Always Great Moments At Yankee Stadium

September 17, 2008

Even though the 2008 baseball season has not gone well for the Yankees, history is still being made at Yankee Stadium.

The most recent historic events that have taken place at the House That Ruth Built, were milestones achieved by future Hall of Famers, Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter.

In the Yankees 4-2 win against the Chicago White Sox, in the first game of this current four-game home stand, The Great Mariano recorded his 479th career save, moving him into second place on the all-time save’s list. The San Diego Padres,Trevor Hoffman with 552 career saves, is number one on the all-time list.

With his save in this series, Mariano Rivera is now 36 for 37 in save opportunities this season. This has been one of Rivera’s best seasons in his long distinguished career with the Yankees; and, without “The Great Mariano”, the Yankees 2008 season would have been over a long time ago. Both, Mike Mussina and Mariano Rivera have been the Yankees MVP’s this year.

Last night, it was Derek Jeter who made more history at Yankee Stadium, in the Yankees 6-2 loss to the White Sox.

In the first inning, Jeter got his historic 1,270th hit, that moved him past the great Lou Gehrig into first place on the all-time hit list at Yankee Stadium. This is a record that Derek Jeter can only add to, as he did with hit number 1,271 later in this game, because after the Yankees play their final game at the Stadium on Sunday September 21, 2008, the history book will be closed on records at the “old” Yankee Stadium, and “the captain” Derek Jeter will forever hold the all-time hit total at the original Yankee Stadium.

Congratulations to Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Both are future “Hall of Famers”; but, more importantly, they are two of the greatest players ever, to play for the New York Yankees, and grace the beautiful baseball diamonds of our great game of Baseball.

 

Update: Thursday, September 18, 2008 — The Yankees won game three of this four game series against the Chicago White Sox, 5-1.

History was made again in this game, as Derek Jeter played in his 1,000th game at Yankee Stadium. The only other Yankee players to play over 1,000 games at the Stadium, are: Lou Gehrig, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, and Bernie Williams.

Alex Rodriguez also made history last night, when he hit his 35th homerun of the year in the eighth inning. This homer marks the 12th year that A-Rod has hit 35 or more homeruns in a season, which places him with Babe Ruth as the only two players in baseball history to achieve this feat.

Also, with his homer, Alex Rodriguez became the first player in history to hit at least 35 homeruns and drive home at least 100 runs in 12 separate baseball seasons. This accomplishment passed Babe Ruth, who had 11 seasons with 35 homers, and at least 100 RBI’s.

And, finally, as if the Yankees need more historic moments to celebrate in this final season at the “old” Yankee Stadium, Bernie Williams is scheduled to appear at the Stadium’s final game on Sunday, September 21th. It will be Bernie’s first time back to the Stadium since he played his last game for the New York Yankees.

Now, Bernie Williams never “officially” retired from baseball; and, this fueled some interesting talk on Michael Kay’s 1050 ESPN New York radio show today. In a conversation with a caller, a thought was discussed regarding, what a great idea it would be, if the Yankees activated Bernie Williams right before the game, and actually placed him in the lineup, as the starting centerfielder.

Bernie has said he still works out, and is in baseball shape. So, if this were to happen, [remember, it was only a thought that was discussed on a Sports Talk Radio Program — a very fun thought, I would add], I think this would be another classic moment in Yankee Stadium history, with Bernie Williams getting a chance to play one more time in centerfield , get at least one more at-bat, and then retire, after this historic last game at Yankee Stadium. And, Bernie’s # 51 ? Should his number be retired ? Well, that would be “icing on the cake”, and just one more extra special moment to celebrate at Yankee Stadium.  

Oh, how great it is to be a Yankees fan !!!

The New York Yankees: History, Tradition, and Greatness !!! 

     

Written by mlblogsbaseballtheyankeesandlife Posted in Dailies Tagged with Alex Rodriguez, Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, Lou Gehrig, Mariano Rivera, Mike Mussina, Yankee Stadium, Yankees