The Mets Police

By GEORGE VECSEY

Published: September 20, 2008

Bob Sheppard will not be in the Bronx this weekend for the closing of Yankee Stadium, but he will participate at Mass at St. Christopherâ€™s Roman Catholic Church.

â€œThe Yankees have been very gracious,â€ Sheppard said as he was awaiting a visit from club officials who would tape a message from him for this weekend. The Yankees offered a limousine and a seat in George M. Steinbrennerâ€™s box, and maybe a few words if he felt up to it.

The Boss, who long ago revived the glory of this franchise, is not coming up from Florida this weekend. The two old lions, two decades apart in age, have this much in common: a sense of pride, not wanting special attention.

â€œI donâ€™t have my best stuff,â€ Sheppard said, sounding like a pitcher whose fastball has lost some zip. But he still has his wits, to say nothing of the elocution that has graced Yankee Stadium since April 17, 1951, opening day.

September 20, 2008

Verducci’s Yankee Stadium Article

Heard a lot of people talking about this one in Sports Illustrated.

Also heard Mad Dog have on a guest who talked about when Bush threw out the first pitch in the 2001 World Series. The Secret Service had a “seventh” umpire on the field to protect Bush. I had never heard that story. Pretty cool. Whatever you think of Bush, it was cool and he threw a strike.

I’ll be at the Stadium tomorrow, but I’m not showing up seven hours early for a night game.

September 19, 2008

>Yankees Remind You Not To Be A Douche

The Yankees remind fans that numerous law enforcement agencies will be on hand for the final game to ensure a safe and enjoyable fan experience. Damaging the Stadium and/or attempted theft of Stadium property is a crime, and violators will be prosecuted by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to the fullest extent of the law. The New York Police Department, Major League Baseball and several federal and state agencies have joined in the effort to safeguard against any and all unlawful activity.

Fans and media are also reminded that Sunday’s game will NOT be the final event at Yankee Stadium. A ceremony will be held at a later date this fall to celebrate the Stadium, details will follow.

Schedule of events:
Noon – Press Gate opens
1 p.m. – Gates open to the public, Monument Park opens
1-4 p.m. – Field access for fans
4:15 p.m. – Yankees stretch begins
4:40-5:40 p.m. – Yankees batting practice
5:40-6:20 p.m. – Orioles batting practice
6:45 p.m. – Monument Park closes
6:50 p.m. – Fans are asked to take their seats
7:05 p.m. – Pregame ceremony begins
8:15 p.m. (Approx.) – First pitch

September 19, 2008

Yankees Remind You Not To Be A Douche

Fans and media are also reminded that Sunday’s game will NOT be the final event at Yankee Stadium. A ceremony will be held at a later date this fall to celebrate the Stadium, details will follow.

September 19, 2008

>Good Job Outta Yankees

Fans will be allowed to walk on Yankee Stadium’s field for three hours before the ballpark’s final game Sunday.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. – about seven hours 15 minutes before New York plays the Baltimore Orioles in its final game at the 85-year-old stadium. For the first three hours, fans can walk through Monument Park, behind the fence in left-centre, and walk along the warning track in the outfield and to home plate. Field access will end at about 4 p.m., and Monument Park will close at about 6:45 p.m.

Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Graig Nettles and Bobby Richardson are to be part of the pre-game ceremonies, which start at 7:05 p.m.

A closing ceremony for the stadium will be held after the season. New York moves to a new US$1.3 billion Yankee Stadium rising next door. The first regular-season game there will be April 16 against Cleveland.