....but first, let me start off by recappinf home opener, on April 7th, 2014. Before going inside, I was outside the stadium early in the morning. I was lucky enough to catch a few of the guys heading inside to the game. I caught the parents of Derek Jeter heading in, however, they refused to sign anything or take photos. I was lucky enough to (briefly) speak with David Cone again. He stopped to sign autographs and take pictures, with EVERYONE who surrounded him, and there were quite a few people there. He signed for at least about 5 minutes straight, before heading into the stadium.
(Derek Jeters parents)
I went inside before the game started, to make sure I was in my seats in time for first pitch. Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte took over the mound, to both throw out the first pitch. Derek Jeter, and former Yankee catcher Jorge Posada, went behind home plate to catch the first pitches.
Not too long after, Jeter took the field for his LAST home opener, and when he took his first at bat, he got quite the standing ovation....
I really gotta say, the feeling just wasn't there. The vibe is gone. I feel this team hasn't been the same since Posada left, then after that, it just kept getting worse, as far as that "magical feeling" in the Bronx. With Jeter being the only member of the core four left, and seeing that this is pretty much an entire new team, it just isn't the same anymore, and it never will be. These are just NOT the "New York Yankees," anymore. Next year will be even worse and much more surreal. A REAL eye opener to any TRUE Yankee fan.
The Yanks went on to get the win for "Jeet's" last home opener, but this could be one of his last memorable games this season. This team is just looking VERY unhealthy. Yes, its extremely early and just the very beginning of the season, but the ongoing injuries seem to be getting the best of this team, which is nothing new. Ivan Nova underwent Tommy John surgery and is out for the year. Pineda was only scheduled to miss ONE game out of the rotation, as he was suspended for 10 games for his use of pine tar. However, due to a shoulder strain injury, he is set to miss 3-4 weeks.
I was invited to a private event at Yankee Stadium, which took place in the Fed Ex suite, the day after home opener, on April 8th, 2014. This event featured a 2 hour brunch, a ticket to the game at 1pm, and of course an autograph signing by former Yankees, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, and Roy White.
White, wearing his 1977 World Series Championship ring, was all smiles while signing autographs for fans who attended. I was brave enough to ask him for an interview, and I was lucky enough to have him say yes! I also tried to get "El Duque" for an interview, but it would be slightly difficult, as I could tell from briefly speaking to him a little bit, that his English still isn't too well.
(Derek Jeter's first at bat, of his last home opener)
Not too long after, Jeter took the field for his LAST home opener, and when he took his first at bat, he got quite the standing ovation....
I really gotta say, the feeling just wasn't there. The vibe is gone. I feel this team hasn't been the same since Posada left, then after that, it just kept getting worse, as far as that "magical feeling" in the Bronx. With Jeter being the only member of the core four left, and seeing that this is pretty much an entire new team, it just isn't the same anymore, and it never will be. These are just NOT the "New York Yankees," anymore. Next year will be even worse and much more surreal. A REAL eye opener to any TRUE Yankee fan.
The Yanks went on to get the win for "Jeet's" last home opener, but this could be one of his last memorable games this season. This team is just looking VERY unhealthy. Yes, its extremely early and just the very beginning of the season, but the ongoing injuries seem to be getting the best of this team, which is nothing new. Ivan Nova underwent Tommy John surgery and is out for the year. Pineda was only scheduled to miss ONE game out of the rotation, as he was suspended for 10 games for his use of pine tar. However, due to a shoulder strain injury, he is set to miss 3-4 weeks.
Mark Teixeira, who's been hitting a few bombs the past few games, was placed on the DL for 15 days at the beginning of the season, with a hamstring injury. Ellsbury has also been benched in-consecutively since the start of his first season in pinstripes.
I hope I'm wrong, but this team is just not built to make the playoffs, & if they are able to clinch, it's not looking like they are capable to further advance.
I was invited to a private event at Yankee Stadium, which took place in the Fed Ex suite, the day after home opener, on April 8th, 2014. This event featured a 2 hour brunch, a ticket to the game at 1pm, and of course an autograph signing by former Yankees, Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, and Roy White.
White, wearing his 1977 World Series Championship ring, was all smiles while signing autographs for fans who attended. I was brave enough to ask him for an interview, and I was lucky enough to have him say yes! I also tried to get "El Duque" for an interview, but it would be slightly difficult, as I could tell from briefly speaking to him a little bit, that his English still isn't too well.
HERE is the interview! Enjoy.
By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)
