From the Babe to Boone
We have a story up today on MLB.com revealing the winner of the fan balloting for the Greatest Moment at Yankee Stadium. The result surprised me — the fans who responded selected Oct. 16, 2003 as the Stadium’s finest night, with Aaron Boone’s home run to defeat the Red Sox in the ALCS being marked as the top memory for many.
I remember that night well, and it was a taut drama, filled with so many twists and turns. Who can forget Grady Little leaving Pedro Martinez in, when everyone else saw the clear sign was to hand the three-run lead over to the bullpen?
And when the Yankees came back against a tiring Pedro, it then went deep into the night, inching past midnight until Boone lit into Tim Wakefield’s floating knuckleball. Wakefield probably would have been the Series MVP if the Red Sox won; instead, he became a goat, but not the only goat.
Yet … I don’t know about this one, guys. When I pass by Yankee Stadium, or stand outside and look up at those championship years, I don’t think about Aaron Boone. He’s a nice guy and I’ve enjoyed talking to him a few times. But the thought doesn’t cross my mind that, “Hey, this is where Aaron Boone became a hero.”
Maybe it’s impossible to whittle the moments down to just one; an exercise like this becomes a poll of ‘What was your favorite Yankee Stadium memory?’ If you were a Yankees fan lucky enough to be in the Bronx that night, I get it. I can understand why landing such a devastating blow to Boston — the last one before the Curse’s demise — is a fond recollection.
But in my mind’s eye, I go to the sepia-toned ones, the events frozen in history. Lou Gehrig’s 1939 speech came in second and, even though I wasn’t there for it, you can look at the patch of grass behind the plate and think, “This is about where Gehrig stood.” We’ve all seen and heard the grainy footage so many times, it’s like we know.
Larsen’s perfect game. Maris’ 61st. Even Ruth’s 1923 homer to open the building, which came in ninth (ninth?). One of the things I’ll miss about Yankee Stadium is looking down on the playing field and thinking, hey, this is where those guys played.
The Yankees were gracious enough to hold another media game at the Stadium this year. When I dug into the left-handed batter’s box, I thought a little bit about Mickey Mantle, a man who I was never able to see play except on videotape. Then I promptly fouled out to Boston catcher Mike Petraglia, something very un-Mick, but that’s not the point.
This ballot got me thinking a little bit about the memories I’ll hold from Yankee Stadium. The more I ponder it, it’s the events I never saw — that history — that I’ll miss the most.
Bryan Hoch
nice piece.. a very heart warming reminder that it’s not one moment but an array of many..
I too will miss this stadium and all of it’s history, more so later than I probably realize now.
Bryan, Forgive me for asking what may seem like a stupid question – but if Yankee stadium was such hallowed ground, why was it replaced? Why didn’t the fans rise up in arms? When there were even rumors that the new owners of the Red Sox (John Henry and all) might replace Fenway the fans went crazy! Yes, it would be great to have a bigger, more modern stadium, but replace Fenway? Are you crazy? Our park is closing in 100 years and still going strong. (Older then Yankee Stadium.) I don’t live in the New York area, so I’m sorry but I don’t get it.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com
You are right about the Aaron thought. I really don’t think of him because it did not lead to the championship, I think Giambi hitting two HR to bring us back was more exciting. Although, I must admit, I was still in college taking a class room, and I was watching play by play with my sidekick 2 at the time. When I came out of class, and as I was walking to the train station, there was near by bar. I remembered I jumped and hit all the street signs. Maybe it was a great moment, I’ve witness as a young Yankees fan. Perhaps my father’s greatest Yankees memories would have been in 1977.
If you are asking for the reason why this particular moment came in first place, it’s because Yankees gained lots of fan from the period of 1996 through 2000. Most of the now Yankees fans from this period, recognize that Boone hit the greatest HR. Not realizing that it was the greatest HR that they have witness, but not the greatest moment in Yankees History.
I think a Player, thanking the good lord for making them a Yankee, is far greater than any game ending hit, or perfect game, or 3 HR games…It shows that God has given them the ability to be great athletes and the opportunity to play for a great organization where great athletes have played. Athletes nowdays want to be Yankees because it pays the most…To me, that’s why that quote being said at Yankee stadium is one of the greatest moments in History of the Yankees.
Because no one player besides maybe Jeter can say that they are greatful to be a Yankee if not for the multi million dollar deal that have received. Not even Andy Petite wants to consider the 10MM to play again for his “favorite” team.
ESPN reporting Yankees sign Tex
WERE GETTIN TEXXXXXXXX
we got tex we got tex we got tex!!!
Well it’s not FINAL YET, but it sure sounds like we’re a lot more involved for Tex than we’ve been led to believe!
I’d much rather see us get him than the Red Sux… because you know they won’t go back after Manny and that puts them a bit behind the curve; could be Cash’s cornerstones to “his” Dynasty if it all works out.
And I find it hilarious to see all the haters crying about it; Yanks “trying to buy a championship” or the incessant whining about MLB needing a salary cap… to all of you… every team BUYS a roster that it puts on the field and at that point it’s up to their play that determines whether they’re winners or losers… you don’t buy anything more than players, it’s not like the rest of MLB is going to lay down for the Yankees on the field. Stick that argument where it belongs… if the other owners felt that strongly about it, there’d BE a salary cap, believe that. Just do what you should do, hate on your own teams’ organizations for not being as committed to WS Championships like the Yankees are.
Cash you sly dog you…
One thing’s for sure, if we land Tex, there will be NO excuses this year, not a one… we’ll clearly be the favorite so it’s gonna be on you boys to bring it home!
CBS Sports link:
http://www.sportsline.com/mcc/blogs/entry/8590096/12476893
WOW!! That was close…. I can be a Yankees fan again now that we’re not signing Manny!!! PLEASE tell me that we’re not going to sign Manny now! PLEASE!!
And on Manny, the Dodgers withdrew, the Angels have apparently said no way. The SUCHS don’t want him back. Who else is going to pony up the kind of coin he wants? HEY MANNY? News Flash! Gas is DOWN!
Man, I will never play poker with Cashman. How he kept this from the New York media I’ll never know. And that Manny sidebar, the whole time finalising this deal. Wow.
We got Teix baby!!!! First CC, then AJ, now this. Talk about improving a team. And also, we resigned Wang today, our no.2/3 starter. Just Wow.
2009, all the way. Nothing is for certain, but I like our chances.
I think I’m going to say it: if we don’t win the WS next year, I will resign my Yankee fanhood.
Sabathia
Burnett
Wang
Joba
Hughes
Damon
Jeter
Teix
A-Rod
Matsui
Nady
Swisher
Cano
Posada
That’s an All Star team. Literally.
This means that Melky or Gardner will be competing for a fourth OF spot and that Pettitte won’t be coming back ( unless he accepts 5-6 MM ), Swisher will be playing CF, Damon in LF and Nady in RF.
Manny’s options have shown to be few, and now that it’s probably quite certain that we won’t make a play for Manny, he’ll probably come with his tail between his legs back to the Dodgers with a little bit less in the expectations for his services department. Manny, you did this to yourself. Everyone knows you’re one of the, if not thee most feared hitters in the game, you’re the freaking Yankee Killer for crying out loud (no it’s not Millar, he’s more like a gnat)… but your attitude has now overshadowed your play and preceeds any discussion about you rather than your play… so stick that in your wallet and be happy you’ll get any offers for the talent you’re so lucky to have. It’s one thing to have it, it’s completely another to get paid what you want to get paid for having it! Don’t bite the hand that feeds you comes to mind…
“I think I’m going to say it: if we don’t win the WS next year, I will resign my Yankee fanhood.”
Bronxkidd, I can’t believe what I just read. I’m from Orange County, CA & have never been to NY. If the Yanks don’t win in ’09, I’ll still wear my hat @ Anaheim Stadium. I might cover my face a little though.
Anybody think Melky should compete w/ Gardner for CF & leave Swisher sweet for bench strength?
All 3 should go into Spring with a shot. They each offer different things, so there could be some mixing and matching in CF. I think Gardner will be a pinch runne’/defensive replacement, but Melky and Swisher could really battle it out.
I say let the three of them battle it out, where does that hurt the Yankees, either way signing Teix makes our bench deeper by having this question.
Also gives Joe G some options at DH and with giving rest days… our bench looks much better now than with Betemit!
It sure seems that one thing’s for sure, the Steinbrenners were not that thrilled with how we left Yankee Stadium, there sure seem very interested in how we break in the new Stadium! Bust out the bat A-Rod, it’s going to be your year, you’ve got real protection now!
i have the lineup like this..
Damon
Jeter
A-Rod
Teixeira
Matsui
Nady
Cano
Swisher
Posada
Matt, so what happens with Swisher? Does he stay in LF? I doubt Swisher will be a bench bat, that’ exacty what got him run out of Chicago. I think that unless Melky has a great ST, Swisher will be in the OF.
OH, Matt hold that thought:
One of Nady, Swisher, Matsui or Damon could be traded
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/st/archives/2008/12/yanks_sign_teix.html
Matsui is the most likely trade peice with the Angels and Rays, among other teams, that need a DH. I imagine Matsui would want ot be traded to a contender, given his veto power.
Swisher or Melky in the bottom of our lineup and in CF? Either way, it’s a great problem to have.
So right now, our biggest worry is will Posada come back anything like the Posada of old. Our second biggest would be keeping everyone healthy. Or maybe the other way around. Either way, I’d take it.
Damon could be the LF and leadoff with Matsui as the DH and Swish on the bench as our replacement to Betemit except more useful. I agree matt I think Melky will be starting in CF and hope he can continue the progress he’s showing in the DR. I hope we don’t trade Nady if we do move an OF, he quickly grew on me and I’d like to see him play a full year in NY and see what he can do in a big market rather than in Pitt. It’s great to be a Yankee fan where the front office is willing to go to the ends of the earth to get us a WS and put our butts in seats.
Contract for Teix also rumored to be 180MM and with no opt out clause.
So what now? Do we sign Pettitte or do we trade using Cabrera, Gardner, or Swisher and Kennedy and/or Miranda for a Greinke or even Peavy? We’re not quite done yet and still nothing is guaranteed!!!
Bryan, and Everybody at “Bombers Beat” …
Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday Season !!! … Jimmy [27NYY]
http://baseballtheyankeesandlife.mlblogs.com/