Chronicling a Last Visit to Yankee Stadium

How the hell do I get to a parking lot? That was my first mistake. That policeman didn't like my attitude. As he motioned me to the side of the street, I hit the gas pedal and headed full speed up the street, the one with the overhead train tracks looming above.

Miraculously, just ahead, over that small incline, was a parking lot. It stated simply, Yankee Stadium Parking, $20.00. Wow, I was in the lot, shelled out the $20 to the friendly attendant, and was soon on my way to a day I shall never forget. Just had to hope that cop didn't find me, heh.

About a block and a half away, I find the excitement. The Stadium is to my left, and on the right side, two to three blocks worth of mayhem. Souvenir shops, burger joints, novelty shops, bars and lounges, and even a bowling alley. I had plenty of time, I hit them all, I must admit I was like a kid, despite my advancing age. This was baseball as I remembered it so long ago.

About an hour and a half later, I got to the corner, turned right, and again, more city style action. Everything one could imagine. I settled for the deli, across the busy street. I took a gamble, crossed that street, and sat down for a delicious chicken sandwich, cold soda, and friendly conversation. This was turning into one great day at the Stadium.

An hour later, I'm back on that street of mayhem, and I've got dead aim on Yankee Stadium. It was so easy. I walked up to the window and got a ticket with the greatest of ease.

Then, $85 later, I'm entering The Stadium for the last time. Hadn't been there since I was a kid. The time that I saw Joe D' and all those stars in action with My dad. Ah, the memories, and they all flashed back as I found my seat in Section 217. Obstructed View, but who cared, I was at the ballpark.

Grabbed a hot dog, chips, and a soda, for $9.95. That is a super deal at any ballpark, I thought. Then bad luck struck. As I sat down, I dropped the damned hot dog. I gazed down at the fallen dog, saw the usher watching me, and said the "the hell with it, I'm eating that dog." The friendly usher laughed at me, and then said, "I don't blame you." Like I said, it was a great day at the ball yard.

Next up on my agenda was a tour of the place. Down the left field line I headed, ducking in and out of the various tunnels, found the men's room, and then I headed to that hallowed ground beyond the outfield fence.

I was there, Memorial Park. A place one can never forget once they have visited. I couldn't help but notice the peoples behavior as they passed before those Monuments. They were all there, all the big stars, including the Babe. It was almost like being at church on Sunday morning. The silence was almost eerie.

A patron carelessly dropped a napkin, from out of no where an attendant appeared, picked up the piece of trash, and disappeared. I marvelled at the way things were handled at The Stadium. As the guy next to me explained it, "George would have it no other way." I said "Amen."

An hour later the game began, It was kind of anti-climatic, I just sat there and enjoyed the wonderful play of guys like Jeter, A-Rod, Giambi, Cano, Matsui, and so many others. The Yanks won, and I remained in My seat for at least a half-hour after the game, listening to Sinatra and drinking in the sights of The Stadium. The usher said "It's time to go." Indeed it was.

I headed out the gates, up the street to the right, and back to the Parking Lot. It was a day a will never forget. I remembered My dad as I left the Lot. Thinking how he would have enjoyed this day. One that will remain in my memory forever.

And you know what? You can look for me, heading back to that neighborhood, to that parking lot, to the NEW Stadium. I'll be there, Friday night, May 22, when the umpire bellows out "Play Ball" at George's ball yard!