As I've mentioned in a few threads, I went to the HR Derby and the All Star game over the past two nights at Yankee Stadium. Every dollar I spent on tickets was worth it, particularly the pre-game festivities last night.
As they were introducing the various Hall of Famers, I actually began to get choked up thinking how the popularity of someone like Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, or Hank Aaron, has spanned generations, as well as linked the generations. Thinking how Yankee Stadium was the same Stadium my grandfathers went to w/my parents, the same Stadium my dad went to w/his friends as a teenager riding up on the subway with a total of $2 to spend for the day, the same Stadium my dad and mom took us to throughout our childhood and teen years, and the same I have been going to practically weekly ever since. Thinking how I was in awe of stars like Brooks Robinson or Reggie Jackson when I was younger b/c my little league gloves had their "signatures" printed on them. How players like Hank Aaron, Juan Marichal, Frank Robinson or Orlando Cepeda were not only some of the greatest players in baseball history, but were role models for people that shared their race or culture during times when it wasn't PC or acceptable, and did so proudly.
Bottom line, it was overwhelming, extraordinary and something I will never forget. However, I did not allow my wife to see my eyes well up with a tear or two....she wouldn't understand it anyway.
As they were introducing the various Hall of Famers, I actually began to get choked up thinking how the popularity of someone like Yogi Berra, Willie Mays, or Hank Aaron, has spanned generations, as well as linked the generations. Thinking how Yankee Stadium was the same Stadium my grandfathers went to w/my parents, the same Stadium my dad went to w/his friends as a teenager riding up on the subway with a total of $2 to spend for the day, the same Stadium my dad and mom took us to throughout our childhood and teen years, and the same I have been going to practically weekly ever since. Thinking how I was in awe of stars like Brooks Robinson or Reggie Jackson when I was younger b/c my little league gloves had their "signatures" printed on them. How players like Hank Aaron, Juan Marichal, Frank Robinson or Orlando Cepeda were not only some of the greatest players in baseball history, but were role models for people that shared their race or culture during times when it wasn't PC or acceptable, and did so proudly.
Bottom line, it was overwhelming, extraordinary and something I will never forget. However, I did not allow my wife to see my eyes well up with a tear or two....she wouldn't understand it anyway.
