Did you ever see the faces of children, they get so excited.

I feel like it's Christmas Eve and I'm 10 years old again. Except back then I knew that in the morning there would be something I wanted under the tree. Today I don't know if I'll wake up to a shiny new bike or a stocking full of crap.

It's unhealthy.

Well the good news is...

... Melvin Mora is on my fantasy team.

Thank You Bernie.

Sunday, September 25, 2005
Home Game 81
Yankees 8 Blue Jays 4
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2



Ber-nie Ber-nie

The last home game of the regualar season was dubbed "Fan Appreciation Day." Everyone got pins commemorating the attendance records set this year. There was a pre-game contest sponsored by the Daily News. Four people had the chance to win $1 million if they could throw a ball from the pitcher's mound through a 4 inch hole in a target set up at home plate. (No one did it.) The Yankee players, as well as Torre, recorded video messages thanking the fans for coming out to the games.

Thank-you Ber-nie

But today was really Bernie's day. He didn't make any spectacular plays (he caught one fly ball.) He didn't have a huge day at the plate (1 hit, 1 run scored.) But that didn't matter to the fans. It's what Bernie has done for the past 15 seasons in pinstripes that we were celebrating. His Yankeeography was even playing when I got to the Stadium. From the moment he stepped out of the dugout to do pre-game warmups to the final out of the game and during every at-bat in between, there was nothing but love and affection for him. The top of each inning he got a standing-O. And each time he would give a wave, or one of those point-to-the-heart-point-to-the-fans gestures. I couldn't really hear if other parts of the Stadium were joining in with the chants, but in the bottom of the 8th the entire Stadium got into it. Reminiscent of the ovation that Paulie got in 2003, the crowd chanted Bernie's name, and wouldn't stop until he finally came out of the dugout.

One More Year

Thirty-seven years ago today Mickey Mantle played his last game at Yankee Stadium. We all hope this wasn't the last time we'll see Bernie in pinstripes, but with playoff races being so close you never know. The team may or may not make the playoffs. Bernie may or may not resign with the Yankees. Whatever happens, I'm sure today will be something he'll never forget, nor will the 55,000 in attendance.

Oh yeah, and the Yankees won today too :-) Wang pitched a pretty good game. 7IP 6H 3R 1BB 3K. The offense finally got some big hits today. Cano hit a 2-run dinger to take the lead in the 7th (atoning for a base-running gaffe in the 5th.) And Sheff tacked on a 3-run shot to put the game away in the 8th.

Each year the Yankee rookies have to dress in some sort of get-up when they go on their last road trip. This year, Cano and Wang had to wear cheerleader uniforms with "Robbie" and "Wanger" printed on the back.

My final (regular season) record
Home: 39 wins-22 losses
Road: 1 win-1 loss
Winning percentage: .635

But hopefully this isn't my last game post of the season. Winning this game kept them in a tie with the BoSox and they gained a game on Cleveland (who lost to KC today.) Johnson, Mussina, Chacón, Wang and Small (in his relief appearance) all had great performances this week. If those 5 can do the same over the next 7 days, I like their chances (assuming Joe doesn't have his head up his ass and starts Small over Wright on Thursday.)

Ooof.

Saturday, September 24, 2005
Home Game 80
Blue Jays 7 Yankees 4
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: WW



Think the baseball gods are trying to tell Jaret Wright something? This time he got a shot to the chest. That's the 3rd time this month he's gotten knocked down by a projectile. Unfortunately he stayed in the game this time, long enough to give up another run in the 1st and leave the bases loaded...

Who am I kidding. I have no desire to recap this game. I would just like to give a gold start to Aaron Small (6.2 IP. 4 H, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 R) and Bubba Crosby (who made another outstanding catch today.) And Sturtze had a pretty good game too, as did A-Rod (2-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB).

We finally hit the 4 million mark in attendance.

I saw a father and his young son wearing Jews for Jeter shirts. First time I actually saw people wearing them at a game.

Tomorrow is the last home game of the regular season. Let's hope Obi-Wang can restore order to the Bronx and send the boys off on their final road trip on a high note.

Friday I'm in Love.

Friday, September 23, 2005
Home Game 79
Yankees 5 Blue Jays 0
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2



I said it once, I'll say it again. I ♥ Shawn Chacón.

8 innings. 3 hits. 3K. 1BB. 1HPB. 0 runs.

The Yankees have an AL leading 14 shut outs on the year. Chacón has started 3 of them (2 in his last 2 starts) going 8 innings in each. He was like an antacid tonight, settling the anxiety that has been bubbling in our guts all week.

Jeter lead off the bottom of the 1st with an opposite field dinger. Cano followed with another opposite field shot. The Yankees would score 2 more runs in that inning, and tack on another in the 7th. They had a few more chances to score, but didn't capitalize on them. Normally this would concern me. But not tonight. You just had that feeling that they would not lose this game. There were a couple of key defensive plays tonight too. Matsui had a sweet over-the-head catch in the 3rd to save a run. And Bubba made a beautiful diving catch in the 9th on a Wells blooper. He did a forward dive and was able to get his hand on top of his glove to prevent the ball from popping out on impact. Proctor put a couple of men on after that, so it turned out to be a huge play. But even when Scott struggled a bit, for some reason I just knew he would get out of it.

It was just plain fun to be at the park tonight. It was one of those games were you didn't have to hang on every pitch. There's a guy who sits a couple rows in front of me Friday. We usually end of talking baseball during down times throughout the game. With such a loose mood in stands tonight, our conversation read like a Bronx Banter game thread. Very much enjoyable. If (god willing) they go to the playoffs I hope the kid is able to snag some tickets in our section.

Vernon Wells was getting ribbed all night. But I actually think he gets a kick out of it. He's the only guy I've seen actually turn around an acknowledge us.

Oh, and Steve, I'm sure the bleachers at least will do something for Bernie. He was getting much love tonight, especially in the 9th.

This bullpen is conspiring to make me turn gray before I'm 30.

Thursday, September 22, 2005
Home Game 78
Yankees 7 Orioles 6
Subway Race Winner: WW
Cap Game: #2



Well, at least the starters are holding their own. Mussina did great tonight in his return. He gave up one run (unearned) on 4 hits, 6K and no walks. His first pitch strikes were the key. Let's hope that his elbow holds up for his next start.

In the top of the 6th, with 2 outs, Gibbons hit a blooper to right field. Lawton once again dogged it and let the ball fall in. And man, did he hear it. Alls I gots to say is Bubba better be in right tomorrow. On the next play Tino booted a ground ball hit right to him. Runner at first was safe and Gibbons goes to third. But Moose was able to get out of the jam when Lopez grounded out to Jeter. If Mike can continue this type of performance over his next 2 starts it would be a huge boost.

Posada provided the offensive punch tonight with 2 dingers, a solo HR in the 5th and a monster 3-run moon shot into the upper deck in the 6th. In the 7th Cano hit a shot to right field that just missed going over the wall. I thought it was gone. But Robinson ran hard all the way and was able to turn it into a triple. He may have his lapses in the field that can be quite painful at times, but it warms my heart how this kid hustles on every ball put into play. A-Rod and Sheff tacked on a couple insurance runs (a sac fly and HR respectively) that unfortunately the Yankee bullpen cashed in on.

Leiter had a great 1-2-3 7th inning in relief of Moose (who was on a pitch limit tonight.) But he fell apart in the 8th giving up 4 earned runs on 2 hits and 2 walks. Sturtze didn't fair much better in relief of Al, allowing 2 of Leiter's runners to score. The first was scored on a ground out to Cano, so it wasn't a huge deal because he got an out in the process. But then he gave up a double that drove in another run to make it 7-5. He got out of the inning without any more damage done.

With Mo unavailable Gordon came in to close in the 9th. He got Byrnes and Castro to ground out. But then gave up a dinger to Mora to bring the score to 7-6. Tejada grounded out to Jeter on the first pitch and the ball game was over.

Eight of the last 11 games have been 1-run affairs. The Yankees have lost only 1 of those games. By next Sunday I think I will have to get a refill on my asthma inhaler.

It was a crisp night, but not quite cool enough where you needed a jacket. Perfect night to watch a game. And there was something different in the air tonight (and I don't just mean the sweet smell of ganja.) People were just a little happier than usual. It's amazing how the Yankees' place in the standings affects one's mood. Sure, everyone knows that it's far from over, but as of now, they are not the chasers. That "New York" flag is back at head of the line on the façade, a position it hasn't held since July 18th. The Yankees were on the road at that point, so tonight was the first time this season that the bleachers were able to bust out the "First Place Yankees" chant. With any luck we will be able to do it for the next 3 days.

Randy being Randy.

Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Home Game 77
Yankees 2 Orioles 1
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #3



Holy crap. The hairs on my arms are still raised.

Another stellar night for Randy. He went 8 strong innings allowing only 1 run on 3 hits and a walk. Unfortunately the Yanks could only put 2 runs up on the board (courtesy of a 2-run dinger by the slumping Matt Lawton) and Joe had to once again go to Mo in the 9th. It was one of those games that just made you sick with excitement/anxiety.

In the 5th Jeter made a nice diving stop (to his left no less) but his throw to first was high and offline. Giambi made a nice reach for the ball, preventing it from going into the stands. It took a minute or so before the official scoring decision was made. At this point Johnson still had a no-hitter going. We all held our breath hoping that an "1" would go up under the Yankees "E" column. When it did the was a hearty cheer from the crowd. However, the next batter singled up to right-center to break up no-no. But Matos grounded into a 6-6-3 double play, which was aided by a nice stretch from Giambi at first. With that play combined with catch on the throwing error, I wrote in my notes that one of these days Jeter will but Jason in traction. Sure enough Tino went into the game in the top of the 6th. In the post-game Waldman said the Giambi has been playing with a sore back for a while. But with Sheff having to DH, Jason's had to play first. I'm hoping he gets a day off tomorrow. Tino has been swinging the bat well the past couple of days. And with Phillips around now, you can always use Giambi as a bat off the bench if needed.

A-Rod had another 3K game at the plate. Once again, he atoned for that by making 2 nice plays in the 6th. On one he stopped a shot down the line, holding Castro to a single (although he would come around to score on Mora's double into center.) But later in the inning he saved a run (and probably the game.) With 2 outs and Mora on third, he went to his knees and snagged a grounder to his left side, and gunned down Lopez at first for the final out of the inning. With all the buzz surrounding the AL MVP, I hope the voters take plays like that into consideration. I can think of at least 3 or 4 times where Alex made game-saving plays.

Tonight's game wasn't on my ticket plan. But I decided a couple weeks ago that I needed to go to this game. With the pennant race being so close I didn't want to miss a thing. I still sat in the bleachers, but in Section 43 this time. The crowd wasn't quite as into it as the folks a on the other side (many of them actually did the fucking wave when it came around in the 8th.) But the view over there is excellent. You can see right into the bull pen. And you're practically behind the pitcher. I got a great view of the movement on Johnson's fastball. Amazing shit he throws. Plus you can see the Diamond Vision and pitch speed/counter.

Random Notes
- The ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Bethany Hamilton, the surfer girl that got her arm bit off by a shark. Apparently she's a big Yankee fan. The crowd gave her a nice ovation and she made a decent throw to the plate.

- In the bottom of the 3rd Tanyon Sturtze got up in the pen to throw. The woman sitting next to me was worried that there was something wrong with Randy and he had to come out of the game. But then I saw Neil Allen instructing Sturtze on his arm slot and things of that nature. So I guess he was just doing a bit of mechanics work.

- If you superimpose this pic and this pic of Mo, his body is in the exact same position.

- As Frank was playing over the PA and the crowd was filing out to the exits, I heard someone say that Tampa went up 6-4. Then I heard a roar from the remaining fans. I turned around, and they posted the score on the big screen. Much jubilation ensued. Out on River Ave. you would've thought it was already the playoffs. What a way to cap off the night.

Now is not the time to celebrate though. They need to hold serve between now and the final series in Beantown. And from the quotes I've heard, the Yankees know it. So Steve, I see your Deborah Van Valkenburgh and raise you a Valerie Bertinelli.

By Any Means Necessary.

Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Home Game 76
Yankees 12 Orioles 9
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #3



It wasn't pretty. Again the Yankees squandered a sizable lead and had to bring in Gordon and Rivera. But at this point, a win is a win. They keep pace with the BoSox and gain a game on Cleveland, who finally lost a game.

Small wasn't dominating, but he at least keep it to 3 runs (would've been nice if he couldn't gotten through 6 though.) In spite of the poor relief pitching the offense capitalized on Baltimore's poor play in the field and had some key home runs. A-Rod opposite field power is simply amazing. I think Jeter is the only other right-handed Yankee hitter I've seen hit a homer in the upper deck. And it's nice to see that Sheff hasn't lost his power.

It's late and I'm tired so here are some random notes from the game:
- Right before the Yankees take the field, they now have a graphic up on the Loge scoreboards with Jorge's "There is no trying..." quote. I didn't mind it at first, but this is getting a little too "Cowboy Up" for my taste. I just hope we don't start seeing "Grind It" shirts available.
- I was (briefly) on tv tonight when Posada hit his dinger.
- The collision at first between Bubba and Roberts didn't look that bad from where I was sitting. Roberts went down like he was shot though. Watching the replay on Encore, that was just nasty.
- In the 2nd Giambi had an epic 12-pitch at bat (I really thought a couple of those foul balls were headed out of the Stadium) It ended rather anti-climatically with a bloop single to center. When Tejada failed to make the catch he was serenaded with a "You're not Jeter" chant.
- There were a couple of nuns that they kept showing on the Diamond Vision (they played "We are Family" the first time). One of them (dressed in habit and pinstripes) was very happy to see herself on the big screen.
- Scott Proctor changed his intro music to another AC/DC classic, Dirty Deeds. I thought it might help his performance but he gave up a 2-run dinger (worked for one inning anyways.)

- The entertainment of the evening was provided by a drunk sitting at the end of my row. He didn't come in wasted, but he somehow got 6 of those little bottles of vodka in with him (not the airplane bottles, the next size up). It looked like he was sharing with the guys behind him, but judging from his condition, he drank most of it. He reminded me of a cross between Woody Allen and John McEnroe (Woody's height and demeanor with McNasty's face.)

Pizza Pizza.

Sunday, September 18, 2005
Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Road Game 74
Blue Jays 6 Yankees 5
Staples Truck Race: Level 500



We hit Casa Loma Sunday morning before the game. Very cool. A lot of climbing though, especially for those (like me) who are fat and lazy. We got to the game about an hour before it started and sat on the first base side in the 200 level (which is like the Loge at the Stadium). Nice view. Cushy seats. Good beer. Not so good game.

Unlike Saturday, we were in enemy territory. No one was really all that bad. There was a group of guys (looked to be early in their early 20s) who made a point of telling us the score every time they went to get beer. Didn't bother me too much. They weren't too loud, just smug. I finally asked the one guy (who was especially chatty) what the standings where. He didn't respond. They really bothered my mom though. The final time they got up my mom waited a minute before letting them pass. Then she gently nudged each of them with her elbow. She felt their comments were unprovoked. (We weren't especially loud in our cheering, keeping it to mainly clapping when the Yanks did something good. I think the only time we stood was when Jeter hit his homer.) I told her that the mere fact that we were all wearing Yankee shirts of some sort was provocation enough and it was to be expecteed. We were treated much better than I've seen some fans of other teams treated at the Stadium. Those guy weren't hostile, just obnoxious.

My dad blamed Jeter for blowing the game (the failure to turn the double play and of course striking out to end the game.) My mom blamed Embree (she hates him to begin with. She also thinks that the pitcher who gives up the eventual game winning run should get the loss.) I blame Rueben. There were a couple hits (that lead to runs) I thought a more competent right fielder would be able to catch. Not matter who's fault it was, they lost the game and the opportunity to gain a game on the BoSox who got pummeled that day.

The Jays had 2 promotional gimmicks on Sunday. One was a car giveaway. The other was something they do every Friday and Saturday. If the Jays pitchers (not just the starter, but a combo of all pitchers) strike out 7 batters everyone in the stadium gets a free slice of pizza from Pizza Pizza. In the beginning of the game my dad said there was no way Lilly would strike out 7 batters. He came close with 6Ks. After #6, anytime Ted got 2 strikes on a batter the crowd started to chant "Piz-za. Piz-za." Nothing like cheering on your favorite food team.

After the game we hit the CN Tower. It was a clear day so the views were spectacular.

Despite the loss on Sunday it was still a great trip. The stadium is very nice. It's clean. Lots of concessions. Wide concourses. Very easy to enter and leave the building. The city of Toronto is great. There was a lot to do besides the games. I think we'll be making another trip up there in the near future.

More pics from Sunday's game here. Other Toronto pics here.

Battle of the Stutter Steps.

Saturday, September 17, 2005
Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Road Game 73
Yankees 1 Blue Jays 0
Staples Truck Race: Level 200



Driving up to Toronto on Friday, we thought we were making pretty good time so we decided to try to get to the game that night (even when the Yanks are in town they don't sell out so it's easy to walk up and get tickets). But about 45 minutes outside of the city we hit major traffic (puts delays on the bridge to shame). So we settled on listening to a few innings in the car, getting updates from the waiter at the restaurant (11-3 at one point) and watching the Yanks almost blow the rest of the game at the hotel. We were about 2 blocks from the Rogers Centre. It was weird watching tv and knowing that the game was going on right outside our window.

Anyways, on to Saturday. After spending the morning at the Hockey Hall of Fame (highly, highly recommended for hockey fans, serious or casual) we made our way to the stadium. Much like our trip to Baltimore last year, there were Yankee fans all over the place. The Road Trippers were there (of course). Even saw a few bleacher creatures (and yes, they did roll call.)

We got there when the gates opened so we sat in the right field seats and watched batting practice. (Moose threw a bit in the outfield. Couldn't tell if he was still hurting though.) Bernie and A-Rod were smoking the ball during BP so I thought that they would both have a pretty big day at the plate. I was half right. Bernie was 2-for-4 with a huge RBI in the second. But A-Rod was 0-fer with 3 Ks.

We had seats on the third base line in the lower level about 30 rows from the field. Had a pretty good view of the whole park. The lower section is made up of continuous rows, so you don't have to worry about people constantly walking in front of you the whole game. The roof was open (it was a gorgeous day) so we had a great view of the CN Tower. And we were pretty much surrounded by fellow Yankee fans, which was nice. Except for the fact that it's artificial turf, it's really a nice park. Shame that they don't get more fans there (not like they did in the early 90s anyway).

The atmosphere at the Rogers Centre is a bit strange to someone so used to the Stadium in the Bronx. The play on the field is Major League level, but otherwise it's like being at a minor league park. They have dancers that during the pre-game that do a James Brown-type thing with Ace, the mascot (complete with the cape act.) Even though it was only a 1-run game the crowd wasn't all that vocal (the Jays fans anyway.) They have an emcee of sorts that travels around the stadium and does stuff between innings. In the bottom of the 9th he was basically pleading with the crowd to cheer for the Jays to spark a rally. (Of course this is all just my perception and I'm probably spoiled with going to games in New York all the time:-)

As for the game, it was another nail-biter. Chacon did great and was able to go 8 innings, saving a beleaguered bull pen. He had quite a bit of help from his defense (probably the best I've seen them play all year, especially on turf.) Jeter had one of his patented over-the-shoulder catches in the 6th. When the ball was hit, a very drunk Yankee fan sitting next said "it's going to drop." I said "no it's not." And the next thing ya know, it's in his glove. In the 7th, Matsui made a beautiful diving catch (play of the game in my book.) It was so good that the Jays actually replayed is on the huge screen in center field.

With Mo not available for the day, Gordon came in the 9th for the save. After giving up 2 singles to start the inning, he struck out Koskie for the first out. And Yankee-killer Hillenbrand grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to end the game. That last play sounds a lot easier than it looked. A-Rod atoned for his 3K day and made a nice pick at third and threw to Cano at second. Cano quickly threw a one-hopper to first and Tino made a nice scoop for the final out.

Oh, and another nice thing about seeing a game in Toronto... Labatt.

(more pics from the game here.)

I am absolutely beat right now, so I'll have a re-cap of Sunday's game tomorrow.

Road Trip.

In about 12 hours I will be leaving for Toronto to catch Saturday's game at the Rogers Centre, I'll have a game recap and (hopefully) many pictures when I return.

Afternoon Delight.

Sunday, September 11, 2005
Home Game 74
Yankees 1 Red Sox 0
Subway Race Winner: WW
Cap Game: WW



Last night I was exchanging emails with a friend who's a Red Sox fan. He said that Wakefield is either on, or way off. Well, he was on today (striking out 12.) But he threw one bad pitch to Giambi in the first inning, who looped it over the right field wall for his 29th dinger on the year. And that was all the Yankees would need to take the rubber game of the series.

Johnson (who turned 42 yesterday) pitched a gem himself, allowing only 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 8. Even from where I was sitting, he looked like he had that same fire in his eyes that he did for the Seattle game two starts ago. Too bad Randy wasn't like this earlier in the season. But what's done is done and we can only hope that he pitches like this the rest of the way.

I wish there were more games like the one this afternoon. All that "chicks dig the long ball" crap is just, well, crap. Give me a good pitcher's duel any day. Those 1-run games where no one on either team is knocking the cover off the ball and every batter that finds his way on-base is crucial. Where you hold your breath on every pitch. And you think back to missed opportunities and wonder if it will doom your team in the end (like the failure to get Bubba home after his 1-out triple in the 3rd.)

The first real tension of the day came in the top of the 8th. Much to our dismay, Gordon started the inning in relief of Johnson. My brother and I figured that Ortiz would pinch-hit at some point, with Johnson now out of the game. Looking at my scorecard I figured it would be for Capler. After Graffanino singled to lead-off, Mirabelli hit a high fly ball in the infield. Cano and Jeter did their best keystone cops impression and the ball dropped in. But it took a high bounce and A-Rod was able to throw to Cano at second for the force. Mueller (who shames Muellers and Mullers and Müllers everywhere by pronouncing his name Miller) flied to left for the second out. Sure enough, with Capler due up next, the BoSox send up Ortiz. At this point Mo was already warming up in the pen. Mel came out to stall for some more time. And a few seconds after he went back to the dug out Joe came out to make the change.

It was one of the most dramatic moments I've seen all year. All 55,000 of us were standing, wait for that opening riff. And then the Sandman entered. Mo worked a 3-2 count before walking Ortiz on 7 pitches. (It must be noted though, that Mo broke Papi's bat on a checked swing) Now, with runners on first and second, Damon was at the plate. Again the count went to 3-2 and after 9 pitches Johnny grounded out to Giambi to end the inning.

Wakefield pitched the 8th and only needed 7 pitches to get 3 pop outs (one to each outfielder). On to the top of the 9th. Mo got 2 quick outs. The first was a liner right up the middle that was snagged by Mo (a sure single if he doesn't make that play.) With Nixon at the plate hitting for Youkilis, I was reminded of what my Red Sox friend said: Other than
Ortiz I'd rather have trot up than just about anyone else. (except maybe john olerud...damn he's been a good hitter) So, I was a little nervous to see him up there. But, Mo got him to ground out to Phillips (who came in for Giambi.) Mo walked Manny. A few of those balls were questionable (but then again, I'm 450 ft. away so they may have really been ball.) Millar then hits a single, sending Manny to third. At this point, it's apparent that the play by Mo probably saved the game. Boston then sends up Olerud to pinch hit. My stomach was turning. I couldn't do anything but chew on my pencil. But, struck him out to end the game. To say this win was huge is an understatement.

Random Notes
- Surprisingly, the Yankees didn't do a whole lot for the 9/11 anniversary. Bob Sheppard made note of it before the anthem. The West Point Cadet color guard was there. And a woman from the academy sang the anthem. But I was expecting Ronan Tynan (who sang on Friday night) and maybe a ceremonial first pitch. I'm not saying I'm disappointed, but a little surprised.

- Even my brother noticed that there weren't as many Boston fans in attendance as there were for the first series in the April. I'm not at all disappointed about that :-)

- In an effort to reverse some karma, I gave some money to the homeless guy I pass on the way to the Stadium every day. If you take the lower level of the bridge and go towards the Deegan/Cross Bronx Expressway, he always stands on the curve next to the left-hand concrete barrier, leading to where the traffic from the upper level merges in (sorry, that's the best way I can explain it). Anyway, he's there almost every day. He seems to have a substitute fill in for him when he's not there. They use the same "Hungry and Homeless. God Bless" sign. Today I gave him dollar. (A few cars ahead of me, they gave him a bag of bagels.) Personally I think there's something to be said for his perserverance.

Box Seats Suck.

Saturday, September 10, 2005
Home Game 73
Red Sox 9 Yankees 2
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #3



Mental note: If I can't get bleacher seats, don't buy the tickets. I am 1-3 this year when sitting in a section that is not the bleachers. And the tickets for that one win were comp seats for the second game of the season.

I did get to sit somewhere I haven't before though. I was behind the right field foul pole, about eight rows up. You get a nice view straight down the foul line. All those close plays at first don't look so close from there. However, there is a big fat yellow pole obstructing your view of the pitcher's mound (not that I cared to see the Yankees pitch today). And the crowd over there sucked. (I almost nodded off a couple times.) But then again, there wasn't anything to get excited about, so I really can't say that it's always like that over there.

I did have a good view of Trot Nixon. Now, if they want to do the whole dirt dog, "we're the anti- corporate Yankee" thing, fine. But that fucking hat he wears is beyond disgusting. It looks like old dried-up pigeon crap.

There was nothing redeeming about today. Not a damn thing. However, I refuse to give up hope until they are mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Today's performance certainly wasn't encouraging. But I've stuck it out this far that I can't throw in the towel now.

Here are some pictures from today. And some from last night.

Tomorrow I'm back in my regular seats. I'm hoping someone pisses of Randy before his start. An angry Johnson is an effective Johnson.

Palate Cleanser.

Friday, September 9, 2005
Home Game 72
Yankees 8 Red Sox 4
Subway Race Winner: WW
Cap Game: WW


Well done boys. Well done indeed.

It was a crazy night so I didn't have a chance to jot down notes during the game like I usually do. Saw a bunch of people tonight that I haven't seen for a while so any down time between the action on the field was spent catching up with them.

For the most part it was a great crowd tonight. Not as many BoSox fans in attendance as there were in the previous games this season. Or maybe I just didn't notice them because they didn't have a whole lot to cheer about.

I can't imagine how Aaron Small must feel tonight. In the first, when he struck out Ortiz (who was hitless on the night), I had a good feeling that he would keep the Yankees in the game. And after a shaky second inning that's exactly what he did.

And he did something I haven't seen a Yankee starter do all year. He threw up and in on Ortiz. Twice! And how did he do against Small? Strike out, pop out, walk.

I feel bad for Embree. He did what he was brought in to do, but Cano booted yet another ground ball hit right at him. He did have a nice sac bunt (up the first baseline no less!) and he helped kick start a 4-run 6th inning, so I won't be too harsh on him. Gordon did an excellent job on the mound as well, inducing an inning ending ground ball double play with the bases loaded.

The only bad part of the night was trying to get out of the Bronx. Much of the crowd of 55,000 stayed until the last out and it was a madhouse just trying to walk to the parking deck.

I'll post pictures of the game when I get back from the Stadium tomorrow. I don't have Saturday tickets on my plan but I bought a ticket near the right field foul pole. Let's hope that Chacon can keep the momentum going. I would love nothing more than to see Schilling cry again.

Voice of the Yankees contest.

I mistakenly deleted a comment about a contest that Bank of America is sponsoring.

Basically, you record yourself reading the script provided on the site, and you have a chance to audition in front of Bob Sheppard. Bob's favourite announcer will win an overnight trip to Boston and 2 tickets to the final game of the season. (contest ends on September 14).

Watch Me Explode.

Thursday, September 8, 2005
Home Game 71
Devil Rays 7 Yankees 4
Subway Race Winner: 4 train
Cap Game: #2



'Cause I'm T.N.T., I'm dynamite
(T.N.T.) and I'll win the fight
(T.N.T.) I'm a power load
(T.N.T.) watch me explode

Relief pitchers should not be trotting out from the pen to any song which mentions exploding. But yet, on comes AC/DC and out runs Scott Proctor. I wrote in my notes that this was a bad omen. I hate when I'm right about such things.

A decent start by Wang wasted. I don't think anyone could've asked for much more than what he gave on his first start back. (except it would've been nice if he was able to go 6 innings.)

The attempt at a comeback in the 7th was momentarily uplifting. It was great to see Rueben go deep. But I wonder if they would've kept the momentum going if he hit, say, a double instead. Sometimes I think it's better just to keep the line moving and having someone on base to put a little pressure on the pitcher and the defense. But when you're hurting for some offense, beggars can't be choosers, right?

Let's hope August's Yankee Pitcher of the Month can set things right tomorrow night.

Unreal.

Looks like I missed a good game last night. But I got to see one helluva match.

Update: I've posted some photos.

Goddammit!

Tuesday, September 6, 2005
Home Game 69
Devil Rays 4 Yankees 3
Subway Race Winner: D train
Cap Game: #1



My streak of 8 consecutive home wins ended tonight. And it was one of the worst losses I've attended this year. A perfectly shitty ending to a perfectly shitty day. Started off by getting a cortisone shot in the bottom of my foot. Then I walked into a shitstorm at work. Then Gilligan dies. Now this piece of crap.

I won't get into too much of a game summary. I'm trying to purge this day from my mind. Alls I can say is, bad things happen when stupid people try to start a wave in a close game.

Now, on to the game notes.

OK, raise your hand if you just knew that the Yanks sealed their fate for the night when Giambi got thrown out at second and Bernie at home in the bottom of the 6th. But hey, at least Bernie tried to knock the ball from the catcher. Unfortunately Bernie isn't built like A-Rod.

There was a smaller crowd than usual tonight (can't remember the last time it was under 50,000). Not too much noise to be made. But then again, there was nothing to get too excited about. Although the hyperactive boys behind seemed to have fun. Espcially after their dad bought them some cotton candy. Oh boy! That was just what those little fuckers needed.

The Fuji blimp was overhead tonight. There's something about that thing at night games that creeps me out. I never really notice it until I look up, and there it is floating in the darkness. I almost get the same feeling I had when I went to the Museum of Natural History as a kid, and we would walk into that room with the giant blue whale suspended from the ceiling.

The Salvation Army will be taking donations for their hurricane-relief fund at all of the Stadium entrances this week.

I won't be at tomorrow's game. Instead I will be attending the US Open. I think this will be the first game since mid-April (when I was in Pittsburgh for an extended weekend) that I won't be following live, either at the Stadium or on TV/radio. But I will be back in the Bronx on Thursday, and it looks like Wang will be too. He's getting the start over Leiter. And Small is going on Friday against the Sox. (Hey Steve, maybe Joe reads your blog too) I have an extra ticket available for Thursday's game if anyone is interested.