Yankees nix Stadium sendoff
The Yankees have scrapped the long-rumored Stadium sendoff reportedly set for Nov. 9, making the Sept. 21 game against the Baltimore Orioles the final event in the facility’s 85-year-run.
“The Yankees were considering having a charitable event at Yankee
Stadium to benefit the Baseball Assistance Team,” the team said in a
statement. “However, the Yankees realized that the final event at
Yankee Stadium should be a baseball game, which took place on Sept. 21.
Accordingly, rather than having a fundraiser, the Yankees will be
donating $500,000 to B.A.T.”
There had been some wild rumors of the event in the works, which was to feature as many as 300 former Yankees players and personnel, as well as musical acts like Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. Reportedly, those just weren’t panning out.
Now that the Stadium’s doors are really closed, save for the random press conference here and there, it gives off a little different feeling. I’m sure many were anticipating that there might be one last trip to make there and sit in the blue seats. The Stadium’s last performer will be Derek Jeter, who delivered the sendoff speech after the Yankees’ 7-3 victory.
Bryan Hoch
What? Why are they stiffing me out of everything fun this season. No playoffs, no interesting games and no sendoff? At least there was an all star game.
That last game on 9/21 went so well, especially Jeter’s speach, having another ceremony could only detract from it.
Good Bye, Fair Well and Amen.
Do not consider “may be a fine addition” as my endorsement of John Garland or Derek Lowe! Neither is the caliber of pitcher that the Yankees seek or need as a primary addition. But I do think the April 2009 rotation will only include pitchers with at least two years of MLB experience. The list of candidates for the “second” spot is extremely long and even includes Carl Pavano and Victor Zambrano. Pavano’s Yankee career was destroyed by a lack of health NOT talent.
Things I never thought I’d see: the message board at the baggage claim at Tampa International Airport reads: “Tampa Bay Rays — All The Way.”
I reckon that sign won’t be up there for much more than a week. Sox in 5.
Matt,
You are a model of consistency! The more this banter goes back and forth I feel I can accurately predict what you will post next. Hell, I can even get a picture of what you probably look like too! And don’t get me wrong, all that is not necessarily a bad thing. Consistency is perfect in some areas, say for instance in umpiring! Were you ever a player at any level?
Matt,
I was terrible too! In High School I was the skinny kid with asthma who had to bow out of any athletic activity after five minutes. Fortunately, new medication allowed me to play softball starting at age 37. My limited talents kept me on the bench when we had ten or more players but usually DHed (up to five allowed) and I did get a few game winning hits. I became Manager at 40 and built a softball dynasty!!!
Nope, my working days are over! Even when I lived about 20 miles away from NYC I hated going into the city. It was always the big rotten apple to me!!!