Last night was my very first Yankee game. For those of you that don’t know, my boyfriend is a Yankee superfan and baseball statistic connoisseur. In middle school he used to lie to his friends, telling them that he had to be home early for dinner; but really he was just too embarrassed to tell his friends that he wanted to go home and watch baseball with his Dad.

Chino thought it would be appropriate to sport a moustache last night? Giving new meaning to the term “bleacher creature.”

Some things I learned last night:

• The Big Bat – a 138-foot tall baseball bat, sponsored by Louisville Slugger (and is concealing an exhaust pipe) was our designated meeting spot.
• Bob Sheppard – Bob Shebbard has been (was?) the official public announcer for the New York Yankees over 50 years. Derek Jeter has requested (such a diva!) to be introduced by Bob Sheppard for the rest of his baseball career. Due to his old age and illness, a recording of Bob Sheppard now introduces Derek Jeter at his first at-bat.
• The 7th Inning Stretch – Not only did I not know that this was an actual stretch sesh during the halves of the 7th inning BUT I also didn’t know that since 9/11 the Yankees always play “God Bless America” and “Take me out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch.
• The Retired ConEd Bleachers – The empty center field bleachers are empty because they are distracting to the outfielders, they are painted black so it is easier to locate the ball in the outfield. The neon Con Edison sign is only illuminated inbetween innings.
• “New York, New York” – Frank Sinatras version of the song is played at the end of every home game, regardless of a win or a loss

Related posts:

1. 2008 MLB All Star Game Commercial