NY Yankees 1, Tampa Bay Devil Rays 7

As I have pointed out in my "Getting to Yankee Stadium" entry, I am not a fan of the New York Yankees. This is why I was thrilled, after climbing quite a few long ramps to the very highest point in the stadium, to see that they were already losing 1-0 to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Of course, I quickly realized that, as much as I said so before the game, I would not be cheering (out loud) for the Devil Rays. This was mainly because there were plenty of very vocal fans all around us that looked like they would have no qualms at all about beating a non-believer into a pulp. Therefore, I stayed quiet and silently glowered at the jerseys surrounding me with the names of stolen players like Johnny Damon, Andy Pettite, and Roger Clemens.

That said, if I had been cheering, I would have had a lot to crow about. The Yankees could not pitch to save their lives and ended up going to their bullpen very early in the game, only for the relieving pitchers to let them down too.

Even though I was strongly against the Yankees, I still didn't get very involved in the game; that tends to only happen when I am cheering for the good ol' Houston Astros (who were, at the time, in the midst of an absolutely abysmal season) to win. The wave kept everyone in our corner of the stadium (outfield on the third base side) occupied for a good inning or so, since the drunken guys at the beginning wouldn't stop until it got far enough around the stadium for their liking. It only managed to get to about third base before the crowd gave up.

We got treated to a lot of Yankees trivia games, courtesy of the big screen, where fans had to name "who had that number" to win a Yankees gift pack. People got out of their seats to scream the answer; we did not.

By the time the 8th inning came around, it was pretty clear that Tampa Bay was going to win with a scoreline of at least 7-1. It was at this point that the stadium pretty much emptied. We stayed on until the end of the 8th, but then decided to join the crowds (which probably would have been smaller if we waited until the end of the game) at the subway station. Filing out of the historic stadium, I was happy that I had gone to a game in such a storied stadium—especially since it is being retired once the new Yankee Stadium is complete—even if it meant watching "those damn Yankees" play. Granted, I was also thrilled about a) putting no more than my ticket price into the Yankees’ coffers, and b) that the Yankees got destroyed!

At this particular game the Yankees played the Blue Jays and they won. My family woke up early to watch batting practice and get autographs. The atmosphere was very friendly and clean.

I'm not a baseball fan, but we were in New York so attending a Yankees' game seemed like something to do at least once.

We had tickets for the 1pm Yankees game on a Sunday, and wanted to get to the stadium early enough to look around. We hopped onto the 4 train and wondered if it was the right one until we noticed how many people were wearing Yankee shirts and caps. I took only a small purse with my phone and wallet in order to avoid any issues at security, because they do not allow bags or large purses.

We looked around the stadium, watched batting practice, and ate peanuts. My companion thought we were high enough and far enough down the first base line that balls in the stands would not be an issue, but of course shortly after saying so a ball sails over our heads, and another was caught by a young boy using his Yankees cap.

Since we were at Yankee stadium, we had to have a hot dog. I do not like hot dogs, and this one was just as awful as every other hot dog I have ever eaten, and at $5, a lot more expensive. But being amongst a bunch of intense Yankee fans was a memorable experience. This was the last home game, and the need to win in order to stay tied with the Red Sox created a lot of anxiety for those around us. A guy with a Bronx accent sitting in front of us was willing to forgive the fact that we were Canadians, and happily imparted his knowledge about the Yankees, the stadium, and his opinions on life in general. It was something I'll remember, and I cannot say I regretted it... but once was enough for me.

On July 5th, my sister and I were able to see the New York Yankees play the Detroit Tigers. I ordered the tickets from my computer at home and they came less than two weeks later by mail. I paid $35 per ticket to be seated in the Main Reserved Section. Check out the seating chart and ticket prices in the Stadium Information section of the Yankees website.

It was exciting to be there with some of the best players in baseball, even if I am an A’s fan first and foremost. The stadium was full since most people didn’t work that day (Independence Day observed). It was also Lou Gehrig Statuette night. The first 18,000 fans received a small statue of former Yankees player Lou Gehrig who died of ALS (widely known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 1941. To learn more about finding a cure for ALS see the ALS Association website. Food and beer is overpriced as in any ballpark. I chose not to pay the $7-$8 per beer that some of the fans tended to drink way too much of. The game had a few home runs and the Tigers pitcher almost tore off A-Rod's head with a baseball. I did purchase a $25 Jason Giambi (former A's player) t-shirt to remember my evening at Yankee stadium. Ultimately, the Yankees beat the Tigers 10-3.

The best way to get to the stadium is on the subway but it’s very crowded to and from the game. The Yankees website states "The Yankee Stadium Subway stop is located right outside the Stadium at the corner of 161st St. and River Ave. The Stadium is conveniently reached by several subway lines and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes less than 25 minutes. The #4 train, as well as the B (weekdays only) and D trains make stops at 161st St. /Yankee Stadium. Metro North train service to Connecticut and Westchester County is available at the 125th St. subway stop."

Check out the Yankees website for information on tours, tickets, or even player stats.

I do want to take a minute to write about the stadium itself. It is called The House That Ruth Built. It opened in the 1920s. I believe there are only two stadiums older: Fenway in Boston and Wrigley in Chicago.

From a historical standpoint, so much has happened here, and so many great players have taken to this field. The Yankees have won more World Championships than any team in baseball. There have been no-hitters, records made and broken, perfect games, and legends born here. Think of guys like Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson, Roger Clemens, and current Yankees Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mariano Rivera, and so many others. Love ‘em or hate ‘em, the Yankees own a big chunk of baseball history!

This history can be relived by arriving at the park early and going to Monument Park. There is a shrine to every great Yankee there. Every guy who's had his number retired is represented in the park. It is a great place to take you child to teach him or her the history of the great sport of baseball.

If you can't make it to a Yankee game (although I highly encourage you to), you can take a stadium tour. They operate on days when there is no game or during the winner. You'll get to visit Monument Park and other special sites in the stadium and hear the stories that many generations have witnessed.

Getting there is easy too. Three subway trains service the stadium -- the 4, B, and D. The stop is 161st Street and Yankee Stadium. You'll be behind the outfield bleachers when you come off the subway. If you're going to a game, follow the masses to an entrance gate and go on in. If you want to take a tour, walk around until you find the Yankees offices for information. There are three tours available at varying prices.

For more information on tours or schedules, I suggest you visit the New York Yankees website. That will tell you everything you want to know.