By majhonlenel Posted on

Toasting the New York Yankees

Live sports have returned! Don’t get me started on the fact that live sports are thriving while theater and music are still on hold until basically September in New York City… But, never mind that for now.

For now, we’re celebrating that crowds are once again gathering and cheering for their home teams. Bring on the peanuts and Cracker Jacks – I’m there!

Is there a more iconic team than the Yankees? The Yankees played their first game against the Baltimore Orioles in 1901…. Can you imagine??? Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantel, Yogi Berra, Whitney Ford… And those players only graced the first 50 years.

Moving ahead to the George Steinbrenner days, Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage, Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte called Yankees Stadium home.

Now, dubbed the “Baby Bombers” as a tribute to the old nickname for the Yankees, “The Bronx Bombers,” Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, and Luis Severino are building a new legacy for the next generation.

Holding 27 World Series Championship titles, the Yankees are the #1 winning franchise in all of US sports and are arguably the most famous sports franchise in the entire world.

So, what’s it like to see the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium?

I believe that our experiences this year will be unique across the board. And, I believe our experience at Yankee Stadium is no exception. There were vaccination sites, rapid COVID testing zones, and armed guards outside the stadium. Before entering the stadium, we had to show our QR code and an ID verifying that we had been fully vaccinated by New York State. Once inside, seating was still limited, and everything was meticulously clean.

I’ve been to an NYC emergency room this year, and I’ve been to Yankee Stadium. Oddly enough, the stadium floors and bathrooms were cleaner than the hospital…

Although the new Yankee Stadium has received mixed feedback regarding prices and viewing angles, we found it to be a delightful experience. Maybe it was the spotless cleaning regimen, maybe it was the Pinstripe Lager (branding at its finest), maybe it was the loyal (yet amazingly low-key) crowd, maybe it was the New York pride… But, my best guess is that it was a culmination of all of the above.

Coming from St. Louis, seeing the Cardinals play at Busch Stadium is a fond memory from childhood. Living in the Bay Area for the past 10 years meant that we were able to see MANY professional games from the NFL: Raiders and 49ers, MLB: Giants and A’s, NBA: Warriors, and NHL: Sharks.

Bay Area fans are amazing. They are proud… they are happy to pay really high prices for fun experiences… they don’t take kindly to adversaries… they want luxe everything at their new stadiums — I once had sushi prepared by a Michelin-starred chef at a ballgame. That’s the Bay Area for you…

Yankees Stadium is NOT the Bay Area… The ticket prices, like the Bay, are higher than most… The food and drink options are limited, and it’s traditional – burgers, dogs, beer, peanuts. They definitely pride themselves in being traditional and old-school Americana. I can respect that.

The fans are friendly, loud, and proud. They track stats, know the players, analyze the games, and follow-up. They eagerly wear their pinstripes to show team pride, and they watch the game closely, cheering and booing in equal quantities.

By comparison, Noah and I both made the comment that going to a Yankees game in the Bronx is a lot more like going to a Cardinals game in St. Louis than going to a Giants game in San Francisco. Traditional ballpark, loyal fans, old-school vibes. Something about those east coast and midwest traditions…

The Steinbrenner family has a tradition of playing Frank Sinatra’s version of New York, New York after every game. Fortunately, we were able to see a winning game, which made the crowd go even more crazy. There’s always a fine line between corny and classic…And, in this case, New York, New York at Yankee Stadium is a clear and welcome classic tradition that everyone loves (perhaps especially me!).

With the price of admission, you’re also granted access to the Yankees Museum, which was one of the coolest parts of the day! It’s somewhat of a secret, as not very many people found their way to check it out. But, once you pass through the museum doors, you’re greeted with a wall of signatures from all of the former Yankees, memorabilia including signed baseballs, jerseys, hats, baseball cards, gloves, World Series rings and trophies, and historical plaques. It’s definitely a nod to the former Yankee Stadium and all of the baseball legends that helped create and defend the franchise.

If you get a chance to go to a Yankees game at Yankee Stadium, don’t miss the opportunity. It’s your chance to “Be a Part of It – New York, New York.” It’s more than a ballgame. It’s taking a step into living American history and century-old traditions.

More Posts About New York

Should I Come to New York in 2021?

YESSSS!!!! If you live in the U.S.A., then go get your vaccine and come visit! As of April 1, quarantine and testing will no longer be mandated. Quarantining for a few days is still recommended, but we are reaching the end of the formal testing, paperwork, and quarantines for domestic travelers! Huzzah!

***UPDATE*** On April 1, 2021  New York will no longer be requiring quarantines for domestic travel. International travelers will still be required to quarantine. All travelers will need to fill out a NYS traveler form upon arrival. 

***UPDATE*** On May 17th the MTA Subway System will resume 24/7 service!

***UPDATE*** On May 19th NYC restaurants will resume indoor service at 100% capacity

***UPDATE*** On September 14th Broadway will re-open at 100% capacity

You’ve waited patiently, and New York is still here! Start planning your trips!

As always, don’t forget to Toast The Moon to all of your international travels by visiting our store, and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and the ‘gram to catch all of our latest posts and adventures!

Cheers,

Noah and Majhon

2 Replies to “Toasting the New York Yankees”

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