Bronx, N.Y., April 29, 2004 — If Tuesday night was a game only a baseball player’s mother could love, the gem played in the Bronx Thursday night was a superb example of the baseball playing art and sport, and one that riveted the attention of a pretty big crowd in the House That Ruth Built. Played on a gorgeous night in temps that cooled from the announced 71-degree start time, even the high-tech auxiliary scoreboards with the hard-to-track out of town scores added to the beauty of a spring evening that soothed the soul as it excited the emotions and stimulated the mind. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: April 2004
The Fall and the Rise
Bronx, N.Y., April 27, 2004 — In light of recent Yankee history, I suppose “the Rise and Fall and Rise” might be a more appropriate title for a Yankee victory only a fan in desperate need could love. But I like to think that this was the kind of game that proves baseball is such a great sport. The Yanks haven’t produced many hits this year. Tuesday night they stroked 10. We’ve been joking that new third base coach Luis Sojo has been the loneliest man in the Bronx. But this night he waved 10 men in Pinstripes by. I’ll take it. Continue reading
Believe It
Bronx, N.Y., April 25, 2004 — I have two words for a brave and game (and assuredly exhausted) Javier Vazquez this evening. Javy, you are on team that has lots of great hitters, with a lineup that will drive many of your opponents to the showers long before you give up the mound. And Javier, you are a fabulous and talented pitcher who has many glory days ahead in New York. Continue reading
Angel in the Outfield Redux
Bronx, N.Y., April 11, 2004 — Fans began staring at the skies long before Mike Mussina’s 1:08 pm first pitch today in Yankee Stadium. Although by the manner of their dress it was obvious that it was the weather that was their concern, it wasn’t a bad place to be looking for the game highlights either. Mussina, roughed up in two 2004 losing starts by the supposedly light-hitting Tampa Devil Rays, was facing a bunch of bangers from the south side of Chicago, and Mike had a score to settle. Continue reading
Razzle Dazzle ’em
Bronx, N.Y., April 8, 2004 — It’s a given that Opening Day in the Bronx will be a wonderful day. Upwards of 55,000 baseball-addicted folks finally get a fix that they’ve been denied for six months. There are pregame and in-game moments checking out the various changes in a place we can fool ourselves into believing never changes, looking at a structure that my niece’s oldest boy swears is, “the biggest place in the world!” There are priceless moments watching our beloved stars reacquaint themselves with the park, some viewing it in Pinstripes for the first time, as they prepare for the game that is to come. There are pageantry and music and stars of yesteryear in abundance. Continue reading