And the “Babe Ruth” in last night’s game wasn’t Aaron Judge but Aaron Hicks with two homers against the Rays. Joining him in heroics was Luis Severino, who hadn’t won a game in forever, but had 11 Ks to dominate. And Chapman got another chance to be lights out. Well, not quite lights out – he did give up a hit and some of the at bats took awhile – but the man does bring the heat.
Brett Gardner got shook up in a collision at first base the other day so he’s shaky, but Greg Bird is back. Now if he could start hitting maybe we’d be in business.
It’s too early to tell what to make of this version of the Yankees, but when they win, they’re as much fun to watch as any Yankee team. What continues to trouble me is the number of empty seats behind home plate – the expensive seats. They’re practically bare in the early innings and gradually fill in during the game, after the Legends Suite holders finish dinner, I guess. But there’s a wide shot from the centerfield camera that shows just how embarrassing the situation is – at least to me. Yes, it’s April and the cold nights aren’t for everybody. Here’s hoping it warms up and either the Yankees drop their prices or fans decide to pony up.
A sweep and four in a row to post a winning record – how cool is that? This could be an exciting year in Yankeeland if we can keep the majority of players healthy at any given time.
Lowering ticket prices would be a big help. I know when my family takes a trip down to the stadium it costs us hundreds of dollars in tickets and transportation. Factor in the time commitment and it’s hard to justify visiting more than once or twice a year. The fact that the corporate seats are not being used may say they are not being purchased because our economy is not as great as we are constantly told it is. It’s hard to gauge overall but I know our region has never recovered from the financial crisis of 2008 and most families don’t have a spare few hundred dollars to blow on Yankee games they can see for free in the comfort of their own homes. If corporations are also tightening their belts those seats will not be filled any time soon.
Lowering ticket prices to mesh with reality would be the right thing for the Steinbrenners to do, Audrey. And the problem with big corporations buying the luxury boxes is that they don’t often use them (I’ve benefitted; invited by a law firm). Even Vinnie Milano, the bleacher creature who started the chants, has abdicated. But maybe if the winning continues and the weather moderates, people will come – even if it’s to splurge once or twice a year.
It’s nice to see good pitching. That is my short and long term worries about the Yankees. Without pitching we are not going to get very far, regardless of the number of home runs we hit.
But right now it is gratifying to see some winning baseball! I am going to see my first game next Tuesday. I paid $5, plus a $1 fee. Granted I am not going to be seen on TV as my nose will be bleeding somewhere over right field, but I am excited to see the Stadium in the first time in a while!
Over all though I agree it is so expensive to go to a game. I am lucky that I only have to take the subway. But beers and food are so pricey. Those $5 ticket specials wind up costing me a lot more.
Excited that you’re going on Tuesday, Darren, nosebleed and all! I hope you get good weather and a good game. And a $5 ticket? Pretty good deal. Just have a hot dog and not the steak. Haha.