Yankee Stadium Countdown Lever

[bigworm_122]

i thought it would be interesting to see who gets to pull the countdown lever during each game so i have started a list. unfortunatley i cannot go to everygame so i need some help filling it out.

this is what i have witnessed, or found online.


81-80 - George M. Steinbrenner III (Blue Jays, 4/1/08)
80-79 - Steve Smith, Ahmad Bradshaw and Aaron Ross of the New York Giants (Blue Jays, 4/2/08)
79-78 - Paul O’Neill (Blue Jays, 4/3/08)
78-77 - John Flaherty (Rays, 4/4/08)
77-76 - Joe Peptinone (Rays, 4/5/08)
76-75 - Yogi Berra (Rays, 4/6/08)
75-74 - Zach Parise of New Jersey Devils (Rays, 4/7/08)
74-73 - Bucky Dent (Red Sox, 4/16/08)
73-72 - Tino Martinez (Red Sox, 4/17/08)
72-71 - Al Leiter (Tigers, 4/29/08)
71-70 - Billy Crystal (Tigers, 4/30/08)
70-69 - Ron Bloomberg (Tigers, 5/1/08)
69-68 - Bobby Murcer (Mariners, 5/2/08)
68-67 - Paul Sachs, Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team (Mariners, 5/3/08)
67-66 - Michael Kay (Mariners, 5/4/08)
66-65 - Steve Spagnuolo, Kevin Gilbride, & Jerry Palmieri of the New York Giants (Indians, 5/6/08)
65-64 - Buck Showalter (Indians, 5/7/08)
64-63 - Oscar Gamble (Indians, 5/8/08)
63-62 - David Cone (Mets, 5/17/08)
62-61 - Glenn Kaiser "Yankees’ No. 1 fan from Rochester" (Mets, 5/18/08)
61-60 - Ruth Fattori, MetLife Executive (Orioles, 5/20/08)
60-59 - John Walsh, America's Most Wanted (Orioles, 5/21/08)
59-58 - Ken Singleton (Orioles, 5/22/08)
58-57 - Kristine Lilly, U.S. Women's Soccer Team (Mariners, 5/23/08)
57-56 - Oscar Guerra, Hope for Warriors Organization (Mariners, 5/24/08)
56-55 - Nine members of the Tuskegee Airmen (Mariners, 5/25/08)
55-54 - Boomer Esiason (Blue Jays, 6/3/08)
54-53 - Jane Forbes Clark , Baseball Hall of Fame (Blue Jays, 6/4/08)
53-52 - Tony Morante, Director of Yankee Stadium Tours (Blue Jays, 6/5/08)
52-51 - Lawrence Tynes, Zak DeOssie, Chase Blackburn of the New York Giants (Royals, 6/6/08)
51-50 - Steve Schirripa "aka Bobby Bacala" of the Sopranos (Royals, 6/7/08)
50-49 - Family of Matthew Wasser (Eric, Marilyn, Jason, & Stephanie Wasser), Yankees Intern killed in Oct. 2007 car crash (Royals, 6/8/08)
49-48 - Lance Armstrong (Royals, 6/9/08)
48-47 - Wade Boggs (Padres, 6/17/08)
47-46 - George Reilly, a Met Life Financial Advisor (Padres, 6/18/08)
46-45 - Jerry Coleman, Former Yankee & Current Padres Broadcaster (Padres, 6/19/08)
45-44 - Bill Werber, last living teammate of Babe Ruth (Reds, 6/20/08) (via video)
44-43 - Babe Ruth's daughter Julia Ruth Stevens, grandson Tom Stevens, great grandson Brent Stevens, great granddaughter Amanda Stevens (Reds, 6/21/08)
43-42 - Robert Molloy (Reds, 6/22/08)
42-41 - Graig Nettles (Mets, 6/27/08)
41-40 - Jim Kaat (Rangers, 6/30/08)
40-39 - Dan Quintero, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club (Rangers, 7/1/08)
39-38 - Roy White (Rangers, 7/2/08)
38-37 - Gene "Stick" Michael (Red Sox, 7/3/08)
37-36 - 8 Members of the 2008 Olympic Women's Softball Team (Red Sox, 7/4/08)
36-35 - Arlene Howard, the widow of former Yankees catcher Elston Howard (Red Sox, 7/5/08)
35-34 - Dr. Garrett Reisman, an astronaut from the International Space Station (Red Sox, 7/6/08)
34-33 - Reggie Jackson (Rays, 7/8/08)
33-32 - Beto Villa, Armando Talavera, Carlos Silva of WADO - Yankees Spanish Radio (Rays, 7/9/08)
32-31 - Tina Lewis, Bald Vinny Milano, Evy Harper and Milton Ousland, Bleacher Creatures (Athletics, 7/18/08)
31-30 - Tom Coughlin, coach of Super Bowl Champ New York Giants (Athletics, 7/19/08)
30-29 - Landon Donavan (LA Galaxy) & John Conway (NY Red Bulls), MLS players (Athletics, 7/20/08)
29-28 - Michael, Farrell, Met Life Executive (Twins, 7/21/08)
28-27 - John Sterling, WCBS - Yankees Radio (Twins, 7/22/08)
27-26 - Leonard Wilf, Limited Partner of the New York Yankees (Twins, 7/23/08)
26-25 - Kenny Loggins (Orioles, 7/28/08)
25-24 - Family of Dan Topping (Tom, David, Laurie, Kristen, Jamie, & Josephine Topping), a part owner and president of the Yankees from 1945 to 1964 (Orioles 7/29/08)
24-23 - Debbie Nicolosi, Shirley Beauchamp, Josephine Doring, of Yankees Front Offices (Orioles, 7/30/08)
23-22 - Lt. General Ray Oierno, US Army (Angels, 7/31/08)
22-21 - Bob Peterson, MetLife Executive, (Angels, 8/1/08)
21-20 - Bobby Richardson, (Angels, 8/2/08)
20-19 - Spike Lee (Angels, 8/3/08)
19-18 - Michael Tuccillo, MetLife Executive (Royals, 8/15/08)
18-17 - Darryl Strawberry (Royals, 8/16/08)
17-16 - Jerry Stiller and Ben Stiller (Royals, 8/17/08)
16-15 - Lou Lamoriello, General Manager of the New Jersey Devils (Red Sox, 8/26/08)
15-14 - Goose Gossage (Red Sox, 8/27/08)
14-13 - Harvey Winston, Dan Cunningham, Tommy Fyfe and Clinton Thomas, Yankees Employees of 20-plus Years (Red Sox, 8/28/08)
13-12 - Family of Pete Sheehy, longtime Yankees Clubhouse attendant, Clubhouse & Dugout Named in his honor (Blue Jays, 8/29/08)
12-11 - Kenneth Meer & Jane Lang, "2 Loyal fans at Yankee Stadium for many years" (Blue Jays, 8/30/08)
11-10 - Jesse Barfield (Blue Jays, 8/31/08)
10-9 - Ron Glick, MetLife Countdown Sweepstakes Winner (Rays, 9/13/08)
9-8 - Don Larsen, David Wells, David Cone (Rays, 9/13/08) pre-recorded
8-7 - Rick Cerone (Rays, 9/14/08)
7-6 - Several Yankees Beat Writers, long-time official scorer Bill Shannon, and radio man Ed Lucas (White Sox, 9/15/08)
6-5 - Moose Skowron (White Sox, 9/16/08)
5-4 - William J. Mullaney & Snoopy, MetLife (White Sox, 9/17/08)
4-3 - Emilio "Millito" Navarro, Negro Leagues Oldest Living Professional Baseball Player (102 years) (White Sox, 9/18/08)
3-2 - Bob Costas (Orioles, 9/19/08)
2-1 - Bob Sheppard, The Voice of Yankee Stadium (Orioles, 9/20/08) pre-recorded
1-forever - Michael Kay (Orioles, 9/21/08)

[Gary Dunaier]

Interesting idea, to record who gets the honor each game. Meanwhile, I've got a question regarding the posted countdowns at the two New York ballparks.

For those of you who don't know, the Yankees don't actually change the number until the end of the fifth inning, or the middle of the fifth if the Yankees are ahead; in other words, they wait until the game has become official. The Mets, on the other hand, change it before the start of the game.

Do you guys have any preference as to when it's done? Any opinions on which is "right" or "better?"

[bleacherbum73]

Interesting idea, to record who gets the honor each game. Meanwhile, I've got a question regarding the posted countdowns at the two New York ballparks.

For those of you who don't know, the Yankees don't actually change the number until the end of the fifth inning, or the middle of the fifth if the Yankees are ahead; in other words, they wait until the game has become official. The Mets, on the other hand, change it before the start of the game.

Do you guys have any preference as to when it's done? Any opinions on which is "right" or "better?"

When the Cards did it in 2005 I believe they did it during the 7th inning stretch. I think you should at least wait until the game is official. Doing it the way the Mets are doing it before the start of the game diesn't give all fans a shot to see it.

[Gary Dunaier]

Here's another interesting thing on Shea and Yankee's methods... at Yankee Stadium, the honoree pulls a lever or flicks a switch or however it's done, and the illuminated number on the countdown clock changes.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/2394955120_a503a35c53.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken April 3, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

But at Shea Stadium, an actual placard with the number on it is physically removed from the outfield wall...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/2409582562_dd26e4b19a.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken April 12, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

...and apparently presented to whoever has the honor of removing it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2408746985_f11358845b.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken April 12, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

I wonder what would happen if an official game does not get played... does the guy have to return the placard, or do they just make up another one with the same number and present it to whomever gets the honor next time?

[six4three]

Ha - I like it.

Personally, I like doing it in the 5th - nice way to break it up, the countdown doesn't get lost in the lineups and anthem.

[Kentucky Bomber]

When the Cards did it in 2005 I believe they did it during the 7th inning stretch. I think you should at least wait until the game is official. Doing it the way the Mets are doing it before the start of the game diesn't give all fans a shot to see it.

When the Yankees visited Busch II in its last year I was there for games 1 and 3, the 2 games they lost, naturally. I can't remember the inning they changed the number, which was done manually, as at Shea this year. The Sunday afternoon game the number was changed by Joe Torre, who was very fondly remembered in St Louis and got a huge ovation.

[Aviator_Frank]

Also notice that Shea has 2 daily placards, a stiff card for removal and a thin plastic sheet for display during the game.

If all those stiff cards were piled up at game 81 it would look like a Day-at-a-Glance desk calendar.

[BeatEmBucs]

When 3 Rivers was "counting down" it was always done after the 5th. I think that's the way it should be done. Do it the Mets way....and what would happen if the game gets Rained out? Do they have a "replacement" number? Or would they just not have a ceremony when the game is made up?

[Perseus71]

67-66 - _____________(Mariners, 5/4/08)

That game had Michael Kay pull the lever. I was there.

[Yoda]

They asked me if I could do it on 7/23.

I said thanks, but no thanks.

[Yankswun98]

I was at the game Tuesday night, 66-65. They had a few Giants pull the lever.

[Manhattan]

I was at the game Tuesday night, 66-65. They had a few Giants pull the lever.That is good that I saw 2 pictures of Yankee Stadium.

[reh303]

I was at the 5/4 game - Michael Kay.

[bigworm_122]

as far as the mets countdown, i was doing some research online, and it seems that the number they pull off at the beginning of the game, was the last game played. (ex. they took off #81 at the beginning of the second game, if you look at the picks above when 78 was taken down, it was before the start of the 77th game on april 12.) but if you work it all the way down to the end, they will be pulling off #2 at the start of the last game. so i guess that at the end of the last game they will take down #1.

i may start a thread with the mets countdown people

[Manhattan]

as far as the mets countdown, i was doing some research online, and it seems that the number they pull off at the beginning of the game, was the last game played. (ex. they took off #81 at the beginning of the second game, if you look at the picks above when 78 was taken down, it was before the start of the 77th game on april 12.) but if you work it all the way down to the end, they will be pulling off #2 at the start of the last game. so i guess that at the end of the last game they will take down #1.

i may start a thread with the mets countdown people
When the 2009 Major League Baseball season starts New York Yankees home games tickets behind home plate are $2,500.00 I found out that on Kieth Olberman's TV show yesterday.

[six4three]

Yes.

But what has that to do with the subject at hand?

[Gary Dunaier]

When the 2009 Major League Baseball season starts New York Yankees home games tickets behinf home plate are $2,500.00 I found out that on Kieth Olberman's TV show yesterday.

And my understanding is that they're all spoken for.

Yes.

But what has that to do with the subject at hand?

Yes, how does this information relate with the Yankee Stadium Countdown Lever?

Unless... Manhattan's got one of those $2,500 seats, and he's eagerly counting down the days until he can start using them? :highfive:

[cgcoyne2]

i thought it would be interesting to see who gets to pull the countdown lever during each game so i have started a list. unfortunatley i cannot go to everygame so i need some help filling it out.

this is what i have witnessed, or found online.


81-80 - George Steinbrenner (Blue Jays, 4/1/08)
80-79 - Steve Smith, Ahmad Bradshaw and Aaron Ross – NYG – (Blue Jays, 4/2/08)
79-78 - Paul O’Neill (Blue Jays, 4/3/08)
78-77 - John Flaherty (Rays, 4/4/08)
77-76 - Joe Peptinone (Rays, 4/5/08)
76-75 - Yogi Berra (Rays, 4/6/08)
75-74 - Zach Parise of New Jersey Devils (Rays, 4/7/08)
74-73 - Bucky Dent (Red Sox, 4/16/08)
73-72 - Tino Martinez (Red Sox, 4/17/08)
72-71 - _____________(Tigers, 4/29/08)
71-70 - Billy Crystal (Tigers, 4/30/08)
70-69 - _____________(Tigers, 5/1/08)
69-68 - Bobby Murcer (Mariners, 5/2/08)
68-67 - _____________(Mariners, 5/3/08)
67-66 - Michael Kay (Mariners, 5/4/08)
66-65 - _____________(Indians, 5/6/08)
65-64 - Buck Showalter (Indians, 5/7/08)
64-63 - _____________(Indians, 5/8/08)
63-62 -
62-61 -
61-60 -
60-59 -
59-58 -
58-57 -
57-56 -
56-55 -
55-54 -
54-53 -
53-52 -
52-51 -
51-50 -
50-49 -
49-48 -
48-47 -
47-46 -
46-45 -
45-44 -
44-43 -
43-42 -
42-41 -
41-40 -
40-39 -
39-38 -
38-37 -
37-36 -
36-35 -
35-34 -
34-33 -
33-32 -
32-31 -
31-30 -
30-29 -
29-28 -
28-27 -
27-26 -
26-25 -
25-24 -
24-23 -
23-22 -
22-21 -
21-20 -
20-19 -
19-18 -
18-17 -
17-16 -
16-15 -
15-14 -
14-13 -
13-12 -
12-11 -
11-10 -
10-9 -
9-8 -
8-7 -
7-6 -
6-5 -
5-4 -
4-3 -
3-2 -
2-1 -
1-0 -

Oscar Gamble did 5/8/08 against Indians

[bigworm_122]

can anyone confirm that al leiter pulled the lever on 4/29/08
and david cone pulled the lever on 5/6/08, because when i was watching the game on 5/6, it seemed like michael kay was by himself for the first half of the sixth inning, which leads me to believe that cone was out of the booth to pull the lever

[mrothstein]

Ron Blomberg was 5/1 vs. Detroit

[bigworm_122]

boomer said he pulled the lever last night, this morning on WFAN. he siad they just came up to him last night and asked him if he would like to do it.

[Gehrig27]

Ken Singleton pulled it on May 22nd

[Gary Dunaier]

boomer said he pulled the lever last night, this morning on WFAN. he siad they just came up to him last night and asked him if he would like to do it.

Here's a picture...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2549818215_2bbb9bb960.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken June 3, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

[jerseyyankeefan]

I was at the game, and there were some boos for Boomer -- he's a Mets fan...

[h-man]

the president of the hall of fame pulled it tonight 6/4

[bigworm_122]

added a few more names to the list

[t bull]

Game 51-50 vs. Royals (6/7/08): Steve Schirripa aka Bobby Bacala of the Sopranos

[Sean Ryan]

The Yankees should let Melky pull the lever tomorrow.. and than DFA him, he is awful. Automatic out.

[Gary Dunaier]

June 21, 2008 v. Cincinnati (44 to 43) - the family of Babe Ruth.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3204/2599993612_5d0767f6a9.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken June 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

From left to right on the Diamond Vision screen: Ruth's great grandson Brent Stevens, grandson Tom Stevens, daughter Julia Ruth Stevens, great granddaughter Amanda Stevens.

In ceremonies held on the field prior to the start of the game, the family presented the 2007 Babe Ruth Home Run Award to Alex Rodriguez.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2599138583_d0caa3763e.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken June 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

Online reports quoted Julia Ruth Stevens, who is 91, as saying "this is my last trip east" (she lives in Arizona), and thus, in all likeliehood this was her final visit to Yankee Stadium. :(

[Yankees12]

I was wondering if they would involve Ruth's daughter in the last season of Yankee Stadium - I'm very glad to see they did. I wish she was able to come out for the last game there - at that age, it's certainly tough though.

[Gary Dunaier]

July 1, 2008 v. Texas (40 to 39) - I don't know who this guy is, so let's call him the mystery man from Kips Bay.

Yes, of course, they announced his name and his affiliation, but I don't think anyone in the ballpark knew who he was. He wasn't representing some corporate sponsor, and he wasn't some lucky fan who won a contest.

Whoever he is, he must have done something really, really special in order to receive this honor.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2630649536_096fccbd8d.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 1, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2629832083_8dec94a124.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 1, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

(N.B.: Kips Bay is a neighborhood in Manhattan, generally considered to be the area between 23rd Street and 34th Street extending from the East River to Third Avenue.)

[t bull]

Game 51-50 vs. Royals (6/7/08): Steve Schirripa aka Bobby Bacala of the Sopranos



Game 66-65 vs. Indians (5/6/08): Steve Spagnuolo, Kevin Gilbride, and I think Tom Quinn was the 3rd (they were all coordinators for the NY Giants)

[t bull]

Game 66-65 vs. Indians (5/6/08): Steve Spagnuolo, Kevin Gilbride, and I think Tom Quinn was the 3rd (they were all coordinators for the NY Giants)

vs. Red Sox (7/5/08): Arlene Howard, the widow of former Yankees catching great Elston Howard

[t bull]

vs. Red Sox (7/5/08): Arlene Howard, the widow of former Yankees catching great Elston Howard

vs. Red Sox (7/6/08): Dr. Garrett Reisman, an astronaut from the International Space Station

[Gary Dunaier]

July 19, 2008 v. Oakland (31 to 30) - Tom Coughlin, coach of the Super Bowl 42 champion New York Giants.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2687996478_5450e1daae.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 19, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2687996478/in/set-72157606283408430/))

Tom Coughlin also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first ball prior to the start of the game.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2687907048_0aaee7ed0e.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 19, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2687907048/in/set-72157606283408430/))

[curb my enthusiasm]

Have Billy Crystal or Rudy Giuliani had this honor yet?

And I'm sure that Jerry Seinfeld will get the honor at a Mets game - he's a big Mets fan.

[Gary Dunaier]

Giuliani was at yesterday's game, along with presumptive Republican presidential nominee John McCain.

I don't know if Giuliani - or McCain, for that matter - pulled the lever.

If McCain did it, or does it at a future game, would the Yankees be obligated to give presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama equal time?

[NYaDiO]

No. 31 to 30 was Tom Coughlin that was this past Saturday against the A's I was there.

[Gary Dunaier]

No. 31 to 30 was Tom Coughlin that was this past Saturday against the A's I was there.

So was I... didja see my photos in post #35????? :cap:

[TinoM24]

i would expect Giuliani will get one of the last games. Who do you think is going to get the last game? George Steinbrenner? It would be cool if they got the entire team to do it for the last game.

[Kentucky Bomber]

i would expect Giuliani will get one of the last games. Who do you think is going to get the last game? George Steinbrenner? It would be cool if they got the entire team to do it for the last game.

I think we all had evidence last week that sadly we may have seen the last public appearance of George. Since I would imagine they'll try to have every living Yankee there for 9/21 they'll have quite a roster to choose from.

Speaking of which, I saw an interview with Tony Kubek in the NY Times. It said that since he left the broadcast booth in 1994 he has not seen, in person or on TV, a single baseball game. For a guy who gave probably 50 years of his life to the game that's kind of shocking. I guess we won't see him there at the last game.

[Gary Dunaier]

July 21, 2008 v. Minnesota (29 to 28) - a Met Life executive; I didn't catch his name.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3092/2694893150_41665e20b6.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2694893150/in/set-72157606320566377/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3268/2694893906_b88b753b65.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2694893906/in/set-72157606320566377/)


Before the start of the game, he (along with Snoopy) made an on-field award presentation to Alex Rodriguez.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2694005628_72df022a34.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2694005628/in/set-72157606320566377/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2694727610_7c13f186ff.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2694727610/in/set-72157606320566377/)

[ZYanksRule]

John Sterling did it tonight.

[Paul W]

another cartoon character...

[NYaDiO]

So was I... didja see my photos in post #35????? :cap:

Yeah I just saw it. I was Section 26 Box 314 in the Main Box seating. Here's a pic before they changed it from 31. It was from a camera phone so it's not very good quality.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/pcgvertex/o7-19-o8%20Yankee%20Game/IMG00060.jpg

[Gary Dunaier]

John Sterling did it tonight.

another cartoon character...

Cartooon character is right...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3031/2694129743_6666618e5f.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 21, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to posting on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2694129743/in/set-72157606320566377/)

[SparkyL]

July 21, 2008 v. Minnesota (29 to 28) - a Met Life executive; I didn't catch his name.

Before the start of the game, he (along with Snoopy) made an on-field award presentation to Alex Rodriguez.

That is SO LAME. The count-down lever should be done in an honorable fashion - not as part of an advertisement with a mascot.

Oh, I forgot. The count-down lever itself is an advertisement. Silly me.

[kidcavalier23]

That is SO LAME. The count-down lever should be done in an honorable fashion - not as part of an advertisement with a mascot.

Oh, I forgot. The count-down lever itself is an advertisement. Silly me.

I agree, they should have the former players of the organization pulling it up, not Snoopy. Who the hell is that. :confused:

[TinoM24]

theyll get the more recognizable people closer to the last game.

any more guesses on who is gonna pull it for the last game?

[kobathecat]

Last game should either be whoever played in the earliest game at Yankee Stadium among the living former players, or the most respected of former Yankees: Yogi Berra.

Has anyone form Thurman Munson's family been picked yet?

[TinoM24]

I bet theyre gonna give his family the honor on the anniversary of his death, which is coincidentally, Old Timer's Day.

[Emobacca]

I'd bet on Bernie Williams doing the honors sometime during the final home stand.

[Kentucky Bomber]

I'd bet on Bernie Williams doing the honors sometime during the final home stand.

Bernie has not been back tot he Stadium since the end of 2006, and seems to have no desire to be there. Unless he does it from home I wouldn't count on it.

[TinoM24]

or if they give him a lot of money and get Jeter or Posada or Pettitte to call him.

[Gary Dunaier]

July 29, 2008 v. Baltimore (25 to 24) - the family of Dan Topping, a part owner and president of the Yankees from 1945 to 1964.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3200/2715731947_b67c1803ed.jpg?v=0
Photo taken July 29, 2008. © Gary Dunaier.
Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2715731947/in/set-72157606451761653/)

[t bull]

july 30th vs Baltimore (24 to 23) - 3 long time female workers from the Yankee organization (i didn't catch their names).

[NYFan1stYankFan2nd]

Yeah I just saw it. I was Section 26 Box 314 in the Main Box seating. Here's a pic before they changed it from 31. It was from a camera phone so it's not very good quality.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v208/pcgvertex/o7-19-o8%20Yankee%20Game/IMG00060.jpg

Heckuva camera phone!

A tad hazy(probably the sun's angle), but the color is natural and you can make out individuals in the bleachers and read the scoreboard. 1mp? 2mp? I wouldn't complain at all If I owned that.

Mine is about 0.333 megapixels, and I wouldn't dare post here with it! :D

[hartman74]

I was at the July 28th game Yankees vs. Orioles in which the Yankees lost by a score of 13-4.

Kenny Loggins used the countdown lever for 25 games left.

[Gary Dunaier]

Here's one I found on Flickr. I have no idea who this individual is... according to the information posted on Flickr this photo was taken August 3, so I have to presume that's when this guy had the honor. (Good luck describing this one, bigworm_122!!!!! :D)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2729680555_34b9199876.jpg?v=0
(Uploaded to Flickr.com by user jacorbett70 on 8/3/08; described as having been taken August 3, 2008. Link to original Flickr.com upload: here (http://flickr.com/photos/jacorbett70/2729680555/))

[YankeeFanBx]

[QUOTE=Gary Dunaier;1271610]Here's one I found on Flickr. I have no idea who this individual is... according to the information posted on Flickr this photo was taken August 3, so I have to presume that's when this guy had the honor. (Good luck describing this one, bigworm_122!!!!! :D)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2729680555_34b9199876.jpg?v=0
(Uploaded to Flickr.com by user jacorbett70 on 8/3/08; described as having been taken August 3, 2008. Link to original Flickr.com upload: here (http://flickr.com/photos/jacorbett70/2729680555/))[/Q
UOTE]
That's the film director Spike Lee of Brooklyn.
Who did the honors on Old Timers Day?

[Perseus71]

Bobby Richardson pulled the lever on Old-Timers day.

[eatabagel]

8/3 lever puller I believe was Spike Lee.

[YanksRule]

Here is the complete list of who pulled the lever..

http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,4773,P19971,00.html?WT.mc_id=cb3712

[Gary Dunaier]

It's about time we've got a definitive roster of names. At least now we know the identity of the fellow presently identified on bigworm_122's list as "Some Guy from Kips Bay (Rangers, 7/1/08)" - Dan Quintero of the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.

July 1, 2008 v. Texas (40 to 39) - I don't know who this guy is, so let's call him the mystery man from Kips Bay.

Yes, of course, they announced his name and his affiliation, but I don't think anyone in the ballpark knew who he was. He wasn't representing some corporate sponsor, and he wasn't some lucky fan who won a contest.

Whoever he is, he must have done something really, really special in order to receive this honor.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/2630649536_096fccbd8d.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 1, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3115/2629832083_8dec94a124.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken July 1, 2008. © Gary Dunaier)

(N.B.: Kips Bay is a neighborhood in Manhattan, generally considered to be the area between 23rd Street and 34th Street extending from the East River to Third Avenue.)

[Yankeeman080]

I think of three people who should pull the level during the final homestead of the year. In no particular order I suggest Bob Sheppard, Diane Munson, Bernie Williams, and the recent widow Kay Murcer. It is a shame Bob will never get to see the new stadium. He would have loved it upon its completeion. Rest in Peace Bob

[Yankeeman080]

before you pounce yes I know BOb Murcer pulled in on the 2nd of May. I just think it would be a good gesture. If not Kay maybe the widows of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris would be nice

[Gary Dunaier]

It is a shame Bob will never get to see the new stadium. He would have loved it upon its completeion. Rest in Peace Bob

Although health concerns have prevented him from performing his PA duties at Yankee Stadium this year, Bob Sheppard is still with us. And I don't mean "in spirit" in the sense that Mickey Mantle or Joe DiMaggio or Bobby Murcer are still with us.

Bob Sheppard has not passed away!

Unless something happens between now and next April (God forbid), Bob will see the new Stadium in its completed form, even if it's just in pictures or on television. (Maybe, if his health allows, his doctors will give him permission to visit the place on a non-game day.)

EDIT: Just realized you were referring to Bobby Murcer, not Bob Sheppard, but since everyone knows him as "Bobby" Murcer, not "Bob" Murcer, and since Bob Sheppard is a gentleman of advanced age with health problems, the presumption on my part is reasonable...

[TinoM24]

he was talking about Murcer not Sheppard.

[YankeeFanBx]

Than it's Bobby, in the Bronx he was known as Bobby. :)

[bigworm_122]

i guess i don't need to keep this runnig list anymore if met life is doing it for me.

does anyone know who these people are:

6/22 - Robert Molloy
7/23 - Leonard Wilf
7/30 - Debbie Nicolosi, Shirley Beauchamp, Josephine Doring

[yankeegreg2008]

I work for MetLife and wanted to give everyone a heads up that we’re sponsoring a chance to pull the Yankee Stadium countdown lever on September 13th during the Tampa Bay game. The winner will also receive four premium tickets, to meet manager Joe Girardi and on field access to view batting practice.

It’s free to enter and you can do it from the MetLife website - http://www.metlife.com/General/0,0,19959,00.html?WT.mc_id=cs3773 (http://www.metlife.com/General/0,0,19959,00.html?WT.mc_id=cs3773)

Good luck!

[cgcoyne2]

Latest from Metlife:

3/31 George M. Steinbrenner III
4/2 Ahmad Bradshaw, Steve Smith, & Aaron Ross-New York Giants
4/3 Paul O'Neill
4/4 John Flaherty
4/5 Joe Pepitone
4/6 Yogi Berra
4/7 Zach Parise-New Jersey Devils
4/16 Bucky Dent
4/17 Tino Martinez
4/29 Al Leiter
4/30 Bill Crystal
5/1 Ron Blomberg
5/2 Bobby Murcer
5/3 Paul Sachs-Golden Knights U.S. Army Parachute Team
5/4 Michael Kay
5/6 Steve Spagnuolo, Kevin Gilbride, Jerry Palmieri-New York Giants
5/7 Buck Showalter
5/8 Oscar Gamble
5/16 Graig Nettles (rainout made up on June 27)
5/17 David Cone
5/18 Glenn Kaiser-Yankees fan
5/20 Ruth Fattori-MetLife
5/21 John Walsh-America's Most Wanted, NCMEC
5/22 Ken Singleton
5/23 Kristine Lilly-U.S. Women's Soccer Team
5/24 Oscar Guerra-Hope for the Warriors organization
5/25 Members of the Tuskegee Airmen
6/3 Boomer Esiason
6/4 Jane Forbes Clark-Baseball Hall of Fame
6/5 Tony Morante-Yankee Tour Guide
6/6 Lawrence Tynes, Zak DeOssie, Chase Blackburn-New York Giants
6/7 Steve Schirripa-The Sopranos
6/8 Eric, Marilyn, Jason & Stephanie Wasser-New York Yankees
6/9 Lance Armstrong
6/17 Wade Boggs
6/18 George Reilly-MetLife
6/19 Jerry Coleman
6/20 Bill Werber (video)-New York Yankees
6/21 Julia Ruth Stevens & Tom, Brent & Amanda Stevens-Babe Ruth relatives
6/22 Robert Molloy-New York Yankees
6/30 Jim Kaat
7/1 Dan Quintero-Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club
7/2 Roy White
7/3 Gene "Stick" Michael
7/4 Players from the U.S. National Olympic Softball team
7/5 Arlene Howard-Elston Howard’s wife
7/6 Dr. Garrett Reisman-NASA
7/8 Reggie Jackson
7/9 Beto Villa, Armando Talavera, Carlos Silva-WADO - Yankees Spanish Radio
7/18 Tina Lewis, Vinny Milano, Milton Ousland, Evy Harper-Bleacher Creatures
7/19 Tom Coughlin-New York Giants
7/20 Landon Donavan & John Conway-Los Angeles Galaxy & New York Red Bull
7/21 Michael Farrell-MetLife
7/22 John Sterling
7/23 Leonard Wilf-New York Yankees
7/28 Kenny Loggins
7/29 Tom, David, Laurie, Kristen, Jamie & Danielle Topping-New York Yankees
7/30 Debbie Nicolosi, Shirley Beauchamp, Josephine Doring-New York Yankees
7/31 Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno-United States Army
8/1 Bob Petersen-MetLife
8/2 Bobby Richardson
8/3 Spike Lee
8/15 Michael Tuccillo-MetLife
8/16 Darryl Strawberry
8/17 Jerry Stiller and Ben Stiller
8/26 Lou Lamoriello-New Jersey Devils
8/27 Goose Gossage
8/28 Harvey Winston, Dan Cunningham, Tommy Fyfe and Clinton Thomas-Yankees Employees
8/29 Relatives of Pete Sheehy
8/30 Kenneth Meer & Jane Lang-Long-time Yankee Fans
8/31 Jesse Barfield

[SparkyL]

Track the "pull-ees" on the metlief site:

http://www.metlife.com/Applications/Corporate/WPS/CDA/PageGenerator/0,4773,P19971,00.html?WT.mc_id=cb4438&partnerId=ed-1926892-55419137&source=ed-1926892-55419137

[SparkyL]

Although health concerns have prevented him from performing his PA duties at Yankee Stadium this year, Bob Sheppard is still with us. And I don't mean "in spirit" in the sense that Mickey Mantle or Joe DiMaggio or Bobby Murcer are still with us.

Bob Sheppard has not passed away!

Unless something happens between now and next April (God forbid), Bob will see the new Stadium in its completed form, even if it's just in pictures or on television. (Maybe, if his health allows, his doctors will give him permission to visit the place on a non-game day.)

EDIT: Just realized you were referring to Bobby Murcer, not Bob Sheppard, but since everyone knows him as "Bobby" Murcer, not "Bob" Murcer, and since Bob Sheppard is a gentleman of advanced age with health problems, the presumption on my part is reasonable...


In fact, I believe that his given name is actually Bobby and not Robert: "Bobby Ray Murcer." I used to get a kick out of that when Rizzuto would call him "Robert."

[Gary Dunaier]

A couple of photos from recent changeovers...

September 14, 2008 v. Tampa Bay (8 to 7) - Rick Cerone

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/2857643277_2d9f6a3129.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken September 14, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2857643277/in/set-72157607297463343/))


September 15, 2008 v. Chicago (7 to 6) - NY area sportswriters

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2864762338_e6896d641a.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken September 15, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2864762338/in/set-72157607336629115/))


One of the things I enjoyed about taking these "countdown clock" photos was trying to catch the moment where the number had changed on the countdown, but it hadn't been reflected on the Diamond Vision screen, which had an inset of the number. (See my photos in posts 23, 31, and 35 of this thread.) But as you can see in these photos, they're no longer superimposing the number on the Diamond Vision screen, so that takes some of the challenge out of it.

[Gary Dunaier]

September 18, 2008 v. Chicago (4 to 3) - 102-year-old Emilio Navarro, the oldest living professional ballplayer

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/2870770578_d823dc9e1f.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken September 18, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2870770578/in/set-72157607376916609/))


September 20, 2008 v. Baltimore (2 to 1) - Bob Sheppard (pre-recorded off-site)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2874166475_395eca1cf3.jpg?v=0
(Photo taken September 20, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2874166475/))

[Yankees12]

Does anyone know who pulled it for the final game, or what they did to change it from "1" to "Forever"?

[trueblue9441]

it was michael kay that did it

[Gary Dunaier]

Michael Kay??? MICHAEL KAY?????

Of all the people to whom the honor of counting it down from 1 to zero could have gone, the Yankees chose MICHAEL KAY??????

And Bob Sheppard gets the next-to-last game.

* sigh *

[jimmyjimjimz]

Does anyone know who pulled it for the final game, or what they did to change it from "1" to "Forever"?

Yeah, it was Michael Kay and he read a poem. And, he said, Yankee Stadium is forever, so the countdown clock will never say 0, and that got a HUGE heel pop.

Oh yeah, and I met Michael Kay at the game. He was walking around monument park with the regular fans, and my brother told me to turn around and there he was. If he had a ring to kiss, I'd kiss it. He's living every non-athletic NYC boy's dream. I'd give ANYTHING to have his job.

Randy Levine was walking around monument park too. I dont like im cause he didnt like Joe Torre, and he's probably the reason Joe Torre isnt with the team anymore. So I didnt go up to him at all.

[cgcoyne2]

...
Oh yeah, and I met Michael Kay at the game... He's living every non-athletic NYC boy's dream. I'd give ANYTHING to have his job.

I agree, the best job in the world. Lucky SOB.

Randy Levine was walking around monument park too. I dont like im cause he didnt like Joe Torre, and he's probably the reason Joe Torre isnt with the team anymore. So I didnt go up to him at all.

I don't like Randy Levine either, I think he looks like a weasel. He may be a wonderful person, I don't know, so I'm not that adamant about my dislike.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I agree, the best job in the world. Lucky SOB.



I don't like Randy Levine either, I think he looks like a weasel. He may be a wonderful person, I don't know, so I'm not that adamant about my dislike.

HAHA I think he looks like a weasel too

[bigworm_122]

i thought that was a terrible idea to go from 1 to forever, i mean they have been doing this countdown all season and end with that garbage, and not even anyone special to pull the lever. i was hoping bernie would do it.

on cool thing though, after walking the field yesterday, my friend & i sat in section 35 on the main level, and all of a sudden reggie jackson comes out and sits 2 rows in front of me, then out of no where val kilmer walks out, and sits threes seats over from me. it was pretty cool.

[YanksRule]

Michael Kay??? MICHAEL KAY?????

Of all the people to whom the honor of counting it down from 1 to zero could have gone, the Yankees chose MICHAEL KAY??????



Oh yeah, and I met Michael Kay at the game. He was walking around monument park with the regular fans, and my brother told me to turn around and there he was. If he had a ring to kiss, I'd kiss it. He's living every non-athletic NYC boy's dream. I'd give ANYTHING to have his job.


A little story from last night...
Last night, I was moving to different seats in the park to get different angles and for part of the game I ended up behind the parents of Michael Kay's ex... apparently she broke up with him because "his head is too big for his body", and he's a bad kisser. Probably goes under the category of too much info but... there ya go lol.

[mm7]

A little story from last night...
Last night, I was moving to different seats in the park to get different angles and for part of the game I ended up behind the parents of Michael Kay's ex... apparently she broke up with him because "his head is too big for his body", and he's a bad kisser. Probably goes under the category of too much info but... there ya go lol.

the last time I saw him on TV (Centerstage,not sure if it was a repeat or not)) it was obvious that that something was not right with his teeth ( I have a 52" HD TV). I'n no expert , but I would say his upper left teeth (#9,#10, #11) are ( or were) pretty senstive. He had obviously had caps and my guess is that he has ( or had) a possible abcess brewing underneath. Definitely something that no one should be kissing.

[Gary Dunaier]

Ooookay.

I am not a mod, but I swear... if I see one more post in this thread about Michael Kay's kissability, I'm going to once again throw in my comment about how a certain female Yankee broadcaster represents the ideal woman to all Yankee fans, yada yada yada, and this very worthy thread, which I've contributed a lot to, will wind up being sidetracked.

I would like to respectfully request that all those who feel Michael Kay's kissability is worthy of discussion start a new thread devoted entirely to that topic. Heck, you can even discuss how good or bad a kisser John Sterling might be, if you're so inclined... :eek:

Thank you very much... good night and God bless. :)

[TinoM24]

I'n no expert , but I would say his upper left teeth (#9,#10, #11) are ( or were) pretty senstive. He had obviously had caps and my guess is that he has ( or had) a possible abcess brewing underneath. Definitely something that no one should be kissing.

well....you sure sound like an expert, lol.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Oh yeah, for those who care, last night Michael Kay was wearing a blue shirt with what looked like a blue tie, a black jacket, and black pants. Since, for some reason, people are interested in what the people who pulled the lever were wearing. What were the other 79 people wearing, just out of curiosity?

[Gary Dunaier]

At last... a couple of photos from the final game's countdown...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/2885140695_b141146140.jpg?v=0
(Uploaded to Flickr.com by user FValletutti on 9/24/08; described as having been taken September 21, 2008. Link to original Flickr.com upload: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stationa/2885140695/))

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2885141649_6f4818a358.jpg?v=0
(Uploaded to Flickr.com by user FValletutti on 9/24/08; described as having been taken September 21, 2008. Link to original Flickr.com upload: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stationa/2885141649/))

[yankies4life]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJzzhNDNxRA
thats the video i uploaded to youtube for everyone to watch. i also included a video of bob sheppard reading a poem he wrote about yankee stadium at final game. enjoy


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAkGBaaahY0

[bigworm_122]

i have updated the list. this list is now complete & accurate. rather unimpressive i might say.

[Kentucky Bomber]

i have updated the list. this list is now complete & accurate. rather unimpressive i might say.

I have to agree the list is pretty weak. They front loaded people like Yogi and then seemed to pick some other folks almost at random or because they were the only famous people in the park that day.

Assuming your list is correct, Whitey Ford never was involved, for one. But at the same time the invitees did not actually pull down a card changing the number, and I think we all know that the "lever" did not actually do anything, that the number was actually changed by a scoreboard operator. So it turned out to be a largely dopey pantomime.

Anyway, from what I saw at the game, Michael Kay shouldn't be included on the list. He didn't pull any lever. What he said was "the number will never go to zero, we are leaving it at forever" (not verbatim, but that's basically it) and he did nothing to pull any lever or do anything himself to change the number to the word.

And I've written far more here than the topic deserves.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I have to agree the list is pretty weak. They front loaded people like Yogi and then seemed to pick some other folks almost at random or because they were the only famous people in the park that day.

Assuming your list is correct, Whitey Ford never was involved, for one. But at the same time the invitees did not actually pull down a card changing the number, and I think we all know that the "lever" did not actually do anything, that the number was actually changed by a scoreboard operator. So it turned out to be a largely dopey pantomime.

Anyway, from what I saw at the game, Michael Kay shouldn't be included on the list. He didn't pull any lever. What he said was "the number will never go to zero, we are leaving it at forever" (not verbatim, but that's basically it) and he did nothing to pull any lever or do anything himself to change the number to the word.

And I've written far more here than the topic deserves.


I was there at the game, and I saw Michael Kay (Who was wearing a blue shirt, a tie, and a sports jacket) pull something that looked like a lever.

[Kentucky Bomber]

I was there at the game, and I saw Michael Kay (Who was wearing a blue shirt, a tie, and a sports jacket) pull something that looked like a lever.

Take a look at Gary's photo: he's holding a microphone. I was there, too, and I didn't see him do anything but read from a script.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Take a look at Gary's photo: he's holding a microphone. I was there, too, and I didn't see him do anything but read from a script.

If you watch the video that's posted, you'll see that he pulls something at the end.