MEMORIES FROM OLD TIMERS' DAY: JEANA'S TAKE

I always look forward to Old Timers Day. I really appreciate all of the great history in the Yankee organization, but this year it was even more historical for me. For years I have sat on my couch and watched Old Timers Day from almost 3000 miles away in Arizona, but not this year. After an early wake-up call and a long train ride into the city I finally got to witness it up close and personal with fellow BYB writer Erica Morales sitting in section 203! We were sweating like crazy, got a little bit sunburned and loved every second of the 7 hours we sat up there.

With every new name that John Sterling and Michael Kay called, the more my anticipation grew. I can’t describe the energy in the stadium. It was miserably hot, but no one seemed to care. If any of the bleacher creatures were exhausted you couldn’t tell because Bald Vinny energized everyone and the roll call for the Old Timers game was insane!

Everyone was on their feet, even the little kids in the stands were screaming at the tops of their lungs. It’s hard not to get caught up in that kind of enthusiasm, it is addicting. Watching the greats turn around and salute the fans just electrified everyone in the stands! When Mickey Rivers turned around and acknowledged the crowd I was in awe. I never had the opportunity to watch most of these people on the field in person, but they still affect the way I look at this organization, and baseball in general. Even Suzyn Waldman appreciated the cheering from the stands giving the bleacher creatures recognition. I have participated in Roll Call before, but for me this one was the most memorable. Now I can say that I have shouted out from the bleachers to the players I have always dreamed of watching live.

Once the game started my eyes were fixated on players that I have idolized for years. I still can’t believe that to my left was the great Paul O’Neill guarding right field like he used to do. It felt like time had stood still because he looked like he still owned right field. To my right, was the great Bernie Williams. It’s been awhile but he looked like vintage Bernie to me. He was also very receptive to the crowd, fans were constantly cheering for him and trying to get his attention and he turned to acknowledge us every chance he could.

Another favorite of mine is Tino Martinez. He is one of the players that mesmerized me for years, and to watch him from the bleachers gave me so much energy. It may have been 100 degrees out on the field, but I had goose bumps. He may not have hit a homerun like he did last year, but just watching him in the batter’s box took me back in time. It’s always nice to see Tino mentoring on the field, but to see him in action brings back a lot of memories, and Tino still has skills!

It was nice to see Darryl Strawberry out there. I don’t have many memories of him growing up, and mostly everything I do remember comes from my dad. He would always talk about him with his time with the Mets (Read WHY MY "SUBWAY SERIES" NEVER ENDS), so to have him on the field at Yankee stadium adds to all of those nostalgic moments, and now I have a few more memories of him, but this time wearing pinstripes.

There are many more things I want to see at Yankee stadium, and I am off to a good start. When it comes to this team, I won’t let the long distance stand in my way. Now, if I can just cross off the “watch the Yankees win game 7 of the world series” off of my to-do list I will be a very happy camper. Maybe I can do that this year! Yes, I know this is very ambitious….but anything is possible.

--Jeana Bellezza --BYB Writer and Editor

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