Article:A Farewell to Yankee Stadium...

As seen on 3rdstringsafety.blogspot.com

As the House that Ruth Built gets set to close it's doors, I can only think back on the first 22 years of my life as a Yankee fan and all the great memories that I've had sitting in those seats and staring at the most beautiful piece of green grass in all of New York.

I remember being eight years old and going to the first game that I can recall. I remember the woman behind me in the blue shirt who wouldn't stop asking her sons questions about baseball throughout. I remember watching Ed Sprague hit a home run in the 8th, and propel the Blue Jays to a win over the Yanks.

I can think of going to little league day when i was 11, but Jason will tell you all about that great day soon.

I can recall going to the Pedro "Who's your Daddy?" game with my brother, getting drunk, and nearly killing the Red Sox fans behind us. What? They were annoying, not to mention they were Red Sox fans being unruly in New York. I wouldn't go to Fenway and act stupid.

I remember two years ago, when my dad asked me if I wanted some really good seats to a Sunday night game between the Yanks and the Sox. I have no idea why he didn't go but whatever. So, I took my girlfriend (Who's a bigger fan than I am) and my favorite female blogger and her boyfriend. We got to stadium, and I entered the first level of the stadium for the first time in my life. Then, the usher kept walking down further...and further...and further. Then, he opened up a chain, and walked us passed it.

Holy Crap. We were sitting in the first row. Actually, we were sitting in the Steiner Sports Box. Alex Rodriguez was literally 20 feet away from me. Manny Ramirez hit me in the face with one of his dreads while signing autographs. The Yanks lost 7-2, but it was a hell of an experience. Not to Mention we saw Jason Giambi driving away from the Stadium in his Porsche. Three days later, he began his resurrection that led to him...still being on the team. I'm really good luck.

Last, there was my opportunity to go to the Stadium as press. It was well documented on this site, but I can't explain how awesome it was. I was in the locker room. I was on the field. I sat next to Joe Girardi in the press box. We spoke. He's awesome. I was trampled by Japanese people in the locker room. I was there for Torre's press conference. It was unbelievable.

Now, I can't believe that the Stadium that I grew up with is going away. While I know that the new one is going to be beautiful and modern, I can't help but feel like you just won't get the same magical feeling when you walk in. I'm going to the Red Sox game in a couple of weeks, and to think that may be the last time that I step into the stadium is just mind boggling.

However, you can be sure that I will be saying my goodbyes to the stadium that made me the fan I am today.