My brother in-law Nick attended yesterday’s All-Star parade and game. Today, he sent out an e-mail to friends and family describing his experiences. I enjoyed his take, so I thought I’d share it…

2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium

Last night’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium was one of the most memorable events I have ever attended. In fact, the entire All-Star festivities in New York which commemorated the final season of Yankee Stadium were nothing less than special. Starting with the All-Star parade leading into the All-Star game was incredible.

All-Star Parade
The All-Star parade, which is only a few years old, is one of the best ideas MLB Baseball had in years. Unlike “Fanfests”, in which MLB charges a stiff $50.00+ fee to enter, not to mention the outrageous prices for an All-Star ticket, this event is free. It costs nothing to baseball fans but their time, and they get the opportunity to see up close their favorite players, they wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do so at games. This year’s All-Star parade featured the greatest collection of Hall of Famers ever, along with this year’s All-Star Roster. The city estimated that 1.2 million people were at the parade.

It was only fitting that Whitey Ford, and Yogi Berra lead-off the parade as the two greatest living Yankees. The reception they received was outstanding. Dave Winfeild followed, and he was playful and animate with the crowd. Though he entered the Hall of Fame as a San Diego Padre (to the dismay of many fans), he made it a point to carry both a Padres cap, and a Yankees cap. Of course the parade of Hall of Famers included the likes of Ralph Kiner, Bruce Sutter, Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Bob Gibson, Goose Gossage, Gary Carter, and many others. Among the most memorable moments were Hank Aaron; as the fans chanted “Home-Run King”, Phil Neikro; showing fans how he threw his Knuckle ball, George Brett; the chants of “pine-tar” echoed 5th Avenue, Reggie Jackson; “REGGIE!”, and of course the parade was highlighted by the arrival of Willie Mays.

Among the active players, the locals were treated like royalty, including Jeter, A-Rod, Wright, and Wagner. Other players were warmly received including Alfonso Soriano, Josh Hamilton (especially after his home run display the night before), and Lou Pinella. The Red Sox were booed mercilessly, but for the most part, the players took it in stride and seemed to have fun with the crowd. Though there were reports of harsh words directed at Pappelpon’s pregnant wife. But for the most-part, the fans were well behaved, and everyone seemed to enjoy the event.

All-Star Pre-Game
As a baseball enthusiast and a long-time Yankee fan, I was always unaffected at the news of a new Yankee Stadium being built. However, as I walked over to the ballpark, and for the first time, saw the “new” stadium almost fully completed, I have to admit I had a little lump in my throat knowing that this may very well be one of the last times I will be visiting the stadium for an event of this magnitude. I am not one who is easily attached to building structures, in fact I always embrace the newer facilities, but I wonder how the new stadium will compare. Forget the fact that Yankee Stadium holds so many amazing memories. One of the most charming aspects of the Stadium is the upper-deck. Despite what is largely considered “nose-bleed” seats, the position of the upper-deck is just off the baseball field, providing an intimate “ballpark” feel, without losing the “stadium electricity”. Knowing the economic realities of baseball, the new facility will cater to the “luxury” suites, and my fear is the stadium will lose that “charm”.

I went to meet some friends at a bar called the “Flash Inn” which technically is in Manhattan, (just over Macombs Bridge). It’s an “old-school” bar which is too far off the beaten path for fans to go to after a game. Rumor has it that was where Mantle went after night games when he wanted to drink alone. It’s a pretty long walk away from the “old” stadium, but the new stadium will be 5 minutes closer, so that was a little encouraging.

Afterwards, we made our way back to the park, and upon entering, I remembered why the fans needed a new stadium to begin with. The entrances were way too small, the interior looks terrible, and the smell of foul beer is awful. The kicker was the escalator in which threw me into a crowd provided me with a most unwelcome moment of terror. Of course, the seats were cramped, the food was unappetizing, and the rest-rooms were filthy as always. So in many ways, I do welcome a new facility.

The Pre-Game festivities were probably the best I ever seen. Along with player introductions, the hall of famers took part as well being introduced to the crowd. Again the ovations were overwhelming. A special moment is when George Steinbrenner was introduced to the crowd. Despite his love-hate relationship with the fans and players, he received a massive ovation. He was met with Yogi Berra at the pitchers mound with a hug and a kiss. A truly touching moment. If it wasn’t obvious, Steinbrenner is in poor health, and is unable to walk or even talk at length. A far cry from the days in which his sharp criticism and his quick temper saw him fire managers left and right. In fact, one of the most memorable Yankee Stadium moments in which no one speaks of is when Reggie Jackson returned to Yankee Stadium after being let go by “the Boss”. After hitting his first home run, the fans cheered REGGIE- followed, by “STEINBRENNER SUCKS”. Fans even cheered when he was banned from Baseball in the early 90’s. I guess after years of winning, it helps us to forget the past. But regardless what some felt about Steinbrener, he is synonymous with the history of the Yankees, the Stadium, and baseball itself. My father once said that Steinbrenner was one of his favorite Yankees, I told him I didn’t get it, he “wasn’t a player”. His response was “he is a character! I guess you couldn’t script a better one.

All-Star Game
Ok, after a day filled with honoring the past it was time for baseball. The BLEECHER CREATURES were out in full force as they went through their revised “roll call” chanting Jeter, and then A-Rod. Afterwards, they chanted “Bob-by Mur-cer!” followed by “Boston Sucks!”

I’ll tell ya, one of the weirdest events, in terms of competitive nature, is the all-star game. Very few players are from the home team, you awkwardly cheer for your rivals in one instance, while booing them the next, despite the fact they are playing for your team. Obviously I am referring to the Red Sox, but dash in a few Mets players in the equation, and you have a divided, yet vocal stadium. As the game went on, it was clear pitchers would dominate the night as the game remained close. The starters would eventually leave the game, and enter the younger lesser known players. I have to give Francona credit; he made it a point to exit A-Rod and Jeter while they were on the field so they can receive their proper curtain calls. He even bought in Rivera in the 9th, despite the fact that K-Rod, only faced two-batters. That was classy, I hope the fans took note.

As you all know the game remained tied after 9 innings. By then close to 25% of the stadium went home. Then the game moved on to the 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th! The stadium was less than half full, and fans were screaming for an outcome. Many were annoyed, but I wasn’t. I was watching some terrific baseball being played, with a wide open stadium to myself, and soaking in every of what may be my last moments at the stadium. We went to the 14th inning, and of course, we had the 14th inning stretch, and AGAIN we all sang “Take me out to the ball game”. It was as much surreal as it was fun.

The game did end in the bottom of the 15th, and it was with great satisfaction that I took part in the longest, and most historic All-Star Game in history. I checked back into my room at 3am, and dropped dead asleep instantly. I woke up just three hours later, and did not feel at all tired. I am sure I will hit the wall sometime this afternoon.

I have been fortunate to be at some of the most memorable moments in baseball, which includes the 1999 Mets Grand Slam Single, the 2001 Yankees World Series, the 2003 and 2004 ALCS (Boston-Yanks). To point to the “best” moment, would be difficult, but last night was by far, the most special moment I ever had at any event at any given time.

The game could have gone 21 innings, and I would have stayed.

I’ve been in love with the Mets my whole life. My favorite Mets memories are: I was lucky to be at Shea for game six, yeah that game six. Plus, I was in attendance for the infamous Robin Ventura grand slam single playoff game.

I love the Jets and my poor Knicks, oh how I miss those Ewing, Starks, and Oakley Knicks and even though I did not attend St. Johns I am a Redmen oops Red Storm fan.

I am a glutton for punishment so, I listen to Mike and the Mad Dog religiously and I enjoy following politics.

I blog over at brooklynmutt.com and tumbl at Brooklyn Mutt Tumblr. I hope to learn everything there is to know about blogging and the internet so one day I can take over the world. I can be reached via email at brooklynmutt@mac.com. You can also IM me. My AIM is brooklymutt1