Ever the performer, Jack had an eye on the scoreboard and quickly reacted.
Of course, Jack might have been easy to spot. With prices for the best seats still going for $1250, about half the area local sportswriters have dubbed "the moat" remain empty for most games.
At yesterday's Mets - Cardinals game, I decided to focus my lens on Cardinals 1st baseman Albert Pujols. Considered baseball's best all-around player, this hitting machine is more than capable in the field and even leads the team in stolen bases.
So let's enjoy the excellence of a player who appears on track to having his number 5 retired next to that of the all-time greatest Cardinal Stan Musial and to one day join him in Cooperstown.
Finally, a ballgame in Queens across the boat basin from LaGuardia Airport just wouldn't be complete without at least one plane flying overhead.
...that I felt the need to post some Spring Training images. Florida souvenirs of perfect baseball weather. Above: the Astros' March home in Kissimmee. Below two: Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
The tarp-covered field shot from the outfield food court.
Above: One of New York's new sports celebrities threw the ceremonial first pitch -- Football Giants 1st round draft choice Hakeem Nicks. As a wide receiver, wouldn't it have been more appropriate if he'd caught the ball and Eli Manning had thrown it?
Some scenes from Citi on a night reminiscent of the 1986 post-season. But that was October -- this was mid-June.
Above: Many ballplayers can say they went to William Howard Taft High School. 46 year old Phillies starting pitcher Jamie Moyer is the only one who can say he went to William Howard Taft's inauguration.
Looking like baseball's best off-season signing, Phillies left fielder Raul Ibanez. The former Royal and Mariner slammed a 10th inning homer to give the Phils a 6-3, 10th inning victory.
My first game at the new Yankee Stadium started with a bang -- as Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins homered to short right field on the first pitch of the night from Yankee starter A.J. Burnett. (Above: he's ready to make contact; below: he's about touch home plate with the run.)
As I said on my early April visit for the pre-season workout, the new Stadium appears impressive, bordering on majestic. Good sightlines, an excess of amenities including the world's largest video replay board and a sense of connection to both the original and renovated (1970s) predecessor.
Phillies outfielder Jayson Werth joined the home run parade (there were seven in this game) with a laser shot that landed (below) in the middle deck in the left field seats. This did not happen in the old stadium. Now, bombs like his seem nearly routine.
The one issue is how small the new Stadium plays. While the distances to the outfield fences are identical to its predecessor, it plays very small. 82 home runs have been hit in the new Stadium's first 21 games. That's a record for a brand new ballpark. Look below, does that left field fence look as distant as the old "Death Valley?" You're not hearing the word "spacious" when people talk about this outfield.
(Above) Johnny Damon at bat, Mark Teixeira in the on-deck circle.
Having a marvelous season, Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez crushed one as well. His landed in the right field seats. Balls travel farther and leap the fences in the Bronx at a rate never seen at the old Stadium.
The YMCA dance remains a staple of the half-inning when the grounds grew smooths out the infield. But like everything else, it's now sponsored.
Game over, but the lights aren't yet out. An elegant blue glow from the new Stadium as seen from the elevated subway station.
Nick Swisher's first eight home runs as a New York Yankee were all hit on the road. Last night, his lefty stroke finally sent one to the new Yankee Stadium's very inviting right field porch. He earns today's "attaboy," with several shots of him in action this March at the Yankees other home, Steinbrenner Field inn Tampa.
Swisher clearly loves playing ball and interacting with fans. What I'm sorry I didn't snap was how, before the game, he came over and chatted with the fans. Clearly, this extrovert loves every minute of what he does.
With the Mets visiting Los Angeles this week, it's a good time to share a few more views of Dodgers Stadium. These are from opening day 2008. The "Think Blue" sign in the distance is the Dodgers' variation on the classic Hollywood sign.
From our seats in the grandstand, we had a clear view of the Dodgers bullpen.
Below: opening day featured the classic Dodgers-Giants rivalry, including this acrobatic catch by San Francisco centerfielder Aaron Rowand.
Above: the hilly terrain of Chavez Ravin outside Dodger Stadium. And below, the distinctive tower rising from the ballpark's upper deck,
The Mets hosted the Marlins on a cool spring afternoon yesterday for my first visit inside Citi Field. Having seen it rise -- and its predecessor Shea Stadium fall -- I was eager to catch a game and sample the ambiance of New York's new home for National League baseball. First, a final farewell to Shea, as the last yards of its former footprint are leveled in preparation to being paved over.
Citi Field's most unique and most discussed twist is the main entrance lobby, the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. Along with outer facade of the ballpark, it is modeled after those at Brooklyn's hallowed Ebbets Field.
WFAN colleague Mia Harris, on hand a couple of nights earlier, took the following shot peering down from the top.
While clearly built for baseball, Citi Field is not a snug or cozy as the east coast parks to which it'll be compared Camden Yards (Baltimore) or Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia).
While the Mets have usually been a franchise than emphasizes pitching over home runs, Citi Field might have gone too far. The outfield appears to be too spacious -- a la Petco Park in San Diego. We saw more hits dropping in front of outfielders than in the typical ballpark and certainly what we were used to at Shea.
(Below) Jorge Cantu was one of the Marlins batting stars. He's getting ready to connect on a home run off Mets ace Johan Santana.
Citi Field's outfield fences are high, including a left field a bit reminiscent of the Mets first home, the Polo Grounds. Here's where Cantu's homer landed in left field.
The grandstand that sweeps too far back from the field also results in too much foul territory. It's not Oakland-like, but it's far more than you remember from Shea.
The sense of spaciousness -- along with a heavier percentage of seating in the outfield changes your sense of proportion. Now the fans surround the action, instead of being behind it at Shea.
Below, the Pepsi porch (named for its sponsor) dominates the right field area. A clever idea, supposedly inspired by the grandstand in Detroit's now-gone Tiger Stadium. And below it, Modell's Mo Zone juts out to create a distinctive series of angles and corners for fielders to navigate and evade.
A ballpark can draw its personality from its players. Shea Stadium will always be symbolized by Tom Seaver, Tug McGraw, Jerry Koosman and Doc Gooden on the mound. Odds are the player whose scorecard position is "1" will remain the focus at Citi Field. Here's Mets ace Johan Santana in action:
He also shows fine form in a bunting situation.
I made my first visit to the Citi Field today. While waiting in the Rotunda (lobby), I noticed some folks heading toward the smoked glass doors in the back. The gentleman in the off-white sweater caught the eye of several of us. Do you recognize him? Please leave your answer as a "Comment."
It's one thing to tote the camera up for a few minutes of pre-game picture-taking. But would you want to see a game from all the way up? Have you ever done that at Yankee Stadium or anywhere else?
The Philadelphia Phillies lost their soundtrack today. For 38 years, Harry Kalas' expressive baritone was their signature voice. It heralded the club's renaissance under general manager Paul Owens in the 1970s. It was heard on each and every one of Mike Schmidt's 548 home runs. It brought home the word picture of the disappointment of playoff losses, the triumph of 1980 (except, due to contractual obligations, the World Series -- the first ever won by the club), the Wheeze Kids, "Lefty" Steve Carlton, the rowdy bunch that won again in 1993, a very disappointing dozen-year-long drought and a recent, magical revival.
Harry arrived in Philadelphia in 1971, as Veterans Stadium opened. The once state-of-the-art bowl was "the" place to be during the '70s, but over time aged badly, and by its 30th birthday was beginning to crumble. Harry and the ballclub moved into Citizens Bank Park in 2004.
And fortunes slowly but surely improved -- a fan-friendly home, a likable young core of stars and last October, Harry was on the radio to call the action, including its dramatic conclusion, for the home faithful.
A broadcaster is sometimes considered a shill for the club. A pitchman. A carney to lure you into a show. Harry was never that. He and Rich took pride in their honestly. When the Phighting Phils were successful, they gave proper credit. But when the club was "scuffling," as Ashburn was heard to say in tougher times, they refused to gloss things over -- earning the trust of Phillies fans. Need proof? Ashburn, the speedy centerfielder from Nebraska who then spent three-and-and-a-half decades behind a Philadelphia microphone was arguably the most popular personality in franchise history. The centerfield concourse at Citizens Bank Park is named for him.
His statue is prominently displayed on Ashburn Alley.
As 2009 began, after a pair of opening defeats, things were looking up -- Sunday's game in Colorado was a come-from-behind victory. It was also the finale of his Hall of Fame career. Today's game, also a Phillies win, was called by Harry's colleagues in his memory. As they will the remainder of this season.
Dennis and I were on hand for Yankee Stadium's first public event, a pre-season workout. Crossing 161st Street in the Bronx, the entrance is certainly imposing. While not promoting its "lobby" the way the Mets have, this gallery of greats on banners from a soaring ceiling certainly stands in contrasts to the old park's cramped, subway station-like entrance.
Finally, a look at the field and the stands. The visual effect is remarkable. All the cues -- the colors, the architecture, the placement of distinctive features -- instantly say "Yankee Stadium."
No team does a better job of selling its history. Glossy, historic panoramas are displayed prominently on the main level. Babe, the Mick, Joe D and Thurman will greet you as you head for a hot dog, beer and a souvenir.
So similar to the post-renovation Stadium's right field corner, the new version brings the bleachers closer and then wraps a new field level section in front of them.
For some, a cap, tee shirt or coffee mug is not enough. Peter Max's artwork has its own store at the new Stadium.
Back to the field...
If you had trouble recognizing this strong righthander on the mound, the world's largest video board will help.
A tip of the cap to the original Yankee Stadium comes in the form of the scoreboards mounted in the Right-Center and Left-Center Field fences.
Spanning present and past -- the atrium's portholes offer a poignant look back at the old Stadium, just across 161st Street.
From the upper deck, a sparkling spring day and the wide outfield expanse.
Oh yes, the workout... the players assemble in right field.
And Freddy's back! New stadium, same fry pan.
A view from the new field-level seats in Left Field. Stunning how the new Stadium so resembles the original stadium pre-1973 renovation.
The frieze, that distinctive moulding fringing the Stadium's roof reminds you again of the way it was and is again. Monument Park is now behind the centerfield wall, just beneath the smoked glass window of a sports bar serving as the batter's eye.
Derek Jeter's in the batting cage, taking his first swings at his new home.
And getting a good look at where it lands.
We'll leave you at the top -- from the upper row of the Left Field Grandstand.
The result is very impressive -- after walking around the entire park, I was impressed by how the architects did a superb job of recreating the grandeur of the pre-'73 original Stadium, while bringing almost all the seats closer (having a fourth level of stand enabled the other three levels to be less deep). Aisles are wider, legroom more spacious... and the areas behind the seats, leading to the concessions and restrooms are open and airy, similar to the way they are in many newer parks. Sure, it cost a mountain of money. But no corners were cut or designs compromised. Costs aside, this is going to be an even better place to see a game than its post-renovation predecessor across the street.
Counting down those final days to the season opener, here are scenes taken before the Yankees-Pirates night game two weeks ago tonight. Above, the Yankees' Hideki Matsui signing a couple of autographs for fans. Below, the very affable Yankee minor leaguer Justin Leone came over to chat. If you were casting a movie and needed someone to cast someone as a ballplayer, wouldn't this young 3rd baseman fit the bill?
Below, Johnny Damon (L) and Xavier Nady (R). Only center fielder Bret Gardner is missing your 2009 starting outfield.
Strrrreeetching... that's Mark Texiera on the left and Matsui to our right.
The Mets visit the Orioles, with most of today's pictures shot from the press box atop the ballpark. Here's sweet-swining Orioles rightfielder Nick Markakis making contact.
The threat of rain holds down the crowd... as does a less-than-stellar Orioles team. It's going to be hard to even approach .500 ball playing in the same division with the defending champion Rays, the wild-card Red Sox, reloaded Yankees and talented Blue Jays.
Second baseman Luis Castillo is one of the Mets having a good spring. Here's the moment before he steps on home to score.
I liked the angle capturing the view up the 1st base line with the batter, the runner and the fielders.
(above) Mets pitcher Brian Stokes gets ready.
A clever touch outside Fort Lauderdale Stadium is this fence specially designed for autograph signing.
