So, as only the Yankees can, they sent the Stadium out in fine, classy fashion. And with a win, no less.
It was nice to see the old gang, and really old gang in pinstripes. Most awkward moment goes to Thurman Munson's son coming out in uniform. Not necessary. The other wives/daughters/sons had jerseys and jeans/slacks ... maybe Mickey's son didn't. Anyway, they're not players, they're just representing the families.
Still, you wonder how the guys feel, from Berra to Williams, about the fans chanting their names. You could feel it through the TV. Amazing. Out of body. There has to be words to describe that feeling, but I don't have them.
It's sad to see the old place go, but someone on the amazingly long pregame said it best: Sure, the Stadium's a grand old place, but spend some time inside, in the bowels, and you see why it needs to be replaced. It's 85 years old and it shows.
I don't know if I believe in ghosts. I believe in the better team winning. I believe in the pressure of 57,000 people screaming at or for you, I believe in history, in legacy, so if that stuff adds up to ghosts, then so be it.
I predict no fewer than five numbers will be retired next season, and I imagine Yogi will get his own monument. I can't figure out the reasoning behind who gets what. You'd think Mantle would warrant one. Even Joe D doesn't have one, unless I'm mistaken. Jeter, Rivera, they'll get 'em. Williams, O'Neill, Posada, Pettitte, maybe even Tino will gets plaques.
Amazing to think I saw all that, beginning to what appears to be the end.
PS: In the roll call, there's no way Johnny Damon should have been in that roll call of centerfielders.
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It was good to see the old crew and remember some of those who are no longer with us or who couldn't be there(Mike Pagliarulo comes to mind). You make valid points but there is a history in that stadium, like Fenway and Wrigley. They are all showing age and not exactly top on the line. But that's part of their charm, remembering when baseball was just a game and not about multimillion dollar deals and state of the art facilities. And think of all the things those walls have seen. Not just Yankee legends but American legends. Some of the greatest football games and boxing matches. Several popes, concerts and who can forget Nelson Mandela saying "I am a Yankee"? It is a piece of American history and should be preserved. There is nothing structurally wrong and if they want to modernize it that much then renovate it. This way you can still feel something special when you walk in there and think of all that has happened there. When they move across the street next year it will just be another new stadium. Kind of like when the Red Sox broke the "curse". They were no longer those lovable losers, they were just another team. That, among other reasons, is why you will never see me crossing the street into the new stadium.
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