....just like i pictured it

Your VFH team followed their favorite team yesterday, all the way to the Bronx. Sure, Janet SAYS she is a Phillies fan, but she knows when to jump on the Yankee Bandwagon. Truthfully though we at VFH central often have both games on simultaneously and root accordingly. This upcoming weekend we'll be down at the Phillies stadium to catch a game.

Still, whatever your team affiliation, or hatred of the Yankees dynasty, going to Yankees stadium is as revered a trip as traveling to Cooperstown and the Baseball Hall of Fame. And, typical of your highly decorated VFH duo, we made it quite the occasion. We endeavor to to make each day an "event" and a mini vacation from home.

We opted for a different approach to getting to New York. Janet has often taken the ferry from Weehawken, NJ to cross the Hudson, but yesterday was the first for me. The train is a reliable means of transportation. The thought of driving all the way to NYC is prohibitive, with the wear and tear on the car and traffic and weather a major concern. But, this was a special occasion and because we left after rush hour for the 1:05 first pitch start of the game, and the typically summer slowdown of commuting, the traffic was light and we reached the ferry stop at Port Imperial fairly quickly and early enough to cash in on the cheaper parking. After 10 a.m. parking goes up an extra $2.00 to $10.00. The 10 minute trip itself was $8.50 each way, so it was slightly cheaper than going by train without the gasoline factored into the equation. But the trip itself was worth far more than the ultra efficient NJ Transit train ride. New York City rose majestically out of the Hudson, seemingly floating on the waters of the vast estuary. To the north was the George Washington Bridge, south was the Statue of Liberty with one spire of the Verrazano Narrows behind it in the far distance. The day was hot, but along the water there was a cooling breeze and a sense of promise as we awaited the ferry. We rode outside and marveled at this vast great island as the wind ruffled our hair. This was much better than the train and we sighed at our luck.

In Manhattan the Ferry company operates free shuttle buses and we took one all the way to Rockefeller Plaza. That would have been a $10 cab ride at least or a very long hot walk. You're able to get off the bus anywhere you'd like too, making this an added plus. At Rockefeller Plaza we walked around like tourists for awhile, chatted with a fellow I used to work with at NBC and eventually took the D train to 161st Street.

The old Yankee stadium is gone. I had first gone there with my Dad, who dragged half the neighborhood to a game one day decades ago. We ran around the stadium that dreary day, it was a rain out, but we really didn't care. I remember the pillars in the stands and the ornate facade. Over the years since I'd sat in every nearly every section, before and after the renovations of the 1970's. A childhood friend, Brian, and I often drove in and parked on the street and got bleacher seats for something like $1.50. The last game I went to at the old stadium was a couple of years ago, courtesy of free Maury tickets. I'm still amazed they tore down the old place, and as I stood before the new one, looking across the street at the gaping construction site, I was sad. Yet, the new Yankee stadium was clean and polished and beautiful, and it was more than a game, but an event.

Baseball always seems to evoke the child in everyone. Rather than the violence of football, it is an event, a gathering, a social occasion. There is a feeling of gaity throughout the stands and there's nothing like passing money and IDs and beers between patrons and concession employees. Even at the great heights of our seats, 6 rows from the edge in section 420a, there is an intimacy with the game and we were quite readily able to tell the Umpire his strike zone was askewed. We had purchased our tickets through Stubhub.com (http://www.stubhub.com/) when we couldn't get tickets through the Yankees website. We paid $25.00 not including varioius fees tacked on.

Before the game we went to Stan's Yankees bar on River Street. It is a New York version of Philadelphia's Chickie and Pete's, but without the Crab Fries. It was loud and packed and the scene was odd because the last time I'd been there the sky was blotted out by the EL and the stadium across the street. But since that was gone sunlight spilled in, illuminating the Yankee memorabilia. It's a great place for a beer or two before heading into the stadium.

We got to the stadium too late to tour the Monument park; they evidently need to close it to prepare for the game. No worries, we got a beer and walked the circumference of the stadium before walking forever to get to our seats 6 rows from the rim. (For Phillies fans following this blog, don't worry, nothing at Yankees Stadium replaces the food or the selection of beers you can find at your home. One stand, Beers of the World, featured Yuenglings....)

Oh yes, there was a game....the Yankees beat the Los Angeles Angels 10-6. It featured three home runs by the home team, but none by Alexander Rodriquez, A-Rod. He was stuck on 598. He should hit 600 soon, becoming the youngest major leaguer to reach that number. From our perch we had a clear view of everything, including the scoreboards and huge television in center field. I pointed out to Janet that Joe Girardi, the Yankees manager, had his number changed from 27 last year to 28 this year. Of course, last year the Yankees won their 27th championship...
Yeah, I'm a Yankees fan.

Don't worry...we'll give the Phillies their due on Sunday.

What makes your VFH team so successful is their ability to recognize serendipity when it rears its lovely head. We left our aerie after the 6th inning and decided to see if we could get seats closer to the field. Turns out the ushers guard these expensive seats zealously and as well they should. If I'm paying $1,325 in something called the Legends Suite I certainly don't want moochers like the VFH team sitting next to me! The Nazis glowered at anyone nearing the steps of the Field level seats which only went for $125 to $300 per, but Janet saw an opportunity when one lady was distracted from her post while tackling a poser and we deeked around her and watched the last three innings from great seats. I know its all a business, but there were certainly a lot of empty seats there.

After the game we decided to take the train down to Little Italy for a dinner at one of countless places on Mulberry Street. New York is fascinating as it changes dramatically within a block or two. We left the stadium, awash in pinstripes, rode a subway with humanity pressed and tired from their day, exited the subway and stepped into China with shops brimming with frogs and shark fins and crowded sideways and within a few blocks along Grand we entered a world of waiters waving us towards their menus. We ate at Da Nico and the only reason I give this place any space is because Janet and her friends had eaten here in the past and liked the food. I had Pollo Cardinale and was pleased.

We then walked up the Bowery and eventually into Greenwich Village. Before boarding the subway at 4th street we walked through Washington Square Park and watched the kids splash in the fountain on this humid night. A group of people played guitars and sang in one corner and we sat for awhile on a bench enjoying the scene.

The ride back across the Hudson was ethereal. As we slipped along the dark waters, with the lights of Manhattan dancing in the wake, we lingered in a loving embrace. Your favorite VFH team had a successful day....just like I pictured it.