No, not the Statue of Liberty, but a landmark in New York City just the same. For the past 85 years, the "house that Ruth built" or Yankee Stadium has seen many baseball immortals step onto its field.
Tonight marks the last game in that stadium.
Think of it, 85 years in one place. Oh, there have been some cosmetic changes, but its the same stadium - until tonight when the last home game ever is played there.
Whether you like the Yankees or not, or whether you like baseball or not, it is part of Americana.
Look at the number of movies, plays, and books that have been made about baseball and some of its legends or aspiring stars (fictional or real), and many have been set in Yankee Stadium or featured the New York Yankees as part of the story.
Goodnight old friend. Goodbye.
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For more information on my coaching services or sales tips visit my website stevehoffacker.com or my blog homesalesinsights.com.
Saying good bye to Yankee Stadium. All the history there makes it a sad day.
Steve,
It's really sad. I'm not a sport fan but my husband and kids are even if they moved to California. My boys are Yankee fans through and through. My eldest even go to Florida every year for spring training. That's how crazy he is. I better call him tonight. I'm sure he'll be watching the game.
Hi Steve,
My thoughts will be with you today! After reading your article I started to think of the many movies alone that involved the stadium.
Don't forget me if you learn of anyone moving to "The OC!"
Michael
(949) 753-7900
It is sad. Although I never got to see an actual game there I have taken the Yankee Stadium tour. Twice. If you're a baseball fan, it's great. All the history and tradition. If you're not, like you mentioned in your post, you can't deny the inedilible mark on American culture it has left. Thankfully I've seen games at Wrigley and Fenway. The last two of the great old stadiums.
Steven,
All of the World Series titles, the Hall of Famers, Ruth, Gehrig, Dimaggio, Berra, Stengel, Ford, Jackson ("Mr. October"), and so many more. Wow. History.
Steve
Rosalinda,
If he's the fan you say he is I'm sure he'll be watching the game. I wonder what the eBay plans are. They report over 2,000 security at the stadium to protect against souvenir hunters.
Steve
Michael,
Thanks. MY OC connection. You're right about the movies - Pride of the Yankees, Brewster's Millions, etc - even The Natural with the "Knights."
Steve
Steve - Yes, it is rather sad. I've never been there, but there is still a lot of history there. :)
Jerry,
It's the American thing more than anything else that caused me to write the post. Baseball, "America's Pastime", and Yankee Stadium, one of baseball's icons.
Steve
Debi,
So much history. Did you ever go to a game at Sportsman's Park? I remember a 12 inning game the Cardinals won against the Giants with Musial and Mays both playing. :)
Steve
Even though I'm not much of a sports fan, I get a bit teary eyed thinking about ole Yankee Stadium being replaced. I understand the new and "improved" version will have 5,000 fewer seats.
Myrl,
It's always tough saying goodbye to an important part of Americana even if it leaves a great legacy.
Steve
It is always a sad feeling when you see a landmark disappear, but than again, if nothing ever changed, it would be boring
Anne,
That's true, but often what passes for progress really doesn't seem to be such an improvement. In this case, they're just replacing it and not totally abandoning it.
Steve
Its incredibly sad that we can just discard a piece of Americana. "The House that Ruth" will be sorely missed. But at least you can park there when we all go to the new "Yankee Stadium"
Steve: I don't understand why they need something NEW. What's wrong with the old stadium? Not enough food stands/profit centers? And what corporate sponsor's name will the new stadium wear? Sports is almost unrecognizable to people like me who don't take an avid interest in a teams performance.
Ashley,
You're so right, and that has kind of a nice ring to it - "the parking lot that Ruth built."
Steve
Chris Ann,
I don't know why the new stadium either. They don't seem to last very long anymore. We have to have ones with retractable roofs, naming rights, etc. It's part of commerce, but not a real pretty part.
Steve
Steve - No, I've never been to Sportsman's Park. Busch Stadium is about the only ballpark I've been too... It sounds like a good game, though! :)
Debi,
In the old Sportsman's Park, they had pillars (like you see in some of the old baseball movies) and I remember sitting behind one. :)
Steve
As a Red Sox fan I am happy to see that house of horrors go by the wayside. Sure alot of memories go with it but frankly they were almost all positive for the Yankees except 2004 that is!
It is sad to see a part of Americana go by the way side. Are there any plans for its future? I am sure there are lots of memories for lots of folks with an icon that has been around for 85 years.
Ted,
I can see where you might feel that way. But whose idea was it to get rid of Ruth? :)
Steve
Joan,
I don't know of any plans, but the new stadium is across the street.
Steve
It is definetely hard to believe old Yankee Stadium is gone. Nice to know we were at a couple games there. So much history...
Castellum Realty,
Out with the old, in with the new. I sure hope they know what they're doing.
Steve