No post about training today. Instead I, like many Tri State area sports fans, would rather reflect on the end of an era and the loss of an old friend.
As everyone knows, they turned the lights out for the final time at Yankee Stadium last night and like Yogi Berra said, I too, “am sorry to see it over, I’ll tell you that.”
I can still remember the first time my dad took me to Yankee Stadium over 25 years ago, and the overwhelming excitement I felt when I first saw The House That Ruth Built, up close and personal, and heard Reggie Jackson’s name announced for the first time. I can vividly recall the 80′s, sitting in the blue seats, cheering on Donny Baseball and Big Dave even though they hadn’t won a world championship in years. And I was there for countless regular and post season games throughout the historic run of the 90′s, watching the heroics of Bernie Williams, Paul O’Neil and Mariano Rivera; memories I will never forget.
I had always hoped to bring my kids and my grandkids to Yankee Stadium but unfortunately will never get the chance. Like most Yankee fans I don’t want a bigger, better stadium. Yankee Stadium is perfect the way it is and most of us would have loved it to remain a landmark forever. I was there for my final visit this past Thursday night and still got goosebumps when I walked in and saw the field for the first time and heard Bob Sheppard’s voice.
It’s something you just have to experience to appreciate. And I will always be thankful that I did.
Last night was truly the end of an era and Yankee Stadium will be dearly missed.
Thanks for the memories.
