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I would have to say that my favorite memory of Yankee Stadium, if not for the many references in the hit television show “Seinfield”, would be Aaron Boones game winning homerun against the Boston Red Sox, or Johnny Damons upper deck homerun as a member of the Red Sox. Let’s also don’t forget that Yankee Stadium was not only a cathedral built for baseball, but has been home to many memorable moments including a concert by the Beatles in 1965.

On September 21, 2008, one of the saddest moments in Yankee history, second only to the announcement of Yankee great Lou Gehrig’s failing health and goodbye to his retirement in 1939. Baseball fans across the country said goodbye after 85 years to a building built on memory after memory.  Never again will any player patrol center field like DiMaggio or Mantle, or sit behind home plate like Berra or Munson, to step into the batter’s box like Ruth or Gehrig. The stadium will close its doors for the final time and those moments and memories of the “House that Ruth Built” will be left in the minds of those who witnessed them.

Great Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan made one last appearance to sing God Bless America one more time as he did during every playoff game in recent memory at the stadium, and one of the greatest pitchers in Yankee history made his final appearance in the only building he has ever called home. Mariano Rivera took the mound one more time to pitch the final inning in the history of the ballpark.  It was a fitting end for one of the most storied and historical buildings in the country. 

So many Yankee greats were in attendance. Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra joined the broadcast booth for a couple innings of stories and memories. They talked about some of the old timers and especially the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. Reggie Jackson later joined the booth. He showed his honor and respect for the stadium and talked about how days earlier he had made a trip out to the black seats where he hit his third and final home run during the clinching game of the 1977 World Series.  He said that he was a little teary about the event because he “Felt like I was losing a friend.”

With an appropriate tribute to every great Yankee to ever grace the field, the Yankees and everybody in attendance were treated to one last chance to remember every great moment and every great player together.

Every baseball fan in the world came together to watch this final game at the greatest baseball stadium ever built. This years Yankees team record could not spoil the pageantry.  All that mattered was the Stadium, and the legacy that went with it. Truly a tribute to the sport of baseball.

Sure as the New Yankee Stadium is born. So too are the memories and moments to come from the next generation of Yankee fans and their beloved boys in pinstripes. 

We will miss you - Yankee Stadium 1923-2008