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.

The Final Consecration of the Cathedral

The faithful had gathered, hope and anticipation of another season; Opening Day in the Bronx. The weather, lousy with a light drizzle did not dash the hearty. Many began tailgating in the lots in the early morning. I arrived on the D train from Penn Station and met Glamourbee and off to services we went.

It was about noon as we entered hallowed ground, I tithed obtaining my 2008 Yearbook, Opening Day Pin, Program and Opening Day shirt. Up to our lofty perch in the loge we went to view the final consecration of this grand stadium; we thought. I easily found my seats, in the same space I have been since 2002. Next year I will have to be attentive when the great move is made. Time to watch and wait.

There were scattered announcements about a rain delay, and not much till 1:30. John Sterling and the YES casters presented messages of hope, Joe G and Brian C took in the field around 2:00PM and then 3 Blue jays came out to play catch. My optimism rose, only to be dashed around 2:30 when the faithful were sent home. No game today, bad weather approaching.

To this I must say the Yankee weatherman must go. The current meteorologist lacks skill, The rain remained away, and had they started at 2:00PM they could have gotten the game in. The Yankee weatherman is a wimp. Please hire Bill Evans, Lee Goldberg and/or Sam Champion. They were correct, the Yankee weather guy was wrong.

I took a PTO day to go today, no big deal I have 30, and have hardly dented them yet. Others who were there had skipped school or also played work hooky. But we will all adjourn in the same location again tomorrow night.

Opening Night isn't as much fun as Opening Day. There is still the announcement of players and staff to look forward to; but the game will be under lights in the dark; and like it or not, some of the anticipation of first pitch will have left; but Glamourbee and I will be there again, hopefully to see baseball played and not rain delayed.