I know it sounds as if I’m talking about politics here, and although some may take it that way, it couldn’t be further from the truth. What I am talking about is the core fan base at Yankee Stadium that calls their home the Bleachers.
On my first trip to the New Yankee Stadium last weekend, I couldn’t help but notice something was different. After the initial roll call bellowed from right field and the game commenced, there was activity that was, although surprisingly unfamiliar, was very welcome to me. The left field bleachers were just as animated as the right, bringing that famous support for our team in stereo.
These guys were no “Stub-Hubbers” (not that there’s anything wrong with that, mind you). These people were pros. Armed with a cowbell, the left field led the entire stadium in a “Let’s Go Yankees” cheer, Will Ferrell style. These kinds of cheers permeated the Stadium throughout the game, and added a great touch to the already famous traditional fan cheers, and really made the experience of being there pretty incredible.
In addition to leading the fans in chants and cheers, there was a pretty eclectic class of characters seated in the left field bleacher section. A group of guys dressed up as “Where’s Waldo” danced and partied throughout the game. There was even a featured solo air guitarist, complete with a long 80’s hairdo, who masterfully psyched the crowd up by air guitaring “Enter Sandman” throughout Mo’s entrance. It was a classic moment, which earned this guy top billing on the Jumbo-tron for the whole song. The whole place was pumped, enjoying every moment of the tribute to Mariano Rivera.
I’ve been to a lot of Yankee games, but I have to tell you, I’m not sure that I’ve ever enjoyed myself quite this much. It was seem that the phenomenon of bleacher fandom is contagious, and that left field has caught the fever. I was someone who used to complain that the crowd wasn’t involved in the game as much as I thought they should be, and it was pretty incredible to hear the noise level in surround sound. From where I sat, in my box seat (they don’t suck, by the way…) it made the game all the more fantastic to watch.
So for now, I hope that we can look to “both sides of the aisle” to continue to lead us fans in celebrating the New York Yankees. Keep it up, bleachers! Thanks for the ride!
--Christy Lee, BYB Staff Writer
Follow me on Twitter @ChristyLee127
Please comment and let me know what you think and follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook, just type it in.
At the old Stadium, the left-center bleachers, behind the Monuments, seemed too far away to make any noise, much less difference. They do seem closer and louder now. It doesn't make up for those guys inside The Moat, half of whom come dressed as corporate schlubs trying to impress somebody, the other half coming dressed as empty seats.
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