One of my favorite opening days in recent years. It is always fun to be part of Yankee history, especially when playing the role of the spoiler and not the Washington Generals.
CLEVELAND 10 NEW YORK 2
April 16, 2009
The Yankees were set to open what the rest of the country would call a new stadium. In New York it was more than just a new stadium at the corner of 161st Street & River Avenue. It was a cathedral, a house of God where New Yorkers would come to worship Yankee legends past, present, and future. This would be an even more magical place than the origianl Yankee Stadium which opened in 1923 or the remodeled Yankee Stadium that re-opened in 1976.
The Yankees were set to open what the rest of the country would call a new stadium. In New York it was more than just a new stadium at the corner of 161st Street & River Avenue. It was a cathedral, a house of God where New Yorkers would come to worship Yankee legends past, present, and future. This would be an even more magical place than the origianl Yankee Stadium which opened in 1923 or the remodeled Yankee Stadium that re-opened in 1976.
The Cleveland Indians were the Yankees competition that day. The pre-game festivities included musical performances by John Fogarty and Bernie Williams , a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Yogi Berra, full introductions of the Yankees & Indians Lineups, and the ceremonial presentation of the bat that Babe Ruth used to beat the Red Sox in the original 1923 opening. To make things more interesting for Indians fans was the fact that ex-Tribe Ace C.C. Sabathia was tabbed to make the historic start against his former team. Cliff Lee would start for the Indians. If you're interested in a compilations of first surrounding the new stadium click here (VIDEO).
The Indians struck first off C.C. Sabathia when Kelly Shoppach would double in Ben Francisco with the first run ever scored at Yankee Stadium. The lead wouldn't last as Jorge Posada would hit the first home run at Yankee Stadium, a solo shot, in the bottom of the fifth to tie the game at one. The game remained tied at one until the seventh inning. Jose Veras gave up a walk to Mark DeRosa, a double to Victor Martinez, and a double to Jhonny Peralta to score DeRosa and Martinez. Yankee manager Joe Girardi replaced Jose Veras with Damaso Marte who hit Shin Soo Choo with an 0-2 pitch. Ben Francisco reached safely on a fielders choice to load the bases for Kelly Shoppach. Shoppach singled in Johnny Peralta. After Tony Graffanino popped out for the first out, Trevor Crowe drew a bases loaded walk to give the Indians a 5-1 lead and bring Grady Sizemore to the plate. Sizemore hit a Grand Slam to give the Indians a 9-1 lead. Mark DeRosa grounded out for the second out prior to Victor Martinez hitting a solo home run to give the Indians a 10-1 lead. Jhonny Peralta lined out to end the inning.
The Yankees added one more run to end the scoring at 10-2 and send the 48,271 fans home unhappy.
Of course, the baseball tonight crew was at the game and you can catch their wrap up here: (VIDEO)
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