classic games, like Coney’s perfect game and games 3/4 of the 2001 WS, as well as Aaron Boone’s HR in game 7 against the Sox in 2003. I don’t think I will watch that again, knowing what happens the next year, but I will absolutely watch Coney’s game and 2001 WS games. For some reason, even though they lost the 2001 WS in a most painful way, I can watch games 3/4 and not be bitter about that WS. Those games were such joys.

  205. mel

    Betsy,

    There’s going to be a Yankee marathon on mlb.tv starting at midnight.

    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/articl.....p;c_id=nyy

    Looks like they’re going to show Wells’ perfect game in a few minutes.

  206. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    Mel, it was meant as a joke and in reference to the Ortiz Jersey that was put in the new Stadium that they dug up.

    Given that the Yankees are going to have a museum in the new Stadium, I think its more likely that they will put the Jerseys on display there, but who knows other than the Yankee organization what their plans are for them.

  207. mel

    Mac Nut,

    Well as long as they don’t find their way into the hand of the Lucchino, we’ll be okay.

  208. mel

    Perfect game on now:

    http://newyork.yankees.mlb.com.....lb&v=2

    The only name I recognize from the other lineup is Molitor. :P

  209. GreenBeret7

    mel
    September 20th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
    Nobody’s going to bury Yankee jerseys. The symbolism is horrible.

    Like the Yankees are dead and buried. Which they’re not. In spite of what all the doom and gloomers think.

    __________________________________________________

    If Giambi would bury his gold lame` thong at Fenway park, say half behind first and half behind second base, he would be a legend and worth another contract. The spot would be declared a toxic waste site and Fenway would be demolished and Youkilis and Pedroia would be contaminated and locked in a quarantine facility.

  210. mel

    And the best part? No Kay!

  211. Doreen

    mel -

    LaTroy Hawkins!

  212. mel

    Bernie in CF with facial hair and La Troy on the mound for the Twins. This is great!

  213. Mike R

    “The spot would be declared a toxic waste site ”

    Or you could call it the G-Spot.

  214. GreenBeret7

    Not sure if anybody is aware of it, but, Bobby Murcer is up for the Ford C. Frick award and induction into the HOF.

  215. GreenBeret7

    Mike R
    September 21st, 2008 at 12:09 am
    “The spot would be declared a toxic waste site ”

    Or you could call it the G-Spot.

    _____________________________________________

    LMAO. Somebody might, but, it won’t be me.

  216. gayle

    My final season photo site has now been updated with photos from today. I cant even imagine what tomorrow will bring.

    http://yankeestadiumthefinalseason.shutterfly.com/

  217. Duke Sims

    CBS never owned Yankee Stadium. Topping and Web owned the Yankees and sold the team to CBS in 1964. T & W had sold the Stadium to John Cox in the mid-50s. In 1962, Cox gave it to Rice University.

    CBS wanted to fix up the Stadium but couldn’t get it done. NYC took the Stadium from Rice way below market value in 1971

  218. For $13 I'll be a Macadamia Nut

    Interesting article in a Scottish newpaper on Yankee Stadium. Thought others might enjoy reading another Country’s take on the ol’ gal.

    http://scotlandonsunday.scotsm.....4511072.jp

  219. Duke Sims

    should add city took over the stadium via eminant domain

  220. Angel - A tale told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing

    Let us know when you post them Jennifer. I’d like to take a look.

  221. Ed - strange things happens in baseball [the Yankee stadium ghosts will come out]

    gayle, excellent pictures. really awesome.

  222. gayle

    Jennifer I dont know I heard it from a clubhouse guy who was escorting his guests to their seats while I was taking photos and he said to them that Tino always wanted to sit in the bleachers so he got 4 tickets and he and his family were going to sit there. Being as I didnt see the game on TV no idea if that happened or not.

  223. Rebecca--Optimist Prime

    Guys, this is the first time I’ve seen Wells’ perfect game.

  224. gayle

    Thanks Ed the photo of Jeter from today walking off the field I really didnt want to take but being as it could have been his last time playing on the fiedl after getting hit didnt want to miss i. I cant imagine he wont play tomorrow BUT he looked ticketd off for sure

  225. GreenBeret7

    GreenBeret7
    September 21st, 2008 at 12:12 am
    Not sure if anybody is aware of it, but, Bobby Murcer is up for the Ford C. Frick award and induction into the HOF.

    ________________________________________________

    My error. Murcer is on the list of annoucers that fans can vote for to be selected for voting by the HOF selection. It incluses Bill White, Tony Kubek, Ken Singleton, Jim Kaat, among others. Scarily, on that list is John sterling and Michael Kay.

  226. GreenBeret7

    ***list of announcers that fans can vote for to be selected for voting by the HOF selection committee***

    My computer can’t spell or type for crap.

  227. mel

    gayle,

    Nice photos. Is that Gardner standing listening to K-Long along with Melky?

    If it is, he’s bigger than I thought. I don’t know why I thought he was a skinny little kid that could run.

  228. Ed - strange things happens in baseball [the Yankee stadium ghosts will come out]

    Thanks Ed the photo of Jeter from today walking off the field I really didnt want to take but being as it could have been his last time playing on the fiedl after getting hit didnt want to miss i. I cant imagine he wont play tomorrow BUT he looked ticketd off for sure

    I agreed. that plunk was really uncalled for. an expecting revenge to the O’s tomorrow? let’s see..

  229. gayle

    Mel yes it is Gardner

  230. Ed - strange things happens in baseball [the Yankee stadium ghosts will come out]

    watching the Wells’ game as well. if we went back 10 years ago and told Hawkins that you would play for the Yanks for 3 months then get DFAed. He would probably tell us that we are crazy and why would the Yanks be interested in him.

  231. Ed - strange things happens in baseball [the Yankee stadium ghosts will come out]

    he would play**

  232. jennifer

    gayle very cool!! I’d love to know if it really happened!!

    Angel will do, but right now my battery is dead. I can’t download them onto my computer. I’ll have to do it tomorrow. Than I’m headed to get them developed!! I cannot wait!!

  233. jennifer

    BTW did everyone see the sign on the Marquee.

    Thanks for the memory’s

  234. mel

    Today’s game was the first 1-0 victory @ YS since June, 2006. Unbelievable.

  235. jennifer

    One more thing, what the heck was up with the police helicopter? Luckily it was only the first few inning, it was getting very annoying. We had binoculars so we were looking at them as they were at us. :lol:

  236. Angel - A tale told by idiots, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing

    Your pictures are great, Gayle. Thanks for sharing.

    No problem Jennifer, just post a link when you do. Thanks.

  237. Morris WhiteShoes

    It would be quite ironic if the last home run at the Cathedral is hit by one Kevin Millar.

  238. Andrea

    Buddy: if you’re still around, thank you.

  239. Christina

    the end is near :-(

  240. Wolf25

    When someone at the phone company told me to list my phone number by the first letter because I am female I laughed. ,

  241. His_wife88

    RL rubbish, just better textured. ,

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Chad JenningsChad Jennings joined the The Journal News in October 2009, having spent the better part of seven years covering baseball in Scranton, PA. He is a graduate of the University of Missouri and an award-winning beat reporter and features writer. E-mail me at cjennings@lohud.com
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Sam BordenSam Borden is an award-winning journalist who joined The Journal News and LoHud.com in January 2008. He covered the Yankees for the New York Daily News from 2004-06, and has also worked as a columnist for the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. E-mail me at sborden@lohud.com
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