Dem' Yankees

In the account that this blog is capturing the many firsts of this wonderous city...I attended my first Yankee's game last night versus the Chicago White Sox. While an entertaining game -- it was a reminder of how patient, slow and steady America's favorite past time really is. The experience was an experience none-the-less with seats in the top tier out in right field providing a nice perspective of the beloved diamond. The only thing I kept thinking about was what the stadium looked like when baseball greats (Ruth, DiMaggio -- among others) played back when baseball became "America's favorite past time." It was also a nice outting with the fellas (CM, his friend Z and AH)-- where we grabbed a quick brewski at Stan's Bar just across from Gate 6 of the stadium. In a game that boasted an impressive 8 Home Runs with 7 different hitters -- and what could have been A-Rod's 500th Home Run (he disappointed) -- I was told the Yanks hadn't hit so many in a single game since 1939 making history. It was really sumthin' (no better word to describe it) to be sitting amidst all those rowdy/belligerent/loyal Yankees fans...an experience I soaked up and realized was so much a part of history based on generations of fathers bringing their sons to games and watching legends dawn the beloved pin stripe uniform. But perhaps the most nostalgic feeling of my evening out to Yankee Stadium was its ability to transcend me back to those ridiculously awesome Gator home games. The street at 161st in the Bronx, mirrored our prized University Avenue, but crowded with herds of Yankee fans adorned in the navy blue and pinstripe jerseys. The bars lining the street opposite the stadium just below the subway tracks looming above overflowed with patrons. Squeezing into Stan's-- the only thing I could say was "Gator City anyone?" It was back to the groping sessions, awkward brushes with strangers and elbowing to get to the bar for a 16 oz draft beer. It's plastic cup politics.

Everywhere fans, which oddly seemed on or about my age maybe a few years older were there to root on their team (obviously), but what I came to realize is much like us Gator Alumni and once Gator student represent the Orange & Blue with our obsessive chanting, trash talking, color-wearing pride and National Championship Title smearing........the Yanks were New Yorker's Gators. To them it....it's the school spirit...the pride and joy of their state, borough or city. It's their investment, their past -- their best days (our college days). I realized that--that's why people were such aficianados about the sport and about the team. That's why there was so much talk about "jumping on the band wagon" and NY Yankee hats sold on nearly every street corner. It's their Gator Chomp, their Swamp, their University Avenue, their 3 National Titles (26 Championships for them). That's awesome. Granted I know little to nothing about the real history of the Yankees and never really paid baseball much attention until it counts, but I can't say that it wouldn't be fun to become a fan of a major league baseball team in my new home state. Undoubtedly-- I'll do my research into the Mets before afiliating myself to any one team without knowing all the ins and outs.

Looking back now at last night-- I feel a little spoiled. I'm surprised I was in awe of the events considering the insanity I've witnessed while at UF. It's almost like-- once you've won 3 National Titles in a row... the rest of the sporting world seems......menial. I said seems.