Photo Taken From Grandstand Section 428 at Yankee Stadium Credit: Steve Flack http://www.vitaminsteve.com/
As everyone knows, we were not at the game today. However, that didn't keep us from monitoring happenings at the stadium during the embarrassment also known as the first regular season game ever played at the "House That George Built."
- Via the NY Times Bats Blog, here is what happened when ex-Yankee hero, Carl Pavano was introduced:
That second part is simply epic. Closed captioning, we salute you.When “Number 44, Carl Pavano” was announced, the crowd erupted with boos as Pavano took his place along the third-base line. Pavano, the notorious ex-Yankee, broke into a wide grin as he greeted his Cleveland Indians teammates.
The scoreboard described the scene with sublime understatement: “Number 44, Carl Pavano (Crowd Boos).”
- There is word that the fans were chanting "we want Swisher" when Marte was in full meltdown mode. We didn't watch very much of the broadcast since we're stuck at work, but from what we're told the crowd was quiet and unimposing all day. This timely chant doesn't excuse the moneybags in attendance who couldn't bother themselves to make the stadium rock, but it certainly earns them some points. A reader who sends this video won't earn a pair of Yankee tickets, but we'll be your friend on Twitter. What, that isn't enough motivation? Here is the video, courtesy of our new friend, "zabs,"
Any other fun things happen during an otherwise utterly depressing day at the new Yankee Stadium? Let us know in the comments.
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Lenny Herold · 832 weeks ago
For what it's worth, the Yankees fixed a few things since the Cubs series. The retired numbers and every championship year are now in plain view, and concessions ran significantly smoother today. The scoreboards were also much better - all of the stats I wanted to see were clearly displayed throughout the game. I expect things to improve steadily as the season goes on.
You guys have been legitimately critical of the Yankees and the new Stadium, and I have read this blog faithfully because I respect that. What I do not in any way respect is you making a mockery of a crowd you yourselves should have been a part of. Yeah, I know, "you had to work" - we all did. Still, some of us made it out there, and found a way to watch the entire game, start to anticlimactic finish.
It's a long season. Perspective is key. For all the complaining, hopefully you guys can put aside the angst and support this team - I think they have a legitimate shot at #27.
First of a 5 out of 7 homestand,
L.
StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
I had to work, and I sold my tickets at market value. Why does that mean I can't criticize the people in attendance who were pretty quiet, even when the game was close? If I was able to get off from work (perhaps in a better economy I would have risked it), I would have been screaming my head off. I'm sure you were, too, so don't take it personally.
Lenny Herold · 832 weeks ago
I'll be at the game again today. I don't expect there to be any moneybags there - I have been looking forward to today because I expect it to be just us Yankees fans, for the first time, in the new park. We'll see how hard it is to get to Carl's!
Like I said, I enjoy your blog. Maybe YOU shouldn't take it so personally when I criticize you! :-)
StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
blog! Thanks for reading, and thanks for the constructive criticism - it
really helps keep things in perspective.
I wish I could even WATCH the game today. Once again, stuck at work. I'll
be there Saturday and Monday. Saturday should be BEAUTIFUL weather. Can't
wait.
Original Message:
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StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
Chris · 832 weeks ago
StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
I would have been at the game if it was a night game - you can be sure of that!
Will · 832 weeks ago
PinstripePrincess · 832 weeks ago
For what it's worth, I paid $14 for my bleacher seat so I was hardly a "moneybag"...and I feel that even though it's totally FINE to sell your tickets (I do the same when I can't make a game in my Sunday package), you should also take the criticism the board is giving you here rather than defending yourself to the death. Opening Day means different things to different people...my great grandfather was at Opening Day in '23, my dad was at Opening Day in '76 and I'd be sad if my family tradition ended today. Obviously Opening Day doesn't mean as much to you, but attacking the fans who went today and genuinely cared to be there (and I'd say that was by far the majority, from what I saw) isn't exactly fair either.
Other notes--David Wells sat out in Sect. 239 of the bleachers today for about 4-5 innings (not in the obstructed view seats, though!). Pretty great but fans were lined up in the aisle for autographs the ENTIRE time he was sitting there. Leave the guy alone and let him enjoy the game! Shaq's shower curtain was pulled to the side today (not sure if it was pulled during the game also, but I walked by it about an hour before game time and the view was lovely). The stadium staff was GREAT today on all ends. No one was harassed for standing on the bleacher cafe concourse, no one was harassed for stopping to take pictures, etc. And every security guard/fan relations person I walked past leaving the game thanked me for coming and wished me a nice day.
StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
Chris · 832 weeks ago
For a while, we were torn on whether to share the story of our opening day tickets with the New Stadium Insider readers.
StadiumInsider 72p · 832 weeks ago
By the way, I don't actually think I got the 41 game plan back because of the blog. I think it is because I pestered my ticket rep every day.
Thanks for reading, and thanks for keeping me honest. Even with the outcome of today's game I am truly upset I couldn't be there.
zabs · 832 weeks ago
we want swisher
HorseRun · 832 weeks ago