The House That Ruth Built & Jeter Tore Down

I grew up going to Yankee Stadium. I was fortunate -- my dad's company had season tickets for the Yankees, to give to important clients and share amongst the executives for their families. Since my dad was at the top, he had his choice of dates and so me and my brother, we got to walk through those turnstiles, tickets in hand, dozens upon dozens of times throughout the years.

Baseball's just a silly game, a distraction, entertainment. It's too corporate for many... but it's still a game and it puts food on the plates of millions of working class people... and it's part of America.

Last night was the end for The House That Ruth Built. After 85 years, the final game was played there. The building will be torn down and the most storied team in American sports will move to a brand new ballpark across the street.

At some point when growing up, I became, rightfully so, a New York Mets fan (I also got to go to Shea Stadium (where the Mets play) about as often as Yankee.) Truth be told, if the Mets blow chunks, I cheer for New York. I'm not a New Yorker, I grew up 22 miles west of midtown Manhattan, in the suburbs of New Jersey... but NY and NYC were a huge part of my life... so was Yankee Stadium. In a way, yeah, I am a New Yorker and that made last night even more emotional for me. Tears there were and I wasn't alone.

Farewell, Yankee Stadium. Thanks for the Memories.

Yankee Stadium is in Yogi Berra's heart

Derek Jeter's speech to the fans after the game

Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
September 21, 2008





See some more great pics at the New York Daily News