Game 156: The House That Became A Home

September 21, 2008 by Mike Axisa

Today is a day that I thought would never come. Like the last day of summer vacation as a kid, I knew it would happen eventually but didn’t want to believe it. But now it’s here, the last game at Yankee Stadium, and I can best describe the feeling as sad, joyful and nostalgic.

I’ve spent many days in The House That Ruth Built, more than I care to count. Whether I was a kid annoying my father for more cotton candy, or cutting class in high school to catch a day game from the far reaches of Tier Reserved, or a yuppie deciding which dugout I wanted to sit behind, the one thing that never changed was the proud Stadium. Walking out of the tunnel to see the greenest grass I’ve ever seen and hear Ed Alstrom on the organ for the first time has always been one of my favorite memories of the Stadium.

We’ve bitched and moaned about the team on the field all season long, but I don’t even care about that anymore. Today is about celebrating a long-standing New York tradition, soaking in the best Yankee Stadium has to offer. As Doug Mientkiewicz perfectly put it: God did create heaven on Earth … it’s called Yankee Stadium.

Yankee Stadium will live on forever in our hearts and memories, but as Jane Heller reminds us: The memories — the magic — were never really about the building. Truer words have never been spoken.

The baseball gods took care of the Yanks today like they have so many times before, granting just a perfect day for baseball. Enjoy the game, enjoy the pre- and post-game festivities, enjoy being a Yankees’ fan.

1. Johnny Damon, CF
2. Derek Jeter, SS
3. Bobby Abreu, RF
4. Alex Rodriguez, 3B
5. Jason Giambi, 1B
6. Xavier Nady, LF
7. Robinson Cano, 2B
8. Hideki Matsui, DH
9. Jose Molina, C

And on the mound, a man who has won 94 of the 169 games he’s pitched in Yankee Stadium, Andy Pettitte.

Joey H

Today im wondering to myself. whats gonna make me cry? Bernie’s appearance, pettite’s exit from the game, or the hammer of god entering to entersandman.
Dan F

Rumor has it that Metallica will be in attendance to play Mariano in one last time
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Hopefully they grow their balls back before they play.
  - Austin
    
    Couldn’t of said it better Mike
Manimal

Pats lose, Giants GW field goal, and yankees stadium’s farewell all in one day.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Yo, did you know that there’s some 13-yr old girl in NHL 09? She’s in the free agents, rated 98 as a goalie. I guess one of the producers put their daughter in the game. It screwed up my franchise, so I started over after ~25 games.
  - dan
    
    Please review RAB’s commenter guidelines before posting. Off-topic comments will not be tolerated.
    
    http://riveraveblues.com/river-ave-blues-commenting-guidelines/
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Hey, I own the place. So like Steinbrenner, I can bend the rules now and then.
    - Manimal
      
      Ben is that you?
    - Joey
      
      lol, nice
  - Manimal
    
    haha thats pretty cool, Just claimed the 1st place in the western conference after beating the first place Columbus Blue Jackets and third place Vancouver Canucks
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Way to go, Mets’ bullpen.
Joey

Is it blasphemy ESPN is playing Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York before the Yanks play, much less win? I cringed and changed the channel quickly, don’t want to jinx the last game
Manimal

Harlan just said Joba was a Braves fan and a Frank Thomas fan. Wierd Combo.
Manimal

If ESPN is really a bunch of Sox fans in disguise, I tip my hat, their doing a hell of a job covering the game.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Heh, Jeter’s body language was like “please go away Joe Morgan, I don’t want to talk to you.”
UWS

Oh good, Paul O’Neill is in the “Joba must be TEH 8TH INNING GUY!!!!” camp.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  The Paulie handling of the Ensberg/Hawkins number flap was enough to convince me that I don’t need to listen to any of Paulie’s observations about the game.
  
  He was a good player. He’s unoriginal and uncritical as an analyst. Pass.
Mike Pop

Cant beleive o neil jus implied joba should be a reliever ugh
- UWS
  
  Excellent timing, Mike ;-)
Manimal

The ceremony will involve either the ex-players or the family of ex-players jogging to their respective position, much like the All star game ceremony.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I can’t wait to see Bernie.
  - Manimal
    
    Me too.
    - Joey
      
      Me three
      - UWS
        
        Me four.
      - UWS
        
        Of course this being ESPN, they HAD to show the Red Sox ’04 win. Uuugh.
Joey

I was just going to guess an over/under for # of crashes, but you guys HAD to ruin all the fun and get a good server. lol :-P
UWS

Gotta love ESPN camera panning in on ARod as Buck talks about NY fans being able to sniff out a phony. Heh.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Heh, bravo to Sterling to showing off the shuffle.
- Manimal
  
  I had no idea there was a whole dance with it on top of the yodeling.
Manimal

Oh. My. God. John Sterling is the man.
Mike Pop

I would give 1000 dollars to see a no hitter or something historical tonight for the yankees
- UWS
  
  That would be cool, but knowing this year’s Yankees, the no-hitter would probably be against them.
  
  I’ll settle simply for a nice win, with Mo closing it out.
Jake H

Biggest regret of my life is that I never made it to a game. Wife chose Antigua over NY for our honeymoon this august.
Manimal

I’ve only been to 2 games at the stadium, and I’ve got to say the best was a walk-off homerun off the bat of fan favorite Melky Cabrera.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Dammit!!! That would have been a great title for the post.

The House That Became A Home
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Screw it, I’m changing it.
  - Manimal
    
    No one saw.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Ok, phew. Good to know.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Mike, I’m going to go put on my Luther Vandross album, just for you…
  
  “A chair is still a chair, even when there’s no one sittin’ there
  But a chair is not a house and a house is not a home
  When there’s no one there to hold you tight
  And no one there you can kiss goodnight
  
  Whoa…oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…oh…
  Girl…”
Mike Pop

man i know its offf topic but shockey and 85 are killing my fantasy team
Manimal

Bernie has put on some pounds.
Ivan

I can’t believe it. This is it folks, the last game in this stadium. I kinda speechless you know.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Word. I’m really going to miss the place.
  - Joey
    
    More than any words can explain…
http://sportstuffblog.blogspot.com Sportstuffblog

I saw my first game I can remember at Yankee Stadium probably around 1969 when I was 4 years old. My Grandfather brought my brother and I. I wish I had a picture from that day. I do have a memory though. My Grandfather was upset that all my brother and I were interested in was the hot dogs and cotton candy. Oh well, what do you expect from two little Mets fans?
Sportstuffblog
Mike Pop

Who would you say our best pitcher was from the dynasty years ? Probably Cone right
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Mo. If you’re talking starters, then either Coney or Pettitte.
Mike Pop

Im tearing man
Mike Pop

The Dive !!!
Mike Pop

I freaken love Tino
Ivan

Whats the greatest game ya ever saw here?

Mine was always 03 ALCS game against the sox. I remember the game so vividly and even what I was doing during the game.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  In person? Doc’s no-hitter.
  
  Just in general, on TV or something, then Game 6 of the 1996 World Series. That was what’s it all about.
- Mike Pop
  
  The Boone walk off was amazing no doubt.. Im only 17 so its what i Remember best and also like you what i was doing.. When Wake came in I was like uhoh hes good ya know than Boone homered and i flipped like went completely crazy like holy shit
  - Joey
    
    Same, I’m 19 and I’ll never forget that particular crack of the bat, it was amazing
    - Ivan
      
      What I remember most about that game was the comback but also how great Mo was in that game going 3 scoreless innings.
      - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
        
        Yeah, and Contreras was warming up in the pen for the 12th. Yikes.
      - UWS
        
        My favorite memory of that game (after the Boone Blast) is Moose coming out in relief. 1st and 3rd w/no outs and he shut them down. Without that inning, Mo never gets a chance, no Boone.
        
        http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
        
        Yeah. Giambi hit 2 homers off Pedro in that game too, that always gets overlooked.
        
        Ivan
        
        Word. Moose was money in that game.
- Old Ranger
  
  Don Larsons’ perfect game! Hands down!
UWS

Of course this being ESPN, they HAD to show the Red Sox ‘04 win. Uuugh.
Ivan

Geez did ya see how the mets BP inplode? Yikes.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  If Philly holds the lead, the Mets will be 1.5 GB with 7 to play.
  - Ivan
    
    And only have have a 1.5 game lead over the Brewers.
UWS

It’s a crime that we get to hear the stylings of Joe Morgan and John Miller tonight. I’m no fan of Michael Kay, but YES should’ve been the ones to broadcast the game.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Not to mention the sideline reporting of Peter Gammons.
  - UWS
    
    Ugh.
- steve (different one)
  
  and if the ESPN Sunday Night game was another game on the last night of the stadium, we’d be complaining about that…
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Actually, I would have liked it to have been a day game.
    - steve (different one)
      
      fair enough. i’d have also liked it actually be on the last day of the season too, but the schedule makers didn’t seem to think that was a good idea.
      - 27 this year
        
        Steve, I doubt they thought we would miss the playoffs.
    - Ivan
      
      agreed.
Samsonov KGB

they should just let yogi announce the game on his own
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Gator looks like he could throw an inning or two if need be.
UWS

I was talking about this with my roommate this morning: why the need to knock down the Old Stadium? Why not make it into a national landmark museum? People would come in droves to see it. As for the whole “need to give parkland to the community” thing, how much would the kids LOVE to play on the same field where the game’s greats had stepped?
- steve (different one)
  
  aren’t they keeping the field though as part of the park?
  
  i’d imagine the answer is that the real estate in NYC is way too scarce and way too valuable to keep an old stadium around.
  - mustang
    
    “aren’t they keeping the field though as part of the park?”
    
    At one point they were toying with the idea of making it into a Little League ball field to play championship games and stuff I don’t know what happen with that but that would be cool.
    - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
      
      That’s still the plan (the little league park)… but it’s not going to be the actual field. They’re raising it up (the current field is about 5-10 feet below street level) and moving it slightly to better fit the block.
      - mustang
        
        That’s cool.
Ivan

Boy it would be really cool if Phil Rizzuto was alive and stuff. You know he would did something funny.
- Joey
  
  I miss the “Holy Cow!”
UWS

Mariano: “Adrenaline will be going through my body. I don’t know, maybe I won’t be able to pitch….”

Um, get a grip, Mo! We don’t want a blown save to be our lasting memory of tonight!
steve (different one)

that thing on Boomer’s chin is gross.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  He definitely looks like he could trot out to the mound, take 8 warmup pitches, then start snapping off benders at knees right to the catchers glove. He looks like he lost weight too.
  - Steve H
    
    And pound the strike zone all day long
Mike Pop

Gammons shouldnt be here
Joey

Yogi is da man
Jake H

I’m going to hate watching it on ESPN.
- Frank
  
  It is a TRAVESTY that this game is on ESPN. They’ll take their cheap shots, I guarantee you.
Mike Pop

Sad we aint going to the playoffs =[
UWS

Bobby Murcer tributes make me cry every damn time.
Ivan

There is no baseball uniform that’s better than the yanks. Best Hats.
Ivan

It’s really good to see Bernie back. It’s truly good to see him here cuz it’s just seems like forever when we didn’t see him.
Joey

WTF!?!?!?! I get all excited the pre-game ceremonies are about to begin and fucking Chris Berman and ESPN News appear with NFL scores shit…………………. I called ESPN customer service and they told me there is a game on (didn’t know which game or whatever) and that its on ESPNClassic. It’ll switch back once the “game” ends. God I hate Orlando/ESPN
- steve (different one)
  
  guys, the pre-game is on YES.
- Joey
  
  Can someone kinda do a brief “play by play” for me? I’d appreciate it, until whatever “game” ends they’re talking about
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Dude, it’s on ESPN2.
    - steve (different one)
      
      and YES
    - Joey
      
      It wasn’t before, it just came on in Orlando, like literally they JUST switched it over. First sight I saw was them with the banner. Thanks though
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

The Voice of God.
steve (different one)

this is giving me a seizure
Jake H

How could you be wearing an Oregon ducks t shirt to the final yankee game?
Ivan

Im really gonna miss “The Black”.
UWS

This is so cool.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Wow, they’re going all out.
steve (different one)

this is a little freaky in a “field of dreams” kindof way
- Frank
  
  lol
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Oh cool, the Babe showed up.
Frank

YES’ pre-game coverage is superb as usual.

Although this is unusual…. could’ve done without the re-enactment.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Yeah, this is kinda creepy.
  - UWS
    
    I dunno, I think it’s really cool.
Ivan

It is quite hard to believe and you have to be amaze that the yankee uniform has never change.
- steve (different one)
  
  except for that week when the Assistant to theTraveling Secretary changed them to cotton
  - Steve H
    
    classic
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    It’s a natural fabric, you know.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Okay, now this is cool.
steve (different one)

it’s cool that Matsui is playing tonight
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  He’s having surgery tomorrow.
Ivan

ROY!!!!
steve (different one)

Winfield – A-Rod before A-Rod, maybe in 20 years A-Rod will be appreciated too
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Word, he was a freak. Drafted in 3 sports.
Ivan

HOLY COW, THE SCOOTER.
UWS

They go from left field to….shortstop????
- steve (different one)
  
  i was just thinking that
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  They’re keeping us on our toes.
Ivan

DEREK JETER…….DEREK JETER.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Man, I CAN’T wait for Bernie. You have no idea.
- steve (different one)
  
  i wonder if that’s why they went from LF to SS. saving Bernie for last?
steve (different one)

it’s appropriate that Cora is with Mo, since Scooter is also with God
- Frank
  
  LOL! Excellant work my freind
UWS

Cora still looks great.
Ivan

unclutch
Jake H

It’s a shame Donnie won’t be here for the game.
- Ivan
  
  HELL YEA. No Donnie on the last day of yankee stadium. Hard to believe.
- mustang
  
  agree.
mustang

Greatest moments for me I have 3 of them:
1 and 2- Watching games 1 and 2 of the 2000 World Series my dream match up and the only time that I didn’t care that I had bleachers seats. LOL

3- Watching Gooden’s no-hitter thanks to my wife who picks that game as the make-up for a snowy cold opening day.

Everything after this has been a cherry on top thank you to the old lady I will miss so much.
steve (different one)

Barfield? holy shit.
UWS

From Pete Abe:

UPDATE, 7:28 p.m: When A-Rod was shown on the scoreboard in a video montage of great third basemen, people booed.

That’s pathetic if true.
- Ivan
  
  Why Im not surprise.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  That’s not pathetic… that’s disgusting.
  
  Shameful, and disgusting. I hope all those people who booed die of gonorrhea.
steve (different one)

they should have had Barry Pepper do Maris
Ivan

MR. OCTOBER!!!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

REG-GIE REG-GIE
UWS

Paulie!
steve (different one)

ladies and gentleman, LaTroy Haaaaaawkins!!!
Ivan

PAULIE. GOD of Grit and Gutty.
- Steve H
  
  He was Pedroia before Pedroia was Pedroia. Actually, Paulie is Youk. Fucking love him if he’s on your team, fucking hate him if he’s not.
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    Yup. Paulie is Youk. Minus the child molesting, of course.
steve (different one)

wonder if knoblaugh will be here
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Was he there for Old Timer’s Day? I think so…
  - steve (different one)
    
    i guess the better question is if Roger will be there.
    
    somehow i doubt it….
Mike Pop

Paulie is my boy
steve (different one)

no Steve Sax?
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Eddie: (reading Sax’s license) Well well, Steve Sax, from New York City.
  Lou: I heard some guy got killed in New York City and they never solved the case. But you wouldn’t know anything about that now, would you, Steve?
  (Lou and Eddie laugh)
  Steve Sax: But there are hundreds of unsolved murders in New York City.
  Lou: You don’t know when to keep your mouth shut, do you, Saxxy Boy?
Ivan

Gotta See Wille man.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  “A true Yankee!”
  
  I love how they stick it to the Mets every chance they get.
Mike Pop

Tony Womack is like hey where the fuck am i on there
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Hah. Yeah Enrique Wilson got snubbed.
  - steve (different one)
    
    Mariano Duncan and Pat Kelly too…
UWS

Yay, Willie!!!
Frank

Wonder why the Mets never took to this guy…..
Ivan

WILLIE!!!
Joey

Willie with the slide!!! (feet first, teaching the kids right!)
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

What happened? Did he trip over the bag?
- Joey
  
  He did brush it off after he slid. lol
Ivan

One of my fav yankee moments, when Tino hit that GS in that 98 WS.
steve (different one)

ladies and gentlemen, Cecil “i ate the Center” Fielder
- scottnar
  
  lol
Chip

Please tell me Tino is there, the Stadium will go crazy
- steve (different one)
  
  he’s there.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

TINO!!!
Ivan

Wow that a great scene seeing Chambliss being mobbed by yankke fans.
UWS

Can’t believe Mattingly didn’t make it.
steve (different one)

was that grand slam in 1998 really one of the “biggest HRs in Yankee history”?

it’s not like they were going to lose that series no matter what.

love Tino though.
scottnar

giardi’s triple, awesome
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Hip hip!
Joey

Hip Hip Jorge! Man do I miss him
UWS

YOGI!!!!!!!
Ivan

Yogiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii Berra.
Jake H

YOGI!
Joey

Standing right on the plate. You tell them whose house this is Yogi!!!!!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

So yeah, there’s no way this game’s starting at 8:15.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Sheryl Howard… I’d hit that.
- Ivan
  
  me too.
Ivan

Hey Howard’s daughter looks cute.
steve (different one)

i think they are saving Bernie for last.

man, i hope the stadium doesn’t collapse from that ovation.
- Chip
  
  Isn’t that awesome how they’re leaving him for last? I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bernie the coach debut in the next few years
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    But doesn’t Bernie have everything to lose and nothing to gain by becoming a coach?
    
    Look at how we shit on Bobby Meacham left and right…
steve (different one)

goosebumps
UWS

Michael Munson needs a lesson on manners. Didn’t even shake Yogi’s hand.
steve (different one)

maybe my favorite Yankee moment ever, the triple
dan

what channel is this? espn isnt showing it where I am
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  ESPN2 and YES.
- A.D.
  
  espn 2
- scottnar
  
  yes and ESPN2
- dan
  
  thanks guys, i was freaking out
  - Joey
    
    like I was earlier, except they actually wasn’t getting it for awhile
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Am I the only one that thinks the only reason Girardi’s part of this is because he’s the manager? He wasn’t exactly a “great” Yankee.
- Ivan
  
  yea but you can say that for some guys here as well. Besides, that Triple put him in yankee lore forever.
- A.D.
  
  going to be a bias toward lesser, more recent Yankees on championship teams, cause it gets the fans going and all. So definitely helps he’s the manager, but he’d probably be there anyways
- steve (different one)
  
  he was the starting catcher on 2/3 championship teams.
  
  he’s not much worse than Brosius, no matter what people seem to remember about Brosius’ abilities
- Chip
  
  Caught a no-hitter, perfect game and won a few rings with them. He might not have been a great offensive force but he had good timing
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    He caught a no-hitter? He must be a great catcher, like Jason Varitek is.
Ivan

Yankee crowd: cheering

Pete Abe: BOOOO.
scottnar

A-rod is probably watching madonna videos in the clubhouse
Bill N

No Alvero Espinosa ?
Comeon
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Jimmy Key, you’re my boy blue.
- steve (different one)
  
  no Scott Kamieniecke?
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Jimmy Key, what is he, like 45?
  
  I could hit him…
Ivan

Wow Chien Ming wang is on that list.
UWS

Haha, no Roger in the montage.
Mike Pop

Man i would LOVE to be there tonight
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Ben’s there. Bastard.
Ivan

One more thing, if they gonna bring up Doc Godden, could they bring up Strawberry.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  I mean, Phil Coke’s there, for christsakes… I’m SHOCKED that Gooden and Straw didn’t show up for that alone.
A.D.

Chairman of the board, one of the greatest nicknames ever
Joey

Wow, Whitey and Don. Awesome.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Don Larsen’s stealin’s shit.
- UWS
  
  Were you as worried as I was that he might throw his back out or something when he bent down to scoop up the dirt?
A.D.

Nice Larson taking the dirt
Ivan

No Juan Figueroa?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Sterling Hitchcock?
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    Pascual Perez?
Joey

I’m surprised security didn’t throw Larson down and cuff him, he was stealing dirt!
steve (different one)

i’d like to see Goose throw an inning tonight
Ivan

THE GATOR. He was Chamberlain beofre Chamberlain with the stuff he had.
Ivan

Lets be real, right now he could pitch better than Ponson or rasner, the Boomer.
steve (different one)

hey Coney, how come you don’t have a dance??
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  haha
UWS

Here we go….
Ivan

Here it is guys Centerfield.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Bernabe!!!
Manimal

Oh my god BERNIE!!!
scottnar

no melky?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

WTF? No teh Melky?
Joey

No Melky?
Chip

Damon? Really?
- steve (different one)
  
  did they show Giambi when they did 1B?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Yeah.
steve (different one)

man, Bernie had a nice swing
UWS

No Kenny Lofton?
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  No Aaron Guiel?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    That dude was awesome.
Manimal

Berrrrnnn baby bernnn.
A.D.

AJAX?
- A.D.
  
  kidding
Manimal

Didnt Yestremski get the triple crown after Mantle? Pwnt.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  WAS IT OVER WHEN THE GERMANS BOMBED PEARL HARBOR?
  
  HELL NO! AND IT AIN’T OVER NOW!!!!!
- steve (different one)
  
  he did.
- Ivan
  
  Yas was the last player to win the Triple Crown, but Mantle was the last to win it where he led both leagues.
- Old Ranger
  
  Mantle would have won it two years in a row if it hadn’t been for Norm Cash having his only .300+ year (.356? I think)!@#$#@!
Ivan

Bernie Goes Boom.
scottnar

how about a surprise and retire 51 and 21 tonight?
Manimal

Holy shit, 244 comments and the game didnt even start.
- Joey
  
  Mike gonna have to make another Game Game thread… but then again new gooder servers…
dan

My fucking RA turned the TV off for some hall council meeting right as the Centerfielders were being announced.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Kill him. Now.
  - dan
    
    She* won’t even let us put it on mute. Anybody know any bounty hunters?
- Joey
  
  kill that bitch!
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Beat him about the head and neck.
Manimal

I think I just shat my self.
A.D.

BER-NIE
steve (different one)

fantastic honoring of Bernie.

well done Yanks.
Ivan

BERNIE!!!!!
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Oh my goodness. This is awesome. Seeing Bernie in uniform again…
- mustang
  
  TOTALLY.
mustang

Mantle HR to the lights on top of the Stadium.
WOW !!!!!!!
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

For some reason, I feel like listening to some smooth-jazz-rock fusion all of a sudden.
- Joey
  
  you’ve been waiting to type that one, haven’t ya. lol
Jake H

BERNIE!
Joey

BERNIE!!!!!!!!
UWS

Welcome home, Bernie.
Ivan

This is just phenonemal
Manimal

Don’t worry Bernie, we didn’t forget you.
A.D.

he’s loving it
steve (different one)

in honor of this moment, Bernie has written a cool jazz instrumental called “the eagle and the bumblebee”
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

HOLY SHIT THE VOICE OF GOD…

I just pissed all over myself.
Joey

OOOOOHHHH the chills just hearing the Voice of God
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I swear to God, if they boo A-Rod…
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Gonorrhea.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  There we go.
dan

I hate my life.
Ivan

This is Sweet.
scottnar

jason’s last game
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Yup… they’re not even going to let him play the road trip, just euthanize him right on the track.
steve (different one)

doesn’t sound like booing to me.

Abraham has an agenda
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  And a ham sandwich.
Ivan

Cano in da house.
Manimal

Dont jog out to fast Matsui.
- dan
  
  he’s having surgery tomorrow, give him a break
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Hava Molina!
steve (different one)

could be Matsui’s last game in pinstripes….
- A.D.
  
  I think we see him back next year
- whozat
  
  You think he’s tradeable this offseason? For pennies on the dollar, maybe.
  
  Also…yeah, what happened with mattingly? Donnie baseball couldn’t get back for this?
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    Really. The Dodgers could have forfeited today’s game and still won the NL West.
    
    Mattingly AND Torre should be here.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      And Scott Proctor.
      - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        Touche.
        
        NOBODY MAKES ME BLEED MY OWN BLOOD! NOBODY!
scottnar

pudge is probably pissed
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  As long as he’s still getting paid for tonight’s game, he’s fine.
Ivan

Power of Pinstripes.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Only the Yankees.
A.D.

Nady looks like a little kid compared to Winfield
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Dave Winfield once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    Okay, that was funny. Well done.
    - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
      
      That’s still my favorite Chuck Norris one of all time.
steve (different one)

man, it would suck if Roberts leads off with a HR
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Hip Hip!!!
steve (different one)

to catch the first pitch, yankee catching legend, Matt Nokes!!
- dan
  
  Mike Pagliarulo anybody?
  - dan
    
    if thats even how you spell it
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

10 bucks says ARod hits the last HR in the history of the stadium.
scottnar

stand on the rubber Ruth!!
UWS

The only way this whole thing could’ve been even cooler would’ve been to have The Voice of God announce the original starting lineup.
mustang

Oh God please let them win the game I don’t want them to be eliminated tonight.
Not tonight, please.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Don’t worry, the Yankees don’t lose games like this.
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    cough Game 7 2001 cough
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      Shut it.
    - mustang
      
      Your an ass, but that’s good one.
      LOL
steve (different one)

sign her up Cashman!!
Manimal

8:14. Their a minute early.
Ivan

She throws harder than Moyer.
A.D.

Ruth’s grand daughter is just like “give me the damn ball”
mustang

RUTH
” THE GREATEST PLAYER EVER “
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Seeing Ravech, Kruk, and Showalter after all that is like watching the Three Stooges broadcasting on the installation of a Pope.
- Chip
  
  So true
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

They should totally sign Winfield to play CF next year. That dude looks like he never stopped playing.
Chip

The only way this turns out correctly is if the Yankees win 1-0 on a walk-off homer by Jeter (with Pettite throwing the shutout of course)
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  With that flashy bat they just gave him.
- Joey
  
  nah, Mo has to pitch the last half inning
A.D.

Oh Showalter and his big words
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Showalter: “I guess the word is … etheral.”

hahahahahahahahahahah

STFU.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Damn yo, Jeter’s sister is kinda hot.
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  I missed her… went looking for a picture of her and stumbled across Jorge’s wife, and her twins…
  
  http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01mqezocvx2ud/610x.jpg
  - A.D.
    
    damn Jorge’s wife, damn
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    And what’s up with Jeter’s suit? Did he get that from MA$E’s closet?
Manimal

Those handprints are sick.
Manimal

Oh my god, it takes about 15 seconds to fully load the game thread already.
- Chip
  
  I’ve found it loads a lot faster on Google Crome
  - A.D.
    
    agreed
- A.D.
  
  if you use Internet Explorer that could be the problem
- Manimal
  
  I use firefox, which to my knowledge is faster than Chrome.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I’m having no trouble with Firefox.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

Joe Morgan: “When I think of Yankee Stadium, I don’t think of my accomplishments.”

Well, isn’t that kind of him?
- A.D.
  
  what I wondered is why would he think of his accomplishments
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    Because he ALWAYS thinks of his accomplishments.
    
    Ooops, I mean…
    
    Because he CONSISTENCY thinks of his accomplishments.
    - BigBlueAL
      
      I guess he meant hitting a HR in the 1977 All-Star Game and obviously winning the WS in 1976 clinching it at Yankee Stadium.
      
      But honestly, who gives a fuck!!!!
- Steve H
  
  I was thinking of his accomplishments at the Stadium. All 17 at-bats. What a fucking moron!!
Joey

Well at least they’ll be a lot of guests in the booth tonight, the more they talk the less Morgan talks
UWS

Joe Morgan: “I think they’ll play this game because there’s something called Yankee Pride.”

Yeah, good thing they aren’t the Pittsburth Pirates, otherwise they’d just forfeit the rest of the season.
Ivan

Game Time.
dan

1000 comments tonight? LoHud’s only about 150 ahead of us right now
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Let’s do it. Only fitting that we’d set the record on the Stadium’s swam song.
  - http://yankeesfuture.wordpress.com Pablo Zevallos
    
    If it we’re at 950 an hour after the game, it could be like a little kid trying to get the last 10 wallposts on someone’s wall just to get to a 1000…
UWS

Any there any way to make a new thread? My browser keeps crashing when I try to load this one…
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Gammons couldn’t even make it 100 words before mentioning the Red Sox.

Fucker.
- Ivan
  
  He tried.
Manimal

Its almost freaky how similarly Joba looks like Babe.
- Chip
  
  He did say earlier this season that he’s “a good hitter, no not just for a pitcher, a good hitter”
Jamie

I just started crying. Is anyone else feeling this way? I feel weird.
Joey

Wonder if Jamal is at the game, or just enjoyed the pre-game ceremonies quietly
giselle

wow, i can’t wait to check out the new stadium next year. its gonna be awesome!
dan

Where’s Ben sitting?
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Miller and Morgan = Beavis and Butthead.

I’ve never missed Michael Kay more than right now.
Jake H

Spike lee in the bleachers
A.D.

alright camera for the roll call
- Joey
  
  that was pretty cool
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    Oh yeah, and BOX SEATS SUCK!
giselle

sweet. they should show the roll call for every game…
Ivan

How can ya not like Damon.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Bobby got it TWICE!

And didn’t drop the ball, either.
- Joey
  
  bonus!
Mac

So is A-Rod going to have an 0’fer tonight? or is he going to knock the cover off the ball?
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

I don’t like this Charlie Waters character. His numbers are too shitty for the Yanks to have a chance.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  And by Charlie I mean Chris.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

From the commercial: “And in the final year of the century, the Yankees win their 25th championship!”

That would be the 1999 title (the 25th), which is NOT the last year of the century, it’s the second to the last. Was that Jon Miller’s voice? Sounded like it to me.

Idiot.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  What the hell? You know facts have no place here.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

So what’s up people, anyone having issues getting the site to load? I’ll start a new thread if need be, but the new server’s working great for me. Loads right up.
- Mac
  
  Working great for me as well. Loading super fast.
  - Steve H
    
    ditto
  - A.D.
    
    same, i think the issue is it will load like shit on IE sometimes where other browsers are fine
    - Chip
      
      Well IE sucks like that
- Pedro
  
  It’s working fine here.
- Joey
  
  Nope, I’m good–took about 5 seconds last time, but no big deal. Using Firefox
- UWS
  
  I’m using Safari at the moment. Both Firefox and IE have crashed.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

I love that only Jeter has the balls to have Cameo’s “Candy” as his intro music.

It’s the official song of strippers left and right, and yet he makes it look cool.
- Ivan
  
  The Strippers’s anthem LOL.
A.D.

Waters looked good there
- Pedro
  
  But is he any good or just another mediocre lefty who dominates nobody but the Yankees?
  - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
    
    The latter.
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos

Bobby Abreu, Professional DH.
Batty

Listening to it on the radio. Me and my gf just broke up today after over a year together, took the bus back from Boston and today’s our anniversary. Everything was great but I’m not Jewish so it was a tough spot to be in.

ANYWAY, she is also a Yankees fan so I bought the 8-pack season tickets for us this summer, they were all memorable. I read Steve’s post about thinking about someone you love and man it’s been a tear jerker just realizing that after tonight no one will ever play a professional ball game again in that space ever again. All in the name of money.

So, yeah – I’m not too proud to say I cried a bit during the opening. Friend’s coming over and we’ll head to a bar to watch it. She’s not a fan but she did come to a game with me.
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  Bros before hos. Go Yanks.
  - BigBlueAL
    
    Truer words have never been spoken….
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  “Friend’s coming over and we’ll head to a bar to watch it. She’s not a fan but she did come to a game with me.”
  
  Fuck her gently, Tenacious D style.
BigBlueAL

Kinda sad that George Steinbrenner isnt at the game. Funny thing is Pete Abe noted that Hal is there but not big-mouth Hank.
Joey H

They HAVE to win this game.. .right?
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  They will.
  - Joey H
    
    Oh yes they will. i wonder how jeets hand is. that thing they gave him was absolutely gorgeous. your thoughts? on that and the ceremony as a whole. i thought the 1927 yankee thing was sorta corny but o well
    - A.D.
      
      crystal bat was pretty damn sweet
      - Joey H
        
        too bad no boss there. notice how hal not hank was there lmao
Pedro

There’s Pettitte doing his thing (sucking) for one last time this season.
Joey

Alright Andy, no more, jitters should be gone
A.D.

if there is no HR hit tonight, who currently holds the last HR at the Stadium?
- Joey
  
  Robbie Cano
- Pedro
  
  I think it’s Robbie Cano.
- Chip
  
  Cano
- Chris
  
  Cano from Friday night.
- Ivan
  
  Cano.
Ivan

Im calling it, A-Rod is gonna park one.
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

An unclutch leadoff walk.
- Chip
  
  He could definitely be taking off here too, the guy is hardly even looking over
- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
  
  Watch him get picked off.
BigBlueAL

I cant believe Giambi still has the nWo Wolfpack theme song as his song when he comes up to hit.
Joey H

Ok who else is man enough to admit they are gonna cry like a bitch when mo comes in for the last time with his regular skip and a jogg to entersandman? say “I” illl start it off.. I
- http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
  
  I teared up earlier, and I’m sure I’ll do it again.
  - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
    
    You punk bitch.
    - http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.
      
      What do they say, don’t trust a man with 2 first names? You’ve got like, 4 of ’em man. Your opinion means NADA to me. Biznatch.
      - http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/CRsmithT1.jpg tommiesmithjohncarlos
        
        Calm down, I’m just breaking your balls.
        
        Now GO HOME AND GET YOUR FUCKING SHINEBOX.
  - Joey H
    
    is that an I OR NOT! lol.
  - BigBlueAL
    
    Yeah i teared up a bit during the ceremonies ill admit.
- Joey
  
  I (probably)
- BigBlueAL
  
  Last time i cried watching a sports event was during Ewing’s jersey number retirement ceremony. Probably was only Knicks fan doing so.
- Ivan
  
  I got a little emotional, the tears almost came out but I held it up.
Joey

Why do we have so many problems with shitty pitchers? Nice catch btw
- Joey H
  
  dude. its the second inning not even the first time thru the order. keep yer trap shutt my brotherrr
Chip

Damn, I thought he punched that through
Pedro

It’s such a shame we have to say goodbye to the Stadium while watching this pathetic offense get dominated once again.
- Chip
  
  We’re only 7 batters into it
  - Joey H
    
    these people need to quit it with this grab-assing bullshit. its not even the first time thru the order. can they possibly understand the emotion of these men? NO. so everyone cut ur shit and kick back. mute the TV and listen to sterling.
A.D.

geez pettite
Mac

Joe Morgan man….so awkward.
- Joey
  
  he interrupter Whitey a few times…
Joey

Lesson learned: Don’t shake off Yogi
Pingback: River Ave. Blues | Game 156 Spillover Thread
http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike A.

The site’s running a little slow, so I’m closing this thread. There’s a new one here:

http://riveraveblues.com/2008/09/21/game-156-spillover-thread-4610/
A.D.

Haha Yogi is like don’t even go there Morgan, he was out