While there were mixed emotions in the circles of New York Yankee fans and taxpayers, the idea of a new stadium was undoubtedly unnerving for many. The fact that there would be less stadium seating (4,561 less seats altogether) and more box seats didn't sit well with the blue-collar local (“true”) fans in the New York boroughs. Neither did the idea of paying a significantly higher price just for the right to attend a game in the new stadium. But regardless of the trepidation that the planning brought with it, the Yankees' new digs have been cause for excitement amongst both those who looked forward to the change as well as those that didn't. The dimensions of the actual field are exactly the same as the previous stadium, changing little for the players, while the fans are treated to wider seats, more leg room, and the ability to even sit a little closer to the field to enjoy the game. It's quite apparent, though, that this new stadium was designed to cater to a more “upscale” clientele with the increase of box seating, 12 different eating areas (including two Legends Dugout Lounges and the Jim Beam Suite Lounge), and the massive 59' X 101' 16 MM True HD LED scoreboard.
But even with all of the negative sentiment in regards to prices, seating availability, or even the whole debate of the taxpayers paying for such a large sum of the stadium ($70 million, to be exact), Hal Steinbrenner, Hank's son and new controlling owner of the Yanks, has still managed to get the baseball gods to shine a little ray of intrigue and fun into the mix, making up for everything else in some peoples' eyes. The home run is alive and flourishing at the new stadium. On pace to see 293 home runs and threaten the major-league record of 303 hit at Denver's Coors Field in 1999 (also a first season), it seems that almost everyone is looking for the longball.
Long been the most fascinating part of the game, home runs are keeping the masses happy and helping them forget all of the negativity that had been spattered across newspapers for months prior to opening day. And, as of July 20, there have been 9 walk-off home run wins for the Yanks, only increasing the numbness. There have been several theories about why the ball is just launching off bats at the new stadium, ranging from the direction of the stadium in relation to prevailing winds to the design of the park itself making for a kind of vacuum that almost allows balls to float unimpeded by air currents and whatnot. All of this adds up to a pretty interesting and fun season to buy a ticket, watch, and hopefully become part of the brand new action as a Yankee fan. And now, having caught the Boston Red Sox again for a piece of first place in the AL East, the aptly nicknamed Bronx Bombers are right in the thick of the hunt for another playoff appearance and perhaps a storybook ending to an inaugural season that has seen excitement, doubt, outrage, and seemingly endless amounts of drama.
Now, I'm not saying that the Yankees necessarily need this kind of up and down relationship with the press, fans, and just about everyone else involved with the game. It’s just that it would be kind of weird if they went a whole season without it.
I'm just saying.
Corey Babel, having been raised to question most things regularly considered the “norm,” has always been able to see issues from a different point of view than most people and has always enjoyed the opportunity to engage in discussions about such opinions. He has also always been intrigued by both automobiles and sports, so it was only natural for Corey to eventually wind up putting his thoughts on paper & sharing them with The Vigilant Monkey readers. For more ramblings and random thoughts, feel free to check out his website at www.upstairsgears.com.