Yankee Stadium: A House That Became A Home

Tonight was a bittersweet time for myself and millions of other New York Yankee and baseball fans across the world. The end of an era has dawned as the haloed grounds at 161st and River Ave will never be walked upon again.

As the police lined the walls and the fans snapped their camera's the men who wear pinstripes took a final lap around the place where they call home. With Derek Jeter leading the pack, hat in hand and clearly teary eyed, the moment has finally begun to set in. The lights that shine oh so bright in the Bronx will be turned off for the final time on September 21st 2008.

The outcome of the game was meaningless, the legends that graced the field today and shared the space with legends playing today who still find themselves writing their endings. This day will have its own chapter I'm sure.

Yogi Berra, Don Larsen, Dave Winfield, Wade Boggs, Reggie Jackson and Chris Chambliss just to name a small portion of those who were on hand to be apart of the pre game ceremonies. The crowd erupted when Bernie Williams was introduced, who wearing his classic #51 was beaming from ear to ear as if this was the happiest day of his life. It was just very fitting to see him there. Other Yankee greats in attendance Tino Martinez, Paul O'Neil, Scott Brosius, David Wells, David Cone, and even Willie Randolph who made a grand entrance sliding into 2nd base.

And even more fitting was the voice of Yankee stadium or as once said "the voice of God" Bob Sheppard introduced the starting line up (which was pre recorded) just as he did on opening day April 17, 1951. Sheppard was not at Yankee Stadium due to him still not being 100% from bronchitis which he has been battling since last fall.

As the greats were all in their old uniforms there were a couple people missing that I felt should have been there. Don Mattingly a Yankee great, arguably one of the Yankees best hitters was not there. Joe Torre, this was a given in my opinion. How could you not have at least a tribute to him of some sort? All he did was lead the team to 13 straight playoff appearances and 4 World Series titles. And last but not least the Boss. None other than George Steinbrenner. George said he would not be making the trip because he did not want the unneeded attention. How fitting would it have been during the closing ceremonies as the team walked around the field to have George Steinbrenner come on the field or even more dramatic dropped in via helicopter just to say thank you to the fans and close Yankee Stadium in grand fashion, like the Yankees always do.

All in all it's a very sad day in history but it will be a day that will never be forgotten. As the saying goes "Heroes live forever but legends never die."

Yankee Stadium, a true legend. Farewell old friend.