NY Yankee Opening Day Part 2

I began my pilgrimage again in 65F dreary skies. The rain was diminishing and blue skies were appearing in the western horizon. ESPN's Michael Kay was on air stating it was still raining in the Bronx and there might be a delay, He must have gotten his information from the idiot Yankee weatherman. As every other real meteorologist in NYC had said the rain would be gone by 6 PM, they were correct the game began on time.

Polling many of the pilgrims on my journey, it appeared only 1 in 3 had been there the day before. Many had acquired their ticket from the original ticket holder, who now could not go.

I myself was warmly attired as cold temperature were predicted to return. It was in fact still in the 60's when the game ended, however by the time I returned home it was in the low 50's.

The team looks solid this year, Wang had some shakiness, nothing new to him in April. He was more careful with the Toronto power hitters, Rios, Wells and Thomas. Possibly it was too much birthday party from the night before.

I missed the opening ceremonies, stuck in a cattle stampede of fans dealing with Yankee security and no parking. Didn't they get the many memos, take mass transit. I missed the Voice of God too, longtime Yankee announcer, Bob Sheppard has some throat ailment and won't return until warmer temps set in. Jim Hall did an admirable job, but he still isn't as good as Mr. Sheppard, I doubt anyone will.

There were the celebrities, America's Mayor, Mr. Giuliani and the current Mrs. G; the Steinbrenners in various seats, King George was even in the house, up in the owner's suite with Billy Crystal.

Halladay was the ace of his fame, only a sloppy Blue Jay defense cost him the game. Their were fewer mistakes by the Bombers and clearly the true star was young Melky Cabrera. Cabrera had two spectacular run saving catches and a home run that account for the Yankees success last night. Respect was shown to the bats of Jorge Posada and Alex Rodriquez as Toronto put them on base rather then chance them taking on some more runs.

Job Chamberlain came in the 8th, a little too pumped but quickly settled and took us to the Sandman who did his job and notched Save # 1.

The dirtiest Yankee Award as usual goes to Derek Jeter. While Derek didn't have the most productive night on offense, his defense gets the Yankees in the game. Runners up were A-Rod and Giambi.