Yankee Stadium Pre-Renovation

[LGehrigFan]

http://images.marketworks.com/hi/48/48413/oldyankeestadium06.jpg

[tonypug]

Yankee Stadium will always have a special place in the hearts of Brooklyn Dodger fans. We had our hearts broken there and had our greatest moment there.

[tonypug]

The three things that stick out in my mindfrom the 1955 World Series, Jackie Robinsons steal of home in the first game, Sandy Amoros's catch, and the incredibly long time it took Pee Wee's throw to get to Gi Hodges for the final out.l

[DODGER DEB]

The three things that stick out in my mindfrom the 1955 World Series, Jackie Robinsons steal of home in the first game, Sandy Amoros's catch, and the incredibly long time it took Pee Wee's throw to get to Gi Hodges for the final out.l

I would add to those three, JOHNNY PODRES' HUGE 8-3 WIN in Game 3....without THAT WIN WE would NOT be having OUR Grand Celebration this year!

c.

[Paulmcall]

Two great Yankee books are Pennants and Pinstripes and Yankee Stadium by Ray Robinson and Chris Jennison. They have great photos and the read is very smooth. I never wanted the books to end.

[POLO GROUNDS 1957]

http://images.mastronet.com/images/Auction27/photographs/30834-029.jpg

hello all. great photos JACKIE 42. I love this photo it shows how close the polo grounds and yankee stadium were. Donald :clapping

[TJH1923]

Hello to all. I found these photos browsing the internet. Some of you might have sen them.

[TJH1923]

Another Nice Picture.

[TJH1923]

Here are some more photos I came across.

[TJH1923]

Here are some more photos I came across.

[TJH1923]

Here are some more photos I came across.

[TJH1923]

Here are some more photos I came across.

[TJH1923]

I have some more photos to share of that grand old ballpark.

[TJH1923]

I have some more photos to share of that grand old ballpark.

[TJH1923]

I have some more photos to share of that grand old ballpark.

[TJH1923]

I found a few more.

[TJH1923]

Notice the construction of the rightfield upper deck and loge level. It was completed during the 1937 season. Leftfield was extended during the 1928 season.

[TJH1923]

This is a great shot.

[TJH1923]

Playing centerfield.

[cong]

some images to share

[TJH1923]

I came across a few more.

[TJH1923]

Yankee Stadium Early 70's

[TJH1923]

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[TJH1923]

This is from "El" on the N/B platform of the 161 St. Yankee Stadium stop on the #4 line in the early 70's.

[TJH1923]

I was looking for a while for the 50th Anniversary Patch.

[sschirmer]

Those were fantastic. I loved the one of the guy on the foul pole, not too sure about the one of the Mick's ass though.

[Crosley Fielder]

When Yankee Stadium was renovated what became of the facade? Was it scrapped? Is the present rendention a facimile? How far was the Polo Grounds from Yankee Stadium? About a mile and a half?

By the way....the old pics were just great. Thanks to those of you who posted.

[Elvis]

When Yankee Stadium was renovated what became of the facade? Was it scrapped? Is the present rendention a facimile? How far was the Polo Grounds from Yankee Stadium? About a mile and a half?

By the way....the old pics were just great. Thanks to those of you who posted.

The present freize is a replica made of fiberglass or concrete. The original freize was made of copper...not sure whatever became of it. It was probably scrapped.

[TJH1923]

brooklyndodger14 posted this pic the thread "CF in 'Old' Yankee Stadium". I thought it would be a nice addition to this thread.

[TJH1923]

A look to the future.

[TJH1923]

2009 move to across 161st Street

[TJH1923]

I like it better than the re-modeled stadium.

[TJH1923]

This is an aerial view in relation to the old stadium site.

[sschirmer]

That's actually pretty nice. I just hope they return to a more exaggerated left center field. I like the asymmetry of it.

[Elvis]

Fans are gonna love the fact that the upper deck is almost twice as far from the playing field as in the current stadium! That's so cool that they actually listened to the requests of Yankee fans who complaiined about being "right on top of the action". I mean, who wants to actually sit close to the field, when you can sit far away to get that "broad" perspective!

Finally, New Yorkers will get a stadium with as much character as New Comiskey Park.

[Elvis]

That's actually pretty nice. I just hope they return to a more exaggerated left center field. I like the asymmetry of it.

http://www.ballparktour.com/New_Yankee_Dia.gif

Unlucky you.

[JPL BMX]

I think it would be a lot better if Left Field was like how it was in the very early days of the orginial stadium, and maybe Death Valley would be cool to have again in the new stadium.

[sultan_of_swat]

I cannot wait to see the new Yankee Stadium! Nice job of showing us old pics of the stadium!

[steveox]

Is that true about the old yankee stadium?
Left Field Pole 318 feet
Left Field 409 Feet
Center Field 430 feet
Right Field 395 feet
Right Field Pole 315 feet.

[Elvis]

Is that true about the old yankee stadium?
Left Field Pole 318 feet
Left Field 409 Feet
Center Field 430 feet
Right Field 395 feet
Right Field Pole 315 feet.

From 1976-85 it was:

Left Field Pole 312 feet
LF shallow 387 feet
Left Field 430 Feet
Center Field 417 feet
Right Field 385 feet
RF shallow 353 feet
Right Field Pole 310 feet

http://www.ballparktour.com/Yankee_Stadium_1925_Dia.gif

[Elvis]

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http://www.ballparktour.com/Yankee_Stadium_1954_Dia.gif

[Elvis]

http://www.ballparktour.com/Yankee_Stadium_2004_Dia.gif--------------------------------

[Elvis]

http://www.ballparktour.com/Yankee_Stadium_1977_Dia.gif
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[TJH1923]

STEVEOX posted this picture on another thread. It also fits the theme of this thread. It is a great picture.

[chiefpaddy]

STEVEOX posted this picture on another thread. It also fits the theme of this thread. It is a great picture.
That is a great photo, even for an anti-Yankee fan,thanks.

[tommybaseball]

Fans are gonna love the fact that the upper deck is almost twice as far from the playing field as in the current stadium! That's so cool that they actually listened to the requests of Yankee fans who complaiined about being "right on top of the action". I mean, who wants to actually sit close to the field, when you can sit far away to get that "broad" perspective!

Finally, New Yorkers will get a stadium with as much character as New Comiskey Park.

i'm very much against the new Stadium and the current upper box seats are some of the best in baseball.

[Elvis]

i'm very much against the new Stadium and the current upper box seats are some of the best in baseball.

I agree. If they had to blow up Yankee Stadium, they should have at least built the new stadium with better sightlines - not worse!:ughh

[TJH1923]

Yankee Stadium from the northbound #4 platform 1963

[chiefpaddy]

Yankee Stadium from the northbound #4 platform 1963
Baseball and trains, it doesn't get any better then that.

[Chisox73]

Awesome photo there.:clapping
The quality of the pic looks like it was just taken recently.:)

[TJH1923]

Yankee Stadium
Opening Day
World Series 1932

[TJH1923]

Panoramic view 1937

[Philmore]

Panoramic view 1947...

TJH, where did you get that panoramic from 1937? Is that from your own collection?

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YS1947.jpg

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

I hate that they will build a new Yankee Stadium.

There will only be one.

Probably I will never have the chance of visiting this one. :grouchy

[TJH1923]

View of Yankee Stadium from 161St. IRT Station. Stadium was to be completed in April of 1976.

[TJH1923]

The renovated version

[tonypug]

The renovated version
It's hard to believe that the rnovated stadium is 30 years old.

[TJH1923]

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[Sean O]

TJH-
Just for reference, Andrew Clem doesn't like his diagrams just posted everywhere. He works really hard on them, so he at least likes when people link to his site, since he deserves credit.

Not trying to be a jerk, just a bigtime fan who wants him to get his due.

[johnny]

I appreciate those pics posted. What wonderful gems. I loved the panoramic pic of 47 with the 'no betting' sign. Wonder if ol Larry McPhail put that one up himself?

[TJH1923]

I happened to spend a little bit of time searching google to post some of these pictures. I hope everyone is enjoying them. I am extremely interested in photos of the old stadiums in particular, Yankee Stadium. I also enjoyed the historical dimensions diagrams and thought it would enhance this thread. For those of you who would like to view all of Andrew Clem's material use the web address below: He has a lot of great information.

http://andrewclem.com/Baseball/index.html

[TJH1923]

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[MiamiBaseball]

http://images.mastronet.com/images/Auction27/photographs/30834-014.jpg

Hey Jackie i'm interested in some Cuban photo's from you can you send me a message...

[Sean O]

TJH-
Sorry if my tone sounded angry, I really appreciate the pictures you've posted in the thread. Clem's work is just excellent, so I hope people can take a look at what he's done.

Thanks.

[TJH1923]

If anyone has any different photographs of the old Yankee Stadium please post them.

[Centreville82]

Nice pics, JACKIE42.

[Centreville82]

I hate that they will build a new Yankee Stadium.

There will only be one.


Agreed. That's like demolishing the Roman Coliseum, Wrigley, and Fenway. There are certain buildings that dare not need to be tampered with. Yankee Stadium's one of them.

[TJH1923]

Philmore posted this picture on another thread.http://www.graigkreindler.com/

[TJH1923]

Philmore posted this picture on another thread. Another classic piece of art. http://www.graigkreindler.com/

[CaliforniaCajun]

Philmore posted this picture on another thread.http://www.graigkreindler.com/

I'd be remiss if I didn't say that would have been a good picture to give Pete Rose before he got himself in trouble with gambling.

[Louder]

Great photos! Thanks, there nothing better than looking at old stadiums and thinking of the wonderful players that filled them.

[TJH1923]

Limited Edition Prints are available at www.goodsportsart.com

[TJH1923]

www.goodsportsart.com

[TJH1923]

XXXXXXXX www.goodsportsart.com

[TJH1923]

----------------- www.goodsportsart.com

[TJH1923]

Construction on a new Yankee Stadium should begin sometime in late spring or early summer with a openning target date spring 2009.

[Alibi Ike]

Fa
Finally, New Yorkers will get a stadium with as much character as New Comiskey Park.

Some would disagree and say that there already is one such park in NY.

[rugbyfreak]

http://images.mastronet.com/images/Auction27/photographs/30834-029.jpg

Yo Jackie:

I love your photos, especially this aerial above the Harlem River, showing Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds. This shot captures, as well as any I've seen, a glorious, bygone era in which New York was the unquestioned epicentre of baseball (although I'm not old enough to have experienced it firsthand, I'm a dedicated student of the game). And this wasn't strictly because we had more teams than anyone else, but, most notably during that incredible period of dominance from 1947 to 1956, all three teams validated the City's claim to pre-eminence by hoarding the World Series title amongst just the three of them (except 1948). Also, I bet many people don't realize, until they see this photo, how literally close these two stadiums were to each other, almost as if the two teams were gang leaders who felt the best way to protect their turf was to live near each other, the better to keep their eye on one another.

The only shot that would beat this one would be one that showed all three parks (requiring a much more distant aerial view, but still possible). Does anyone know of such a photo? Jackie: Did these come from a Web site where I could visit? Thanks again for sharing these. Take care!

[Elvis]

Jackie is long gone from BBF.

[rugbyfreak]

Agreed. That's like demolishing the Roman Coliseum, Wrigley, and Fenway. There are certain buildings that dare not need to be tampered with. Yankee Stadium's one of them.

Absolutely--it is baseball's unquestioned historic epicentre. So tell me: Why has baseball snubbed it for so long as the host of the All-Star game? The last one was 1977 (and the only others were in 1939 and 1960), so even if you assumed a strict, egalitarian rotation was the policy (which it clearly is not) you would think that in 30 years, New York's name would have come up again. Matter of fact, I don't consider it paranoid to say there may be a clear anti-New York bias overall, since Shea Stadium has only hosted once, and that was 1964--the park's innaugural season. After all, we can name several cities that have hosted twice since New York's last nod. Furthermore, I see we're not on the list for next year (SBC-San Fran).

Does anyone know what gives here? And rather than affirm my anti-New York theory, I'm more interested to know what Selig's office would say to this. And the "new parks only" answer wouldn't work for me, not because I don't fully understand the PR value of using shiny new parks on the game's big stage to promote the game, because I do. But during the past 30 years, a number of "old" parks have hosted the Mid-Summer Classic: Fenway, Veteran's, Three Rivers, Wrigley, Riverfront (twice), even that legendary dump, Olympic Stadium.

In short, I'm more than willing to stand corrected if there is some rational explanation that I'm simply unaware of, e.g. negotiation roadblocks, or the Yankees' refusal to be the host, a ludicrous notion, since when did the Yanks ever shun the spotlight, especially under Steinbrenner? I also find it odd that the New York media, ever on the lookout for anti-New York conspiracies and never afraid to point them out, has been silent on the matter, at least to my memory. Even if the plan now is to hold the 2009 game at the new Yankee Stadium (I have no idea if that's true), that doesn't make up for snubbing what is unquestionably the most famous and historic arena in baseball, if not in all of sports, for the past 30 years.

So, I'm listening...Any theories out there?

[TJH1923]

BrooklynDodger14 posted this picture on the "Old Yankee Stadium thread. I thought it should be added to this thread. It is a great picture! Frame grab from Old Time Baseball (1996, Strormfront Studios)

[TJH1923]

Posted by L. Regira in the "Old Yankee Stadium" Thread.

[vapros]

My recollection of the only time I saw a game in Yankee Stadium (1953) the fences down both foul lines were only 283 feet. Can anybody verify?

I recall Luke Easter hitting two pop flies that both fell for home runs in right field.

[Mr. Baseball1964]

Thanks for all the terrific photos of the Yanks and their storied stadium. They have been great for baseball, even though I'm not particularly a Yankee fan (St. Louis fan here, the best fans in the majors in my opinion). I notices that someone mentioned that they haven't had the ASG since '77 well the Cardinals haven't had it since '66 so they are due waaayyyy before the Yanks.

[brooklyndodger14]

My recollection of the only time I saw a game in Yankee Stadium (1953) the fences down both foul lines were only 283 feet. Can anybody verify?

I recall Luke Easter hitting two pop flies that both fell for home runs in right field.


The lines were definitely at 301 in LF and 296 in RF.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[TJH1923]

I found a few more...some are similar to previous pictures, but thy have more clarity.

[TJH1923]

1,3,4,5,7,8,9,10,15,16,23,37,44

[TJH1923]

A better shot.

[TJH1923]

You can see Yankee Stadium in the upper right of the picture if you look closely.

[TJH1923]

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[TJH1923]

I wish google could go back in time.

[RichardLillard1]

Early 1923 she sits in waiting for her Ruth to break her in. The outfield fences were I beleive all four feet high. Definately shows that they were a 'no man's land' back then.

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

[Myankee4life]

I have a question.....regarding post 139 which shows the present stadium from a high point.....

Do you see the wall of the bleachers...just before the bullpen...as you go around those back walls of the bleacher it looks like the contour of the old stadium..... so did they leave those original dimensions there and just added the moved in blue fence with the new dimensions.

I hope I said it clear enough

[Elvis]

I have a question.....regarding post 139 which shows the present stadium from a high point.....

Do you see the wall of the bleachers...just before the bullpen...as you go around those back walls of the bleacher it looks like the contour of the old stadium..... so did they leave those original dimensions there and just added the moved in blue fence with the new dimensions.

I hope I said it clear enough

Basically yes. The entire bleacher grandstand structure is original to the 1930s. They still show where some of the outfield wall used to be.

[Myankee4life]

So black seats are 461 or 408 ft to Center and the left-center bleachers front wall are 457 .............thats interesting. It gives you an idea of how immense the old stadium was. They really didnt change much just placed a blue padded fence to lower the dimensions

[rugbyfreak]

The lines were definitely at 301 in LF and 296 in RF.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

That's right, then fanning out quickly to a whopping 465 in deepest CF--the infamous Death Valley. Still remember Hondo Howard hitting one out there that Mantle chased behind the monuments (back then, true memorial monuments, of Huggins, Gehrig and Ruth), which were actually on the field, and big Frank barely legged out a triple! The dimensions were no accident: a short RF porch to maximize the HR power of their two best lefties, Ruth and Pipp, and a deep RF, so the two best pitchers, southpaws Pennock and Hoyt, could have plenty of room to work with against the league's prominent power-hitting righties.

And so an eternal Yankee formula was born. In their entire history, there is only one Yankee WS champ--1947--on record without both of those criteria in place. (That team had no lefty starter.) Feel free to challenge this--I only checked '47, but I believe it's true. Also, Yankee history is replete with LH HR champs, but last year A-Rod became only the second RH to win the dinger crown, Joe D. ('37 and '48) being the first.

[rugbyfreak]

I hate that they will build a new Yankee Stadium.

There will only be one.

Probably I will never have the chance of visiting this one. :grouchy

Let me say that you are more than entitled to your romantic attachment to the Bronx Ballyard. Matter of fact, if one is to get sentimental about any park, this is the one, for it is unquestionably the mecca of the game. (Don't believe many people mourned the passing of Connie Mack Stadium.)

But as someone who has been thousands of times to both the old (attended last game ever in '73) and the new Stadium (saw Guidry's '77 18K gem, '99 Series clincher and 2000 Subway Series), I'm entitled to mine.

Help me out, guys: Am I the only grizzled Yankee vet here who can't wait for the new park? Time marches on, and ballparks, like people, do not live forever. Look around you: Every other city in the country has built a new park, why has NY gone since '64 since it built a new arena of any sort? (OK, Madison Square Garden '68, but really it was relocated.)?

Steinbrenner has, if nothing else, been a faithful custodian of the Yankee tradition, but sheer economic reality these days dictates maximizing one's space and earning power (i.e. corporate boxes). Remember, a hallmark of Yankee success has always been embracing the latest movements in the game before anyone else (home run hitting, the "big" stadium, free agency, foreign-born players, etc.). This is a rare instance of the team being behind the times, only because of intense pressure to maintain tradition. But really, the key to their dominance has always been just the opposite: a willingness to grab onto the newer, the better way before anyone else.

Let the team grow, trust them to do their job!

[BaseballHistoryNut]

Posted by L. Regira in the "Old Yankee Stadium" Thread.

Fails terribly, much like the panoramic litho I have of old Yankee Stadium, to capture the lopsided dimensions of the place. Good thing mine is as inexplicably valuable as it is.

Any takers?

BHN

[BaseballHistoryNut]

He makes a zillion dollars a year, all of it from money the little mountebank inherited from his daddy to begin with. I say that IF he preserves the old ballpark, then people should go to the new one. If the old one goes down, then screw him, his new park and his luxury suites.

I have a post card of a litho I didn't buy of Old Yankee Stadium. It's an overhead shot that REALLY captures the schizoid dimensions of the whole playing field. I believe that copies of it, unlike the panoramic one from behind home plate which I bought, are still available from the dealer, and he's a well-known and well-respected sports art dealer. If anyone is interested, let me know and I will contact him. No charge for my efforts, obviously. Strictly a favor, as one baseball history demon to another.

The sold-out panoramic one is for sale by me, at exactly whatever the dealer's website indicates the market rate is. The existing gold frame and white matting, which I had put on, will be thrown in for free. I don't know the exact number of mine, but only 600 were made and sold, and they were numbered and signed by the artist. It's a little under a grand, I think. OK, in the process of proofreading this post, I checked the litho. It's #150 out of 600.

The overhead one, which I don't own, costs a great deal less, if I remember correctly. It's obviously taken from a plane, blimp or copter, from well up in the air, but it sure does capture the incredibly lopsided dimensions of that park, in a way no litho of a painting from an old-fashioned flat-lens camera could ever do.

(How's that for trying to talk y'all out of buying mine? But we're all comrades here, and I'm frankly more intereseted in being honest with you than I am in trying to unload my lithos that no longer fit with my living room decor. I have many more, including a GREAT sold-out one of Ebbetts Field (also just a bit under a grand), and also sold-out ones of Camden Yard and Fenway Park (both considerably less pricey, if I remember right). I also have very nearly sold-out ones of Sportsman's Park (Williams batting against the shift in the 1946 World Series) and Griffith. The one of Griffith really captures that suicide corner in CF, but you'd want a detailed description of what's depicted, first, because that artist likes to throw in a large amoung of obtrusive drawings of fans, and it's real prominent there. And while it captures CF and RF real well, it doesn't capture LF or the LF foul line at all--a minor sin with some parks, but a huge one (pun intended) with that park.

OK, didn't mean for this to turn into a commercial. But these are some great lithos. The only two absolutely not for sale are Polo Grounds and the Forbes Field recreation of the Maz HR. Don't even ask, unless you just want details. BOTH, I believe, are still for sale about about $400 from the dealer (plus about $100 to $150 for the frame.

What this all comes down to, really, is just how fascinated you are with these old parks, your finances, your marital status (lol), and whether you choose to have one, two or 10 lithos of these ancient cathedrals all over your residence--or, perhaps, to have 1 or 2 in one room. I once rented a 575-square foot apartment, and had all 15 of them up. I no longer own 2 of those.

Meanwhile, let us all find out e-mail addresses for City Council members, their counterparts in the NY Legislature, and the NYYs' front office. THAT stadium simply cannot go down. Taking bits and pieces of it to another stadium just won't cut it, no matter how faithfully they recreate Monument Park.

BHN

[RichardLillard1]

I don't want to start an argument on here (because I have seen this topic argued so many times on other threads I have been reading) but I would just like to state my opinion.

While the Yankees have always been about moving forward with fresh young talent, one thing they have always had is "Mystique and Aura" (NY fans even made signs saying that exact phrase during the '01 series agaianst Arizona). They have always been the amazing team that has an amazing history and they play inside the hollowed halls of baseball. A place where fans watched as players like Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Maris pranced around the outfield making their job look way too easy.

With the rennovation the stadium lost a great bit of character. But what it lost in its looks it more than made up for with new historic events (who could forget Jackson's three homers off three pitches in the '77 series, the 9/11 ceremonies or even November baseball).

In my opinion if the Yankees move across the street they will become nothing more than every other team out there. Their feeling of invincibility will suddenly be gone and they won't have anything but a typical baseball stadium of modern standards. No more will the screaming fanatics in the upper deck be so close to the action and able to amaze the players with how close they are to the action (as well as loud). And no more will Jon Miller be able to call the home runs hit by Giambi and other lefties a "True Ruthian clout fitting of the house that Ruth built" as I have heard him do on ESPN. Instead they will just be a baseball team that has been around for a long time and had some very historical players.

They won't be able to say that the Yankees play in the place where Ruth hit 60 and Maris hit 61. Where Gehrig felt so lucky and Mantle hit the facade. The magic will be gone. A loss of a place and time when the players loved the game and didn't need millions per yer. And of course we can't forget... 26 world championships and 39 pennants.

Anyway that is my feelings of the matter.

[Alibi Ike]

Steinbrenner has, if nothing else, been a faithful custodian of the Yankee tradition, but sheer economic reality these days dictates maximizing one's space and earning power (i.e. corporate boxes). Remember, a hallmark of Yankee success has always been embracing the latest movements in the game before anyone else (home run hitting, the "big" stadium, free agency, foreign-born players, etc.). This is a rare instance of the team being behind the times, only because of intense pressure to maintain tradition. But really, the key to their dominance has always been just the opposite: a willingness to grab onto the newer, the better way before anyone else.


Ultimately, I agree, but it really is a stroke of luck that the Yankees are "behind" in this case. Don't forget that during the 80's (or was it the early 90s?) that Steinbrennner threatened moving the team to NJ.

[Elvis]

Look around you: Every other city in the country has built a new park, why has NY gone since '64 since it built a new arena of any sort? (OK, Madison Square Garden '68, but really it was relocated.)?

Steinbrenner has, if nothing else, been a faithful custodian of the Yankee tradition, but sheer economic reality these days dictates maximizing one's space and earning power (i.e. corporate boxes).

Just don't look at Los Angeles, Boston or the north side of Chicago or it might negate your point.

New corporate boxes, clubs and suites could be installed in the current Yankee Stadium just as they are installed in other older ballparks - And it would cost far less than $1,000,000,000.00 as it is to build a whole new stadium with worse sightlines for the regular fans as the new stadium will have.

[rugbyfreak]

Ultimately, I agree, but it really is a stroke of luck that the Yankees are "behind" in this case. Don't forget that during the 80's (or was it the early 90s?) that Steinbrennner threatened moving the team to NJ.

All posturing and talk, the kind that commonly goes on when an owner is lobbying for support for a new stadium, as he tries to build up the "please don't leave" groundswell. Nobody believed for a minute that George really intended to ever take the team to NJ.

[BaseballHistoryNut]

Though it would be nice if he did. I'd love to see him lose 3/4 of the business that daddy's money bought for the little mountebank.

[TJH1923]

So black seats are 461 or 408 ft to Center and the left-center bleachers front wall are 457 .............thats interesting. It gives you an idea of how immense the old stadium was. They really didn't change much just placed a blue padded fence to lower the dimensions


Compare post #43 to post #139. The front section of the left field bleachers was removed to make room for Monument Park and the bullpens. That bleacher wall is not 457 Ft. They should consider dimensions for the new stadium similar to the old stadium.

[TJH1923]

They also removed a complete section of the bleachers closest to the old visitors bullpen to make room for the tower next to the stands.

[Yankeebiscuitfan]

Let me say that you are more than entitled to your romantic attachment to the Bronx Ballyard. Matter of fact, if one is to get sentimental about any park, this is the one, for it is unquestionably the mecca of the game. (Don't believe many people mourned the passing of Connie Mack Stadium.)

But as someone who has been thousands of times to both the old (attended last game ever in '73) and the new Stadium (saw Guidry's '77 18K gem, '99 Series clincher and 2000 Subway Series), I'm entitled to mine.

Help me out, guys: Am I the only grizzled Yankee vet here who can't wait for the new park? Time marches on, and ballparks, like people, do not live forever. Look around you: Every other city in the country has built a new park, why has NY gone since '64 since it built a new arena of any sort? (OK, Madison Square Garden '68, but really it was relocated.)?

Steinbrenner has, if nothing else, been a faithful custodian of the Yankee tradition, but sheer economic reality these days dictates maximizing one's space and earning power (i.e. corporate boxes). Remember, a hallmark of Yankee success has always been embracing the latest movements in the game before anyone else (home run hitting, the "big" stadium, free agency, foreign-born players, etc.). This is a rare instance of the team being behind the times, only because of intense pressure to maintain tradition. But really, the key to their dominance has always been just the opposite: a willingness to grab onto the newer, the better way before anyone else.

Let the team grow, trust them to do their job!

I know that you are right about the fact that stadiums come and go. But shrines like Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium, and Wrigley Field should not be demolished. They should be preserved from decay.

These ballparks are a huge part of your (sports)history.

[Dodger Dante]

That's actually pretty nice. I just hope they return to a more exaggerated left center field. I like the asymmetry of it.

I doubt that will take place.
Alex Rodriguez freaked out at Safeco's LCF dimensions. He lobbied hard to get the fence brought in until he left Seattle.

[FredSox]

I was lucky to find a copy of Yankee Stadium: 75 Years of Drama, Glamor, and Glory by Ray Robinson and Christopher Jennison at a store called Bargain Books. Although it was published in 1998, most of it is about the pre-renovation stadium. Many great photos, of course.

I attended my first game there in 1968. Seeing how from the year I was born until I was a sophomore in high school and the Yankees were in the World Series every year except two, entering the stadium (we had tickets in the middle deck) was a huge thrill. As the game progressed, I said to my friends (referring to the pitcher), "I can't believe the White Sox let this guy go for $8,000." It was Denny McLain, shutting out the Yankees for what I think was his third victory in his 31-game win season.

The second game, in 1972, had a very memorable incident. The Yankees were playing my White Sox, and around the 7th inning I went to a men's room way down the left field line. It was very small (two urinals and a few stalls), and I was the only one in there until I heard the unmistakeable sound of metal spikes on concrete. I looked over my shoulder to see a White Sox player step up to the other urinal. By rubbernecking enough, I saw he was pitcher Jim Geddes, a late-season call-up. All I could say was a rather lame, "I came all the way from Chicago; do you think you can win one for me?" Looking straight ahead, Geddes replied something like, "I hope so," and that was it.

I didn't return again until 2004, and despite the renovation and canned music, hearing Bob Sheppard again on the PA and seeing that field made me feel like a kid again.

[BaseballHistoryNut]

I know that you are right about the fact that stadiums come and go. But shrines like Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Tiger Stadium, and Wrigley Field should not be demolished. They should be preserved from decay.

These ballparks are a huge part of your (sports)history.

While we're at it, the people responsible for the demolition of the Polo Grounds, IMO the greatest ballpark ever, should have been drawn and quartered, too. Or at least spanked hard enough to make sure they didn't enjoy it. :p

BHN

[Myankee4life]

Compare post #43 to post #139. The front section of the left field bleachers was removed to make room for Monument Park and the bullpens. That bleacher wall is not 457 Ft. They should consider dimensions for the new stadium similar to the old stadium.

So its more than 457 ft then?

[Elvis]

So its more than 457 ft then?

Yes, the front of the section that was removed was 457 ft.

[TJH1923]

There has to be some more photos of old Yankee Stadium that have not been posted on this thread. Almost 15,000 people have viewed this thread and it is hard to believe that these are the only photos out there. So, if you have any different photos, please post them. Soon the ballpark will be gone and the true baseball fans should be able to enjoy the history of the greatest venue in sports.

[Elvis]

There has to be some more photos of old Yankee Stadium that have not been posted on this thread. Almost 15,000 people have viewed this thread and it is hard to believe that these are the only photos out there. So, if you have any different photos, please post them. Soon the ballpark will be gone and the true baseball fans should be able to enjoy the history of the greatest venue in sports.

There are many more phoyod posted elsewhere on BBF. Check HERE (http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=40306&page=15) for some great ones throughout the thread.

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11389&stc=1&d=1153539839

[Philmore]

Time to contribute!!

Here's the 1939 All Star Game at the stadium...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1939AWESOME.jpg

[Philmore]

And, a panoramic photo from the Harry M. Stevens, 1949!!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1949PanoramicAWESOME.jpg

[TJH1923]

Philmore, those were some nice additions to the thread. I have never seen that 1939 All-Star game photo. I would love to see more like that, in particular, some 1960's and early 1970's...................Elvis, I took a look at your click here and I noticed an awful lot of those pictures were posted by myself. I have been posting everything I come across for over a year and I give credit if it was posted by another person. Not to mention that the Yankee Stadium Pics in the Photo Gallery of your website appeared after they were posted on this thread.

[brooklyndodger14]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11577&stc=1&d=1153712513

Here is something for all pre-1976 Renovation Yankee Stadium fans:

The dimensions represent the way the Stadium was configured from 1946 through 1973 with the exception of the 461 foot measurement thru 2nd base to dead centerfield. That was replaced with a new marker of 463 feet a short distance to the left in 1967 when the new public address tower was installed as well as an additional marker of 433 feet in right-center.

Other interesting trivia is the gap between the monuments and the bleacher wall (10 feet), the height of the 1959 scoreboard tower (see my color illustration- 30 feet), and the height of the front of the Upper Deck above the field (53 feet).

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11581&stc=1&d=1153716670

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[Elvis]

Hey Dennis, those attachments didn't work for me.:confused:

[Elvis]

Philmore, those were some nice additions to the thread. I have never seen that 1939 All-Star game photo. I would love to see more like that, in particular, some 1960's and early 1970's...................Elvis, I took a look at your click here and I noticed an awful lot of those pictures were posted by myself. I have been posting everything I come across for over a year and I give credit if it was posted by another person. Not to mention that the Yankee Stadium Pics in the Photo Gallery of your website appeared after they were posted on this thread.

Hmm. Well most of those photos on the Yankee gallery were sent to me last year by Anthony. I suppose it's possible that he got them here. Are they your personal photos? If you've browsed my site you see I always give photo credits unless they're public domain or something I've already purchased. I have no trouble giving you credit too or removing them. I'm no photo thief. :)

[brooklyndodger14]

Here is something for all pre-1976 Renovation Yankee Stadium fans:

The dimensions represent the way the Stadium was configured from 1946 through 1973 with the exception of the 461 foot measurement thru 2nd base to dead centerfield. That was replaced with a new marker of 463 feet a short distance to the left in 1967 when the new public address tower was installed as well as an additional marker of 433 feet in right-center.

Other interesting trivia is the gap between the monuments and the bleacher wall (10 feet), the height of the 1959 scoreboard tower (see my color illustration- 30 feet), and the height of the front of the Upper Deck above the field (53 feet).


Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[brooklyndodger14]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11582&stc=1&d=1153718273

[Elvis]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11582&stc=1&d=1153718273

Nope. :o Keep trying, Dennis! :atthepc

[brooklyndodger14]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11584&stc=1&d=1153719169

[Elvis]

http://www.baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=11584&stc=1&d=1153719169

Hmm, still nothing. :confused: :hp

[Philmore]

TJH,

I am unsure as to whether I have many shots from the 1960s and 70s - my main interest has always been before those years. I'll see what I can dig up in the ol' archives.

Here are some more submissions though, starting with four shots from the park in 1948...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/1948.jpg

[Philmore]

Some lovely shots from 1957, including one that was later used in a popular postcard...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/1957.jpg
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/19572.jpg

[Philmore]

And last (but not least), a shot from 1958...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/1958.jpg

[Philmore]

Oh, and sorry for the size of some of these...though, I figure the bigger the better!!!

[brooklyndodger14]

Other interesting trivia is the gap between the monuments and the bleacher wall (10 feet), the height of the 1959 scoreboard tower (see my color illustration- 30 feet), and the height of the front of the Upper Deck above the field (53 feet).


Dennis
BrooklynDodger14


Here is the scoreboard image...

[TJH1923]

Hmm. Well most of those photos on the Yankee gallery were sent to me last year by Anthony. I suppose it's possible that he got them here. Are they your personal photos? If you've browsed my site you see I always give photo credits unless they're public domain or something I've already purchased. I have no trouble giving you credit too or removing them. I'm no photo thief. :)

Elvis,
I am not saying you are a photo thief. I posted the photos I either purchased or came across in my many hours of online searches. I posted them because I wanted to share my passion for the old Stadium with others who might have the same interest. Maybe I misinterpreted your post. Everyone keep posting.....there are more out there.

[TJH1923]

[QUOTE=Philmore]TJH,

I am unsure as to whether I have many shots from the 1960s and 70s - my main interest has always been before those years. I'll see what I can dig up in the ol' archives.

Here are some more submissions though, starting with four shots from the park in 1948...

Philmore,
Those are some great photos. I guess I'm interested in color photos of the old Stadium. I just figured that most would be from the 60's & 70's. Those 1948 are great. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the auxiliary scoreboards in left and right field were erected in 1946? Anyway, keep the pics coming.

[Philmore]

TJH,

To my knowledge the auxillary scoreboards were erected between the 48-49 seasons. I could certainly be completely off-base here, as I am going by memory (memory from books I mean, being that I'm only 26).

In regards to color shots of the stadium, I know most of my images go as far back as the 40s, though I have a lot less from the 60s and 70s. I do have PLENTY of screen caps of YS from the 'When It Was a Game' movies, which had shots from the late 40s up until the late 60s. I would be glad to post them if people want to see them, or send them to you privately.

For now, here are some easily attainable Gettyimages...

Rajah, after hitting #61!!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/53005810.jpg

[Philmore]

Rajah again, this time facing that masterful left-hander in the 63 series...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/57215425.jpg

[RichardLillard1]

Great pics Philmore. I got a few I would like to add right now, nothing special I just wanted to add a few I found.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/Yanks_-_LF_Upper_V2T.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/Yanks_-_Press_Box_V2T.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/Yanks_-_Right_Field_Line_V2T.jpg

[Philmore]

Here are a few more. If any are reposts, or taken from somebody else, my apologies!

The stadium during the 1942 WS...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1942.jpg

[Philmore]

End of a game from the 1937 WS...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1937WS.jpg

[Philmore]

One of my personal favorites. A painting by John Falter for the Saturday Evening Post (I think), from the late 1940s. Had I been around at the time, I certainly would have stolen that composition!!

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

[Philmore]

World Series, 1947...DiMaggio has just hit his famous shot to left-center, with Gionfriddo chasing...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/DiMaggioGionfriddo1947NICE.jpg

[Philmore]

Color shot from 1955...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium195503.jpg

[Philmore]

Color shot of the outfield from 1951...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_071.jpg

[Philmore]

From the mid 1920s, possible 1923...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_158.jpg

[Philmore]

The stands, 1925...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1925.jpg

[Philmore]

GREAT shot from the 1920s. Don't quite remember who is pretending at homeplate though. If anyone has a nice quality image of this, PLEASE let me know...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/YankeeStadium1920s.jpg

[Philmore]

1952 World Series...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_237.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_075.jpg

[Philmore]

1949 World Series, with Newcombe and DiMag in the last two...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_240.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_235.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_241.jpg

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_124.jpg

[Philmore]

1955 (I think)...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/PDVD_468.jpg

[RichardLillard1]

Awesome pics Philmore... by the way, post 190. Pre 1928 because the right field foul pole is still at the 258 spot.

[TJH1923]

It is time to put this post back where it belongs.

[Centreville82]

I don't want to start an argument on here (because I have seen this topic argued so many times on other threads I have been reading) but I would just like to state my opinion.

While the Yankees have always been about moving forward with fresh young talent, one thing they have always had is "Mystique and Aura" (NY fans even made signs saying that exact phrase during the '01 series agaianst Arizona). They have always been the amazing team that has an amazing history and they play inside the hollowed halls of baseball. A place where fans watched as players like Ruth, DiMaggio, Mantle, and Maris pranced around the outfield making their job look way too easy.

With the rennovation the stadium lost a great bit of character. But what it lost in its looks it more than made up for with new historic events (who could forget Jackson's three homers off three pitches in the '77 series, the 9/11 ceremonies or even November baseball).

In my opinion if the Yankees move across the street they will become nothing more than every other team out there. Their feeling of invincibility will suddenly be gone and they won't have anything but a typical baseball stadium of modern standards. No more will the screaming fanatics in the upper deck be so close to the action and able to amaze the players with how close they are to the action (as well as loud). And no more will Jon Miller be able to call the home runs hit by Giambi and other lefties a "True Ruthian clout fitting of the house that Ruth built" as I have heard him do on ESPN. Instead they will just be a baseball team that has been around for a long time and had some very historical players.

They won't be able to say that the Yankees play in the place where Ruth hit 60 and Maris hit 61. Where Gehrig felt so lucky and Mantle hit the facade. The magic will be gone. A loss of a place and time when the players loved the game and didn't need millions per yer. And of course we can't forget... 26 world championships and 39 pennants.

Anyway that is my feelings of the matter.

My feelings as well. I thought about this not too long ago. The Yankees will lose all of their history and invincibility when the stadium is gone. A place that put fear in the hearts of the visiting team whether it be in the regular-season or in October. I'm a Cardinals fan first and a Yankees fan 2nd. Even if you were at home watching them in the playoffs and World Series, you could still feel the electricity and ghosts of Yankee past inside of the stadium. Steinbrenner and the politicians in NY stuck a dagger inside of every sports fan's heart 2 weeks ago.

[Philmore]

Ready for amazing?? Here's a shot from game 2 of the 1957 World Series at Yankee Stadium...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/GKreindler/Untitled-1-2.jpg

[tommybaseball]

It will never seem the same without the Bronx Courthouse in the background. Great photo's guys. Thanks for the memories.

[Mattingly85MVP]

Wow Philmore, this is probably one of the best color photos of the old yankee stadium I've ever seen. Where did you find this one?

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Ya, that's a great shot.

[RichardLillard1]

Ruth, in his house, 1926 season. Gehrig waits on deck.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

What I wouldn't give to go back to a time where baseball was everything.

[Philmore]

Mattingly85MVP,

The shot was actually from color negatives I won on ebay. Since I use lots of vintage photos for my artwork referencing, this one couldn't have been passed up.

[rmedelson]

I have been looking for videos of Yankee home games from the early 70's. They were broadcast in color and I'd love to see a game (in color) before the stadium was renovated. Does anyone have any idea where I may obtain such a video?

[brooklyndodger14]

I have been looking for videos of Yankee home games from the early 70's. They were broadcast in color and I'd love to see a game (in color) before the stadium was renovated. Does anyone have any idea where I may obtain such a video?


I have a VHS copy of the Mickey Mantle Day Retirement of #7 Ceremonies from June 8, 1969.

Obviously, its not a ballgame but it does have some great wide shots of the pre-1976 Yankee. Its about half an hour long.

With the Yankee channel YES (aka Al-Yankeezhera) around for a good 3 or 4 seasons now, you would think by watching it that, despite 50 years of televised Yankee games, the ONLY ones that matter are of primarily the (almost done) Joe Torre era of '96-'06, with the occasional Righetti no-hitter, or the Guidry 18K game.

A team 100 years old and all they REPEATEDLY, ENDLESSLY RERUN are 10 years worth of games.

I mean, isn't anyone else sick of hearing Sterling and Kay's singy-songy HR calls or Sterling's Tarzan-like "THHHHHHHEEEE Yankees WIN!!" bellow??? Compare those clowns to play by play from Mel Allen, Red Barber, or even from a pre-birthday-greetings-and cannolis-era Phil Rizzuto, or Frank Messer and Bill White...

Why not show the games of the 60's with Mantle and Maris in action? Not the usual historical games, but the even the routine ones. Hey, sometimes the Yankees can even LOSE in them.

These games would be a way of displaying the Old Stadium in an everyday context. Though its was only the performing stage at the time of broadcast, because it will no longer be around in 2 years, viewed today would subtly transform it into a featured lead character.

Other "Old" Stadium TV games to consider:

Games from Mantle's 1956 Triple Crown year.

Games that featured performances by Boyer, Howard, Ford or Stottlemyre's debut (Mantle hit 2 HR's that day, one of them the farthest ever hit to the Stadium's dead center).

Munson's 1969 debut or any games featuring Thurm, or Graig, or how about the lesser known but exciting Yankees like 1972 3B Celerino Sanchez?

The August 1972 game vs. the Tigers where Sparky Lyle sets down the Tigers in the 9th to cap a Yankee come-from-behind victory.

Mantle's 500th HR game vs the Orioles in May of 1967 (the first year of the "Old" Stadium's renovation turning the place white and royal blue).

Just some suggestions.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

[rmedelson]

Thanks Dennis.

Actually I have a copy of Mickey Mantle day at the stadium. It's a pretty worn copy but it is something. Reading through all these posts and looking at some of the incredible pictures that people have posted, it really throws a negative connotation to wrecking Yankee Stadium...even more than I felt before. Looking at those pictures, just comparing the original ballpark with the way it is today, I can't understand how anyone affiliated with the Yankees (even fans) wouldn't want the park to not only remain, but look more like it used to. There is something so majestic about the old facade, even the drab green color. And death valley out in left center.

Can you imagine what would happen in Boston if the fans were told that the Green Monster was coming down and being replaced with a restaurant or something? Even more to the point, if Cubs fans were told that they're pulling down the Ivy so they can post advertisements?

[TJH1923]

Check out some interesting Yankee publications and miscellaneous items. On e-bay.

160039017253
160039198545
160039189302
160039220697
160039227919
160039232490
160039237895
160039029942
160039161914
160039214878
160038894390


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&item=160039189302&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

[rmedelson]

An interesting thought. I was listening to 770am the other day and someone was on the air talking about the possibility of a new Penn Station project in Manhattan. During the broadcast, they were speaking about the horrible mistake NYC made when it agreed to tear down the original Penn Station - a mistake which reverberates throughout the city even today...40+ years later. Now, ladies and gentlemen, fast-forward to October/November 2008. The site will be as follows: Getting off the subway at 161st street, you will see the new and old yankee stadiums sitting side-by-side as the new stadium gets it's finishing touches while the old stadium looks on in utter disbelief. As the "de-construction" crew arrives with the wrecking ball, the people gather 'round to witness the murder of their life-long friend and most famous NYC structure. My only fear is that crushing feeling everyone will have as the wrecking ball goes through the wall for the first time..."what have we done?" This is a one-way deal people. Once it's gone, it's gone forever. Yankee stadium will now be just another fancy shopping mall/ballpark....no history...no familiarity...no 'butterflies in your stomach' feeling when you walk in. Perhaps we'll be able to recapture that feeling in about 80 or 90 years.

I know I'm just whining but I really think an enormous mistake is in the works. I can see leveling the outer structure...however I'd love to see the field kept in the same spot. I know it isn't the original field, but it's a matter of what's inside the walls of yankee stadium. I think Steinbrenner should have kept the location, and made the new stadium look a lot more like the old one...complete with 'death valley'.

[rmedelson]

Yes this is definitely going to seal the deal for Yankee fans. Again, talking about it now is exciting and controversial - but when that day comes it is going to hurt and I think a lot of sports fans are going to take it personally. Perhaps some Yankee-hating sports fans will enjoy seeing this happen, but after the fact, even they will think to themselves, 'this is just not right'. Baseball in New York will never be the same.

Of all buildings in NYC, they'll destroy the most famous one (save for the Empire State Building)? Where is the city in all this? I read one of the posts where they say that Yankee Stadium is no longer a historic landmark because of the 1970's renovations. I cannot believe what I read sometimes. How does the city make that determination?

Anyway, I'm just another fan from Jersey - all of our posts fall on deaf ears. My suggestion???? Rebuild the existing ballpark and make it look like it did 50 years ago. The drab-green colored facade, the stacked-square lighting sections, the extended roof, the scoreboards on the outfield wall, death valley, and maybe, just maybe, a historic GEM RAZOR BLADES and/or BALLANTINE ALE advertisement just for good measure. (Ok, you don't have to put the view-blocking poles back...lol)

....Come on Mr. Steinbrenner, think of how many Yankee fans would welcome back historic Yankee Stadium.

[954718]

This is an awesome thread. I know I have some pictures of Yankee Stadium to add to this collection. In the meantime, here are two more pictures from the subway station (same view) from nycsubway.org (a couple other pictures from this site appeared earlier)

I've never attached pictures before so hopefully these come through

15161
http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?43079
This is from May 15, 1963

15162
http://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?3097
This is from May 27, 1970

[anjo25]

nice pics!

Why are there 2 on deck circles on the visitors side on pic no.5? At least thats what they look like, but there clearly to close to the foul line...anyone know why?

[brooklyndodger14]

nice pics!

Why are there 2 on deck circles on the visitors side on pic no.5? At least thats what they look like, but there clearly to close to the foul line...anyone know why?

http://baseball-fever.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=15294&stc=1&d=1161634802


The two lower circles on the left and right are indeed the on-deck circles. The three (2 along the 1B line and the 1 on the 3B line) are "fungo" circles used in BP for coaches to hit bounces or grounders to infielders for practice.

During postseason play, you would usually see them decorated with the teams' logos. The appearance of fungo circles seems to have declined as all the diamonds in MLB have adopted a "standard" look: Notice how all the dirtpaths around the foul lines end just past the bases with the foul lines continuing as a white line painted directly on the grass to the outfield warning track; or the lack of dirt pathways leading from the dugout to the home plate.

Dennis
BrooklynDodger14

PS: If you have Acclaim's All-Star Baseball 2005 for the Playstation 2, when you play in Ebbets Field (which FYI, IMHO, is the most accurately depicted version of Ebbets I've ever seen, right down to the way the sun casts an afternoon shadow), you will see the on-deck hitters erroneously waiting to bat from these "fungo" locations (in Ebbets they are correctly depicted as squares).

[TJH1923]

I feel obligated to keep this thread on page. There must be some different photos of the old stadium that have not yet been posted. I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season.

[Elvis]

http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/exhibits/NYC57/067.jpg

July 20, 1957. No one can pack 'em in like Billy Graham.

[Elvis]

http://www.antiquemystique.com/images/5549_jpg.jpg
-------------------

[Elvis]

http://www3.sympatico.ca/thehockeyattic/1923yankeestadium.JPG

http://www.roadsidephotos.com/rp/ballparks/yankeeof.jpg

-----------------------------------------------------

[Elvis]

http://www.lanternpress.com/images/ebay/2873-700.jpg

Opening day 1923

[Elvis]

http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/Images/1931GAME1.jpg

http://www.usna.edu/LibExhibits/Archives/Armynavy/Images/1931GAME3.jpg

[tommydee2000]

I was very proud to find that shot here. My uncle took it at Old Timers Day in 1967.

Here's my take on the the new stadium...http://home.att.net/~t.deangelo/NewStadium.htm

As a fan, and someone who has been going to Yankee Stadium for 45 years, I think it's time.

And my Ballparks page...http://home.att.net/~t.deangelo/ballparktravels.htm

[Elvis]

Bump due to alien clock invasion.

[TJH1923]

Elvis, those were some nice photos of football at the Stadium. I know this is a baseball thread, but it is a stadium and ballpark thread also and I would love to see photos from of the great college and pro football games played there. I would be interested in viewing Giant's photos at the Stadium. Even soccer pics would be great. I know I've seen some Pele photos in the past. It is all part of the great history of the most famous venue in the world.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Ruth, in his house, 1926 season. Gehrig waits on deck.

Richard may I ask where this pic was taken and who labeled it Ruth at bat and the year 1926. Post #204. Thank you in advance.

[jimm11756]

it sure looks like babe ruth at bat.

but it is definitely yankee stadium - the middle and upper decks did not reach the foul pole when the stadium was originally built. they were extended later.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Is anyone else shocked when they see colour pictures from the early part of this century? I find it so strange. I guess I imagine the world being in black and white back then. The thing is, that baseball was pretty much the same as it is now (in looks, obviously).

It's such a difference when you see colour pictures from the 20's and 30's.

[RichardLillard1]

The photo was for sale on eBay a while back. I was going to purchase but didn't have the funds at the time. I beleive it was for sale from someone's private collection.

I don't know when exactly it was taken except that it was the '26 season with Ruth at bat while Gehrig kneeled to observe (probably) the pitcher.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

The photo was for sale on eBay a while back. I was going to purchase but didn't have the funds at the time. I beleive it was for sale from someone's private collection.

I don't know when exactly it was taken except that it was the '26 season with Ruth at bat while Gehrig kneeled to observe (probably) the pitcher.

Thank you for that info. I have a hugh collection of Ruth photos from a good number of sources and am always in the hunt for more.

[RichardLillard1]

No problem Joe. I am always on the lookout for photos like that its a shame I didn't buy it. I saved the online copies to my computer I think there were more, I'll look.

It interests me more to see the pictures that fans took or are rarely seen. We've all seen the pictures that are widely seen but seeing things like that give us a chance to see it from a new angle.

I sure am in the mood to ramble today. :laugh

[RichardLillard1]

More from the same '26 game....

Should have posted this one first, it is easily my favorite of the group. Although you can't see Lou watching so it loses a little.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth2.jpg

The pics came from this set that was on ebay. I don't remember why but I didn't buy them (should have!) but I saved the pics to my hard drive.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth1.jpg

And finally some closeups of the two pictures of Ruth at the dish with Gehrig in the circle.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth4.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth5.jpg

[SHOELESSJOE3]

More from the same '26 game....

Should have posted this one first, it is easily my favorite of the group. Although you can't see Lou watching so it loses a little.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth2.jpg

The pics came from this set that was on ebay. I don't remember why but I didn't buy them (should have!) but I saved the pics to my hard drive.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth1.jpg

And finally some closeups of the two pictures of Ruth at the dish with Gehrig in the circle.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth4.jpg
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/babe_ruth5.jpg

Great shots Rich, awesome, the big guy himself, these are rare.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Yankee Stadium just a few days before the opening game 1923.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Yankee Stadium first game ever April 18, 1923. Miller Huggins and Red Sox manager Frank Chance raise the flag.

[mrow1927]

Found this picture of Yankee Stadium in 1949 on stadiumpage.com and it looks like it needed a face lift. A lot of cracks on the wall.

This is the image.

http://stadiumpage.com/stadiumgraveyard/y6.jpg

[Mattingly85MVP]

I love the original Yankee Stadium and I only wish I got to see a game in it. I love it so much that recently I purchased a row of 3 seats from the original stadium, and I'd like to somewhat restore them because most of the blue paint is chipping off and exposing the old green color that was there prior to the late 60's when the repainted the stadium...Any ideas on how to keep intact what's left of the original paint, maybe clear coating the chairs. Or should I sandblast it and fully restore it (which I’d prefer not to do). Any thoughts on this I’d appreciate it. Anyone know the specific color of the green seats, seafoam green?

[RichardLillard1]

Those are some great pictures. I would one day love to get ahold of a piece of the old stadium like some chairs or something (preferably chairs). I really don't think this place can ever be replaced.

[TJH1923]

Here are some more photos I came across.
A nice comparison.

[TJH1923]

This is the photo I wanted to compare.

[TJH1923]

One more for comparison.

[tkd7]

I'm new to this board but I didn't see this one posted. First pitch of Don Larsen's perfect game

http://photos.imageevent.com/tkd7/sportscards/donlarsensperfectgame/huge/Larsen%20first%20pitch.jpg

[TJH1923]

Great Photo!

[RichardLillard1]

Happy/Merry Christmahaunikwanzika! :laugh A few pictures that I don't think have been posted yet.

Going by the banner on the side and the scafolding just above the balconies at the main entrance I think this is just before opening in '23.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/2872-700.jpg

The '27 Series, can anyone give any guesses as to who is at the plate? It might be Ruth but I am not sure.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/Yankee_Stadium_1927-WorldSeries.jpg

This one was taken from somewhere across the river near the Polo Grounds unsure of the date or if it was even near a game time.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/tars176.jpg

Not sure about the date but Ruth vs. Johnson! Ruth hit one into the upper deck it went foul by about ten feet but he figured it was close enough and rounded the bases for the cheering fans anyway.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/img498.jpg

In an unrelated publicity shot, "Maris and Mantle" in "Yankee Stadium". For the movie "61*" Billy Crystal had Tiger Stadium repainted and used as the home Bronx Bombers and it looked great.

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

And lastly Merry Christmas!

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/50126044812.jpg


There have been some great photos on this thread recently great finds everybody.

[Elvis]

Not sure about the date but Ruth vs. Johnson! Ruth hit one into the upper deck it went foul by about ten feet but he figured it was close enough and rounded the bases for the cheering fans anyway.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/img498.jpg


Hey Richard, great shots! :clapping

I'm confused about this pic. It has to be taken in 1937 or later (those bleachers are the post-1937 structure and dimensions). So maybe it was an old-timers game?

Also notice the guy in the white coat wandering around the outfield. :laugh

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Hey Richard, great shots! :clapping

I'm confused about this pic. It has to be taken in 1937 or later (those bleachers are the post-1937 structure and dimensions). So maybe it was an old-timers game?

Also notice the guy in the white coat wandering around the outfield. :laugh

That exhibition took place August 23, 1942. It was an exhibition to benefit the army-navy relief fund. Ruth took or swung at around 20+ pitches before hitting one out. It was a hot day and he was beat and even though the drive he hit out was foul by some feet he knew it was his best under the conditions so he gave it the old home run trot. BTW it was a drive into the upper deck.

Ruth never lost the stroke. In a long distance hitting contest at Sportsmans Park in St.Louis he took top honors. Some of those in competition were some heavy hitters, Dolph Camilli, Joe Medwick and Johnny Mize.

Ruth hit the longest drive out of the park across Grand Boulevard and landing on the second set of trolley car tracks, 430 to 450 feet. His prize 50.00.

Whats most remarkable about this event, it took place in 1938, Ruth being retired and out of shape and the others still active and in their prime.

[RichardLillard1]

Thanks for the info Joe. I knew it was in the early 40's but I didn't know the exact date so I figured it was easier to stick to the things I knew than to try and make some stuff up.

[RichardLillard1]

Joe, do you have any idea who might be the batter in the second picture I posted there? I am thinking it might be Ruth but I am unsure.

[RichardLillard1]

Mattingly -

The blue paint was merely done over the existing mint green.I can't say how much of it would be left on your chairs in particular because the blue paint was meant to mask the fading/chipping green color as well as give the Stadium a new look.

As far as having it removed I would be very careful about that. Maybe have it removed in small sections here and there to show what is underneath but only if you really want to.

Billy Crystal has been a long time Yanks fan and he owns a set of the chairs as well. When he did the movie 61* he was trying to find the right color to paint Tiger Stadium. When the crew came to him about stripping the paint off of his chairs he was very much against it. Lucky for them there was a sliver of the blue missing that was about an inch long and less than a quarter inch or so wide. Tiger Stadium was then repainted from this small sample on the chair.

I think taking the blue off might deface the value some but if you really enjoy it then I would say go for it. But sandblasting it off would probably be a horrible idea. The 40+ year old paint under the blue would probably go right off with it. Keep in mind how old this paint is and that paint back then chipped off in big sections as it got older.

Its great that you have a set of the chairs though and if you get a chance please post some pics of them. I beleive it would be fitting to see some of the Yankee Stadium from the 20's-70's in modern times and on this forum.

[RichardLillard1]

I almost forgot, this is just my opinion but it might be of some small value to you.

You have three chairs, if I had three I would take the green from one of them into a paint store and have them match it exactly. I would paint one chair and then leave the rest the way they are. I realize that much of the paint is coming off these chairs but it would possibly be destroying the main value of the chairs.

If they come to town then you could take them on Antiques Roadshow and ask them or possibly even email them through their site. I am sure some type of Antique appraisal company would know and possibly be able to tell you what they would be worth in any scenario.

[KeyMan7]

I love the original Yankee Stadium and I only wish I got to see a game in it. I love it so much that recently I purchased a row of 3 seats from the original stadium, and I'd like to somewhat restore them because most of the blue paint is chipping off and exposing the old green color that was there prior to the late 60's when the repainted the stadium...Any ideas on how to keep intact what's left of the original paint, maybe clear coating the chairs. Or should I sandblast it and fully restore it (which I’d prefer not to do). Any thoughts on this I’d appreciate it. Anyone know the specific color of the green seats, seafoam green?

Hello,

Do not restore them. The seats will be worth more with the original paint from Yankee Stadium. The aqua Green or "seafoam green" is the original primer that was used before they were painted. This is one way of authenticating that they are from "The Stadium."

If you feel you must restore them there is a company that does this, and uses the correct paint for the stadium. If you do it yourself you might use the wrong paint, and devalue the seats. Most collectors will prefer the original paint job any way regardless of how roughed up it is.

I do not have the information of the company that restores stadium seats. If I remember they are from the Boston area. If I find out more I'll contact you.

Steven KeyMan7

[KeyMan7]

Hello,

I came across this forum looking for pictures of the old Yankee stadium, and I have never seen so many great pictures in one place. (I miss the old Stadium) Bring Back the poles!

I am trying to find a photo with these baseball Ornament's someone is trying to sell. He told me that there were 4 balls displayed on the top of the stadium at the main front gate, and was removed during the 1973 renovation.* The baseballs are made of Metal, and have a 21" circumference (about 6" tall)

If anyone has any inormation, or pictures of these Baseball Ornaments on the Stadium please reply.

http://keymancollectibles.com/miscellaneous/images/wpe27yankball.jpg

Thank You Steven KeyMan7

[RichardLillard1]

I'll check my photos and other sources and see what I can find out. Did he say exactly where they came from? Were they on the ticket booths outside the main gate or on the stadium itself? Because I doubt they would have been on the concrete building anywhere, I can't remember a logical place for them right off the top of my head.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Thanks for the info Joe. I knew it was in the early 40's but I didn't know the exact date so I figured it was easier to stick to the things I knew than to try and make some stuff up.

You made the right choice, I do the same when in that position, ask for others to help if they can.

[RichardLillard1]

Steven -

After some rifling through my photos of the Stadium and a trip to photobucket later, this could get long so bear with me.

The baseballs, as far as I can tell, would have been located at the tops of the flag poles over the main entrance. By main entrance I hope you are refering to Gate 4 which was the location of the rotunda behind home plate where Ruth's coffin was for visitation (this will come in to play in a second).

Yankee Stadium (as I am sure you know) had quite a few flag poles all over the place. One at the top of each section of the frieze, atop the main sections of the entrances and the main one in the outfield.

From the limited blueprints I have of the Stadium (I am still looking for a full set) I can't find anything about said flag poles, unfortunate.

But from the pictures I have I can see a bit more.

The first picture below is one that I have modified in paint to show circles around the areas I am talking about. I am sure you recognize those spots around the entrance and if you have been to the original stadium you probably have seen those flagpoles. These definately gave a more regal sight as it made her look more like a fortress or estate of some kind.

The second photo is, I beleive, from when the flags were flown at half staff following the death the Babe in 1948. With the flags at half staff you can see how there is some type of ornament at the top of each pole and your attention can be drawn to it more easily since the flag is not right next to it.

Lastly we have the main entrance at gate 4 during the '57 World Series. This is the best view of these poles I have even though it is only two of the four we are talking about here. You can definately see a spherical object on the tops of some form. It wouldn't suprise me at all of these are the baseballs in question.

Detail shots of the exterior of the Stadium were and are (in my experience) very hard to find. If I find out more I will definately let you know.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/FindArchivedImage1-1.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/18039442.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/RichardLillard1/Yanks_-_Outside_Slanted_V2T.jpg

Hope this helps somehow.

Richard

[Elvis]

I think it's a fraud. The Yankees never had big balls.

Edit: I just noticed that they're only 6 inches tall. I thought they were the size of beach balls. That make much more sense. In that case they might be the genuine article.

[KeyMan7]

Richard,

Great Job, and I thank you! When I first saw pictures of the baseballs My first though was that they were flag pole ornaments. When I suggested this his reply was all he knows was that there were 4 on top of the stadium.

From the pictures I have seen it's the only thing that makes sense. Like in the pictures you posted there are 4 flag poles. But I would still like to see them in detail to confirm it. A needle in a hay stack.

I put up a page on my website with more pictures of these baseballs but I don't know if I'm allowed to post it here.

I greatly appreciate the effort of your reply. Thanks again Steven

[RichardLillard1]

Feel free to post the link to your website. Elvis actually has a great website called ballparktour.com. Check it out when you get a chance, he and I share a number of views on ballpark design and appointments.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Joe, do you have any idea who might be the batter in the second picture I posted there? I am thinking it might be Ruth but I am unsure.

Just to make sure others know what picture we are discussing..... post #243 1927 World Series.

Hard to say with certainty but it looks like Ruth, built along his lines.

It could be Ruth... it looks like the second baseman is in a bit of a shift playing way over to his left. Then it could be he might have been moving towards second base just before the pitch to prevent the runner on second from getting a big lead off the bag.

Another thing leads me to believe it may be Ruth. Look at the left fielder, difficult to be sure but he appears to be playing rather deep especially with a left handed hitter at bat. That is the deepest part of the ball park even a challenge for big RH batters.

What I could find. Took a look at how many times Ruth came to bat in the 1927 WS in games at home when there was a runner on second base.

Game 3, in the 8th inning, Mike Cvengros pitching.

Game 4, in the first inning Lee Meadows pitching
Game 4, in the 7th inning Cvengros pitching in relief.

In that picture you posted the pitcher is a right hander and Meadows is RH and Cvengros is LH. That leaves only one at bat for Ruth in N.Y. where there is a runner on second and a RH pitching to him, game 4 first inning.

None of this makes it for sure that it was Ruth. My view, the two strongest indicators that it might be him, it looks like him and the fact that the left fielder is playing so deep for a LH hitter. I do realize that the Yanks had another window breaker that was a lefty, of course Lou Gehrig.

One more thing, if I was at that game the guy I would most likely snap a picture of would be Babe Ruth.

[KeyMan7]

Hello Richard,

The page with the baseballs:
http://keymancollectibles.com/miscellaneous/yankeestadiumbaseball.htm

The last time I spoke to this person was about a month and a half ago. I was looking for a photo to confirm the baseballs, and became sidetracked with other emails. I get about 5 - 10 emails a day from people looking for help on baseball memorabilia. It sounds like work but I enjoy it. I share what I know, and learn more in the process. I'll contact him during the week.

Thanks again. I'm going to check out Elvis' website now. the name sound familiar.

Steven

[RichardLillard1]

Joe - Thanks so much for the information, you opinions and knowledge are always a value. I am pretty sure its Ruth especially after what you have just told me. Where do you get all your information by the way? I would love to start doing my own research into things as well.

Steven - I am glad I could be help but please keep in mind I am not an official source on this and those could in fact be a fraud as mentioned by Elvis. It would make sense to me that they could have been there but we don't have any photographic or offical blueprint evidence.

Richard

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Joe - Thanks so much for the information, you opinions and knowledge are always a value. I am pretty sure its Ruth especially after what you have just told me. Where do you get all your information by the way? I would love to start doing my own research into things as well.
Richard
Well I've been following this great game for many years going back the late 1950s, especially the history of the game. I have a ton of books that I bought before computers came on the scene, these books were my best source at that time. Also, as great a resource as the internet is there is some info that I can find easier in some books.

As for doing that check on Babe Ruth and his at bats and the runners on base in that 1927 World Series, you can go to a web site called retrosheet that gives every inning, every at bat of every World Series game. This is a great site, lots of info. I am a member of SABR which allows it's members access to Proquest where you can read the actual daily game recaps and box scores of many regular season games going back to the late 1880's from some big newspapers, N.Y.Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe and Washington Post. I will not be paying my yearly fee of 60.00 to SABR next year because Proquest will be discontinued at the end of this year.

I'm sure there are members on this board that are aware of some great sites, I will post just a few that I use. Thank you for the compliment but I am only one of a number of posters on this board that have some knowledge of the history of the game. There are some real knowledgeble members on this message board and I alway learn something from them, even those that I disagree with. I can only say no matter how much one knows there is always more that has to be explored.

I have posted photos and text on this board but have never posted a website so I am going to just post a few in my own text and you can get to them just by entering them at Google in the search box and it will take you to that site, you can then save those sites.

RETROSHEET
BASEBALL ALMANAC
BASEBALL REFERENCE
BABSEBALL LIBRARY

[TJH1923]

Not sure about the date but Ruth vs. Johnson! Ruth hit one into the upper deck it went foul by about ten feet but he figured it was close enough and rounded the bases for the cheering fans anyway.(Quote)

"During World War II, Ruth did some charity work for the Red Cross, and himself bought over $100,000 in war bonds. He even organized a charity golf game with his old rival Ty Cobb (the two had despised each other in their playing days). Ruth appeared at many benefits during the war, and a few times donned his old baseball uniform. During one benefit at Yankee Stadium, he batted against the former great pitcher Walter Johnson, and another time, pinch hit in a game made up of teams from the armed forces. Later, in 1943, in another charity game at Yankee Stadium, he pinch hit, drew a walk, but tore cartilage in his knee when running the bases, and this would be the last time he would play in a formal game".
Source: http://www.popstarsplus.com/sports_baberuth.htm

[TJH1923]

Some real great photos and research have been posted recently. I am pleased that there are others who share my interest in the Stadium. Happy Holidays to all.......Maybe for Christmas, HOK will make some changes for the better to the new ballpark being built......I won't hold my breath.

[Richmond Hill Phoenix]

Maybe for Christmas, HOK will make some changes for the better to the new ballpark being built......I won't hold my breath.

That's probably a wise choice. Even if a bunch of fans signed a petition, and presented it to Steinbrenner, I don't think he would change a darn thing.

[TJH1923]

I posted this as a link a while back.

[RichardLillard1]

I love that post card it is one of my favorites of the Stadium.

Going by the amount of detail I am sure it was probably based off a photo that was taken during a fly by of the ballpark. The fact that they went so far as to put in the right number of windows and arches and even left a small portion of the stands empty in on spot but left out the warning track really gives me a kick.

[KeyMan7]

Hey Richard,

Have you ever seen the artist rendition (postcard) of the Stadiums original plan? The stands were supposed to wrap completely around the stadium. (closed in) But between the fear of not making the deadline, and the last minute insight that less light will enter the field, they left the outfield area open.

I'm looking at the picture above the postcard with Ruth at Bat...I don't see a warning track? Might have to look at other pictures. Maybe they didn't have a warning track when the Stadium first opened? We might have to check with Ken Burns on this one..
-Steven

[TJH1923]

The original stadium (1923) did have a warning track. It was actually more like a runners track. When the Stadium had the right field loge and upper deck built, the old stadium as most of us know it, had no warning track. There were dirt rectangles, for lack of a better term, at the exits in center and right center as well as the bullpens. If I am not mistaken, a warning track was in place when the auxiliary scoreboards were erected in right and left field in the winter of '48-'49. Please correct me if I am wrong or off by the year.
Below is a photo of the '47 W.S. when Dimaggio hit his shot toward the the visitor bullpen that Gionofriddo caught.

[KeyMan7]

Great Photo!

You Know..I think that's the first time I've seen a photo with only two monuments. (or do I need to get my eyes checked?) The first time I went to "The Stadium" as a kid I thought Babe Ruth was buried out there.
-Steven

[Elvis]

Hey Richard,

Have you ever seen the artist rendition (postcard) of the Stadiums original plan? The stands were supposed to wrap completely around the stadium. (closed in) But between the fear of not making the deadline, and the last minute insight that less light will enter the field, they left the outfield area open.

I'm looking at the picture above the postcard with Ruth at Bat...I don't see a warning track? Might have to look at other pictures. Maybe they didn't have a warning track when the Stadium first opened? We might have to check with Ken Burns on this one..
-Steven

Steven, check out post #233 for a great photo of Yankee Stadium a couple of days before its first game. The grass beyond the war