by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
What is more traditionally an American past time for sports fans than watching a ball game? Now that baseball season is in full swing it reminds me how often my mother would reminisce and tell me, “When I was a little girl my father used to take me to the ball game all the time.” She grew up in the Bronx and continued her story with “instead of taking the trolley we could walk to Yankee Stadium. She would add, back then hot dogs were only ten cents.” Even in her late 80’s mom was still a Yankee fan, never missing a game on television when they played. Baseball is a sport for all ages. Friends of ours take their three children twice during the season for the experience of being at a live game. They are passing their love for baseball and Yankees on this wonderful family outing!
Back in 2014 we had the pleasure of being at the Stadium when Yankee legend, Derek Jeter retired at age 40 and a special ceremony was held where past Yankee players came to wish him well. Among the people who came out on the field were the Steinbrenner family, Joe Torre, former teammates Mariano Rivera, Jorge Posada and Tino Martinez, Reggie Jackson, Michael Jordan and Cal Ripken. Jeter is a beloved player and always known as a gentleman on and off the field. Coming to the podium, Jeter thanked his former teammates and the fans. “I wanted to take the opportunity to thank them,” Jeter said. “The fans are the ones who have made this a fun 20 seasons. When you’re out there playing, you’re out there trying to do your best and playing as hard as you can and you’re doing it for the fans. Because fans, Yankee fans in particular, they pay attention and it means something to them. They push you. They pushed me. They’re hard, they’re tough, but I think they have helped shape who I am.” He also jokingly referred to people talking about his age. “You guys have all watched me grow up over the last 20 years,” Jeter said. “I watched you, too. Some of you guys are getting old, too.” The packed house chanted Jeter’s name after he finished speaking and held up signs for the Captain.
Passing along a family tradition or love of a sport provides a world of memories for children. My mom’s memories many decades later are proof of that, too! If you haven’t experienced the thrill of a live sports game, especially at Yankee Stadium, think about planning to attend a game this spring or summer! The excitement, music, activities and Stadium special events are all part of the enjoyment. When it comes to food and the restaurants there, the choices are absolutely unbelievable as you tour the vast selections at the food courts. Sure there are Nathan’s hot dogs and fries, but add to that pizza, Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, celebrity chef, Marcus Samuelsson of Streetbird fame’s selections, Fuku’s spicy chicken, Nuchas Empanadas a Lobster court station, pastrami and other sandwiches, plus several restaurants both casual and upscale. Yankee Stadium food choices today are so different from food choices available decades ago!
Either before the game or after, there are other attractions to see at the Stadium that centers on team history. There is Monument Park, The New York Yankee Museum and the Great Hall of Banners. The Judge’s Chambers (right field), Monument Park is located in center field. This open-air museum honors Yankees legends with plaques and retired numbers (e.g., Ruth, Gehrig, Jeter). Note: Closes 45 minutes before game time. There is also something for families with children. The Yankee Stadium offers several kid-friendly attractions, highlighted by the Sunrun Kids Clubhouse (located on the 300 level in right field), a 2,850-square-foot indoor, shaded play area featuring Yankees-themed playground equipment, slides, and interactive games. Official Yankee Stadium website https://www.mlb.com/yankees
Have you noticed how many words or expressions we might use sound like terminology from baseball? Most of us know what they mean, even if we are not baseball aficionados. For instance, if I said we went on a picnic even though the weather was cloudy and it rained right off the bat. This is clear that this means it began to rain as soon as we got to the park. How about if I tried to make a reservation at a fancy restaurant for Mother’s Day, but I struck out with each place I called? It is easily understood that they were all crowded and no seating was available. If you were at work and another coworker expected to give an in-depth presentation called in sick that day and your boss asked you to fill in. If this came right out of left field, that clearly means you did not expect it. Or you might say you were thrown a curve ball that day, another expression for an unexpected happening. Of course, these idioms ae well known to Americans, but might be confusing when talking to a friend or co-worker from another country. It is amazing how baseball sports language has seeped into our normal, daily expressions over the years.