Yankee Stadium Pre-Renovation

[TJH1923]

From the 1941 World Series vs Brooklyn. From Corbis Photos

[SHOELESSJOE3]

To elaborate on what TJH said, it wasn't even technically a home run. It curved foul by about ten feet. The crowd went mad and he decided to round the bases anyway.



What took place was a tired Babe Ruth knew that this was the best he could do. The ball was foul but it was quite a drive.

If this is the event I believe it was it took place in the 1940's, off the top of my head I believe 1942. At that time Ruth was 46 years old. I think this drive came on the 22 pitch from Walter Johnson and the Babe had to be tired.

I've been to batting ranges at a much younger age and was looking to take a rest after around 15 swings.

[TJH1923]

From the 1957 World Series. From Corbis.

[RichardLillard1]

What took place was a tired Babe Ruth knew that this was the best he could do. The ball was foul but it was quite a drive.

If this is the event I believe it was it took place in the 1940's, off the top of my head I believe 1942. At that time Ruth was 46 years old. I think this drive came on the 22 pitch from Walter Johnson and the Babe had to be tired.

I've been to batting ranges at a much younger age and was looking to take a rest after around 15 swings.


Thanks ShoelessJoe.

Below are some pictures that have been posted both on this thread and in the Ruth threads over in the History section.

The first two are from a book detailing the events that day. The first is so you can see both Johnson and Ruth in the picture and the second is to better make out the caption. You can just make out the ball over the outfield grass in these two. Probably would have been a base hit had it been a real game. Its interesting to note that the path between the pitcher's mound and home plate was removed during the 1945-46 refit. And the electric scoreboard place in the outfield in 1955(?) covered up the 367 sign that you can see in the upper left.

In the third one if you look to the right of the Babe you can see that he connected with the ball but it popped foul.

I don't know about this fourth one. It is dated 1942 but I am uncertain if it is the same day as the other photos. Its a different catcher and the stands are deserted. I am thinking probably a warm-up before the game.

Can anyone tell me if Ruth did any other exhibition games at Yankee Stadium in '42?

Somewhere I have a picture of Ruth before the matchup with Johnson talking about his pitching techniques with reporters. If I find that one I will post it as well.


Richard


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/img498-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/aug23rd1942.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babewalter.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/1942RUTHATYANKEESTADIUM.jpg

[TJH1923]

"Hey all,

Sorry for the mass email, but I figured that this little bit of information was worthy of one.

There is going to be an article about me and my artwork in this Sunday's Arts & Leisure section of the New York Times. Certainly, special thanks are in order to Lisa Fields for a wonderful piece. I know that some of you subscribers may get that particular section on Saturdays, so certainly keep your eyes open. When I have more information regarding whether it will be posted online, I will be sure to pass it on as well.

Additionally, my website (http://www.graigkreindler.com) has been totally redesigned and updated, so check it out when you can. Thanks go to Justin Brancato for all of his hard work.

Thanks for reading,

Graig"

This is a real nice painting and it is an appropriate addition to this thread. Good luck with the NY Times....I will be looking for it....TJH

[Philmore]

Thanks for the push, TJH!!

And if it helps Richard, that bottom Ruth photo from behind homeplate is indeed from 1942. Whether it's from the Johnson match-up day, I am unsure. Though, if you strain your eyes to see the left side of the scoreboard, you might be able to make out the word 'WASH' above the Yankees label (which appears to be a little darker in value).

Hope this helps...

[RichardLillard1]

Thanks for the info Philmore. My guess was batting practice.

Ruth showed up early to the stadium that day and devoted a good amount of time to posing for the press. He talked about his old pitching days and joked around with anyone around.

I have a picture somewhere of Ruth posing in his pitching pose with a caption talking about the days festivities. So I would bet that the Yanks let him take some batting practice before the "game" started against Johnson.

This makes his 21 swings before knocking one into the upper deck all the more amazing of a feat. Especially for a man in his mid 40's.

By the way Philmore congrats on getting into the Times!


Richard

[TJH1923]

I have a question regarding the black curtain pulled up in center field used as a batters eye. What was the criteria for its use?........I have seen many photos with it up and with it down. I am not so sure crowd size was a factor because some are sell outs and some there are empty bleacher seats. I was wondering if anyone has any information on this topic. It sure looks like it would have been tough to hit with the curtain down.......talk about a pitchers advantage.

[TJH1923]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Sean O]

I know this is the 20s to 50s Yankee Stadium thread, but does anyone have good photos of late 70s / early 80s Yankee Stadium? Specifically the ads, but also the bleachers, walls, and anything else that had changed by the mid-90s.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Thanks ShoelessJoe.

Below are some pictures that have been posted both on this thread and in the Ruth threads over in the History section.

The first two are from a book detailing the events that day. The first is so you can see both Johnson and Ruth in the picture and the second is to better make out the caption. You can just make out the ball over the outfield grass in these two. Probably would have been a base hit had it been a real game. Its interesting to note that the path between the pitcher's mound and home plate was removed during the 1945-46 refit. And the electric scoreboard place in the outfield in 1955(?) covered up the 367 sign that you can see in the upper left.

In the third one if you look to the right of the Babe you can see that he connected with the ball but it popped foul.

I don't know about this fourth one. It is dated 1942 but I am uncertain if it is the same day as the other photos. Its a different catcher and the stands are deserted. I am thinking probably a warm-up before the game.

Can anyone tell me if Ruth did any other exhibition games at Yankee Stadium in '42?

Somewhere I have a picture of Ruth before the matchup with Johnson talking about his pitching techniques with reporters. If I find that one I will post it as well.


Richard


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/img498-1.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/aug23rd1942.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babewalter.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/1942RUTHATYANKEESTADIUM.jpg

Richard, did some research and found that during the 1940s decade and there was only one season 1946 when there was a Yankee with the uniform number 41.

It appears that the catcher is a Yankee of course catching and wearing #41. That was Steve Souchock who played some infield and outfield for the Yanks but never caught in a regular season game.

So it seems like, can't be sure, that that last pic you posted had to be from 1946.

[RichardLillard1]

Hey Joe,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you on this one, I started researching the picture and then got sidetracked with other stuff and it slipped my mind.

The biggest problem I have with this being 1946 is that the scoreboard was replaced with a different one during the refit in the winter of 1945-46. This photo was on ebay a while back and unfortunately the only thing listed on it is "1942 Ruth at Yankee Stadium".

Its really too bad that we can't see the bleachers or ads on the back wall in any of the Ruth vs. Johnson pictures. Maybe you know where we can find some other ones to see more of the park?

Aside from that my trail has run cold. The problem with a man who was photographed so much and a stadium pictured to extensively over such a long period of time is that it is nearly impossible to find the exact information for most photos.


Richard

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Hey Joe,

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you on this one, I started researching the picture and then got sidetracked with other stuff and it slipped my mind.

The biggest problem I have with this being 1946 is that the scoreboard was replaced with a different one during the refit in the winter of 1945-46. This photo was on ebay a while back and unfortunately the only thing listed on it is "1942 Ruth at Yankee Stadium".

Its really too bad that we can't see the bleachers or ads on the back wall in any of the Ruth vs. Johnson pictures. Maybe you know where we can find some other ones to see more of the park?

Aside from that my trail has run cold. The problem with a man who was photographed so much and a stadium pictured to extensively over such a long period of time is that it is nearly impossible to find the exact information for most photos.


Richard


Yea, I know Rich difficult to pin down dates on some of these events. Let me know if you do find anything on that last pic of The Babe. I'll look at some of my Yankee Stadium pictures and maybe something in the background will help get a close date.

Is it me or is did it happen. Notice that last pic of Babe Ruth. The barrel of the bat looks a bit blurred, as though he took a liking to that pitch and was in the very first stage of bringing the bat around.

[Philmore]

Hey all,

The last Ruth picture is most definitely from 1942. Aside from the fact that we know Ruth raised funds for the armed services with Walter Johnson this year, we also have some visual evidence.

Here's a shot of Satchel Paige at the Stadium from August of that year:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/U657350AACME.jpg

Notice the Calvert, Botany, Burma Shave and Bank signs? They're definitely the same. And I know what you may be thinking, "sometimes the captions can be wrong". Well, this is indeed true, though I can find more pictures of the stadium from that year to back it up...

Hope it helps!

Graig

[RichardLillard1]

Hey Graig,

Thanks for the post this really helps show what the ads were in '42. Every picture I saw of the '46 back wall showed different ads in addition to the different scoreboard.

As far as the number 41 on the jersey I cannot figure it out at all. It has to 1942 in the stadium. But that number tells us otherwise. I'll keep checking for pictures of catchers from the '42 season though.

More to come (I'm sure).


Richard

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Hey all,

The last Ruth picture is most definitely from 1942. Aside from the fact that we know Ruth raised funds for the armed services with Walter Johnson this year, we also have some visual evidence.

Here's a shot of Satchel Paige at the Stadium from August of that year:

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/U657350AACME.jpg

Notice the Calvert, Botany, Burma Shave and Bank signs? They're definitely the same. And I know what you may be thinking, "sometimes the captions can be wrong". Well, this is indeed true, though I can find more pictures of the stadium from that year to back it up...

Hope it helps!

Graig


Well it does appear it can't be from 1946 as I thought it might have been.Your correct the background is the same as it was in 1942 but when was it changed, 1943, 1944 or as late as 1945. But my next question, could it be froim 1943 or 1944 before the changes in the billboards. What I'm really wondering, what was the event, since it appears that all on the field are wearing Yankee uniforms. Could it be The Babe taking some batting practice in 1942 before he faced Johnson in that exhibition. Or could it be a photo taken a year or two later before the changes in the billboards.

I'm leaning your way PHIL, probably 1942, I doubt he put on the uniform any time after 1942.

[TJH1923]

It looks like batting practice to me. I say this because of the lack of fans in the stands. If you look at the photos of the Babe and Walter Johnson, the stands are packed. I am also sure the Babe had not picked up a bat in a while and needed to at least get some sort of timing down before facing Johnson before a packed stadium.

Another thing is that the Babe has the same long white sleeve under shirt in all the pictures. It is tough to see, but it looks like he also has that tape on his left wrist in one of the photos of with Johnson.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

It looks like batting practice to me. I say this because of the lack of fans in the stands. If you look at the photos of the Babe and Walter Johnson, the stands are packed. I am also sure the Babe had not picked up a bat in a while and needed to at least get some sort of timing down before facing Johnson before a packed stadium.
Another thing is that the Babe has the same long white sleeve under shirt in all the pictures. It is tough to see, but it looks like he also has that tape on his left wrist in one of the photos of with Johnson.

Same thought here. In my post #561 I did say the same. It could be Babe taking some batting practice before the game in 1942, before he faced Walter Johnson.

[RichardLillard1]

It definately looks like he's about to chase one. By the way, below are some photos of Babe posing for the press talking about pitching before the game. I said I would get these up a while ago, but forgive me for laziness got the better of me.

I see the tape on his wrist that was mentioned and he's wearing the white long sleeves.

Richard


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/BabepitchbeforeWalterJohnson21Au-1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/BabepitchbeforeWalterJohnson21Au-2.jpg

[Phillies1883]

Hello. All these pictures of Yankee Stadium are superb.... but I need some help..... does anyone have a good, clear, sharp picture of the original entrance to Yankee Stadium? I'd really love to find one.

[RichardLillard1]

Are you looking for interior or exterior? If you go through the pages of this thread there should be some really good pictures of the exterior entrance.

As for the rotunda I've never seen a good picture of it and I would like to see some if anyone has them!


Richard

[Phillies1883]

Yes, the one's you mentioned are good.... but I'm looking more for an upclose shot.... you would think with all the snapshots and photos out there that someone would have a good upclose shot of that original entrance..... and the rotunda. Babe Ruth lied in state in the rotunda of Yankee Stadium..... I can't believe that there are no picture inside the stadium during that event.

Anyway.... I hope someone is able to come up with a good upclose shot of the original entrance..... and the rotunda!

[Phillies1883]

Richard... Sorry, yes... I do mean the exterior of the old original entrance. Even if someone stood right near it waiting in line for a ticket, and leaned back with their camera and took a shot..... that would be great to see.

[Phillies1883]

Found a great exterior shot....... just had to look.

[TJH1923]

As this thread approaches 50,000 views, I was wondering if maybe a renewed effort could be made to find some "new additions" to this thread. With all the history of this grand ballpark, there must some fresh material out there. Some new Polo Grounds stuff would be great also.

[Candlestick60]

Those are great pics I esp liked the one with Satchel page and Phil ruzzito at the 1971 old timers day:baseball: :atthepc C60

[lollar]

up up up up up

[Mike Wagner]

I know this is not the right topic with regard to Yankee Stadium from the 1920s-1950s. The reason I'm writing is to ask those interested in preserving the history of our beloved ballpark to not only take photos, DVDs, etc. of the field and exterior, but to please also include the ramps the people use to get to the various levels of the Stadium, as well as the vendors, nooks and crannies, and various concession stands. All of this is a part of the history of Yankee Stadium. Photographing and recording images of these other aspects of the Stadium will give a greater flavor as to what Yankee Stadium felt like because it will show the not commonly seen scenes that help make Yankee Stadium what it is. Also make records of the surrounding neighborhood stores, etc. This will give a much more complete record of the sights and sounds of our baseball palace. Thank you.
-Mike Wagner

[RichardLillard1]

I know this is not the right topic with regard to Yankee Stadium from the 1920s-1950s. The reason I'm writing is to ask those interested in preserving the history of our beloved ballpark to not only take photos, DVDs, etc. of the field and exterior, but to please also include the ramps the people use to get to the various levels of the Stadium, as well as the vendors, nooks and crannies, and various concession stands. All of this is a part of the history of Yankee Stadium. Photographing and recording images of these other aspects of the Stadium will give a greater flavor as to what Yankee Stadium felt like because it will show the not commonly seen scenes that help make Yankee Stadium what it is. Also make records of the surrounding neighborhood stores, etc. This will give a much more complete record of the sights and sounds of our baseball palace. Thank you.
-Mike Wagner

I completely agree. I just don't have access to any photos of the area around the ballpark save for the one posted below.

We can only learn so much about this great cathedral from pictures of the playing field. If you really want the experience you need to see some photos of the concourses and maybe some views coming out of the tunnels towards the steaing.

And of course there was the little "mom & pop" shops and restaurants around the ballpark. Many of the players would frequent these places or even live at the apartment buildings not far from their "jobsite".

Blelow is from "circa 1923". Note the train, my guess is either a staged publicity shot or times perfectly as the train was stopped to exchange passengers. Also note the pre 1923 Polo Grounds in the distance. New York baseball at its finest.



Richard

[stlfan]

I completely agree. I just don't have access to any photos of the area around the ballpark save for the one posted below.

We can only learn so much about this great cathedral from pictures of the playing field. If you really want the experience you need to see some photos of the concourses and maybe some views coming out of the tunnels towards the steaing.

And of course there was the little "mom & pop" shops and restaurants around the ballpark. Many of the players would frequent these places or even live at the apartment buildings not far from their "jobsite".

Blelow is from "circa 1923". Note the train, my guess is either a staged publicity shot or times perfectly as the train was stopped to exchange passengers. Also note the pre 1923 Polo Grounds in the distance. New York baseball at its finest.



Richard

Awesome photo. It's always amazing seeing Yankee in it's infancy, before the expansion of the upper deck and the bleachers. I think what is most interesting about this photo is how undeveloped the area was. It almost looks rural.

[Yankeefan90]

I love seeing pics of the old Stadium, back when it was really cool. I wish I was around at that time, my greatgrandfather owned a box in Yankee Stadium from the 20's all the way to 1977 when he died. My father went to alot of games, he even saw Roger Maris hit #61. I wish I had my hands on some of those old programs.

[RichardLillard1]

Found these and thought they were pretty interesting. Nice view of the surrounding neighborhood.

[RichardLillard1]

One more, same time, different angle.

[RichardLillard1]

Compare this with the first pic... not much has changed, but it soon will.


Richard

[penncentralpete]

old yankee stadium was truly awesome. i played there in 1962 (semi-pro team while yanks were on the road). when you stood in the batters' box, if the centerfielder croutched down in his defensive "stance", he literally disappeared! the field was so hump-backed for drainage from the batters' box you could only see the centerfielder from the waist up if he was standing. i remember the yanks' dugout was air conditioned and the visitor's dugout was NOT! pete p.s. changed in the yanks' locker room and showered in there too! very exciting for me. i was 16.

[RichardLillard1]

Pete,

Have you seen the thread about the Yankee Stadium Door? You should check it out and see if you could help the person who started the thread. The link is below.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=64405


Richard

[TJH1923]

I came across a couple more photos. The Bottom photo is from Lou Gehrig's farewell 7/4/39

[penncentralpete]

my father-in-law was at lou gehrig day (7-4-39) the yankees split a double-dip with the senators. great photo! pete

[Yankeefan90]

All these pics show Yankee Stadium in all her glory. It's truly a wonderful masterpiece. There is no ballpark imo that could match it, not even the current Yankee Stadium. Old Yankee Stadium was what a ballpark should be.

[SultanOfWhat]

http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio2-550water.jpg


Shot is from inside Yankee Stadium during the 1949 World Series, with Joe DiMaggio swinging for the fences and Dodger catcher Roy Campanella behind the plate. From original negative, photographed for SPORT magazine October 5, 1949.


Similar photo:

http://delivery.viewimages.com/xv/3334710.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=FBFD2EE751F199B8C21F79C9FDBF0BF3A55A1E4F32AD3138

[The Monument]

Odd that there is no home plate ump in that '49 Series photo. Notice the empty seats up top, and the pennants hanging from the roof? Looks like a '50's Old-Timers Day to me.

[Elvis]

Odd that there is no home plate ump in that '49 Series photo. Notice the empty seats up top, and the pennants hanging from the roof? Looks like a '50's Old-Timers Day to me.

That ISN'T a World Series game. There's no bunting and it isn't even a sell out.

[Mattingly85MVP]

If anyone is able to find these pictures without the watermark and at a higher resolution I would greatly appreciate it!!

[TJH1923]

I would like to see these photos also without the watermark. It reminds me of seats I had when I was a kid. General Admission was only $1.50. That reverse view of the facade brings back some very fond memories. It was also a time when the Yanks stunk or were very mediocre........remember Horace Clarke and Celerino Sanchez. It was still great going to the stadium and that was my team regardless of how bad or good they were.

[icee82]

There are so many great photos of this stadium. I wish that I could find this many photos of Crosley Field in Cincinnati!

[Mattingly85MVP]

I know this is a difficult question to answer but what better place to do so than in this forum...
Does any know what the hight/width/length were of the old Yankee Stadium frieze. One type was the longer version that went along the first and third base sides of the roof of the upper deck, and the other type were the smaller ones that rounded the corners behind home plate and the left and right field roof? I would like to make an exact scaled down replica to line the border of my den. I've seen stencil around the internet but nothing really accurate. Anyone have copies of the blueprints of the old Stadium, I think I've seen them there, but not too sure.

Thanks

[RichardLillard1]

The frieze was (I have read) 16' deep from the roof to its lowest point and (according to the plans I have) 42' long for the larger sections and 26' for the shorter. The shorter sections are actually a little longer than 26' but that's the only number I can make out.

I found this on ebay... if only I weren't a poor college kid!

http://cgi.ebay.com/YANKEE-STADIUM-BLUEPRINT-100-ORIGINAL-1922-YANKEES_W0QQitemZ140149965322QQihZ004QQcategoryZ83 065QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Another one I found for the new stadium. It would be nice to compare these to the '23 ones I have.

http://cgi.ebay.com/YANKEE-STADIUM-2009-RARE-BLUEPRINTS-DOUBLE-NY-LOGOS_W0QQitemZ170141386642QQihZ007QQcategoryZ3760 8QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Richard

[KeyMan7]

Hello Richard,

I have someone that you might be able to help? Here is his story if you could help get back to me. -Thanks Steven

I am having some trouble with, first a blueprint, stamped and signed 1922. I have taken it to PSA/DNA and Memory Lane Inc. both companies looked it over extensively and believe the item is 100% authentic. However PSA/DNA can not authenticate it as they have no signatures of the engineer or city official who signed the document and Memory Lane said it doesnt necessarily need the authentication but rather some detail of the engineer or company which held the contract.

Now I should say that the blueprint is solely for the front door and not the entryway or stadium itself but it is magnificent and extremely well preserved. I am getting no where as I am truly lost as to how to begin gathering any details that can point to the city official or engineer and help me produce enough background info on this item to where I can get it authenticated and insured. I have heard amazing values it could bring at an auction but I am not necessarily headed in that direction rather I am most interested in insuring it, obtaining a valid appraissal and possibly lending it to some form of a historical society or cooperstown or other entity which equally values the items preservation more than its ability to remodel their house.

I welcome any one who believes they can assist me or point tme in the right direction to assist myself.

[RichardLillard1]

Do you think you could PM me with your email address? I'd love to take a look at this blueprint and talk with you about it some more.


Richard

[KeyMan7]

Hello Richard,

I sent you a PM...I don't like to post the email address of other people.

-Thanks Steven

[David Atkatz]

Scores of original blueprints were released by Osborne Engineering--most of them pretty uninteresting.

Here's one I have--an upper deck truss:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/1922trussprint.jpg

The truss itself can be clearly seen in the center of this photo of the Stadium taken just before its 1923 opening:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/white_truss_1copy.jpg

[Mattingly85MVP]

Hi David, can you post any more yankee stadium pics from that White Construction Co. Inc booklet? That picture looks great

[David Atkatz]

Hi David, can you post any more yankee stadium pics from that White Construction Co. Inc booklet? That picture looks great

That 1923 White Construction Co. booklet is quite rare--I've only seen two in many, many years of collecting--and is stored in my safe deposit box. I only took the photo of that one page before putting it away.

[rmedelson]

I was wondering if anyone could post some picture of the concourse/inside of the pre-renovated Yankee stadium? Haven't seen any of those yet. Also I was wondering if anyone has any early 70's Yankee home games (in color) at the pre-renovated stadium?

[TJH1923]

I was wondering if anyone could post some picture of the concourse/inside of the pre-renovated Yankee stadium? Haven't seen any of those yet. Also I was wondering if anyone has any early 70's Yankee home games (in color) at the pre-renovated stadium?

Check out post #'s 532 through 536 on this thread. I too would also like to see more concourse/inside pictures. There has to be some other 60's and early 70's color photos out there. Any pictures not already on this thread would be great.

[TJH1923]

If anyone is able to find these pictures without the watermark and at a higher resolution I would greatly appreciate it!!

I checked out the Sports Illustrated website regarding those pictures without the water mark. The cost is at least $250 for an 8 x 10. Corbis and Getty Images want similar money for their pictures also. the bigger you go in photo size, the more money. The NY Times is a little less expensive. The Baseball Hall of Fame and the NY Daily News are some what reasonable.

[jimm11756]

regarding the yankee stadium frieze - this is a scan from the blueprint page I bought on e-bay. it shows the detail of the frieze which adorned the roof of the stadium prior to the renovation in 1974.

[rmedelson]

Does Anyone In These Forums Happen To Have Any Pics Of The Interior Of Yankee Stadium Prior To The Renovation? I'm Very Curious To See What The Inside Looked Like. Also, Does Anyone Know Where I Could Obtain A Color Video Of A Yankee Home Filmed In The Early 70's So I Could See The Old Park In Action? Thanks.

[elmer]

Hi David, can you post any more yankee stadium pics from that White Construction Co. Inc booklet? That picture looks great

http://www.yankeephotos.com/ViewPhotos.php?pageNum_rsViewProduct=1&totalRows_rsViewProduct=30

[Lafferty Daniel]

Scores of original blueprints were released by Osborne Engineering--most of them pretty uninteresting.

Here's one I have--an upper deck truss:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/1922trussprint.jpg

The truss itself can be clearly seen in the center of this photo of the Stadium taken just before its 1923 opening:

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j245/datkatz/white_truss_1copy.jpg

Those photos are very interesting. Yankee Stadium was amazing in this era.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Those photos are very interesting. Yankee Stadium was amazing in this era.


Yes, it's really some park, lots of history. The Yanks, Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson fights, the Pope's visit there, hugh Billy Graham events. Some park but early on there were some critics.

From April 1923.

[iconcepts]

Here is a shot of the opening day of Yankee Stadium in April, 1923, with Babe Ruth leading the Yankees onto the field.http://www.i-concepts.org/images/prints/941f_1.jpg

[jimmyjimjimz]

Here is a shot of the opening day of Yankee Stadium in April, 1923, with Babe Ruth leading the Yankees onto the field.http://www.i-concepts.org/images/prints/941f_1.jpg

they used to march out onto the field like soldiers back in the day?

[RichardLillard1]

they used to march out onto the field like soldiers back in the day?

This was likely after the flag had been raised. There was a large ceremony at the flag pole for its first raising of the flag.

I'm sure there are some photos of it if you go through the pages on this thread.


Richard

[locke40]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/iteam/docs/images/7oj07n70.jpg

[jimmyjimjimz]

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/iteam/docs/images/7oj07n70.jpg

Once again, was the foul pole red back then? If not, what was that huge red pole in the backround?

[RichardLillard1]

Yes, they were red. This was to make them easier to see on tv.


Richard

[Astros]

The interesting thing is that this photo with Bowie Kuhn looks to be from the late 60s during which Rice University in Houston owned Yankee Stadium. There has been some rumors that the famous facade and the seats were repainted to match the colors of the Rice Owls. Of course the Owls and Yankees share similar colors but it is interesting to point out that the blue and white never appeared until Rice was in the fold.

http://www.ricefootball.net/yankeestadium.htm

[Kentucky Bomber]

The interesting thing is that this photo with Bowie Kuhn looks to be from the late 60s during which Rice University in Houston owned Yankee Stadium. There has been some rumors that the famous facade and the seats were repainted to match the colors of the Rice Owls. Of course the Owls and Yankees share similar colors but it is interesting to point out that the blue and white never appeared until Rice was in the fold.

http://www.ricefootball.net/yankeestadium.htm

I don't remember red foul poles. They look a bit out of place.

As far as the Rice colors, the Stadium was painted in 1967 at the club's expense. Rice had nothing to do with it. The Stadium's color was green, probably as a response to the color of the facade which dominated the field. Originally copper, it weathered to a green color and the seats were painted to match. When the facade was painted over there was no reason to continue the green motif. They must have gotten a good deal on Dutch Boy Royal Blue, because when I got my seat during the 1973 renovation and repainted it that's the brand and color I bought and it matched exactly.

[Gary Dunaier]

Many of you may remember the Kenner "Starting Lineup" baseball figurines that came out 20 years ago. One side product they had was "Stadium Stars" - a large figure atop a replica of the stadium in which they played.

http://www.theswearingens.com/mick/images/Image171.jpg

Yankee Stadium was represented with two players - Mickey Mantle (as shown above) and Babe Ruth.

The Mantle figure had the Stadium with blue seats. The Ruth figure had the stadium with green seats.

Don't know if this is of any value in the immediate discussion but it's there for you to ponder nonetheless.

[Astros]

Many of you may remember the Kenner "Starting Lineup" baseball figurines that came out 20 years ago. One side product they had was "Stadium Stars" - a large figure atop a replica of the stadium in which they played.

http://www.theswearingens.com/mick/images/Image171.jpg

Yankee Stadium was represented with two players - Mickey Mantle (as shown above) and Babe Ruth.

The Mantle figure had the Stadium with blue seats. The Ruth figure had the stadium with green seats.

Don't know if this is of any value in the immediate discussion but it's there for you to ponder nonetheless.

I have both of those...they are pretty cool and I thought the difference in seat colors was a nice touch.

[The Monument]

Speaking of Stadium seat colors, I have a straight-backed slat that I took home with me on Sept 30,1973. Of course it is the familiar blue, but underneath are paint drippings of three other colors. There is the light green of the pre-1967 Stadium. Then there is a much darker shade of green, and a light shade of gray! The oldest color photos I've seen are from '48 and the seats appear to be light green. Don't know when those other two colors were applied.
I remember the red foul poles but I'm not sure when they were painted that color. In older photos they appear to be white. Also, they were much shorter. In the 40's they look to be a little more than fifty feet, and in those old pix from the 20's they look about twenty to thirty feet high.

[YanksRule]

There are some great color photos of Yankee Stadium from the 50's and 60's here..

http://www.ultimateyankees.com/yankeestadiuminfo.html

The foul pole looks either light blue or white there.

Btw, the Yanks beat Boston that day 7-2 =)

[Kentucky Bomber]

Many of you may remember the Kenner "Starting Lineup" baseball figurines that came out 20 years ago. One side product they had was "Stadium Stars" - a large figure atop a replica of the stadium in which they played.

http://www.theswearingens.com/mick/images/Image171.jpg

Yankee Stadium was represented with two players - Mickey Mantle (as shown above) and Babe Ruth.

The Mantle figure had the Stadium with blue seats. The Ruth figure had the stadium with green seats.

Don't know if this is of any value in the immediate discussion but it's there for you to ponder nonetheless.

Always wondered with the Mantle Stadium Star what the hell he was looking at. A foul over the 1st base dugout? A pretty girl in the same direction?

[Astros]

Always wondered with the Mantle Stadium Star what the hell he was looking at. A foul over the 1st base dugout? A pretty girl in the same direction?

The head does turn...I never understood why it was packaged this way. I displayed it and turned the head so it looked as if he was watching a home run.

[Kentucky Bomber]

Here are 3 photos I took as a teen:
The 1st Mickey Mantle Day in 1965, Joe D rounding the bases after an Old Timer's Day homer (also 1965) and Casey Stengel coming on the field at his last Old Timer's Day, when his number was retired.

[TJH1923]

Here are 3 photos I took as a teen:
The 1st Mickey Mantle Day in 1965, Joe D rounding the bases after an Old Timer's Day homer (also 1965) and Casey Stengel coming on the field at his last Old Timer's Day, when his number was retired.

Nice additions..........I would love to see more color photos from the late 60's and early 70's before the renovation.

[Kentucky Bomber]

OK then, 2 more...

[TJH1923]

Kentucky, I touched it up in Adobe Photoshop

[jimmyjimjimz]

OK then, 2 more...

the 1st picture in that set................
...................are those people walking on the field?

[Kentucky Bomber]

No, they're in the first row of the RF boxes. I think by the time these were taken you couldn't exit via the field anymore, something I did as a kid. It allowed you to go to CF and see the Monuments.

[Urbanshocker13]

Looking at all the old shots of Yankee Stadium, I have noticed not just how much it has changed but how much it hasn't. It is too bad that they took out all the thing that made the place great like the freeze on the roof. But you can still see alot of the old Stadium in the post 70's stadium. Which makes them tearing down the place a little harder to deal with even though I have eccepted and i am looking forward to the New stadium.

I noticed something while working on some artwork for my dad for xmas. Look at the photo of the mick then look at the one of Matsui. You can see how the field has been lowered by where the dugouts are. but the seats they look very simular. http://www.baseball-fever.com/images/attach/jpeg.gifhttp://www.baseball-fever.com/images/attach/jpg.gif

[nymdan]

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/3365/outsideae0.jpg


Here's a picture I took about a month ago from almost the exact same spot:
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee98/citi_field/Yankee%20Stadiums/5a129974.jpg

[Kentucky Bomber]

Assuming those are the same trees it looks like they've thrived in almost 40 years of Bronx smog.

[locke40]

So, who can we blame for the murdering of this beautiful old ballpark? CBS? Steinbrenner? :noidea

Edit: I am speaking about back in 1973. I know the whole story of today's debacle.

[jimmyjimjimz]

No, they're in the first row of the RF boxes. I think by the time these were taken you couldn't exit via the field anymore, something I did as a kid. It allowed you to go to CF and see the Monuments.

they let people leave the stadium by walking on the field back then?

and, is that really the right field boxes? cause I know the fences were low back then, my dad told me, but I never knew the seats were THAT close to the field, and it looked like you were walking on the field in a picture.

[locke40]

Kentucky, I touched it up in Adobe Photoshop

I love the way those banners look on the frieze. I hope they do something similar to that in the new stadium. Also, I hope they have the many flags flying on each arch of the frieze in the new stadium as well. :pray:

[David Atkatz]

I love the way those banners look on the frieze. I hope they do something similar to that in the new stadium. Also, I hope they have the many flags flying on each arch of the frieze in the new stadium as well. :pray:

Those aren't banners. Those are American League pennants, and Worlds Championship flags. They used to be put up on the frieze for Oldtimer's day.

[MedicCook]

they let people leave the stadium by walking on the field back then?

and, is that really the right field boxes? cause I know the fences were low back then, my dad told me, but I never knew the seats were THAT close to the field, and it looked like you were walking on the field in a picture.

The stands were that low. Look back up to the split photo of Mantle and Matsui. Just look at Fenway down in right field. The fans are right there on the field.

[locke40]

Those aren't banners. Those are American League pennants, and Worlds Championship flags. They used to be put up on the frieze for Oldtimer's day.

That's not the only time they put those pennants and championships flags up, take a look at this picture of the 1949 World Series.

http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio2-550water.jpg

[jimmyjimjimz]

The stands were that low. Look back up to the split photo of Mantle and Matsui. Just look at Fenway down in right field. The fans are right there on the field.

yeah, I just realized.

[mdnash]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/images/attach/jpeg.gifhttp://www.baseball-fever.com/images/attach/jpg.gif

i know this is off topic, but i just gotta say that mickys swing looks so incredibly powerful. just from looking at his follow through you can see he generated more power than matsui.

wish i coulda seen him play

[Kentucky Bomber]

they let people leave the stadium by walking on the field back then?

and, is that really the right field boxes? cause I know the fences were low back then, my dad told me, but I never knew the seats were THAT close to the field, and it looked like you were walking on the field in a picture.

After the game was over they would open the gates to the field and you could walk around the warning track to exit the Stadium. As before, you could stop to see the monuments up close. Then you would exit through the Yankees bullpen, wading your way through wads of Steve Hamilton's tobacco chaws. I assume that today guys would be picking them up and selling them on eBay.

And yes, the fences were that low, about 3-4 feet high, resulting in many leaping catches literally made in people's laps. As a teen I treated myself to a RF box seat once and was sitting 1st row against the Tigers. Jake Gibbs hit one of his rare homers about 3 rows back and I turned to watch the ball. I heard a thud behind me and looked back to see Al Kaline laying at my feet.

[jimmyjimjimz]

After the game was over they would open the gates to the field and you could walk around the warning track to exit the Stadium. As before, you could stop to see the monuments up close. Then you would exit through the Yankees bullpen, wading your way through wads of Steve Hamilton's tobacco chaws. I assume that today guys would be picking them up and selling them on eBay.

And yes, the fences were that low, about 3-4 feet high, resulting in many leaping catches literally made in people's laps. As a teen I treated myself to a RF box seat once and was sitting 1st row against the Tigers. Jake Gibbs hit one of his rare homers about 3 rows back and I turned to watch the ball. I heard a thud behind me and looked back to see Al Kaline laying at my feet.

so since the walls were that low, was it easier to hit a home run in the original stadium than the current stadium? I know they moved the walls in a couple times, but if they never moved them in, would it be easier to hit a home run in the old stadium?

[Kentucky Bomber]

so since the walls were that low, was it easier to hit a home run in the original stadium than the current stadium? I know they moved the walls in a couple times, but if they never moved them in, would it be easier to hit a home run in the old stadium?

Right field line: 296 feet with a 4 foot high wall curving out to the Yankee bullpen about 344 ft with a 4 ft wall. You tell me.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Right field line: 296 feet with a 4 foot high wall curving out to the Yankee bullpen about 344 ft with a 4 ft wall. You tell me.

Yeah, I think it would.

[The Monument]

That's not the only time they put those pennants and championships flags up, take a look at this picture of the 1949 World Series.

http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio2-550water.jpg

If that's World Series game, then where is the home plate ump? That's a 1950's old-timers game.

[locke40]

If that's World Series game, then where is the home plate ump? That's a 1950's old-timers game.

I asked myself "where the hell is the ump," but always thought he may be hiding behind the leg of that photographer, but that would be way too far back. I got that photo from this website, I guess they are mistaken: http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio.html

[locke40]

You know what fellas? Looking at the picture I posted of the DiMaggio homerun, and the picture posted at the top of this page, I think that is the same at-bat. If you look at the leftfield upperdeck, the crowd looks exactly the same. What do you guys think?

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=32746&stc=1&d=1197508768

http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio2-550water.jpg

[Kentucky Bomber]

You know what fellas? Looking at the picture I posted of the DiMaggio homerun, and the picture posted at the top of this page, I think that is the same at-bat. If you look at the leftfield upperdeck, the crowd looks exactly the same. What do you guys think?

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=32746&stc=1&d=1197508768

http://www.thesportgallery.com/products/dimaggio2-550water.jpg

Unfortunately no. Look at the pennant under the light tower...on my photo it's dark colored, in the other photo it's light colored. They're from different OTD's. Too bad, it would have been neat if they were the same.

[stlfan]

When did they make the foul poles taller at Yankee Stadium? In the bottom picture the left field foul pole looks shorter than in the top.Because if anything, from the angle in the bottom photo it would have made them look taller against the stands. So in my opinion they are not the same game, or even the same year for that matter.

[Urbanshocker13]

Dose anyone know why they display the banners from all the past WS around the stadium anymore on Old-timers day or WS? I know they did it in the 80's they put them around the outfield fences. If it because they are so old and don't want to destroy them why not make replicas? Maybe they will do it in the new Stadium. They should do t at the next AllStar game to show all the history that has happened there.

[Kentucky Bomber]

When did they make the foul poles taller at Yankee Stadium? In the bottom picture the left field foul pole looks shorter than in the top.Because if anything, from the angle in the bottom photo it would have made them look taller against the stands. So in my opinion they are not the same game, or even the same year for that matter.

Excellent observation. I've gone through my books and as late as 1956 the foul pole was the lower height and was definitely higher in 1963.

I had always heard that Ralph Houk lost the only homer he would ever hit because the foul pole didn't go all the way up and he hit a drive over the top of it, and the Yankees raised it as a result. I'm wondering if the foul pole was raised at his insistance when he became manager in 1961.

A recent foul pole change at YS was that the screen on the fair side did not go all the way down to where it contacted the stands so as no to block the view of the patrons sitting there. The Yanks lost a game when a ball snuck into the seats just under the foul pole and was called foul. The next home game there were new screens that went all the way down.

[David Atkatz]

They should do t [display the pennants] at the next AllStar game to show all the history that has happened there.

Yeah.

Right before they tear the place down.

[Gary Dunaier]

A recent foul pole change at YS was that the screen on the fair side did not go all the way down to where it contacted the stands so as no to block the view of the patrons sitting there. The Yanks lost a game when a ball snuck into the seats just under the foul pole and was called foul. The next home game there were new screens that went all the way down.
Can't be any worse than the foul poles at Shea Stadium...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/SheaStadium-2006-04-07-083.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/SheaStadium-2006-04-07-085.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/SheaStadium-2006-04-07-095.jpg

[TJH1923]

An example of the short foul pole in 55' or 56'

[a-rod13]

hope these havent been shown yet

the first one is from 1934, not sure on the second one

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1155/1111546264_836276ae68_o.jpg

http://personal.georgiasouthern.edu/~rpacelle/Old%20Stadium.JPG

[a-rod13]

from 1957

http://stadiumpage.com/stadiumgraveyard/y4.jpg


1932 world series

http://stadiumpage.com/stadiumgraveyard/y11.jpg

[Yankeefan90]

An example of the short foul pole in 55' or 56'

This is a nice pic of Whitey Ford throwing a pitch. You know what I noticed in this picture, the pitching mound seems alot lower than it is today. Almost like it's flat, or is it just the quality of the pic?

[a-rod13]

http://www.tutelman.com/family/herbmarj/YankeeStadium1951_Bob.jpg

[a-rod13]

This is a nice pic of Whitey Ford throwing a pitch. You know what I noticed in this picture, the pitching mound seems alot lower than it is today. Almost like it's flat, or is it just the quality of the pic?

he is throwing on the side of the field, he isnt on the mound, judging by the angle

[Kentucky Bomber]

This is a nice pic of Whitey Ford throwing a pitch. You know what I noticed in this picture, the pitching mound seems alot lower than it is today. Almost like it's flat, or is it just the quality of the pic?

Whitey isn't pitching, he's warming up before the game. Before the late 60's pitchers in Yankees Stadium and many other parks warmed up not in the bullpen but from rubbers located on either side of home plate. There were 2 home plates located by the backstop as well.

And the 1932 WS shot illustrates 2 things: 1) the "deadly angle" created where the left field stands ended and the bleachers began several feet behind it. Balls rolling behind the LF stands to the bleacher wall were often blocked from being thrown in directly so the fielder had to either hit an oddly positioned cutoff man or had to run out from behind it. 2) Yankee Stadium was the site of a fad of the time, the 6 day bike race. That's why there is a track running through the middle of the outfield. That's where the bikes raced.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Question:

When the monuments were in play, did anyone fall over them ever?

[Kentucky Bomber]

Legendarily, DiMaggio ran behind them (I assume the Huggins and Gehrig monuments, and/or the flagpole) to catch a fly hit by Greenberg. It must have hung up forever, but I can see it happening. In 1964 Mantle hit one over the batter's eye in center and there is a photo of Gene Stephens of the White Sox at the 461 sign waiting for it to come down.

I remember Bobby Murcer climbing thru the monuments chasing a ball that got over his head in the 70's.

But tripping over something that's about 9 feet high is a little tough.

[Gary Dunaier]

When the monuments were in play, did anyone fall over them ever?

. . . tripping over something that's about 9 feet high is a little tough.

I suppose a more appropriate question would be: when the monuments were in play, did anyone ever run into them?

But I suppose if they did, it would be a well-known part of the Yankee Stadium legend, so I'm guessing the answer would be "no."

[jimmyjimjimz]

Legendarily, DiMaggio ran behind them (I assume the Huggins and Gehrig monuments, and/or the flagpole) to catch a fly hit by Greenberg. It must have hung up forever, but I can see it happening. In 1964 Mantle hit one over the batter's eye in center and there is a photo of Gene Stephens of the White Sox at the 461 sign waiting for it to come down.

I remember Bobby Murcer climbing thru the monuments chasing a ball that got over his head in the 70's.

But tripping over something that's about 9 feet high is a little tough.

The monuments aren't 9 feet high. I'm taller than the monuments, and I'm definately not over 9 feet tall. Unless, when they renovated the stadium, they put different monuments in.

[Elvis]

The monuments aren't 9 feet high. I'm taller than the monuments, and I'm definately not over 9 feet tall. Unless, when they renovated the stadium, they put different monuments in.

http://www.ultimateyankees.com/Yankee_Stadium_5.jpg

PS: What are those monuments behind the monuments?? I never noticed those before.

[Sean O]

Can't be any worse than the foul poles at Shea Stadium...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/SheaStadium-2006-04-07-095.jpg

You think that's bad?

http://www.fussballtempel.net/afc/CHN/Workers5.jpg

oh China, great job.

[Petemc1969]

http://www.ultimateyankees.com/Yankee_Stadium_5.jpg

PS: What are those monuments behind the monuments??


They're monuments.....

[Yankees12]

They are monuments.....



Seriously, I think those are monuments for the Popes that said Mass at the Stadium.

The two plaques on the wall on that picture are for Jacob Ruppert and Ed Barrow. I'm not sure when that picture was taken, but the first Papal mass was in 1965, and the second was after the renovation in 1979 (third, of course, will be next April). The Papal plaques are the same size as the normal plaques (the Ruppert and Barrow ones are larger), only with a pointed top made to resemble a church window.

[jimmyjimjimz]

ok so if the monuments were huge back then, why do they seem so small now? did they bury them deeper? or are they brand new monuments?

[David Atkatz]

ok so if the monuments were huge back then, why do they seem so small now? did they bury them deeper? or are they brand new monuments?

...try comparing photos of the monuments then, and the monuments now.
Then try answering these questions yourself:

Were the monuments "gigantic" then?
Are they smaller now?
Are they buried deeper now?
Are they different monuments?

Try figuring out a few things for yourself.

It'll do ya a world of good.

[Elvis]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/252/460685074_f1c1384599.jpg

They're exactly the same monuments--they just buried the concrete bases into the ground instead of on top of it as they were pre-'73.

[Gary Dunaier]

You think that's bad?

http://www.fussballtempel.net/afc/CHN/Workers5.jpg

oh China, great job.

OUCH!!!!! :eek:

What stadium is that?????

[The Monument]

OUCH!!!!! :eek:

What stadium is that?????

Those are the just-installed seats at citifield. Have fun, metsies!

[nymdan]

Here's where the picture Sean O posted is from:

http://www.fussballtempel.net/afc/CHN/Workers.html

[MLB crazy]

im interested in the center field monuments

can you guys put any good pics of them?

[jimmyjimjimz]

You think that's bad?

http://www.fussballtempel.net/afc/CHN/Workers5.jpg

oh China, great job.

Do they even sell those seats? Cause if I got one of them, I'd be pissed

[Gary Dunaier]

It is a valid question, actually, "do they even sell those seats?"... I mean, somebody in charge has got to be aware that the view is blocked and there's no legroom! I'd be upset if I found out that was my seat, and I suspect you wouldn't be too happy about getting it either.

Imaginary scenario during construction:
WORKER: Hey boss, did you know this seat's gonna be right behind a post? And there's no legroom either!

SUPERVISOR: You're right! Let me see those plans! [Looks them over] Here, take a look at the blueprints, this is what the team's owner signed off on, so someone must know what they're doing... our job is just to give the client what they want!

WORKER: Okay boss, I'll start installing the seat now...

[nymdan]

It is a valid question, actually, "do they even sell those seats?"... I mean, somebody in charge has got to be aware that the view is blocked and there's no legroom! I'd be upset if I found out that was my seat, and I suspect you wouldn't be too happy about getting it either.

Imaginary scenario during construction:

They reserve that seat for blind amputees

[Gary Dunaier]

My point exactly, Gary. You seem to realize that just about anyone would "be pissed" to get that seat.
Now that I think about it, I suppose a seat like that could sell for top dollar among a team's more masochistic fan base... :eek:

But then again - depending on the team's performance during the season, merely showing up for a game might put you into that category!!!!! :highfive:

[RichardLillard1]

Its been a while, I'm still in the wake of a computer crash that cost me (literally) all of my Yankee Stadium pictures and any research I had saved to the hard drive.

In looking on ebay earlier today I stumbled upon something. An auction for an original photograph from the '32 World Series with Ruth at the plate. I would love to place a bid for it but financial constraints prevent from doing so (blasted college!). I would purchase it for two reasons; 1). Its a rare pic of Ruth and Yankee Stadium taken by a fan and not a press shot and 2). the picture sheds a little light (no pun intended I swear) on the frieze/facade debate. Was it copper over a frame of some kind, either in the form of sheets placed over a frame or some other form? We may never have a direct answer, but I believe this picture shows us that it was a bare metal of some kind (likely copper due to the green it took on as the years progressed) at its original construction. The link for the auction can be found below, but here is the picture itself:


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/beb9_3.jpg

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370008620083&indexURL=0&photoDisplayType=2#ebayphotohosting


We all know Yankee Stadium was built in manner in which it "got late early" due largely to the structure's immense height and the direction it was built. One thing that we have never really seen before, which this photo shows, is that when the sun was setting it also meant light would reflect directly off the frieze. With that in mind, look at the photo again, notably the large blot that has to be coming from sun reflecting off the frieze. I don't think that the photograph would have come out this way unless it was anything other than sun striking bare metal. I don't think a painted surface would have had this effect and even if it did it wouldn't have been to the same degree of blotting out much of the photo.

We have discussed how much copper would have weathered over the years and if memory serves me correctly the metal would have still been able to create this shimmering effect nine years after its installation. I can't make a certain conclusion from just one photo, but the picture does give us an idea when you pair that along with the frieze being a completely different colour than the facings of the upper deck.

So no conclusive answers, but still something to think about.


Richard

[lollar]

A couple things: I have a couple uncles that went to Yankee Stadium in the early '30's through the end of WWII. Too bad I never asked them about the color of the frieze or the way the sun shined or whatever else.

That is not the '32 WS. NEVER believe dates of photos, especially if it's on EBAY and you can't see it yourself. They are trying to sell it. Hard to tell if it's even Ruth at bat.

The uniforms of the players in the field are dark. It is some regular season game against the White Sox in either 1930 or '31. Also the upper deck is expanded past the foul pole, which counts out 1925 and 1926, the other two seasons the ChiSox wore blue on the road.

[RichardLillard1]

I hadn't checked the photo to make sure the date was right. I just made those observations about the stadium itself and told about what the listing said incase the link didn't work.

Believe me, I rarely, if ever, trust ebay auctions for the complete and total truth.


Richard

[Yankeefan90]

A couple things: I have a couple uncles that went to Yankee Stadium in the early '30's through the end of WWII. Too bad I never asked them about the color of the frieze or the way the sun shined or whatever else.

That is not the '32 WS. NEVER believe dates of photos, especially if it's on EBAY and you can't see it yourself. They are trying to sell it. Hard to tell if it's even Ruth at bat.

The uniforms of the players in the field are dark. It is some regular season game against the White Sox in either 1930 or '31. Also the upper deck is expanded past the foul pole, which counts out 1925 and 1926, the other two seasons the ChiSox wore blue on the road.

The Stadium also doesn't have the buntings around, so that also rules out it being the WS. I have the Yankees 100yr Anniversery DVD, and under the Stadium's "biography" they have Tony Moreno talk about when they took down the frieze/facade during the renovation and the salvage workers were upset that the facade was not copper but just twisted metal.

[Kentucky Bomber]

The Stadium also doesn't have the buntings around, so that also rules out it being the WS. I have the Yankees 100yr Anniversery DVD, and under the Stadium's "biography" they have Tony Moreno talk about when they took down the frieze/facade during the renovation and the salvage workers were upset that the facade was not copper but just twisted metal.

I spoke with Tony Moreno when I took the YS tour a couple of years ago after having seen the quote you mention. He was visibly embarassed and said that he was misinformed about the façade, that it was not "pot metal" as he said in the video, but was in fact copper, as had always been stated. I have seen (in this thread?) a photo of a scrap of the façade that someone owns. Below the white paint added in the 60's and the green weathering patina is unmistakably copper.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Hey Bomber, after reading your post about a picture of a piece of scrap from the facade, I've searched this thread high and low...but its not in here, do you know what other thread you might have seen it? I always wondered what they did with the old facade, if they scrapped it or saved some of it? Anyone else know...
Happy new year

[Gary Dunaier]

I have seen (in this thread?) a photo of a scrap of the façade that someone owns.
Are you saying that a piece of the original 1923-1973 frieze still exists?

[David Atkatz]

Hey Bomber, after reading your post about a picture of a piece of scrap from the facade, I've searched this thread high and low...but its not in here, do you know what other thread you might have seen it? I always wondered what they did with the old facade, if they scrapped it or saved some of it? Anyone else know...
Happy new year

There is a fragment of the frieze pictured in Wong's book "Smithsonian Baseball."

[Kentucky Bomber]

Hey Bomber, after reading your post about a picture of a piece of scrap from the facade, I've searched this thread high and low...but its not in here, do you know what other thread you might have seen it? I always wondered what they did with the old facade, if they scrapped it or saved some of it? Anyone else know...
Happy new year


I found it...not in this thread but in the book Smithsonian Baseball by Stephen Wong, page 162. The book is too big for me to scan but I found a scan of it by typing "smithsonian baseball copper" into Google. This brings up the entire book as a scan, so go to page 162 to see the scrap. The web page doesn't show up as well as the book, where you can see the old copper around the edges of the scrap. The scrap is in the private collection of mega collector Bruce Hellerstein, who has pieces (chairs, bricks, blueprints, you name it) of just about every park that was. Obviously a man with lots of disposable income.

[TJH1923]

This photo is from 1923 prior to opening day. Even though the photo is black and white it is obvious that the frieze was never "bare" metal but covered or coated.
I am curious to know if anyone knows what the composition of the frieze in the new stadium will be?

[David Atkatz]

Period.

As were the large letters spelling "YANKEE STADIUM" over Gates 2, 4, and 6.
(One of which--letters, not gates--I now own.)

[The Monument]

Check out baseballparks.com, click on Ballpark Essays and then click on B's ballpark museum for info and a small photo of the original frieze.

[alpineinc]

Ah, the Jimmy and David show, coming to a thread near you. I still prefer Bud and Lou, however. Almost makes one yearn for the old Polo Grounds 1957 battles...:debate:

[Gary Dunaier]

I still prefer Bud and Lou, however.
Is that a drink, like rum and Coke?

[Yankeefan90]

Is that a drink, like rum and Coke?

Are you being serious?? If you are it means Bud Abbot and Lou Costello:dance, I think:shrug:.

[Yankeefan90]

I spoke with Tony Moreno when I took the YS tour a couple of years ago after having seen the quote you mention. He was visibly embarassed and said that he was misinformed about the façade, that it was not "pot metal" as he said in the video, but was in fact copper, as had always been stated. I have seen (in this thread?) a photo of a scrap of the façade that someone owns. Below the white paint added in the 60's and the green weathering patina is unmistakably copper.

I have the Smithsonian Baseball book, great book. Anyway from what I see it looks like pieces could have been copper but not all of it. Some areas there look like there its metal, and I'm not sure if that's weathering or green paint you see. But I do see that alot of it is copper, most of the detailed stuff though looks like it's regular metal.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Ah, the Jimmy and David show, coming to a thread near you. I still prefer Bud and Lou, however. Almost makes one yearn for the old Polo Grounds 1957 battles...:debate:

who's Bud and Lou?

[David Atkatz]

who's Bud and Lou?

I rest my case.

[David Atkatz]

I have the Smithsonian Baseball book, great book. Anyway from what I see it looks like pieces could have been copper but not all of it. Some areas there look like there its metal, and I'm not sure if that's weathering or green paint you see. But I do see that alot of it is copper, most of the detailed stuff though looks like it's regular metal.

What is "regular metal"?

It's copper. Beaten copper, to be exact--just like the Statue of Liberty.

[Gary Dunaier]

I still prefer Bud and Lou, however.

Is that a drink, like rum and Coke?

Are you being serious?? If you are it means Bud Abbot and Lou Costello:dance, I think:shrug:.

It was a joke, son... alpineinc said he preferred Bud 'n Lou, so I made as if he was talking not about Bud Abbott but Budweiser, an alcoholic beverage which I understand is quite popular round these parts.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Just found this pic on ebay...also, just saw a new picture of the frieze going up in the new stadium...not a fan of it...see below. If anything, they should have made it look exactly like the original, if they are honoring the Yankees past and traditions with this new stadium, than do the right thing and make the frieze exactly the way it looked. They are putting almost a $Billion into this, there's no reason they can't make it look as close to the old park as possible. Am I wrong in my thinking on this?

[Elvis]

Just found this pic on ebay...also, just saw a new picture of the frieze going up in the new stadium...not a fan of it...see below. If anything, they should have made it look exactly like the original, if they are honoring the Yankees past and traditions with this new stadium, than do the right thing and make the frieze exactly the way it looked. They are putting almost a $Billion into this, there's no reason they can't make it look as close to the old park as possible. Am I wrong in my thinking on this?

What do you expect--they're made in Canada.




































*hides* :hide:

[David Atkatz]

Just found this pic on ebay...also, just saw a new picture of the frieze going up in the new stadium...not a fan of it...see below. If anything, they should have made it look exactly like the original, if they are honoring the Yankees past and traditions with this new stadium, than do the right thing and make the frieze exactly the way it looked. They are putting almost a $Billion into this, there's no reason they can't make it look as close to the old park as possible. Am I wrong in my thinking on this?

A soulless and shallow rendering of the beautiful wrought copper original.

It is, though, to the original frieze, as the new Stadium is to the old.

[Gary Dunaier]

Here's an aerial view of the Stadium and environs from 1968 (Mickey Mantle's final year as a player)...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YankeeStadium1968.jpg

The reason it's two-toned (and appears to be two photos joined together) is because this is actually a folder that opens up in the middle to reveal a team photo of the 1968 Yankees. On the back is a reproduction of a handwritten message from Michael Burke thanking the fans for their support.

As can be inferred from the text on the photo, this folder was given away 9/21/68 for Fan Appreciation Day.

[brooklyndodger14]

Here's an aerial view of the Stadium and environs from 1968 (Mickey Mantle's final year as a player)...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YankeeStadium1968.jpg

The reason it's two-toned (and appears to be two photos joined together) is because this is actually a folder that opens up in the middle to reveal a team photo of the 1968 Yankees. On the back is a reproduction of a handwritten message from Michael Burke thanking the fans for their support.

As can be inferred from the text on the photo, this folder was given away 9/21/68 for Fan Appreciation Day.


Actually, the picture itself is from 1967, as indicated by the main scoreboard missing the iconic Ballantine "Its a hit!" advertisement. In 1968, American Airlines took over the space with the tagline, "Fly the American Way". The final years ('70-'73) had the familiar red Marlboro ad "Come to where the flavor is.."

1967 was the first year of the "refurbished" Yankee Stadium. There are other pictures taken from this set that are around. See the 1974 Shannon & Kalinsky book "The Ballparks" for a head-on aerial shot of the ballpark from the Gate 4 viewpoint.

Judging by the crowd, it could either be 1967's opening day against the Red Sox (the Billy Rohr near no-hiter game) or an always packed-house Bat Day.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[nymdan]

Wow, it's amazing how much better the stadium looked in white. Why they're not making the exterior of the new park white I have no idea, especially since the outside is supposed to somewhat resemble the pre-renovation stadium.

[StadiumPage]

Wow, it's amazing how much better the stadium looked in white. Why they're not making the exterior of the new park white I have no idea, especially since the outside is supposed to somewhat resemble the pre-renovation stadium.

As far as I know, the stadium wasn't meant to be white like that. It was originally limestone like the new stadium. However in the later years of the pre-renovation stadium, management painted it because it was cheaper than cleaning the original materials.

Similar to how the exterior of Old Comiskey was White. That was just paint on top of brick. I'm sure the original brick looked much better.

[Kentucky Bomber]

Judging by the crowd, it could either be 1967's opening day against the Red Sox (the Billy Rohr near no-hiter game) or an always packed-house Bat Day.


It is most assuredly not Opening Day 1967, attendance 14,375 (including me, who cheered Ellie Howard's 9th inning hit). The only sellouts in those days were Bat Day and Old Timer's Day. Probably the former.

The white paint was meant to hide the enormous cracks in the building that were being constantly repaired.

[David Atkatz]

The white paint was meant to hide the enormous cracks in the building that were being constantly repaired.

Paint can't hide cracks in concrete.

(Did you grow up in an apartment in Brooklyn? Did paint hide the cracks in the plaster?)

[Yankeefan90]

Paint can't hide cracks in concrete.

(Did you grow up in an apartment in Brooklyn? Did paint hide the cracks in the plaster?)

David, I have to ask, are you a lawyer? I get this, because you have to attack and argue everyone's answers. And yes you're right paint really can't hide cracks when you're up close, but if you're pretty far like the distance of where they took that pic ans everal others during that time period, then yea you can't really see the cracks. Like this pic that I've attached, with it painted white the cracks I'm sure were barely noticable that that angle.

[David Atkatz]

David, I have to ask, are you a lawyer? I get this, because you have to attack and argue everyone's answers.

No, Yankeefan, I'm not a lawyer. And I only "attack and argue everyone's answers" when they are patently absurd.

That coat of whitewash was slapped on the Stadium in 1967--along with a coat of blue for the seats--to "beautify" an old building, desperately in need of repair that was not forthcoming. But it was not put on to "hide cracks." No one in the Bronx could think for a minute that a coat of paint could do that.

(It certainly couldn't in my Bronx apartment.)

[David Atkatz]

As far as I know, the stadium wasn't meant to be white like that. It was originally limestone like the new stadium.

The architects statements about the new Stadium notwithstanding, the original Yankee Stadium was not limestone.

It was poured concrete, built by the White Construction Co. "Let White Build it of Concrete" was their motto. (And it still is; the Stadium's facade is original to 1923, but for a spray coat of pebbly concrete.)

[The Monument]

Here's an aerial view of the Stadium and environs from 1968 (Mickey Mantle's final year as a player)...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YankeeStadium1968.jpg

The reason it's two-toned (and appears to be two photos joined together) is because this is actually a folder that opens up in the middle to reveal a team photo of the 1968 Yankees. On the back is a reproduction of a handwritten message from Michael Burke thanking the fans for their support.

As can be inferred from the text on the photo, this folder was given away 9/21/68 for Fan Appreciation Day.

That's the Stadium that I knew and loved. The current Stadium pales in comparison, and the new one will be...well,lets just wait and see.

[Mike Wagner]

Thomas Edison supplied super hard Portland cement for the building of Yankee Stadium. His plant was in NJ, and went out of business in the 1940s.

-Mike Wagner

[Kentucky Bomber]

David, I have to ask, are you a lawyer? I get this, because you have to attack and argue everyone's answers. And yes you're right paint really can't hide cracks when you're up close, but if you're pretty far like the distance of where they took that pic ans everal others during that time period, then yea you can't really see the cracks. Like this pic that I've attached, with it painted white the cracks I'm sure were barely noticable that that angle.

If you look at Yfan90's photo you will see innumerable cracks that, as I said, have been repaired leaving the outside of the building looking unsightly and decrepit. The coat of paint covered the cracks and repairs just as they did in the unsightly and decrepit apartment that David lived in in the Bronx before he ascended to Olympus, from which lofty pinnacle he now passes judgement upon us.

[David Atkatz]

...the unsightly and decrepit apartment that David lived in in the Bronx before he ascended to Olympus...

Yep.

And it's been one helluva trip!

[jimmyjimjimz]

Here's an aerial view of the Stadium and environs from 1968 (Mickey Mantle's final year as a player)...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m124/coinboynyc/YankeeStadium1968.jpg

The reason it's two-toned (and appears to be two photos joined together) is because this is actually a folder that opens up in the middle to reveal a team photo of the 1968 Yankees. On the back is a reproduction of a handwritten message from Michael Burke thanking the fans for their support.

As can be inferred from the text on the photo, this folder was given away 9/21/68 for Fan Appreciation Day.

the parking lot looks different outside that stadium.

did they not build the current lot yet?

[Gary Dunaier]

the parking lot looks different outside that stadium.

did they not build the current lot yet?
The multi-story car park wasn't built until the stadium was renovated.

[The Monument]

the parking lot looks different outside that stadium.

did they not build the current lot yet?

If you mean the garage on the first base side, that was built during the renovation, or what we oldsters might call "The Dark Times".

[jimmyjimjimz]

If you mean the garage on the first base side, that was built during the renovation, or what we oldsters might call "The Dark Times".

why is it called the dark times? are you trying to be racist or something?

[reh303]

why is it called the dark times? are you trying to be racist or something?

:faint: :faint:

[David Atkatz]

:faint: :faint:

You better get used to Jimz, if you're gonna hang out here.

[gemcaptom]

why is it called the dark times? are you trying to be racist or something?

JimmyJimJim?? are you serious??, or was this a failed attempt at humor??.. You post alot of nonsense , any reason??.. Humor is one thing but your trying a bit too hard latley!!.

[Yankeefan90]

why is it called the dark times? are you trying to be racist or something?

Jimz, it's the dark times because many old-timers (and myself) believe that when Yankee Stadium was renovated they destroyed it. Putting inside the shell of the old building an ugly, very bad rendition of the Stadium alot of people loved. I can tell you I agree with the old-timers, even though I was born 16 yrs after the "original" Yankee Stadium closed it's doors for the final time.

[jimmyjimjimz]

JimmyJimJim?? are you serious??, or was this a failed attempt at humor??.. You post alot of nonsense , any reason??.. Humor is one thing but your trying a bit too hard latley!!.

Obviously, you dont get my sense of humor either.

[The Monument]

why is it called the dark times? are you trying to be racist or something?

Le's see if you get my humor. Do you know why Blacks were not allowed to play prior to 1947? MLB was afraid they would steal bases.Curious that the first Black player was named Jackie ROBinson.
Now, before anybody gasps or calls Al Sharpton, I am trying to be racist in an attempt to drop down to the level of Jimjimz.Can't we all just get along?

[jimmyjimjimz]

Le's see if you get my humor. Do you know why Blacks were not allowed to play prior to 1947? MLB was afraid they would steal bases.Curious that the first Black player was named Jackie ROBinson.
Now, before anybody gasps or calls Al Sharpton, I am trying to be racist in an attempt to drop down to the level of Jimjimz.Can't we all just get along?

isnt stealing bases part of the game, though?

[Yankeefan90]

isnt stealing bases part of the game, though?

Um Jimz I really think you should stop with your humor, I mean if you weren't being serious, because it really makes you seem like a 5th grader. Although if we're being real corny and dumb with our jokes I might as well do a corny one. I guess we know one person who isn't "Smarter Than a 5th Grader". I'm sorry that was pretty bad.

Old Stadium, right, too many of these forums IMO have gotten a little off topic lately. Whether it's the maturity of someone's post, or if Mattingly should be in the Hall, non of these topics are what the thread was intended for. Just my:twocents:.

[reh303]

You better get used to Jimz, if you're gonna hang out here.

I'm a long-time lurker, I'm quite used to it. Heh.

[Yankees12]

This is making me want to dip my head into a vat of acid.

I sincerely hope this is some sort of weird humor on Jimz's part - if not... I don't even know what to say. :faint:

[nymdan]

I'll clean up this thread a little later.

The one thing I'd like to remind everyone about is the "User ignore" feature. If you click on somebody's user name in a post, it brings to you to their profile, where you are given the option to ignore all posts by them.

Insulting other users is a violation of BF's policy. If you violate this policy you will be issued a warning, and if the behavior continues after the warning you will be subject to a temporary or permament ban.

So, in order to avoid this, if you don't like what a given user has to say, the best thing to do is to set up the board to not display any of their posts.

[Yankeefan90]

Since we really don't have a "Yankee Stadium" thread, it's more like several threads I'll just write this here. I think every Yankee fans wants the number 27 WS, it's been that way since the last out was recorded in the 2000 WS, and the sense of urgency is only heightened because of this being the last year of the Stadium and how fitting it would be to close out with a WS. This of course isn't new thinking, but I was really pondering number 27 in the current Yankee Stadium. Here is what I came up with: the stadium would close how it opened in 1923, with a WS. In 1923 the Yankees had the best player in Babe Ruth on their team and he would eventually set precedent for the title HR king, in 2008 the Yankees have the best hitter of modern times who is projected to not only pass the 763HR needed to be HR king, but possibly set a new plateau with more than 800 HR thus setting precedent. Now this one is what actually gave me goosebumps, Babe Ruth hit his 60HR in '27 (1927 is also considered as one of the Yankees breakout years), and the Yankees last WS in the House that Ruth Built might be number 27. Now I'm not a wierd superstitious type but when it comes to baseball, nothing surprises me.

[David Atkatz]

... Now I'm not a wierd superstitious type but when it comes to baseball, nothing surprises me.

Well, how's this for a superstition?

The Yankees never won a World's Series until Yankee Stadium opened. (They lost their first two--even with the best player in the game--when they called the Polo Grounds home.)

Once they leave that Stadium, and it is torn down, they will never win another.

It's called "The Curse of the House that the Bambino Built."

[jimmyjimjimz]

Well, how's this for a superstition?

The Yankees never won a World's Series until Yankee Stadium opened. (They lost their first two--even with the best player in the game--when they called the Polo Grounds home.)

Once they leave that Stadium, and it is torn down, they will never win another.

It's called "The Curse of the House that the Bambino Built."

and you call yourself a Yankee fan?
what's up? Did you root for Boston in the world series just like the biggest fake Yankee fan ever, Rudy Guliani? No Yankee fan roots for the Red Sox in the world series

I think theyre gonna win #27 this year and close the stadium as champs
and theyre gonna open the new stadium by winning #28 the first year of the new stadium.

[Yankeefan90]

Well, how's this for a superstition?

The Yankees never won a World's Series until Yankee Stadium opened. (They lost their first two--even with the best player in the game--when they called the Polo Grounds home.)

Once they leave that Stadium, and it is torn down, they will never win another.

It's called "The Curse of the House that the Bambino Built."

Come one, that's as corny as "The curse of the Mets 2000". The Yankees never won a WS before Yankee Stadium because there just wasn't enough pieces to win it. And it's hard to win when you're home and 75% of the people in the ballpark are rooting for the away team.

[David Atkatz]

Come one, that's as corny as "The curse of the Mets 2000". The Yankees never won a WS before Yankee Stadium because there just wasn't enough pieces to win it. And it's hard to win when you're home and 75% of the people in the ballpark are rooting for the away team.

Sorry, Yankeefan. Check your history. In 1921 and '22--due to Ruth--the Yankees outdrew the Giants at the Polo Grounds. That's why they were kicked out and told to get their own stadium. At least half--if not more--of those Polo Grounds fans were rooting for the Yanks.

And of course your superstition makes perfect sense. :rolleyes:

[Yankeefan90]

Sorry, Yankeefan. Check your history. In 1921 and '22--due to Ruth--the Yankees outdrew the Giants at the Polo Grounds. That's why they were kicked out and told to get their own stadium. At least half--if not more--of those Polo Grounds fans were rooting for the Yanks.

And of course your superstition makes perfect sense. :rolleyes:

Yea I know the Yankees outdrew the Giants that year, but when the 2 teams were facing each other in the World Series I'm pretty sure the Giants fans were more than 50%. I mean I could also be wrong. I was just bringing up some things I thought were interesting, and I don't believe that once the Yankees go into the new Stadium they will never win the World Series, because if that's the case then you only believe the Yankees are the successful because of thier Stadium. That's not the case, the Yankees won 26 World Series not because they played in Yankee Stadium, but because they had a great team. I believe it's the team that makes the history of the Stadium, not vice versa.

[David Atkatz]

...I don't believe that once the Yankees go into the new Stadium they will never win the World Series...

Maybe it won't be never.

Maybe it will only be 86 years.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Maybe it won't be never.

Maybe it will only be 86 years.

Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.

[David Atkatz]

Maybe, maybe not. We'll see.

What an interesting and informative comment, Jimz.

As usual.

[Yankeefan90]

Maybe it won't be never.

Maybe it will only be 86 years.

And if it is 86 yrs it won't be because of the Stadium. It'll be because the Yankees will not have fielded good teams. And if it is 86 years between the last world series victory than we only have 78 more years to go :happy:.

[jimmyjimjimz]

What an interesting and informative comment, Jimz.

As usual.

I can't post my opinion?

[nymdan]

Picture from today's NY Times of Mel Allen calling a game at Yankee Stadium in 1956
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4886/13vecsey1650ph1.jpg

[Yankeefan90]

Picture from today's NY Times of Mel Allen calling a game at Yankee Stadium in 1956
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/4886/13vecsey1650ph1.jpg

That's a pretty cool pic. Something I noticed about the old stadium is that it looked like you had to go through the stands to get to the broadcast booth. It must have been real cool sitting behind the broadcast booth and listen to Mel Allen call the game live at the ballpark.

[The Monument]

I'm not positive, but I think there was a spiral stairway from the lower deck leading up to the broadcasters booth. Anybody remember this? In the early 70's I went to the mezzanine level behind the plate and walked right down the the booth. You could look right in and see the announcers. I was shocked to see Phil Rizzuto smoking.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I think in the current stadium they have to walk through the Lodge level to get to the broadcasting area, and I think the press people gotta do that too, but I think they go in a private entrance before the gates open to get there.

[reh303]

I think in the current stadium they have to walk through the Lodge level to get to the broadcasting area, and I think the press people gotta do that too, but I think they go in a private entrance before the gates open to get there.

Correct on all counts.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Here's a nice one that I found....

[locke40]

What a magnificent place. I think if that stadium was still around, I would not mind, in the least bit, the support beams. Everything that I read includes distaste for those obstructing support beams. Going to a baseball game is all about atmosphere; it's not like going to the movies where if you miss something, the whole thing is ruined. If I miss Jeter fielding a groundball or A-Rod swinging the bat, I still know exactly what is going on by how the crowd reacts; Plus, it wasn't like the entire field was blocked, and even if that was the case, I'd still sit in those seats.

Nevertheless, looking at those pictures and seeing how the stadium was constructed, I can only imagine how deteriorated the steel work and everything else must have been after 50 years when they renovated, not to mention if it was still around after 85 years.

[Mattingly85MVP]

I agree with you 100% locke40...if the fans in Boston and Chicago can stand the obstructed views, I think we would have been able to also. Every time I go to fenway, the way the place looks really brings you back to the past and the golden age of baseball. I only wish they kept Yankee Stadium the way it was, because when I go there today, nothing against how it looks now because I love the place no matter what as I practically live there during the season, I don't get that same feel when I go to Fenway. Its not the majestic cathedral that Mantle, DiMaggio, Ruth and Gehrig played at, and I only wish I got to see one game there. I was hoping that the new stadium would reflect more of that classic look of the old Yankee Stadium, but HOK ruined that for me.

[Astros]

I don't think this one has been posted before.

Cool pic...

[jimmyjimjimz]

I don't think this one has been posted before.

Cool pic...

why is there a cage on first base and up the foul line and by 2nd base?

[locke40]

why is there a cage on first base and up the foul line and by 2nd base?

To protect the first baseman and second baseman from balls hit during batting practice. While players are hitting, the infielders are also doing infield practice drills; i.e. fielding ground balls and turning double plays. I played 4 years of Division I college baseball, and we did this before every single game as well. As a pitcher, I was responsible for hitting ground balls to the infielders during batting practice; the tricky part was timing it just right so the ground balls would get to the infielders before the next pitch was thrown by the coach.

[jimmyjimjimz]

To protect the first baseman and second baseman from balls hit during batting practice. While players are hitting, the infielders are also doing infield practice drills; i.e. fielding ground balls and turning double plays. I playe