The new stadium is nothing less than gorgeous. And the elevators are probably my favorite added luxury. I love all the added details that are reminiscent of the 1923 stadium. The minor changes that were made from the first exhibition game, like the flags of the other MLB teams flying around the stadium, hung numbers of players in monument park, and the display of the years of World Series wins. And if you ask me my opinion of the new Stadium's design, I will have nothing but positive things to say.
So on to the ceremonies. At 12:10pm, the West Point Band performed various Sousa selection in center field, which was kind of fitting as the Old Yankee Stadium was opened by the same music. At 12:25pm, Fogerty performed "Centerfield" which, most likely no one reading this recognizes, is played before every game at the stadium. And he had a really cute baseball bat guitar (although it's up in the air if he was really playing). Following him, Bernie Williams played his own rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game." Instead of the typical upbeat tempo, his version was quite somber. Perhaps this was a premonition... At 12:30pm, Yankees alumni were brought on the field, and the home plate and mound from the old Stadium were introduced. Although he didn't get many cheers, I found Tommy John's appearance most hmmmm fitting? Not only is Nady on the DL for what is most likely complications to a previous Tommy John surgery, John started his MLB career with the Indians and ended it with the Yankees. Anyway, following that were baseline introductions and a giant American flag was brought onto the field by West Point cadets. The NYPD/FDNY Color Guard presented the colors. The National Anthem was sung by Kelly Clarkson (grumble) with some F-16Cs flying over the stadium after its conclusions. 1:01pm saw the Ceremonial first pitch thrown by Yogi Berra. At 1:06pm the Yankees took the field. At 1:08pm, CC threw the first pitch, a ball. Approximately seven innings later, all hope was lost, and the seats began to empty.
Before I get into my rant of why Joe Girardi is going to kill the potential winning season, I must say a few things. It's only fitting that Posada hit the first home run in the new Stadium, right towards Monument Park. And that hit clinched his spot as number eight on the team's all time home run list. (He also threw out Grady when he tried to steal second, which is great mainly because it shows his shoulder has healed well.) And then there's Nick Swisher. He can play any position, including pitcher, and is just so happy! He even turned around and saluted the crowd when they chanted his name during the first inning. I totally heart him.
So what went so wrong that die hard Yankees fans would leave Opening Day early? Simply stated, stupid people. Joe Girardi does not know how to coach. He does not know how when to leave a pitcher in, or take one out. And I could rant about the rest of the staff, but as I'm currently watching the Yankees lose to the Indians 20-2 in the 6th inning, my Opening Day frustrations have died off a little. And I've been writing this for a few days now, and I don't want to look at it anymore.
I think it was all the history, all the memories, that made the Old Yankee Stadium so great. And aside from a winning team, that's what this stadium is lacking most. No matter how many museums they erect, however large they make Monument Park, however beautifully constructed, it will never be the same as the old Stadium. This isn't the place I've been going to since before I was able to walk. It's not the building where I watched a perfect game being pitched. And it's not "the House that Ruth Built." And I'm not going to lie, the little Socialist in me cringes at how many things are sponsored by corporations, down to home runs. Don't get me wrong, the new Stadium's beautiful, modern, and well designed, but nothing can compare to my little dilapidated, paint peeling off the walls, baseball cathedral. This new Stadium is just like a shell of its predecessor, and I'm afraid it will never be able to live up to its expectations.
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