To Save Yankee Stadium

[GordonGecko]

This is what Comisky Park would have looked like if saved in the same way we're discussing here for Yankee Stadium as photoshop'd in another thread:



http://www.baseball-fever.com/showpost.php?p=1300304&postcount=1

[Mike Wagner]

That looks pretty good! To have some is better than none,and it looks like a reasonable compromise. It sure beats losing the whole structure.
-Mike Wagner

[hellborn]

From Carrion's plan. Note how both the original exterior wall and the playing field would be preserved. Also from the plan:

...

The field view and aerial view from that proposal show very different things...there's no wall in the OF behind the kids playing, but there is one in the aerial view. Which do they really want??

[GordonGecko]

Don't forget the land isn't wanted for a baseball diamond, they want a general purpose park which may or may not have a diamond in it

[monkeypants]

Don't forget the land isn't wanted for a baseball diamond, they want a general purpose park which may or may not have a diamond in it

I tried this line of reasoning before but was shouted down. People cannot seem to accept that replacement parkland--real parkland, not a field that can be used only for high school games or whatever--is a major sticking point.

[Kentucky Bomber]

NYC simply loves to torture its citizens. If LA was to tear down the Colosseum, I would practically go nuts. :banghead:

And that's why LA will never have an NFL team. They prefer to keep intact a decrepit old hulk that doesn't even have proper bathroom facilities rather than create on the same ground a modern stadium that could house USC's and a pro teams needs. So anyone hoping to develo a proper stadium has to look to old quarry lands east of Pomona, where no one will want to drive.

[Kaplanski]

My opinion on the matter is that the city should save the stands immediately behind the plate, and build the park around it. It's not feasible in any sense to save the whole structure with all the maintenance and parkland considerations. It would be even better if the stands preserved were retrofitted with support beams and original style frieze. You could probably hang some pictures inside and charge a $5 admission fee and that would pay for the janitor and security guard on staff. I think something needs to be preserved, and I'm not talking about a jar of dirt or some lame penciled in home plate where Yankee Stadium once stood

Artist's misconception of this idea...

[GordonGecko]

Kaplanski, it's been said before and it'll be said again, you are THE MAN!

[aqib]

And that's why LA will never have an NFL team. They prefer to keep intact a decrepit old hulk that doesn't even have proper bathroom facilities rather than create on the same ground a modern stadium that could house USC's and a pro teams needs. So anyone hoping to develo a proper stadium has to look to old quarry lands east of Pomona, where no one will want to drive.

You can't have a stadium serve both the college and pro needs anymore. College needs to jam as many people as possible into the stadium. Especially schools like USC who could use 100K seats if you can get them in there. Pro teams need luxary. 65-75K with premium seats, club seats, etc.

[GordonGecko]

^ Colleges need luxury too, wealthy donors have to cough up big donations in order to get suites. But a pro stadium isn't mutually exclusive of mega crowds. The new Cowboys stadium is going to be able to seat up to 100,000 fans.

[New York Kid]

Kaplanski, it's been said before and it'll be said again, you are THE MAN!

Kudos from me, too, Kaplanski. And, to all those above who have put forth these great ideas and renderings. Absolutely terrific work. These proposals are exactly what's needed for people - at all levels - to understand how and why a significant historical remnant of the Stadium can and should be saved. THANK YOU.

... meanwhile, prospective wrecking crews and predatory collectible dealers are salivating to raze and sell everything as fast as greed allows, as reported on this new link:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09032008/news/regionalnews/bidder_up_for_stadium_wrecking_crew_127217.htm

[shaneslatts]

Kudos from me, too, Kaplanski. And, to all those above who have put forth these great ideas and renderings. Absolutely terrific work. These proposals are exactly what's needed for people - at all levels - to understand how and why a significant historical remnant of the Stadium can and should be saved. THANK YOU.

... meanwhile, prospective wrecking crews and predatory collectible dealers are salivating to raze and sell everything as fast as greed allows, as reported on this new link:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09032008/news/regionalnews/bidder_up_for_stadium_wrecking_crew_127217.htm

Yup, no doubt alot of greedy people would like a piece of the old girl....
Kid, I sent a messege to you ...Please get back to me at the email addy I left I MIGHt have some exciting news...I HOPE :hp:pray:

[Power Wally]

And that's why LA will never have an NFL team. They prefer to keep intact a decrepit old hulk that doesn't even have proper bathroom facilities rather than create on the same ground a modern stadium that could house USC's and a pro teams needs. So anyone hoping to develo a proper stadium has to look to old quarry lands east of Pomona, where no one will want to drive.
LA has several locations for a new football stadium, including:

Dodger Stadium parking lot
Angel Stadium parking lot
Hollywood Park
Quarry lands in Irwindale (west of Pomona)
Former Naval weapons station land, Seal Beach

A somewhat renovated Coliseum would also be acceptable to me, but nothing like the hatchet job that Soldier Field recieved.

[New York Kid]

Yup, no doubt alot of greedy people would like a piece of the old girl....

Kid, I sent a message to you ...Please get back to me at the email addy I left I MIGHt have some exciting news...I HOPE :hp:pray:

Yup, no doubt whatsoever, shane! ... as made clear by the New York Post story on the wrecking crew bidding - which can be googled up, or retrieved at the Post's online site.

http://www.nypost.com (See "Bidder Up for Stadium Wrecking Crew")

I just saw and replied to your message. Support is building big and fast, now that fans, preservationists, and concerned citizens, are learning what has been going on, and what the threatening consequences now are.

As further proof of the huge deceit and corruption behind the scheme to sell every last speck of Yankee Stadium (hence the total demolition), and the team's total lack of concern for the local community, I provide another report from this week's papers. This on evidences that he Yankees have been buying off local politicians to make things go their way. That explains how they got the City to rule that Yankee Stadium was somehow NOT historically significant enough to be a landmark. Only corruption could explain that.

http://bronxnews.wordpress.com/2008/06/20/bronx-officials-deal-with-yankees-on-stadium-has-become-a-joke/



Of course, many fans believe that this horrificly greedy abuse of the legends and Stadium that got them to unparalled heights is going to badly curse them forever. The way they've been playing since arrogantly implementing these schemes to sell off and destroy every inch of the great Yankee Stadium, fuels those who believe the curse is already on. Demolishing The House That Ruth Built, leaving not a trace of it. Are they completely out of their minds?

[monkeypants]

Of course, many fans believe that this horrificly greedy abuse of the legends and Stadium that got them to unparalled heights is going to badly curse them forever... Are they completely out of their minds?

Yes.





.......

[New York Kid]

I see you're back, monkeyparts. Hope you've been busy calling and writing your federal representatives to encourage their intervention to help get Yankee Stadium an honest landmark evaluation and designation.

[Manhattan]

I see you're back, monkeyparts. Hope you've been busy calling and writing your federal representatives to encourage their intervention to help get Yankee Stadium an honest landmark evaluation and designation.
I better start doing that and the rest of everyone else too. I have 2 emails on my email address on @yahoo.com before the 2009 NFL season there will be 1 o2 NFL teams in L.A. before the 2009 National Football League season will start. I will keep everyone about the news.

[New York Kid]

Even the visiting players want to make off with some of the Stadium, which local landmark officials ruled not of historic significance.:rolleyes:

http://wcbstv.com/local/yankees.andy.pettitte.2.807192.html [new link on Yankees "descent into the abyss"]

Messin' with the legends and legacy was obviously not a smart move. Selfishly gouging every possible dime out of the legend and national treasure that is Yankee Stadium, concurrently pricing fans & families out of seeing a ballgame, will only continue destruction of the Yankees franchise. Euthanizing the Stadium is leading to the franchise's own unnecessarily early death. It's suicide for them to continue down this path of disrespecting their own legends, legacy and fans.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03242008/news/regionalnews/yankees__mets_want_their_cut_103240.htm [new link on sale of stadium]

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/05/03/2008-05-03_yankee_stadium_prices_are_insane.html [new link on "insane ticket prices"]

With the team's ownership so clearly out of control and disrespectful of those who got them where they are, it's up to fans to get the team back on track. First step is to make sure they don't sell off and run off with The House That Ruth Built. That IS"insane", to use the description in Mike Lupica's story above.

[New York Kid]

If the Yankees won't do it themselves, maybe it's time to bring in Cal Ripkin, who's group has significant expertise and experience in stadium redevelopment:

http://www.ripkendesign.com/design/tigerstadium.asp

Maybe Cal can help save the holy ground where the mighty Lou Gehrig played 2130 straight games, hit a lifetime .340, drove in over 150 RBI an amazing seven times, and was part of the greatest one-two punch in baseball history.

Maybe Cal can help save Yankee Stadium from being cut down so unfairly, like the Iron Horse himself.

Maybe an Oriole can help save Yankee Stadium from the Yankees' own greed, arrogance, and ego-driven disregard for their own fans.

But, first, ALL true blue Yankee fans should get their bats off their shoulders, like so many now are, and take a swing themselves at saving the park where it all happened, and whose history will NEVER be replicated.

[six4three]

Demolishing The House That Ruth Built, leaving not a trace of it. Are they completely out of their minds?

No, they're trying to live up to their word.

The agreement is that they return a certain amount of parkland back to the citizens of the Bronx. That's going to be hard enough to do without saving large parts of a re-renovated Stadium.

[New York Kid]

[by totally demolishing the Stadium] they're trying to live up to their word.



No, actually just the opposite, six4three. They're flagrantly breaking their word.

In their agreement with the City and State of New York for [extraordinarily huge: read "boondoggle"] government funds, tax breaks, and special benefits to build the new Stadium, the Yankees specifically pledged NOT to demolish Yankee Stadium. This was a pivotal part of negotiations and was publicly proclaimed by all parties to that agreement - including Steinbrenner, Bloomberg & Pataki -at the new Stadium's groundbreaking ceremonies - as discussed and pictured below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/15/nyregion/15cnd-stadium.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

They are certainly NOT living up to their word. They are flagrantly violating it.

[SparkyL]

Again, promised / delivered:

[New York Kid]

great work, sparkyl!

[shaneslatts]

No, actually just the opposite, six4three. They're flagrantly breaking their word.

In their agreement with the City and State of New York for [extraordinarily huge: read "boondoggle"] government funds, tax breaks, and special benefits to build the new Stadium, the Yankees specifically pledged NOT to demolish Yankee Stadium. This was a pivotal part of negotiations and was publicly proclaimed by all parties to that agreement - including Steinbrenner, Bloomberg & Pataki -at the new Stadium's groundbreaking ceremonies - discussed and pictured below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/15/nyregion/15cnd-stadium.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

They are certainly NOT living up to their word. They are flagrantly violating it.
Kid, on the money again. The plan was supposedly going to save a section of the old stadium which made the initial reaction to to the building of the new stadium a little easier to take.
If one goes back to the beginning of the new stadium thread, NO ONE was for it. But because it is going to be a nice looking place(Im for the new place by the way) the tone of the thred changed to "wow, what a place!"( and it is!)...THEN the plan changed, and nothing was going to be left of the old place...this whole thing has been dishonest from the get go...Kid, Im sorry but I didnt get an email from you and there is some news I would like to share with you first. I need to know how to proceed with a person who I think might be willing to lend his support.
Thanks
Just email me at slatts1611kjv@aol.com

[SparkyL]

If you read thru the documents on the NYC Parks site you will find that one of the objections to the original park plan was that 2 of the softball fields, which were located along the Harlem River, were too far away - and I agree. The other interesting thing was that the neighbors near the tennis courts objected to court lights.

So what they did was move the tennis courts to the river front and move the 2 softball fields to the CYS site, bringing the total number of fields there to 3.

But the old site of the tennis courts now became parking (and I believe the top of a garage).

What's to say that the 2 ballfields couldn't be moved to the old tennis court site - this would keep the local number of ballfields at 3, cover an unsightly parking area and free up the CYS site to its original design.

I think that the original exterior wall by Gate 2 (blue line), along with the old ticket booths, should remain in place and serve as a "transistion" from old to new. Also keep a section of the RF Bleachers (blue box).

[New York Kid]

Kid, on the money again. The plan was supposedly going to save a section of the old stadium which made the initial reaction to to the building of the new stadium a little easier to take.



It was a trojan horse, shane, meant to dissuade dissent among millions who otherwise would have vehemently objected to destroying the great Yankee Stadium.

Now we finally know what the real deal was: they cut a big-money back-room deal; bought some key silence and collusion; sabotaged the landmark process; incessantly misled the public and loyal Yankee fan base - all with the appalling aim of demolishing the Stadium, - and all so that they can get out from under the majestic shadow of the first and greatest Stadium in American history, simultaneously selling every last piece of it to whoever slips them the most cash.

[Manhattan]

It was a trojan horse, shane, meant to dissuade dissent among millions who otherwise would have vehemently objected to destroying the great Yankee Stadium.

Now we finally know what the real deal was: they cut a big-money back-room deal; bought some key silence and collusion; sabotaged the landmark process; incessantly misled the public and loyal Yankee fan base - all with the appalling aim of demolishing the Stadium, - and all so that they can get out from under the majestic shadow of the first and greatest Stadium in American history, simultaneously selling every last piece of it to whoever slips them the most cash.I agree with you New York Kid about Old Yankee Stadium.

[kobathecat]

What you guys are missing is the fact that original YS is owned by the city of NY. The Yankees have no say as to what does or does not happen to it once they vacate on Feb. 28th of 2009 (according to the recent notice to vacate given to them of NYC). If NYC follows through on their decision to completely demolish it, the Yankees have no say. If they decide to leave the entire stadium standing as a functioning facility, they have no say either. Of course that isn't going to happen per the earlier discussion on the parkland issue.

As an aside, I never see it mentioned that the federal gov't, through the National Park Service, also requires by law the complete replacement of the Macombs Dam parkland, as they contributed financing to its' upkeep over the years, and they were required to approve the land transfers.

I am sorry to see original YS go, but I am happy given that the alternatives over the years were for the Yankees to move to Manhattan, or worse, NJ. Given the history of the Polo Grounds and Ebbetts Field, along with the teams that occupied them, this is the best possible outcome. The Yankees did not abandon the city or the Bronx, and are remaining in the very same neighborhood in a new stadium that at least attempts to be true to the original YS, and the original plot of land will be a park where kids and families can reflect on the sites history and play baseball, unlike the high rise monstrosities placed where the Polo Grounds and Ebbetts Filed used to be.

[six4three]

No, actually just the opposite, six4three. They're flagrantly breaking their word.

In their agreement with the City and State of New York for [extraordinarily huge: read "boondoggle"] government funds, tax breaks, and special benefits to build the new Stadium, the Yankees specifically pledged NOT to demolish Yankee Stadium. This was a pivotal part of negotiations and was publicly proclaimed by all parties to that agreement - including Steinbrenner, Bloomberg & Pataki -at the new Stadium's groundbreaking ceremonies - as discussed and pictured below.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/06/15/nyregion/15cnd-stadium.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

They are certainly NOT living up to their word. They are flagrantly violating it.

Did you actually read that article? It says nothing of the sort. It actually says:

The city plans to preserve at least the existing baseball field, the dugouts and the first level of the stands for Little League and high school use.

Not promises, not guarantees, but plans.

Besides, it isn't the Yankees' place to "pledge" anything - they don't own the building.

[six4three]

What you guys are missing is the fact that original YS is owned by the city of NY. The Yankees have no say as to what does or does not happen to it once they vacate on Feb. 28th of 2009 (according to the recent notice to vacate given to them of NYC). If NYC follows through on their decision to completely demolish it, the Yankees have no say. If they decide to leave the entire stadium standing as a functioning facility, they have no say either. Of course that isn't going to happen per the earlier discussion on the parkland issue.

As an aside, I never see it mentioned that the federal gov't, through the National Park Service, also requires by law the complete replacement of the Macombs Dam parkland, as they contributed financing to its' upkeep over the years, and they were required to approve the land transfers.

Well, there you go.

Letting facts get in the way of perfectly good paranoia. :D

[GordonGecko]

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/05/see-ya-demolishing-yankee-stadium-carefully/

September 5, 2008, 2:13 pm
See Ya! Demolishing Yankee Stadium, Carefully
By Patrick McGeehan

The city wants demolition contractors to help tear down Yankee Stadium — without damaging seats or other materials that can be sold to collectors. (Photo: John Dunn)New York City is looking for demolition companies that think they can tear down Yankee Stadium without damaging any of the seats or other pieces that might be sold to collectors.

The razing of the famous ballpark is scheduled to start in March and last as long as a year, according to a solicitation form issued by the city’s Economic Development Corporation. The first stage of the demolition will involve salvaging all of the stadium seating as well as some large features like the white frieze that adorns the wall behind the bleachers and the 120-foot-tall bat-shaped boiler stack outside the main entrance.

City officials are still working out a plan with the Yankees for selling the parts of the stadium that belong to the city and memorabilia, like lockers and signs that belong to the team, said Andrew Brent, a spokesman for Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Barring a miraculous late-season run (and losing stretches from teams they have to catch), the Yankees — likely to miss postseason action for the first time after 13 consecutive seasons in October baseball — will play their final game at the Stadium on Sept. 21 against the Baltimore Orioles.

The city already struck a deal with the Mets for the sale of seats and other parts of Shea Stadium, which will be torn down after this season.

Last week, the Mets — in first place in their division with a much better chance than the Yankees of making the 2008 postseason — began selling 16,000 pairs of seats from Shea for $869 each. The city will keep 70 percent of the proceeds from that sale and the rest will go to the Mets’ charitable foundation.

New stadiums for the teams are being built in the Bronx and in Queens, both next door to their current ballparks.

Experts on sports collectibles expect the seats from Yankee Stadium to fetch higher prices than those from Shea, which opened in 1964 and has less of a history.

[SparkyL]

Here is the RFQ for the demolition:

http://www.nycedc.com/Web/AVAILABLEPROJECTS/RFPsRFQsRFEIs/RFQ+Demolition+for+Yankee+Stadium.htm

[Manhattan]

Here is the RFQ for the demolition:

http://www.nycedc.com/Web/AVAILABLEPROJECTS/RFPsRFQsRFEIs/RFQ+Demolition+for+Yankee+Stadium.htm
I just email aobut the demolition of Old Yankee Stadium.

[shaneslatts]

Did you actually read that article? It says nothing of the sort. It actually says:

The city plans to preserve at least the existing baseball field, the dugouts and the first level of the stands for Little League and high school use.

Not promises, not guarantees, but plans.

Besides, it isn't the Yankees' place to "pledge" anything - they don't own the building.

Yes...and this seems "honest" to you and "forthright"? ...We had "plans" to marry, If it wasn't for that other woman getting in the way my dear, those "plans" would have come true.
Is Bill Clinton in the room somewhere telling us he "did not have sexual intercourse with that woman" and "it depends on what "is" is?
:D:rofl:

[New York Kid]

I just returned from this weekend's 60th Memorial Mass for Babe Ruth, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, where I spoke with a few dozen well-connected baseball insiders, who unanimously confirmed that the Yankees have been misinforming and misdirecting everyone concerning their true intentions to destroy and sell the Stadium. Babe Ruth's grandaughter, relatives of other famous Yankee ballplayers, sportswriters, collectible dealers, ballplayers, publicists, preservationists, and Yankee insiders, among others - all in agreement the public has been deliberately deceived - to undermine effective objection and timely opposition.

All also agreed that the Stadium not being landmarked was a total sham, devised also to wrongly expedite the demolition and sale of Yankee Stadium.

"GrandBabe" Linda Ruth Tosetti has been all over the airwaves, and in the press, fighting to save a historic part of the Stadium, to be used as a premier recreational area for the kids of New York. Similarly, she has written the Steinbrenners, asking them to lower ticket prices, so that more kids and families can attend games in the new stadium.

[New York Kid]

I just received this from an avid New York Yankee fan, who inquired of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) as to why they ruled Yankee Stadium did not meet New York City landmark criteria. Note there are absolutely no specifics in the LPC response, only evasion. This is so because EVERYONE even slightly familiar with Yankee Stadium and landmark law knows that Yankee Stadium meets and far exceeds the legal criteria for landmarking.

Please keep in mind that over 25,000 buildings have been landmarked by this same commission. Does anyone really believe they were all more historically important than Yankee Stadium. No, of course not. This was the result of greed. The LPC was manipulated into facilitating the sale of (the "not historically significant") Yankee Stadium, piece-by-piece in a worldwide collectibles auction - in what's been called the "Sale of the Century."

The good news is that the LPC is no longer as overtly absolute in tone or content as it once was. The backpeddling has begun. Now they're saying that "at this time" the Stadium doesn't "appear to meet the criteria."

Everyone who treasures Yankee Stadium's history should call and write the LPC, ASAP, at the number and address(s) below, explaining just how historically important Yankee Stadium is. Somehow, they completely overlooked that fact..

__________________________________________________ _____________________


--- On Tue, 9/9/08, Jennifer Most <JMost@lpc.nyc.gov> wrote:

From: Jennifer Most <JMost@lpc.nyc.gov>
Subject: Re: Yankee Stadium, Bronx (Request for Evaluation)
To:
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 2:25 PM


Dear ,

In response to your request for evaluation concerning Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, a senior staff committee of the Landmarks Preservation Commission has reviewed the property for consideration as a potential landmark. At this time, the property does not appear to meet the criteria for designation and will not be recommended to the full Commission for further consideration as a New York City landmark.

We want to thank you for your submission and for your interest in historic preservation. We hope that your interest in the work of the Landmarks Preservation Commission continues.

Jennifer L. Most
City of New York
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Research Department
jmost@lpc.nyc.gov
(212) 669 - 7836

[shaneslatts]

I just received this from an avid New York Yankee fan, who inquired of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) as to why they ruled Yankee Stadium did not meet New York City landmark criteria. Note there are absolutely no specifics in the LPC response, only evasion. This is so because EVERYONE even slightly familiar with Yankee Stadium and landmark law knows that Yankee Stadium meets and far exceeds the legal criteria for landmarking.

Please keep in mind that over 25,000 buildings have been landmarked by this same commission. Does anyone really believe they were all more historically important than Yankee Stadium. No, of course not. This was the result of greed. The LPC was manipulated into facilitating the sale of (the "not historically significant") Yankee Stadium, piece-by-piece in a worldwide collectibles auction - in what's been called the "Sale of the Century."

The good news is that the LPC is no longer as overtly absolute in tone or content as it once was. The backpeddling has begun. Now they're saying that "at this time" the Stadium doesn't "appear to meet the criteria."

Everyone who treasures Yankee Stadium's history should call and write the LPC, ASAP, at the number and address(s) below, explaining just how historically important Yankee Stadium is. Somehow, they completely overlooked that fact..

__________________________________________________ _____________________


--- On Tue, 9/9/08, Jennifer Most <JMost@lpc.nyc.gov> wrote:

From: Jennifer Most <JMost@lpc.nyc.gov>
Subject: Re: Yankee Stadium, Bronx (Request for Evaluation)
To:
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2008, 2:25 PM


Dear ,

In response to your request for evaluation concerning Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, a senior staff committee of the Landmarks Preservation Commission has reviewed the property for consideration as a potential landmark. At this time, the property does not appear to meet the criteria for designation and will not be recommended to the full Commission for further consideration as a New York City landmark.

We want to thank you for your submission and for your interest in historic preservation. We hope that your interest in the work of the Landmarks Preservation Commission continues.

Jennifer L. Most
City of New York
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Research Department
jmost@lpc.nyc.gov
(212) 669 - 7836

I will be calling them in the morning, you can bet on it

[Astros]

[COLOR="Blue"]I just received this from an avid New York Yankee fan, who inquired of the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) as to why they ruled Yankee Stadium did not meet New York City landmark criteria.


I know this could open a can of worms, but wasn't the landmarking addressed a while back? I could've sworn I heard that Yankee Stadium wouldn't be considered because of the many changes made during the renovation. I know, I know. There are strong arguments for both sides and I tend to be on the side that most of the orginal structure for Yankee Stadium still exists under the exterior renovations that are in plain view. But, even with a renovation in the mid 70s, isn't 38 years enough time to consider?

I will say that it has happened in the past where a new stadium is built next to the current one and once the team moves into the new place the ownership wanted the old to be "painted vanish". They wanted complete separation from the old and focus only on the new.

[New York Kid]

I know this could open a can of worms, but wasn't the landmarking addressed a while back? I could've sworn I heard that Yankee Stadium wouldn't be considered because of the many changes made during the renovation. I know, I know. There are strong arguments for both sides and I tend to be on the side that most of the orginal structure for Yankee Stadium still exists under the exterior renovations that are in plain view. But, even with a renovation in the mid 70s, isn't 38 years enough time to consider?



There are four criteria that must be considered in the evaluation of a landmark: historical significance, cultural significance, architectural significance, and engineering significance. Any ONE of them legally qualifies a building or site for landmarking. Yankee Stadium unquestionably fulfills, indeed greatly exceeds, all requirements for being designated under both historical and cultural significance. That's more than enough for landmarking, making questions and arguments over renovations in the 1970's completely unnecessary.

Proving beyond any question that the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) is well aware that architectural significance is totally unnecessary, consider [again] their recent landmarking of 1520 Sedgewick Avenue, a thoroughly undistinguished 1970's hi-rise, not far from Yankee Stadium. It was landmarked NATIONALLY, in a campaign led by the very same officials who have so stubbornly denied even LOCAL landmarking to Yankee Stadium.

NATIONAL landmark 1520 Sedgewick Avenue (it has no name) is pictured below. It may have had one early hip hop party in the mid-Seventies, thus qualifying as a national landmark. Certainly, then, Yankee Stadium qualifies.

Writing and calling the LPC at the address and number below inquiring about these facts will greatly help to save the Stadium.


Jennifer L. Most
City of New York
Landmarks Preservation Commission
Research Department
jmost@lpc.nyc.gov
(212) 669 - 7836

[New York Kid]

I will say that it has happened in the past where a new stadium is built next to the current one and once the team moves into the new place the ownership wanted the old to be "painted vanish". They wanted complete separation from the old and focus only on the new.

Exactly - which is why it's so important to protests the Yankees' involvement in all of this. If they weren't behind the demolition of Yankee Stadium, it would definitely stand. Stripping the Stadium to sellable pieces is what they so desperately and avariciously want. Public objection and opposition can stop that, though.

The Stadium can and should be saved in a beautiful and very highly productive way, commensurate to its magnificent history and importance.

[New York Kid]

"The GrandBabe" is leading the charge, trying to save the Stadium for both history, and for the kids of New York.

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/babe-ruth-s-granddaughter-urges-new-uses-for-endangered-yank-pr-69888.html

[YankeeStadium1923]

Just something to think about.....I posted this in another forum on Baseball fever earlier in the year.

Any building in NYC that is 30 years or older can qualify for Landmark status....
So the renovated Yankee Stadium was eligible for Landmark status on April 15, 2006.
So if NYC does not recognize Yankee Stadium a landmark because the original building was renovated......Why wasn't the renovated version condsidered eligible?

[New York Kid]

South Bronx NATIONAL LANDMARK - as recently determined by nyc landmarks preservation commission

[New York Kid]

"no historical or cultural significance"- as determined by same LPC officials

[New York Kid]

Just something to think about.....I posted this in another forum on Baseball fever earlier in the year.

Any building in NYC that is 30 years or older can qualify for Landmark status....
So the renovated Yankee Stadium was eligible for Landmark status on April 15, 2006.
So if NYC does not recognize Yankee Stadium a landmark because the original building was renovated......Why wasn't the renovated version condsidered eligible?

Excellent points and questions, YS '23! Those would be perfect inquiries for all the politicians and preservation review officials.

[tugger]

the whole Sedgwick Ave. thing was more about protecting low-income residents than preserving history. Word was that the owners were looking to gentrify the building. the landmark designation prevented them from making the alteration necessary for attracting rich residents.

[elmer]

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/babe-ruth-s-granddaughter-urges-new-uses-for-endangered-yank-pr-69888.html

Babe Ruth’s Granddaughter Urges New Uses for Endangered Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium will be demolished following the 2008 baseball season but hundreds of baseball fans, including Babe Ruth's granddaughter, are fighting to preserve this historic American landmark for future generations.



(1888PressRelease) August 27, 2008 - BRONX, N.Y. – America is about to lose one of its irreplaceable historic monuments, warns the granddaughter of one of baseball’s greatest figures.

Linda Ruth Tosetti, whose grandfather was Babe Ruth, perhaps the most gifted player and most charismatic figure in major league history, expressed support for efforts to prevent the destruction of the “old” Yankee Stadium.

She was quickly joined by hundreds of supporters who have signed an online petition in just a few days since the site has “gone live.” New York Sun editorial page columnist Andrew Wolf and his son Erik, a marketing executive based in the Atlanta area, set up the website, http://SaveYankeeStadium.org, so that concerned citizens can sign a petition and keep up with the latest news on the status of the great ballpark.

The historic “House that Ruth Built” is due to be demolished after the current season. It is being replaced by a new Yankee Stadium being constructed nearby.

“All it would take to stop the wrecking ball is for the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission to agree to consider our proposal,” said Wolf. “I am sure that once they investigate and hold hearings, they will be reminded of the national historic significance of the building, and the potential for productive future use. How could they not agree that the House that Ruth Built must be saved?”

Yankee Stadium was opened for the 1923 season, and became a showplace for the slugging talents of George Herman “Babe” Ruth. Even the construction of the Stadium, accomplished in just eleven months using the special Portland cement developed by Thomas Alva Edison, is noteworthy. The Yankees brought 26 World Championships to the Stadium, and other great events, including football games, historic prizefights and Papal masses were held there as well. When Babe Ruth died in 1948, thousands of fans paid tribute by viewing his body, lying in state, in the Stadium. Next month, a special mass will be held in St. Patrick’s Cathedral marking the 60th anniversary of the Babe’s death.

The Stadium was renovated in the 1970s, and retains most of the original design. “Yankee Stadium is of important cultural significance not only to the City of New York, but to the country at large,” noted Prof. Lloyd Ultan, the official Bronx County historian, and author of many books.

Wolf proposes a number of new uses for the Stadium which include the possibility of attracting a minor league team to play there, use the stadium for the games of college, high school and even Little League teams, and, most significantly, locate a branch of the baseball Hall of Fame within Stadium walls.

“The Babe would want to save the Stadium to inspire future generations of kids,” noted Linda Ruth Tosetti. “We must not destroy our historic heritage.”

Wolf, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, agreed. “My father told me about watching Babe Ruth play here in Yankee Stadium, along with Lou Gehrig and the greats of “Murderers’ Row” when he was a boy.”

Wolf noted that the proposal to move all or part of the Hall of Fame to the Bronx, would allow millions of fans to visit the shrine, now located in remote Cooperstown, New York. “The Hall, which is privately owned, now draws only 350,000 visitors a year, a tiny number. I predict that if located here in New York City, the Hall would attract millions of visitors each year. Prof. Ultan noted that it is not true that baseball was invented in Cooperstown, the reason for locating the Hall there. “That is nothing but a myth.”

Wolf agreed. “Yankee Stadium is where the modern game took hold. What was started by Ruth and Gehrig, the great players my father saw as a boy, continued on through the decades with Bill Dickey and Joe DiMaggio. I can recall taking the elevated subway train down to the Stadium to watch Mickey Mantle, Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra play during the 1960s, and years later my sons rooted for Don Mattingly, Dave Winfield and Bernie Williams. Great players like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera are continuing the tradition today, all steeped in the great history began here by Babe Ruth.”

“Although the team is moving across the street, we can still honor the history of the greatest game in the world, and the great men whose exploits thrilled us and lives inspired us,” concluded Wolf.

[six4three]

Exactly - which is why it's so important to protests the Yankees' involvement in all of this. If they weren't behind the demolition of Yankee Stadium, it would definitely stand.

I don't know how many times this must be repeated - the Yankees cannot demolish the stadium. They don't own it.

The City of New York is behind it. Sure, the Yankees stand to benefit financially from their percentage of the sale of some merchandise, but the bottom line is that the team doesn't actually have any say in what happens to the Stadium.

[mandrake]

I don't know how many times this must be repeated - the Yankees cannot demolish the stadium. They don't own it.

The City of New York is behind it. Sure, the Yankees stand to benefit financially from their percentage of the sale of some merchandise, but the bottom line is that the team doesn't actually have any say in what happens to the Stadium.

Does anybody know when the Knights of Columbus sold the land under Yankee Stadium? I was thinking it happened when the place was renovated, but I can't find the date.

[kobathecat]

Just kidding. That fact never seems to sink in with people. I posted earlier that the city has even issued the Yankees an eviction notice for some time next Feb.

Just out of curiousity, will the facility even be able to call itself 'Yankee Stadium' once the Yankees officially relinquish occupancy and occupy the new YS? You would think the Yankees' lease would have included naming rights, thus preventing the city to sell them to Delta Airlines or whomever.

I would love to see some minor portion preserved, even if it is the tiled sidewalk that has surrounded the stadium since 1923, but it is so unrealistic given the circumstances I have discussed earlier. Perhaps most realistic would be some of the bleachers, as they could serve as seats for the new Heritage Field and be fairly inexpensive to maintain.

Another idea would be to somehow keep the concrete facade in along the outfield suspended by steel poles where it currently stands. That would at least give some physical point of reference without taking too much space or requiring much maintainence, even though it is not original.

The problem with landmarking the present facility is if they do so, NONE of it may be alterable, and an empty 56K seat facility without a tenant is going to be prohibitive to maintain in by any community.

Again, this does not even begin to address the leaglities of the park issue I raised earlier.


Let YS die with dignity.

[six4three]

Does anybody know when the Knights of Columbus sold the land under Yankee Stadium? I was thinking it happened when the place was renovated, but I can't find the date.

March 23, 1972. (http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20E14FE3E591A7493C6AB1788D85F46 8785F9&scp=2&sq=Knights+of+Columbus+city+Yankee+Stadium&st=p)

It took several years for them to finally agree on a price, but that's when the deal was signed. You were right - it was part of the renovation.

[SparkyL]

Just kidding. That fact never seems to sink in with people. I posted earlier that the city has even issued the Yankees an eviction notice for some time next Feb.

Just out of curiousity, will the facility even be able to call itself 'Yankee Stadium' once the Yankees officially relinquish occupancy and occupy the new YS? You would think the Yankees' lease would have included naming rights, thus preventing the city to sell them to Delta Airlines or whomever.

I would love to see some minor portion preserved, even if it is the tiled sidewalk that has surrounded the stadium since 1923, but it is so unrealistic given the circumstances I have discussed earlier. Perhaps most realistic would be some of the bleachers, as they could serve as seats for the new Heritage Field and be fairly inexpensive to maintain.

Another idea would be to somehow keep the concrete facade in along the outfield suspended by steel poles where it currently stands. That would at least give some physical point of reference without taking too much space or requiring much maintainence, even though it is not original.

The problem with landmarking the present facility is if they do so, NONE of it may be alterable, and an empty 56K seat facility without a tenant is going to be prohibitive to maintain in by any community.

Again, this does not even begin to address the leaglities of the park issue I raised earlier.


Let YS die with dignity.

1) The tiled sidewalk was actually installed during the renovation

2) The best and most obvious thing to preserve is the exterior wall of gate 2. It retains the original elements, won't get in the way of the new ballfields, and its location directly across the street from the new stadium creates a visual "transistion" from the old to the new.

But even though the Yankees don't own YS you can't bet that behind the scenes they are pushing hard to make the place disappear.

[New York Kid]

Let YS die with dignity.



It's not dying, its being killed, for the harvesting of its parts.

Let it live with dignity.

[kobathecat]

It is not under any possibly way going to survive in its' current physical size and condition. The law requires a park on that site, and even if we magically eliminate that requirement, there is no prospect of a future tenant to provide the upkeep. So the options are a situation like that of Tiger Stadium which languished for almost 10 years, or retaining a small piece, which in no way preserves YS as far as I am concerned. I would love to retain such a small piece, but I see no easy way to do so. When a loved one passes away, it is hard to turn from the casket for the last time, but you have to.

[kobathecat]

[QUOTE=SparkyL;1308794]1) The tiled sidewalk was actually installed during the renovation

Was it also renovated then? Because I swear I have seen it in overheads of pre-renovated YS. I would like to learn more about this as it is one topic never discussed on any of the YS threads.

[YankeeStadium1923]

Excellent points and questions, YS '23! Those would be perfect inquiries for all the politicians and preservation review officials.
A few years ago when Yankee Stadium was denied Landmark status from The City of New York Landmarks Preservation Commision I downloaded a Request for Evaluation form and was going to send it in stating that the renovated version of Yankee Stadium was 30 years old and should be granted landmark status.....
I never filled or sent this form in, however I plan on doing so over the weekend.

NationalTrust.org is also worth contacting.

By the way....I love that artists drawing of Yankee Stadium.

[YankeeStadium1923]

[QUOTE=SparkyL;1308794]1) The tiled sidewalk was actually installed during the renovation

Was it also renovated then? Because I swear I have seen it in overheads of pre-renovated YS. I would like to learn more about this as it is one topic never discussed on any of the YS threads.
The tiled walk way was never there Pre 1973. The first base side of Yankee Stadium between Yankee Stadium and the parking garage was once a continuation of 157th street.

[mandrake]

[QUOTE=kobathecat;1308894]
The tiled walk way was never there Pre 1973. The first base side of Yankee Stadium between Yankee Stadium and the parking garage was once a continuation of 157th street.

You are correct. The city closed that street in the 1970's as part of the renovation. They did this even though they told the Brooklyn Dodgers that they could not do this fifteen years earlier. Also, I think the city actually seized the Old Yankee Stadium via eminent domain from Rice University and paid something like 2.5 million dollars. What a steal ! I wonder what they paid the Knights of Columbus for the land.

[SparkyL]

It is not under any possibly way going to survive in its' current physical size and condition. The law requires a park on that site, and even if we magically eliminate that requirement, there is no prospect of a future tenant to provide the upkeep. So the options are a situation like that of Tiger Stadium which languished for almost 10 years, or retaining a small piece, which in no way preserves YS as far as I am concerned. I would love to retain such a small piece, but I see no easy way to do so. When a loved one passes away, it is hard to turn from the casket for the last time, but you have to.

If you haven't been to Pittsburgh, they have saved a section of the wall of Forbes Field and it's rather cool to visit. It's in a nice park on the campus of the Univeristy if Pittsburgh.

NYC could certainly do that with Gate 2 - it would be easy to do, very symbolic and dramatic, low maintence and have a small footprint on the new parkland.

[Manhattan]

If you haven't been to Pittsburgh, they have saved a section of the wall of Forbes Field and it's rather cool to visit. It's in a nice park on the campus of the Univeristy if Pittsburgh.

NYC could certainly do that with Gate 2 - it would be easy to do, very symbolic and dramatic, low maintence and have a small footprint on the new parkland.I will start doing all of those emails starting tomorrrow to save Old Yankee Stadium.

[six4three]

But even though the Yankees don't own YS you can't bet that behind the scenes they are pushing hard to make the place disappear.
You have, of course, some actual evidence to support that assertion?

Because without any, it's pretty silly.

[SparkyL]

You have, of course, some actual evidence to support that assertion?

Because without any, it's pretty silly.

Well - it's not like they Yankees would ever come out at this point and make such statements, nor are they going to call me personally. All I am doing is connecting dots.

When you listen to Trost especially (sometimes Lavine) he says "telling" stuff like "it's the same building the same stadium" when it's not. It's like they don't look at it as YS2 but YS reincarned. And that can't happen with remnents sitting across the street.

[six4three]

Hmm.

Better to advance the notion that the Yankees secretly resent the attention old Yankee Stadium gets. That's more plausible.

[SparkyL]

Hmm.

Better to advance the notion that the Yankees secretly resent the attention old Yankee Stadium gets. That's more plausible.

OK - I'll go with that. I think that they want no "mindshare" competition with NYS. OYS was Ruppert's place and the Steinbrenners want their own legacy.

[jimmyjimjimz]

According to the Yankee Stadium Wikipedia, the city owns the stadium, which I'm assuming is the building and the land. The Yankees took away parkland by building the new stadium, so they owe The Bronx parkland. I do agree that they should keep up certian parts of the stadium, but it's gonna be really hard for them to keep the whole stadium up. Do we want it to look like Tiger Stadium? Are we that low that we would do that to the most historic place in baseball?

Yes, I do believe they should keep some seats in for little league games. It would be nice if they kept the whole lower level from foulpole to foulpole or from duggout to duggout, but I don't see them doing that. What I really think they should do is they should keep part of the bleachers, possibly the left field bleachers cause theyre closer to the new stadium, and put a picnic area there for families who are going to the game, but have nowhere to tailgate. I also think they should keep that piece of the original outfield wall that's still there.

That's my opinion.

[Gary Dunaier]

Hmm.

Better to advance the notion that the Yankees secretly resent the attention old Yankee Stadium gets. That's more plausible.

I'm sure they don't resent the attention - and money - they get from sales of tickets to casual fans who "gotta see the place one last time" and from Final Season merchandise.

[six4three]

OK - I'll go with that. I think that they want no "mindshare" competition with NYS. OYS was Ruppert's place and the Steinbrenners want their own legacy.

Ruppert's place?

Where was Ruppert in April of 1976?

[aqib]

http://www.1888pressrelease.com/babe-ruth-s-granddaughter-urges-new-uses-for-endangered-yank-pr-69888.html


The Stadium was renovated in the 1970s, and retains most of the original design. “Yankee Stadium is of important cultural significance not only to the City of New York, but to the country at large,” noted Prof. Lloyd Ultan, the official Bronx County historian, and author of many books.

Wolf proposes a number of new uses for the Stadium which include the possibility of attracting a minor league team to play there, use the stadium for the games of college, high school and even Little League teams, and, most significantly, locate a branch of the baseball Hall of Fame within Stadium walls.

“The Babe would want to save the Stadium to inspire future generations of kids,” noted Linda Ruth Tosetti. “We must not destroy our historic heritage.”

Wolf, a lifelong resident of the Bronx, agreed. “My father told me about watching Babe Ruth play here in Yankee Stadium, along with Lou Gehrig and the greats of “Murderers’ Row” when he was a boy.”

Wolf noted that the proposal to move all or part of the Hall of Fame to the Bronx, would allow millions of fans to visit the shrine, now located in remote Cooperstown, New York. “The Hall, which is privately owned, now draws only 350,000 visitors a year, a tiny number. I predict that if located here in New York City, the Hall would attract millions of visitors each year. Prof. Ultan noted that it is not true that baseball was invented in Cooperstown, the reason for locating the Hall there. “That is nothing but a myth.”



Oh the arrogance. A cultural significance to the country at large? People wonder why so many people outside NY hate the Yankees.

As for the Hall of Fame, does he understand what moving it out of Cooperstown would do to that city? Out of the 4 major sports only Hockey has its Hall in a major city. NYC has enough tourists (I lived there for 15 years I know) let Cooperstown keep the Hall.

Lastly for a historian he should know the difference between pre and post renovation Yankee Stadium. It hasn't been the house that Ruth Built for many years.

[davidthecornman]

they could keep the lower deck and have the walls brought in and use it for the little league world series. just an idea. some of the best little leaguers at the best place in baseball. great idea.:dance

[David Atkatz]

Oh the arrogance. A cultural significance to the country at large? People wonder why so many people outside NY hate the Yankees.

If baseball is the "National Pastime," then Yankee Stadium certainly is of cultural importance to the entire country.



Lastly for a historian he should know the difference between pre and post renovation Yankee Stadium. It hasn't been the house that Ruth Built for many years.

Nonsense.

[shaneslatts]

they could keep the lower deck and have the walls brought in and use it for the little league world series. just an idea. some of the best little leaguers at the best place in baseball. great idea.:dance
Yes, it is a great idea..I dont know about the little league world series but it would be great for little leaguers in general to play there...
But you see, to some folks that cannot happen. After all Yankee Stadium was, according to these folks totaly demolished in 1973-1975. It dosent matter that 75 percent of the original structure is there, intact, somehow in their minds it was "totaly changed". It also dosent matter that the part most people are lobbying for to be preserved is not a section of the renovated "RYS", it is part of the original 1923 structure. For some reason, some folks cant seem to wait to see the entire structure demolished...either the 1923 or the 1976 additions...........
I wonder $$$$$ why $$$$$:silent:

[Manhattan]

Yes, it is a great idea..I dont know about the little league world series but it would be great for little leaguers in general to play there...
But you see, to some folks that cannot happen. After all Yankee Stadium was, according to these folks totaly demolished in 1973-1975. It dosent matter that 75 percent of the original structure is there, intact, somehow in their minds it was "totaly changed". It also dosent matter that the part most people are lobbying for to be preserved is not a section of the renovated "RYS", it is part of the original 1923 structure. For some reason, some folks cant seem to wait to see the entire structure demolished...either the 1923 or the 1976 additions...........
I wonder $$$$$ why $$$$$:silent:I will do my best to evidence other on their post to save Yankee Stadium.

[cgcoyne2]

If baseball is the "National Pastime," then Yankee Stadium certainly is of cultural importance to the entire country.




Nonsense.


Dave I agree. How about this. I know you have said it here at least 10 times, that Yankee Stadium was always concrete and steel. Every video the Yankees put out has that puppet John Sterling saying, "blah, blah, blah...original limestone like the original Yankee Stadium."

When is gonna end?

[jimmyjimjimz]

I will do my best to evidence other on their post to save Yankee Stadium.

how will we know you're doing your best? What if you say you're doing your best, but you actually do your worst?

[Gary Dunaier]

how will we know you're doing your best? What if you say you're doing your best, but you actually do your worst?

"My Best Was Never Good Enough"
Bruce Springsteen (http://www.brucespringsteen.net/songs/MyBestWasNeverGoodEnough.html)

Every cloud has a silver lining, every dog has his day
She said, "Now don't say nothin'
if you don't have something nice to say."
The tough, now they get going, when the going gets tough
But for you my best was never good enough

"Now don't try for a home run, baby
If you can get the job done with a hit"
Remember, "A quitter never wins and a winner never quits"
"The sun don't shine on a sleepin' dog's a**"
And all the rest of that stuff
But for you my best was never good enough

"If God gives you nothin' but lemons, then you make some lemonade"
"The early bird catches the f***in' worm,
Rome wasn't built in a day"

"Now life's like a box of chocolates,
You never know what you're going to get"
"Stupid is as stupid does and all the rest of that s***"

Come'on pretty baby, call my bluff
'Cause for you my best was never good enough

Copyright © Bruce Springsteen (ASCAP)

:highfive:

[shaneslatts]

how will we know you're doing your best? What if you say you're doing your best, but you actually do your worst?

What if your doing your best, but you think its your worst but you find that your worst is your best? :hp :banghead:

[SparkyL]

Dave I agree. How about this. I know you have said it here at least 10 times, that Yankee Stadium was always concrete and steel. Every video the Yankees put out has that puppet John Sterling saying, "blah, blah, blah...original limestone like the original Yankee Stadium."

When is gonna end?

I watched the DVD that came with the relo package and when they finally start talking about the new stadium, showing gate 4, Sterling once again says "and it will look just like when the Babe played here." Not sort of like, not resembling, not invoking; just like. The amount and degree of misinformation coming from this organization is staggering. The sad thing is most people (and that includes the media) believe them.

I would love to ask Trost, "where exactly, did the limestone go when they did the 70's renovation?"

[shaneslatts]

I watched the DVD that came with the relo package and when they finally start talking about the new stadium, showing gate 4, Sterling once again says "and it will look just like when the Babe played here." Not sort of like, not resembling, not invoking; just like. The amount and degree of misinformation coming from this organization is staggering. The sad thing is most people (and that includes the media) believe them.

I would love to ask Trost, "where exactly, did the limestone go when they did the 70's renovation?"

The reply you would get from Trost would probably be......Security

[IPO]

Oh the arrogance. A cultural significance to the country at large? People wonder why so many people outside NY hate the Yankees..

There goes that Yankee entitlement generation again, we want to keep our old stadium so screw the hall of fame in cooperstown and move it right to the South Bronx, we own baseball and while were at it cancel the World Series or just give us Tampa's spot because there is no league without us.

King George III and the Yankee entitlement generation have spoken.

Boy does baseball need a hard salary cap so we can get back to the days of people laughing at the idea of signing in the Bronx over San Diego back in the early nineties when the money is even.

Party is over and Yankee Stadium is coming down because most of you were asleep at the wheel when the plans went down. King George took you to the cleaners and got out of the park he has been trying to vacate since day one.

He won, you lost.

Enjoy the latest edition of US Celluar Field and give up your mortgage payments to sit it in, Yankee Stadium will be carved up and every dime taken out of it they can get, it's a done deal with the taxpayers money going right into his pockets.

Same deal in Flushing which has plenty of space for Hall of Fame if your that hellbent on moving it so badly.

[Captain Cold Nose]

There goes that Yankee entitlement generation again, we want to keep our old stadium so screw the hall of fame in cooperstown and move it right to the South Bronx, we own baseball and while were at it cancel the World Series or just give us Tampa's spot because there is no league without us.

King George III and the Yankee entitlement generation have spoken.

Boy does baseball need a hard salary cap so we can get back to the days of people laughing at the idea of signing in the Bronx over San Diego back in the early nineties when the money is even.

Party is over and Yankee Stadium is coming down because most of you were asleep at the wheel when the plans went down. King George took you to the cleaners and got out of the park he has been trying to vacate since day one.

He won, you lost.

Enjoy the latest edition of US Celluar Field and give up your mortgage payments to sit it in, Yankee Stadium will be carved up and every dime taken out of it they can get, it's a done deal with the taxpayers money going right into his pockets.

Same deal in Flushing which has plenty of space for Hall of Fame if your that hellbent on moving it so badly.

Is it possible for you to post here without trying to pick a fight?

Please folks, do not respond in kind. Responses that only serve to fuel someting we've been trying to prevent will be justifiably removed.

[MarcianoNY]

The problem with landmarking the present facility is if they do so, NONE of it may be alterable, and an empty 56K seat facility without a tenant is going to be prohibitive to maintain in by any community.

Again, this does not even begin to address the leaglities of the park issue I raised earlier.


Let YS die with dignity.[/QUOTE]

Well said. As sad as the current situation is, it would be much sadder to have a Tiger Stadium situation. Who's going to pay for upkeep of the Stadium? And how are people going to feel about going to a game across the street when there's a perfectly good stadium that Babe Ruth and Joe Dimaggio and Mickey Mantle happened to play in across the street? Like someone else here said, the best strategy for them is to present this as the re-incarnation of Yankee Stadium I and break all ties with CYS. That's why they're harping on the limestone thing, and the facade - it's not that they're misinformed, it's a well-calculated move to create a sense that CYS is disconnected from YS1, and NYS will be a return to the glory of the original. Besides, the Yankees and the city have a legitimate obligation to replace the parkland that was swallowed up by the new project. What are South Bronx residents gonna do with an old stadium that will be locked up all the time? I would love to see some aspect of the stadium, however small, left intact, but my guess is that it's not gonna happen. Trost and the Yankees are going for a clean break, and you can't have that with people being reminded of the old place all the time.

[jimmyjimjimz]

What if your doing your best, but you think its your worst but you find that your worst is your best? :hp :banghead:

Yeah, that too.



"My Best Was Never Good Enough"
Bruce Springsteen (http://www.brucespringsteen.net/songs/MyBestWasNeverGoodEnough.html)

Every cloud has a silver lining, every dog has his day
She said, "Now don't say nothin'
if you don't have something nice to say."
The tough, now they get going, when the going gets tough
But for you my best was never good enough

"Now don't try for a home run, baby
If you can get the job done with a hit"
Remember, "A quitter never wins and a winner never quits"
"The sun don't shine on a sleepin' dog's a**"
And all the rest of that stuff
But for you my best was never good enough

"If God gives you nothin' but lemons, then you make some lemonade"
"The early bird catches the f***in' worm,
Rome wasn't built in a day"

"Now life's like a box of chocolates,
You never know what you're going to get"
"Stupid is as stupid does and all the rest of that s***"

Come'on pretty baby, call my bluff
'Cause for you my best was never good enough

Copyright © Bruce Springsteen (ASCAP)

:highfive:


Is that one of his new songs, or is it an old song? I don't like any of his new songs, and the only way I'd go see him is if it's guarenteed that 99% of the songs he'll do at the show are songs I heard as a little kid.


King George III and the Yankee entitlement generation have spoken.


Isn't King George III dead? Didn't he die in like 1652 or something? What would he know about the Yankees?

[New York Kid]

[QUOTE=Gary Dunaier;1310281]

"Now don't try for a home run, baby
If you can get the job done with a hit"
Remember, "A quitter never wins and a winner never quits"

I agree, Gary, which is why we're trying to save a meaningful, historically-significant part of it, as a tribute to its former glory and majesty - the legacy of which can and will never be replicated.

Rome wasn't built in a day"

Nor torn down over night. Yankee Stadium's most notable predecessor, the Coliseum, stands nearly two millennia after its original purpose and splendor.

"Stupid is as stupid does.

The stupidity of not landmarking and saving Yankee Stadium is better explained by this long-known, pre-Gumpian axiom:

"Greedy is as Greedy Does."


P.S. Gary, I'll vote for that fellow you recommend above in your signature (post 316), if he promises to lobby the Big Apple's Landmark Preservation Commission to redo its landmark review of Yankee Stadium - this time honestly. I don't think he has to worry , though, with that name on the ballot, there's no room for any opposing candidate.

[Captain Cold Nose]

[QUOTE=jimmyjimjimz;1310612]





Is that one of his new songs, or is it an old song? I don't like any of his new songs, and the only way I'd go see him is if it's guarenteed that 99% of the songs he'll do at the show are songs I heard as a little kid.




QUOTE]

It can't be an old song, it quotes Forrest Gump.

Nice joke, btw. If you're going to take bait you may as well throw a pie at it first.

[Gary Dunaier]

Is that one of his new songs, or is it an old song?

"My Best Was Never Good Enough" by Bruce Springsteen
from The Ghost Of Tom Joad
Columbia Records
released November 21, 1995

[IPO]

Is it possible for you to post here without trying to pick a fight?

Who am I picking a fight with when most of the response are very critical of Yankee ownership for their role in this and the person I responded to who wrote about Yankee arrogance for actually wanted the baseball hall of fame relocated?

[SparkyL]

I agree, Gary, which is why we're trying to save a meaningful, historically-significant part of it, as a tribute to its former glory and majesty - the legacy of which can and will never be replicated.

NYKid, I was just on the Save YS site. Is there any chance that someone with some art or arcitectural skills can produce some renderings and post them on the site? This will provide the people supporting the effort, and then the people who we are trying to win over, some concrete feel for what is being suggested for presentation.

Also, has any thought or effort gone into lining up visable advocates that can't be easily dismissed. First to my mind is David Letterman. I really think that the cause will need a few people of his stature to give it visibility and credibility. Ruth's granddaughter is getting completely ignored . . .

[Captain Cold Nose]

Who am I picking a fight with when most of the response are very critical of Yankee ownership for their role in this and the person I responded to who wrote about Yankee arrogance for actually wanted the baseball hall of fame relocated?

Saying "you" so much smacks of finger pointing.

You can make an argument without so much of that. Really. There's a difference between what aqib posted and what you did.

[IPO]

Saying "you" so much smacks of finger pointing.

You can make an argument without so much of that. Really. There's a difference between what aqib posted and what you did.

All I did was agree with him.

Many fans here remember the phoney press conference and the plans with most of YS remaining, a lot of posters put up the pics and the quick change of plans in this thread and did a good job with it.

But everyone who rememberd the first plan for YS did not take them to task immediately when it was clear that this was a bait and switch that was quietly done, where have they been the last two plus years?

Sorry but they got what they wanted and everyone who wanted and expected the Stadium to remain in tact lost. I would have called King George III's bluff and told him take a renovation or move and there is nothing wrong with the current building that even needs a renovation if they can spend 200 million on the product.

I'm curious how come when I blast Illitch over Tiger Stadium I'm not picking a fight for some of the same stuff I go after King George III over but here I am? Feel free to send a PM so the thread can get back on topic.

[jimmyjimjimz]

It can't be an old song, it quotes Forrest Gump.
Nice joke, btw. If you're going to take bait you may as well throw a pie at it first.

I honestly don't know what joke youre talking about. I'm not joking about anything. You actually think I have time to read lyrics word for word?



All I did was agree with him.

Many fans here remember the phoney press conference and the plans with most of YS remaining, a lot of posters put up the pics and the quick change of plans in this thread and did a good job with it.

But everyone who rememberd the first plan for YS did not take them to task immediately when it was clear that this was a bait and switch that was quietly done, where have they been the last two plus years?

Sorry but they got what they wanted and everyone who wanted and expected the Stadium to remain in tact lost. I would have called King George III's bluff and told him take a renovation or move and there is nothing wrong with the current building that even needs a renovation if they can spend 200 million on the product.

I'm curious how come when I blast Illitch over Tiger Stadium I'm not picking a fight for some of the same stuff I go after King George III over but here I am? Feel free to send a PM so the thread can get back on topic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_George_III

King George III died in 1820, way before the Yankees were invented/made into a team/whatever you wanna call it. I don't understand what he has to do with the Yankees.



And, someone mentioned that the Yankees requested the Baseball Hall of Fame move to the Bronx. I don't remember that ever happening. I doubt it ever happened. The Yankees know that they gotta give up parkland. Why would they request that they move the Baseball Hall of Fame there?

Just get over it, ok? Theyre ALMOST done with the new stadium. The team is moving accross the street next year. There's nothing your bitching and complaining can do to change their decision to move from an 85 year old stadium to a modern stadium.

[Gary Dunaier]

King George III died in 1820, way before the Yankees were invented/made into a team/whatever you wanna call it. I don't understand what he has to do with the Yankees.

I thought it was obvious. George Steinbrenner is the one being referred to as "King George III" in this space.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I thought it was obvious. George Steinbrenner is the one being referred to as "King George III" in this space.

yeah but George Steinbrenner isn't a king. Why is he being called a king if he's not a king?

[Manhattan]

yeah but George Steinbrenner isn't a king. Why is he being called a king if he's not a king?We sure are trying to save Old Yankee Stadium.

[SparkyL]

NYKid, I was just on the Save YS site. Is there any chance that someone with some art or arcitectural skills can produce some renderings and post them on the site? This will provide the people supporting the effort, and then the people who we are trying to win over, some concrete feel for what is being suggested for presentation.

Also, has any thought or effort gone into lining up visable advocates that can't be easily dismissed. First to my mind is David Letterman. I really think that the cause will need a few people of his stature to give it visibility and credibility. Ruth's granddaughter is getting completely ignored . . .

I am quoting my own post in hopes to getting some response to what is the real topic of this thread and not going back and forth about King Geroge III. Enough already.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I am quoting my own post in hopes to getting some response to what is the real topic of this thread and not going back and forth about King Geroge III. Enough already.

Is David Letterman even a Yankee fan? What would he do to try and save Yankee Stadium? Obviously, Billy Crystal can't do anything either, cause he's actually a Mets fan. He wore a Mets hat in a movie, and Yankee fans don't wear Mets hats.

Rudy 9/11 Giulianni 9/11 obviously 9/11 cant 9/11 do 9/11 anything 9/11 either 9/11 cause 9/11 he'll 9/11 start 9/11 talking 9/11 about 9/11 9/11 9/11 too 9/11 much 9/11 cause 9/11 every 9/11 other 9/11 word 9/11 he 9/11 says 9/11 is 9/11 9/11 9/11

Who else would be able to help out?..................................

[SparkyL]

Is David Letterman even a Yankee fan? What would he do to try and save Yankee Stadium? Obviously, Billy Crystal can't do anything either, cause he's actually a Mets fan. He wore a Mets hat in a movie, and Yankee fans don't wear Mets hats.

Who else would be able to help out?..................................

After the 1996 WS, Steinbrenner made an appearence on Letterman. At one point the subject of moving out of YS can up and Dave said "If you tear down YS I will personally come and hunt you down." And of course he got great applause to which George responded, "And I see that you will have a lot of help!"

But in any case, the cause needs someone who can get in the Media, get attention and make things happen.

[jimmyjimjimz]

After the 1996 WS, Steinbrenner made an appearence on Letterman. At one point the subject of moving out of YS can up and Dave said "If you tear down YS I will personally come and hunt you down." And of course he got great applause to which George responded, "And I see that you will have a lot of help!"

But in any case, the cause needs someone who can get in the Media, get attention and make things happen.

Once again, the Yankees owe the city parkland. If they keep the stadium up, not only will the city have to pay to maintain an inactive baseball stadium, but the city won't get it's parkland.

Also, I'd rather not see Yankee Stadium sit there and rot like Tiger Stadium. I know Babe Ruth would be pissed if they let it sit there and rot.

[Manhattan]

Once again, the Yankees owe the city parkland. If they keep the stadium up, not only will the city have to pay to maintain an inactive baseball stadium, but the city won't get it's parkland.

Also, I'd rather not see Yankee Stadium sit there and rot like Tiger Stadium. I know Babe Ruth would be pissed if they let it sit there and rot.I will start doing my best with everyone else to save Old Yankee Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

[RichardLillard1]

Obviously, Billy Crystal can't do anything either, cause he's actually a Mets fan. He wore a Mets hat in a movie, and Yankee fans don't wear Mets hats.

Just because he wore a Mets hat DOESN'T mean he's a Mets fan. He's had Yankee season tickets for a long time and ALWAYS talks about how important growing up and going to Yankee Stadium was to him. He's also a huge Mickey Mantle fan.


Richard

[cgcoyne2]

Just because he wore a Mets hat DOESN'T mean he's a Mets fan. He's had Yankee season tickets for a long time and ALWAYS talks about how important growing up and going to Yankee Stadium was to him. He's also a huge Mickey Mantle fan.


Richard

Mickey is dead!

Sorry, is that too much like Manhattan?

[SparkyL]

Once again, the Yankees owe the city parkland. If they keep the stadium up, not only will the city have to pay to maintain an inactive baseball stadium, but the city won't get it's parkland.

Also, I'd rather not see Yankee Stadium sit there and rot like Tiger Stadium. I know Babe Ruth would be pissed if they let it sit there and rot.

I am not suggesting that the entire stadium be preserved - and then left to rot. And I fully understand the legal requirement of parkland replacement.

Which is why I am suggesting the following plan. It maintains the same number of ballfields as the current plan (and doesn't more them to the other side of the Deegan) and we get to keep the same components of the stadium from the original plan, plus the best part of the exterior wall and a section of the bleachers. Doesn't seem to be too much to ask for.

[Wall-E]

I will start doing my best with everyone else to save Old Yankee Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

Go wild.

Also Triple J, please stop embarrassing yourself man? It really hurts to watch you crash and burn. I'm not saying this to help you, it's just that I feel really bad whenever I see you post something these days.

And guys, as CCN said, don't even respond to WEB. Don't. Just let him rant and babble incoherent thoughts and Corporate America hating.

[jimmyjimjimz]

I am not suggesting that the entire stadium be preserved - and then left to rot. And I fully understand the legal requirement of parkland replacement.

Which is why I am suggesting the following plan. It maintains the same number of ballfields as the current plan (and doesn't more them to the other side of the Deegan) and we get to keep the same components of the stadium from the original plan, plus the best part of the exterior wall and a section of the bleachers. Doesn't seem to be too much to ask for.


I actually really like that idea. I guess it's not too late to send it to Mayor Bloomberg and the dude in charge of the parks department. Probably the borough president of The Bronx has to ok it too, so I guess you should send it to him.

And, is there a way I can change my username so everyone stops calling me Triple J? I don't like that, ok? How many times do I have to tell you I don't like it for you to understand that I don't like it?

[New York Kid]

NYKid, I was just on the Save YS site. Is there any chance that someone with some art or arcitectural skills can produce some renderings and post them on the site? This will provide the people supporting the effort, and then the people who we are trying to win over, some concrete feel for what is being suggested for presentation.



Great idea, Sparky. If you send the ddrawings and ideas to savethestadium@gmail.com, they will get to all the right people. In order to give credit for ideas and drawings, please include how you would like that credit give (unless, of course, anonymity is requested.)

[New York Kid]

After the 1996 WS, Steinbrenner made an appearence on Letterman. At one point the subject of moving out of YS can up and Dave said "If you tear down YS I will personally come and hunt you down." And of course he got great applause to which George responded, "And I see that you will have a lot of help!"

But in any case, the cause needs someone who can get in the Media, get attention and make things happen.

Good memory and great idea, Sparky. I encourage you and others to write Letterman about this landmarking and collectibles sales travesty. At this moment, plans are already in the works for celebrity appearances protesting the demolition on Letterman and other major TV shows. Writing him will help let him know the great opposition and ideas people have.

Babe's grandduaghter has been making big waves, and getting wide attention and coverages - in the media and the halls of government and baseball. Other notables are in the background, working and lobbying behind the scenes. It looks REAL good, but the calls & letters are what it takes for the City and Yankees to know what a huge public relations disaster their demolition and collectibles sale is going to be.

A key guy to write right now is Senator Chuck Shumer. He appears inclined to save the stadium, but needs public support. Moreover, he was integral in helping to NATIONALLY landmark and save the 1520 Sedgewick Avenue - the infamous no-name landmark not too far from Yankee Stadium.

[YankeeStadium1923]

I came across this Daily News cartoon from April 1998 when the expansion joint fell from the Yankee Stadium rafters.

Featuring Mayor Guilianni and George Steinbrenner

[jimmyjimjimz]

I came across this Daily News cartoon from April 1998 when the expansion joint fell from the Yankee Stadium rafters.

Featuring Mayor Guilianni and George Steinbrenner




off topic, but........................

..........................my dad and my uncle were supposed to go to that game. It was on my dad's birthday. They were at one of the bars across the street, and someone came in and said the game was canceled.

And I don't think Steinbrenner actually caused that. I highly doubt it.

[YankeeStadium1923]

I remember the Daily News had a feature on the front page with 4 people who had tickets in the seats that the expansion joint fell on..........

[jimmyjimjimz]

I remember the Daily News had a feature on the front page with 4 people who had tickets in the seats that the expansion joint fell on..........

that wasnt my dad or my uncle. And I thought the beam fell on one seat. How can 4 people sit in one seat?

[YankeeStadium1923]

Somewhere I have the newspapers from the event....I think it was one aisle seat and the 4 who had tickets in that row never revealed who was going to be sitting in that seat.

[The Monument]

I'm usually not a conspiracy theorist, but I DO think that steinbrenner had something to do with it. Impossible to prove of course, but look at the timing. 75th anniversary, ongoing talks about renovations {which he always scoffed at} and the constant,quiet threat of a move to NJ. What better time to do it? "Oh look, the Stadiums too old, it can't be renovated again, and now it's FALLING APART! A fan could have been injured." So, he had this new place built for "us fans".

[Gary Dunaier]

What section and row was that? Maybe I'll try and get a picture of the area in one of my last visits there...

[SparkyL]

What section and row was that? Maybe I'll try and get a picture of the area in one of my last visits there...

I forget the exact location, but I believe that it's between sections 20 and 22

If you go to the Loge concourse in that area, you can see a very noticable expansion gap where the stadium originally ended and where the expansion started. You can then go out into the seating area and try to extend that line.

The expanion joint fell from the under the upper deck roughly where the speakers are hanging.

[IPO]

I'm usually not a conspiracy theorist, but I DO think that steinbrenner had something to do with it. Impossible to prove of course, but look at the timing. 75th anniversary, ongoing talks about renovations {which he always scoffed at} and the constant,quiet threat of a move to NJ. What better time to do it? "Oh look, the Stadiums too old, it can't be renovated again, and now it's FALLING APART! A fan could have been injured." So, he had this new place built for "us fans".

This is the same man who hired Howard Spira and got thrown out of baseball twice.

The picture says it perfectly.

[The Monument]

I forget the exact location, but I believe that it's between sections 20 and 22

If you go to the Loge concourse in that area, you can see a very noticable expansion gap where the stadium originally ended and where the expansion started. You can then go out into the seating area and try to extend that line.

The expanion joint fell from the under the upper deck roughly where the speakers are hanging.

I saw the expansion joint today on the Main level at sect 22-24. I was making my rounds,taking pix, when I stopped for a break. Then I realized what I was standing next to. It's a metal piece running through the concrete floor from the outer wall to the inner. I explained to my son that this is where the stands ended in 1923.

[SparkyL]

I saw the expansion joint today on the Main level at sect 22-24. I was making my rounds,taking pix, when I stopped for a break. Then I realized what I was standing next to. It's a metal piece running through the concrete floor from the outer wall to the inner. I explained to my son that this is where the stands ended in 1923.

Today (Sunday)?? I was there as well (TierRes6). Nice to see what will hopefully be the last grand slam, and by a Yankee, and Jeter tying Gehrig.The gap is different on different levels.

On the Tier and I believe Loge concourses, it's filled with rubber and not covered with anything.

You can also see the same thing on the RF side.

[Manhattan]

Today (Sunday)?? I was there as well (TierRes6). Nice to see what will hopefully be the last grand slam, and by a Yankee, and Jeter tying Gehrig.The gap is different on different levels.

On the Tier and I believe Loge concourses, it's filled with rubber and not covered with anything.

You can also see the same thing on the RF side.I rather see Tiger Stadium demolished instead of Yankee Stadium.

[Gary Dunaier]

I rather see Tiger Stadium demolished instead of Yankee Stadium.

I hope when they demolish the Yankee stadium I am a safe distance away. Because when the pieces fall if they hit you on the head it is really going to hurt. I do not want to get hurt.

[DiggerODell]

I hope when they demolish the Yankee stadium I am a safe distance away. Because when the pieces fall if they hit you on the head it is really going to hurt. I do not want to get hurt.

Amen! Gary you never cease to amaze me at your wisdom! I adore you loved the joint . ..my only visit . . . i dislked it ... wasn't what i thought it was . .. 40 years ago ... but you damn sure know how to let go . ..Wish i'd have had a chance to have a beer with ya back in july.

[YankeeStadium1923]

What section and row was that? Maybe I'll try and get a picture of the area in one of my last visits there...
From the New York Post dated Wednesday, April 15, 1998.

"One of those tickets was for Seat 7 in Section 22, Row A on Monday when a huge chunk of steel came loose and crushed the seat"

Newsday had a front page color photo of the seat on Tuesday, April 14, 1998.
The seats in the Loge go A A B B C C etc. The doomed seat was the second seat in from the aisle and in the second row A.

I remember when the Yankees returned to the Stadium George Steinbrenner sat in that exact seat.

[YankeeStadium1923]

I'm usually not a conspiracy theorist, but I DO think that steinbrenner had something to do with it. Impossible to prove of course, but look at the timing. 75th anniversary, ongoing talks about renovations {which he always scoffed at} and the constant,quiet threat of a move to NJ. What better time to do it? "Oh look, the Stadiums too old, it can't be renovated again, and now it's FALLING APART! A fan could have been injured." So, he had this new place built for "us fans".
I spoke about a conspiracy theory in a past post over a year ago. I just can't remember what thread I posted in.....I even gave a link to the NYC Parks website showing that waterproofing was being done on expansion joints 8 months before an expansion joint( 1 of 4) fell from the rafters of Yankee Stadium.

[Manhattan]

I spoke about a conspiracy theory in a past post over a year ago. I just can't remember what thread I posted in.....I even gave a link to the NYC Parks website showing that waterproofing was being done on expansion joints 8 months before an expansion joint( 1 of 4) fell from the rafters of Yankee Stadium.My dream was to go inside of old Yankee Stadium and it has been ruined. My new dream is to go inside of New Yankee Stadium and it will not be ruined.

[DaBigMotor]

I came across this Daily News cartoon from April 1998 when the expansion joint fell from the Yankee Stadium rafters.

Featuring Mayor Guilianni and George Steinbrenner



What, exactly, was this cartoonist trying to say?

That George was attempting to remove posts from unrenovated Yankee Stadium?

I'm surprised that no one else has commented on the fact that this cartoon shows Steinbrenner in the stadium as it was before it was renovated, and before he bought the team.

[mandrake]

From the 9/16 NY DAILY NEWS:

Yanks beaned taxpayers, stadium report says
The new Yankee stadium got up to $850 million in taxpayer investments but will create just 15 permanent jobs, a scathing new report charges.


I think when this report sinks in, you can forget about any and all plans to "save" OYS if it includes any tax payer money.

Lawmakers in Washington and Albany are investigating whether city officials inflated the new Yankee Stadium's land value to make it possible for the Yankees to pay back nearly $1 billion in tax-free bonds for the project

When the stuff hits the fan, I predict Rudy will have his fingerprints on this.

[shaneslatts]

I am not suggesting that the entire stadium be preserved - and then left to rot. And I fully understand the legal requirement of parkland replacement.

Which is why I am suggesting the following plan. It maintains the same number of ballfields as the current plan (and doesn't more them to the other side of the Deegan) and we get to keep the same components of the stadium from the original plan, plus the best part of the exterior wall and a section of the bleachers. Doesn't seem to be too much to ask for.

Sparky, Thats a great idea that you have there for a plan for the preservation of Yankee Stadium. Its also worth noting that the sections you have marked are original dating all the way back to Babe Ruth, ie, 1923.
It also opens up the entire area for parkland/ ball fields
Great idea sir :highfive:

[Gary Dunaier]

My dream was to go inside of old Yankee Stadium and it has been ruined. My new dream is to go inside of New Yankee Stadium and it will not be ruined.

"Dreams will not be thwarted . . . . . Faith will be rewarded" - Bruce Springsteen

[YankeeStadium1923]

"Dreams will not be thwarted . . . . . Faith will be rewarded" - Bruce Springsteen
List of America's Favorite Architecture according to the American Institute of Architects

In 2007, the American Institute of Architects asked Harris Interactive to survey 2,000 people, who were shown 247 photographs of buildings in different categories chosen by 2,500 architects. The top 150, released as "America's Favorite Architecture," are listed below:

Yankee Stadium lists at 84
Wrigley Field lists at 31

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_America's_Favorite_Architecture_according_ to_the_AIA

[jimmyjimjimz]

My dream was to go inside of old Yankee Stadium and it has been ruined. My new dream is to go inside of New Yankee Stadium and it will not be ruined.

and I'm going inside Yankee Stadium one last time on Sunday

[Manhattan]

and I'm going inside Yankee Stadium one last time on Sunday
I will not be able to go inside of Old Yankee Stadium. I will watch the destruction of Old Yankee Stadium on the news. Next season I will go inside of New Yankee Stadium. I will watch the New York Yankees home at Old Yankee Stadium on a sports channel or on the news.

[GordonGecko]

I will not be able to go inside of Old Yankee Stadium. I will watch the destruction of Old Yankee Stadium on the news. Next season I will go inside of New Yankee Stadium. I will watch the New York Yankees home at Old Yankee Stadium on a sports channel or on the news.

Did you get to pet the rabbits yet? If not ask George

[Gary Dunaier]

I will not be able to go inside of Old Yankee Stadium. I will watch the destruction of Old Yankee Stadium on the news. Next season I will go inside of New Yankee Stadium. I will watch the New York Yankees home at Old Yankee Stadium on a sports channel or on the news.

I think the people who live in this building will be very happy when Old Yankee Stadium, which is located in Bronx, N.Y. and is the home field of the New York American League baseball club (nick-name: "Yankees"), is destroyed because then they will not have to worry about all the Hooligan fans being encouraged to make the noise which prevents them from sleeping at night when it is dark.


(Photo taken September 15, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2863914481/))

[jerseyyankeefan]

"Dreams will not be thwarted . . . . . Faith will be rewarded" - Bruce Springsteen

On that note, we should be asking Bruce to play a concert there since the Yankees are out. That'd be cool!

[YankeeStadium1923]

On that note, we should be asking Bruce to play a concert there since the Yankees are out. That'd be cool!
Breaking News

Fox 5 new York reports a 80 year old Manhattan building was granted Landmark status by the City of New York landmarks Preservation Commission

The building once housed a dog biscuit factory!

I did a quick google search with no results.

I also found this article checking for the story in the Daily News.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/09/16/2008-09-16_ridgewoods_iconic_mathews_buildings_up_f.html

[mandrake]

I do not have any contact information for this politician, but I think any petitions should be sent to him (at least a copy). He has annointed himself as the anti-Yankee Stadium person and is claiming that the Yankees are putting the screws to the public. His rantings were picked up by the Daily News and by Sports Illustrated.com, among others.
I can't figure out what he feels should be done with OYS, but it is clear he has picked up NYS as his claim to fame. I can see him on the soapbox demanding that OYS be dismantled and the land be given to the people.

excerpts from SI.com 9/16/08


• The city manipulated the assessed value of the stadium to meet requirements for an IRS tax exemption. That included using comparable land values in Manhattan rather than the Bronx to come up with the value for the new property.

• The Yankees plan to increase ticket prices, but won't offer more moderately priced tickets to New Yorkers whose taxes will help pay for the stadium.

• City officials didn't disclose their purchase of a luxury box and extra game tickets and apparently there is no city policy on their use.

• The $366 million in additional funding sought by the Yankees to complete the stadium would be for a large video screen, not structural costs.

"Critics on both the left and right have decried these taxpayer subsidies as socialism, wasteful, corrupt, anti-free enterprise, and unfair to the average citizen," Brodsky's report stated. "Yet the phrases 'economic development,' 'job creation,' 'growth,' etc. retain enormous political clout. A real analysis of these subsidies has yet to be done."

[GordonGecko]

...
• The city manipulated the assessed value of the stadium to meet requirements for an IRS tax exemption. That included using comparable land values in Manhattan rather than the Bronx to come up with the value for the new property.

• The Yankees plan to increase ticket prices, but won't offer more moderately priced tickets to New Yorkers whose taxes will help pay for the stadium.

• City officials didn't disclose their purchase of a luxury box and extra game tickets and apparently there is no city policy on their use.

• The $366 million in additional funding sought by the Yankees to complete the stadium would be for a large video screen, not structural costs.

"Critics on both the left and right have decried these taxpayer subsidies as socialism, wasteful, corrupt, anti-free enterprise, and unfair to the average citizen," Brodsky's report stated. "Yet the phrases 'economic development,' 'job creation,' 'growth,' etc. retain enormous political clout. A real analysis of these subsidies has yet to be done."

Brodsky is a tool.

Every city with a new Stadium gets a box and/or tickets for use in promoting the city and as employee rewards. All the grandstand and bleacher prices aren't going up, and that 366Mil would have been bonds that the Yankees pay back, not the city. You can't deny that much of the construction cost has gone directly into New York area contractor cash flows and provided a lot of construction jobs and income tax revenues for the city.

In many cities, the taxpayers pay for the stadium. Here the Yankees (and Mets) are paying for them with a little infrastructure and tax help.

[New York Kid]

List of America's Favorite Architecture according to the American Institute of Architects

In 2007, the American Institute of Architects asked Harris Interactive to survey 2,000 people, who were shown 247 photographs of buildings in different categories chosen by 2,500 architects. The top 150, released as "America's Favorite Architecture," are listed below:

Yankee Stadium lists at 84
Wrigley Field lists at 31

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_America's_Favorite_Architecture_according_ to_the_AIA

Where is the magnificent national landmark, 1520 Sedgewick Avenue, on this list of distinguished structures?

And the above-noted dog biscuit factory?

[New York Kid]

Breaking News

Fox 5 new York reports a 80 year old Manhattan building was granted Landmark status by the City of New York landmarks Preservation Commission

The building once housed a dog biscuit factory!

I did a quick google search with no results.

I also found this article checking for the story in the Daily News.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/09/16/2008-09-16_ridgewoods_iconic_mathews_buildings_up_f.html

More evidence of the rabid greed and corruption behind the very same commission's ruling that the majestically historical Yankee Stadium did somehow NOT qualify as a landmark.

Compared to The House That Ruth Built, it looks like a real dog.

Take a look and leave some comments: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/ex-dog-biscuit-factory-is-among-5-landmarks/

[New York Kid]

Breaking News

Fox 5 new York reports a 80 year old Manhattan building was granted Landmark status by the City of New York landmarks Preservation Commission

The building once housed a dog biscuit factory!



Maybe they were counting dog years. Or, perhaps this factory was a rare form of Early Doggie-Bone-Style Architecture - pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wrong.

In any case, they should have their collective noses rubbed in their shamefully corrupt decision to deny Yankee Stadium at least the same status as this comparatively worthless biscuit factory.

[metfan13]

At least now you have a new address to cite over and over.

[The 4 Train]

I don't understand you people. Do you realize that hundreds of Bronx residents lost their space for recreation for two years? Youth league teams have been displaced, and disbanded. Unless you live in that area, you really have no right to be advocating the preservation of something that prevents residents from enjoying their rightful space fully. I'm all for saving a couple of rows, but the entire stadium, really?

Also 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is a totally different case. It is a low-income housing building. The tennents were being evicted, so that a new building could be put up, it wasn't really the fact that Herc spun some records in the basement, it was about keeping residents in their home.

If you remember a while back, there was proposed bridge that would connect Westcheter and Nassau Counties. The reason the project was scrapped was because it would destroy a few endangered plants on the Nassau side. Was that the actual reason, no? It was going to destroy waterfront communities on both sides.

Half the buildings landmarked or preserved, are to prevent evictions and stop development of new property. If you wanted to save Yankee Stadium you should have started wayyy back, when the idea of a New Yankee Stadium was going to be located in the Medowlands.

I agree that the Yankees and whatever companies they're selling parts of the stadium too are being cold hard corporate criminals, but don't penalize the people of the South Bronx further for the Yankees mistake.

[Transic]

I think the people who live in this building will be very happy when Old Yankee Stadium, which is located in Bronx, N.Y. and is the home field of the New York American League baseball club (nick-name: "Yankees"), is destroyed because then they will not have to worry about all the Hooligan fans being encouraged to make the noise which prevents them from sleeping at night when it is dark.


(Photo taken September 15, 2008. © Gary Dunaier. Link to upload on Flickr.com: here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/14504460@N02/2863914481/))

The problem with that statement is the Yankees are only moving across the street. So the Hools, as you have mentioned, are just going to annoy residents of other buildings.

As for OYS, at this point I have already paid enough tribute to the place and the history that was made there. What I don't want to happen is that it becomes a New York version of the saga of the supposed last days of Anfield Road, where a new stadium is supposed to be built a few hundred yards over to replace the legendary stadium of that name. People in Liverpool debated, argued and fought some more over the fate of that stadium. Finally, the general consensus became that a new stadium was necessary to move the club forward. New owners came in with big money and plans to do just that. As of now, there's been another delay, partly because of the cash crush but partly because the new owners refused to put their own assets up as collateral, basically going back to square one. It has turned into a total farce. I don't want to same thing with respect to OYS. Then again, I have favored a new stadium but on the same spot as the old. Or a total rebuild of the stadium to make it more...majestic, I guess.

At what point do you stop mourning the demise of a stadium and move on? Why is it that this city always have to tolerate misfits and eccentrics of all stripes, who lament about old things passing, bitching and moaning about betrayals of fifty years ago, always seeming to use every opportunity to lecture any poor sap about "back in my day..."? Some days I wish the city was more...normal.

Then again, the campaigners would find it useful to consult the PETA people and the Code Pinkos about how to get instant, useless publicity on the cheap whenever they want.

[The House That Ruth Built]

I could be wrong, but I think Gary was just joking.

[Transic]

Well, I don't know him that well, so I can't say whether he was being sarcastic or not. It's just that I have had to deal with so many simpletons in life and at work that I start generalizing, which is asking for trouble. I didn't get the impression that he was joking, hence my response.

I apologize if I didn't get the joke.

[shaneslatts]

More evidence of the rabid greed and corruption behind the very same commission's ruling that the majestically historical Yankee Stadium did somehow NOT qualify as a landmark.

Compared to The House That Ruth Built, it looks like a real dog.

Take a look and leave some comments: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/09/16/ex-dog-biscuit-factory-is-among-5-landmarks/

I left a comment there Kid...I hope that some former Yankees and Mr Letterman take up this cause as well

[mandrake]

Brodsky is a tool.

Every city with a new Stadium gets a box and/or tickets for use in promoting the city and as employee rewards. All the grandstand and bleacher prices aren't going up, and that 366Mil would have been bonds that the Yankees pay back, not the city. You can't deny that much of the construction cost has gone directly into New York area contractor cash flows and provided a lot of construction jobs and income tax revenues for the city.

In many cities, the taxpayers pay for the stadium. Here the Yankees (and Mets) are paying for them with a little infrastructure and tax help.

I think Brodsky is a FOOL; I don't know about the 'tool' part. I think he is a grandstander who wants his name in the paper. I have no idea what district he represents.

[Manhattan]

I think Brodsky is a FOOL; I don't know about the 'tool' part. I think he is a grandstander who wants his name in the paper. I have no idea what district he represents.I will be inside of New Yankee Stadium sometime during late July 2009 or early August 2009. I will still be in L.A. when Old Yankee Stadium will knocked down in The Bronx in NYC.

[Gary Dunaier]

I will be inside of New Yankee Stadium sometime during late July 2009 or early August 2009. I will still be in L.A. when Old Yankee Stadium will knocked down in The Bronx in NYC.

Apparently you live in Los Angeles which, based upon information and belief, is located in California. California is very far away from The Bronx in NYC. If you plan to be in The Bronx in NYC sometime during late July 2009 or early August 2009 I respectfully suggest you leave your house right now in order to be at The Bronx in NYC in time unless you plan on using a conveyance other than walking, for example a motor vehicle or even an Aeroplane.

Also you should know there are no Carl's Jr. hamburgers in all of NYC, not just The Bronx, so if you like the Carl's Jr. hamburger sandwiches you might want to eat a lot of them before you leave while you are still in California. There is a Carl's Steaks concession stand in the doomed Yankee Stadium but I don't know if there will be one in the New Yankee Stadium. But even if there is one in the New Yankee Stadium do not be confused because there is no connection between Carl's Steaks and the Carl's Jr. hamburgers.

I hope I have given you some valuable information and Facts so that when you do come to be in The Bronx in NYC sometime during late July 2009 or early August 2009 your visit will be easier and more comfortable.

[monkeypants]

Apparently you live in Los Angeles which, based upon information and belief, is located in California...visit will be easier and more comfortable.

Well played. However, while it is fun to poke fun at Manhattan's very odd posts, I do wonder if (s)he is perhaps ESL, which would explain the use of repetitive phrases. If so, then it does seem a tad cruel to mock.

[hellborn]

...
Also you should know there are no Carl's Jr. hamburgers in all of NYC, not just The Bronx, so if you like the Carl's Jr. hamburger sandwiches you might want to eat a lot of them before you leave while you are still in California. There is a Carl's Steaks concession stand in the doomed Yankee Stadium but I don't know if there will be one in the New Yankee Stadium. But even if there is one in the New Yankee Stadium do not be confused because there is no connection between Carl's Steaks and the Carl's Jr. hamburgers.
...

You do have In N Out Burger, right?!?!?!?
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !
:eek:
:banghead:
:hp

:cap:

[New York Kid]

At least now you have a new address to cite over and over.

Citing the address of 1520 Sedgewick Avenue serves two purposes, metfan13.

First, landmarking this no-name, low-rent, high-rise, accentuates the profound deceit AND absurdity behind the Landmark Preservation Commission's decision not to landmark Yankee Stadium.

Secondly, it provides you with an address to take all your like-minded, demolition-supporting friends, the next time you're doing a tour of national landmarks the South Bronx. If you succeed with your desire to completely destroy the Stadium, 1520 Sedgewick will have to substitute for the true national landmark you want destroyed. I hope you enjoy your visit.

[New York Kid]

Unless you live in that area [South Bronx, near Yankee Stadium], you really have no right to be advocating the preservation of something



Wrong. Every American has the right to advocate for the preservation of a national landmark - just as every New York City & State resident has the right to advocate for the preservation of local & state landmarks.

Many national landmarks would be destroyed if left up to exclusively local interests and corruption.

[metfan13]

Citing the address of 1520 Sedgewick Avenue serves two purposes, metfan13.

First, landmarking this no-name, low-rent, high-rise, accentuates the profound deceit AND absurdity behind the Landmark Preservation Commission's decision not to landmark Yankee Stadium.

Secondly, it provides you with an address to take all your like-minded, demolition-supporting friends, the next time you're doing a tour of national landmarks the South Bronx. If you succeed with your desire to completely destroy the Stadium, 1520 Sedgewick will have to substitute for the true national landmark you want destroyed. I hope you enjoy your visit.

And you keep ignoring the reasons, posted often by others, as to WHY these buildings get landmarked. But go ahead and keep posting the same things over and over.

[New York Kid]

And you keep ignoring the reasons, posted often by others, as to WHY these buildings get landmarked. But go ahead and keep posting the same things over and over.

I know exactly why these buildings were landmarked, metfan13. The question is - which you interminably fail to coherently explain - is why Yankee Stadium was not?

In the unlikely case I've misunderstood your position, however, why don't you please specifically articulate why you believe Yankee Stadium was not granted even local landmark status, while 1520 Sedgewick Avenue was designated a NATIONAL landmark. Can you explain that for all of us, metfan?

[New York Kid]

The Wheatstone Dog Bone Factory - Yet Another of the 25,000 Buildings in New York City Deemed More Worthy of Landmark Status Than Yankee Stadium.

And what's the reason you think this one is more worthy than Yankee Stadium, metfan13?

[The 4 Train]

Wrong. Every American has the right to advocate for the preservation of a national landmark - just as every New York City & State resident has the right to advocate for the preservation of local & state landmarks.

Many national landmarks would be destroyed if left up to exclusively local interests and corruption.

What do you want to save that stadium for? Its concrete and steel. For your own selfish reasons? The Ghosts can walk across the road, they'll have no problem making it to the other side of 161st street.

[jimmyjimjimz]

What do you want to save that stadium for? Its concrete and steel. For your own selfish reasons? The Ghosts can walk across the road, they'll have no problem making it to the other side of 161st street.

Yeah, ghosts usually follow you when you move. I got cousins who are interested in all that supernatural stuff, like they study it and all that, and they were telling me that ghosts usually follow you when you move.

[New York Kid]

What do you want to save that stadium for? Its concrete and steel. For your own selfish reasons? The Ghosts can walk across the road, they'll have no problem making it to the other side of 161st street.

Nothing selfish about saving a national treasure for the future, 4 Train - especially when it can so easily be saved for kids to play ball on now. What's selfish is allowing a national treasure to be so unlawfully denied landmark status and totally destroyed, all for the sake of selling [every "non-historical"] piece of it to wealthy insiders, collectors, and auction houses.

I wonder for how much they could fetch for leftovers from the dog bone factory?

[SparkyL]

What do you want to save that stadium for? Its concrete and steel. For your own selfish reasons? The Ghosts can walk across the road, they'll have no problem making it to the other side of 161st street.

Well, heck, you could say that about ANYTHING that has been preserved. Why save Ford's Theater? Why save Mt Vernon? Why save the USS Arizona?

[The 4 Train]

Its because they're not taking acres of public land to build a new Ford's Theater, or Mt.Vernon, or the USS Arizona.


Maybe I should explain myself a little more, I would be all for saving the stadium if the 1976 renovation did not happen. Unfortunatley, New York City was a ****hole at that time, and the Stadium was about to collapse so the city had to do something about it, and the renovation turned the ballpark from one of the most soulful, to another fad of the seventies. I'm for tearing down the Stadium of the seventies. I never went to the old stadium, it was wellllllll before I was born. You can tell me about how its the same structure and everything, but all I have is pictures to compare the old one to the new one so I wouldn't know. I think that is the point you're trying to make. To let kids see the original Yankee Stadium, so they can see for themselves.

But, the Yankees decided to build a new Stadium and occupy the parkland across the street, so when they made that deal, they basically gave up the rights to the current structure. You can't have two huge stadiums standing next to each other, when one is not in use year round.

I'm still not sure of your position, are you for partial demoliton or preservation of the entire structure?

The best situation possible in my eyes was to go to Shea while the Mets moved into Citi, tear down the current stadium, and rebuild on top of it, with a design that was closer to the pre-renovation stadium. The problem with that is, we'd be at Shea forever, because of the cleanup and everything, and then another two years of construction on top of that. George and Co. would've lost so much money, which is why they're building the first stadium in the first place.

Sparky, I know you've seen that article from New York magazine, and I agree with the writer a little, the post-renovated park feels a little plastic-y to me.

[SparkyL]

Its because they're not taking acres of public land to build a new Ford's Theater, or Mt.Vernon, or the USS Arizona.


Maybe I should explain myself a little more, I would be all for saving the stadium if the 1976 renovation did not happen. Unfortunatley, New York City was a ****hole at that time, and the Stadium was about to collapse so the city had to do something about it, and the renovation turned the ballpark from one of the most soulful, to another fad of the seventies. I'm for tearing down the Stadium of the seventies. I never went to the old stadium, it was wellllllll before I was born. You can tell me about how its the same structure and everything, but all I have is pictures to compare the old one to the new one so I wouldn't know. I think that is the point you're trying to make. To let kids see the original Yankee Stadium, so they can see for themselves.

But, the Yankees decided to build a new Stadium and occupy the parkland across the street, so when they made that deal, they basically gave up the rights to the current structure. You can't have two huge stadiums standing next to each other, when one is not in use year round.

I'm still not sure of your position, are you for partial demoliton or preservation of the entire structure?

The best situation possible in my eyes was to go to Shea while the Mets moved into Citi, tear down the current stadium, and rebuild on top of it, with a design that was closer to the pre-renovation stadium. The problem with that is, we'd be at Shea forever, because of the cleanup and everything, and then another two years of construction on top of that. George and Co. would've lost so much money, which is why they're building the first stadium in the first place.

Sparky, I know you've seen that article from New York magazine, and I agree with the writer a little, the post-renovated park feels a little plastic-y to me.

I am in favor of the original preservation plan with some adjustments (below). Takes care of the parkland requirement and we get to keep the field and some stands.

BTW, the new stadium will probably feel plastic-y too.

[The House That Ruth Built]

I sent an email to one of the Directors for the LPC (Landmarks Perservation Comission). She fowarded that to the Executive director, thus prompting her to write me back. She said that "since Yankee Stadium was significantly altered in the '70s, that the architectual importiance was diminished.

I proceeded to read her the "riot act", using 1520 Segewick and that dog biscut factory as a prime example...ugh. I will keep you guys posted and I clearly had her pinned up against the wall. Unforunately, that dosn't mean I am "right".

[SparkyL]

I sent an email to one of the Directors for the LPC (Landmarks Perservation Comission). She fowarded that to the Executive director, thus prompting her to write me back. She said that "since Yankee Stadium was significantly altered in the '70s, that the architectual importiance was diminished.

I proceeded to read her the "riot act", using 1520 Segewick and that dog biscut factory as a prime example...ugh. I will keep you guys posted and I clearly had her pinned up against the wall. Unforunately, that dosn't mean I am "right".

There is the entire "write up" on how they arrived at their conclusion on the NYC Parks website. The crux of the problem is that they tend to give landmark status based on architectural importance instead of also concidering historical importance. Either way, CYS is over 30 years old and is worthy of landmark status in its own right.

[The House That Ruth Built]

Exactly. I saw no architectual significance at 1520 Segewick and the biscut factory. My email was pretty convincing and I want to see how she reacts to it.

[metfan13]

I know exactly why these buildings were landmarked, metfan13. The question is - which you interminably fail to coherently explain - is why Yankee Stadium was not?

In the unlikely case I've misunderstood your position, however, why don't you please specifically articulate why you believe Yankee Stadium was not granted even local landmark status, while 1520 Sedgewick Avenue was designated a NATIONAL landmark. Can you explain that for all of us, metfan?

So if you bring them up even though you know the answer, who's beating the dead horse here?

And the reason the Stadium has to go has also been explained "interminably".
The land is need to replace the parkland used by the new stadium.

[Manhattan]

So if you bring them up even though you know the answer, who's beating the dead horse here?

And the reason the Stadium has to go has also been explained "interminably".
The land is need to replace the parkland used by the new stadium.I got the new issue of Sports Illustrated magazine in my mailbox the front cover says YANKEE STADIUM IT's GONE The Passing of Baseball Cathedral. From page 52 to page 62.

[alpineinc]

Nice cover. But of course the cathedral shown is already "gone".

[Captain Cold Nose]

As this is a FAMILY site, Triple J, the use of profanity is not acceptable and will be removed. Somehow that one slipped in. It's been edited. That's all that needs to be done. The posts regarding that were removed for continuity's sake.
Carry on.

[SparkyL]

So if you bring them up even though you know the answer, who's beating the dead horse here?

And the reason the Stadium has to go has also been explained "interminably".
The land is need to replace the parkland used by the new stadium.

Sure - so why can't the field and some seats be preserved as was originally planned?? We all "get" the parkland replacement requirement.

[SparkyL]

Nice cover. But of course the cathedral shown is already "gone".


There was a nice interview with Mariano Rivera where he talked about the honor and thrill of playing in the same stadium as Ruth, Gehrig, etc. It's not gone to him.

[six4three]

Sure - so why can't the field and some seats be preserved as was originally planned?? We all "get" the parkland replacement requirement.

Couple of reasons I can think of -


The evolving plan might have taken away parklands from other areas of the grounds for transportation, resulting in a need for more parkland to be placed at the site of the old stadium;
A dedicated ballfield with stands might not be considered truly accessible for the community, locking a large area of the public space into one exclusive and limited use; and
It would either be a poor memorial ignoring most of history (with home plate and the stands in their current position) or extremely expensive (moving the existing stands back).

[metfan13]

Sure - so why can't the field and some seats be preserved as was originally planned?? We all "get" the parkland replacement requirement.

I was answering the guy who doesn't "get" it.

[SparkyL]

I was answering the guy who doesn't "get" it.

Good - so now we all get it :cap: . . parkland must be exchanged . . . . now, let's try to preserve some meaningful aspect of YS within that restriction. Which would be:

[stadiumbuilder]

I've stated on here in the past that I'm not happy about the place that was my baseball home disappearing into history. But if they hadn't done the 70's renovation, this would hurt a lot more. To all of you that didn't have the pleasure of being in the old stadium, I started going to games in 1969, take it from me, being in the new one has never had the feel of the old. Much was lost when they redesigned it. The way I see it, 50% was gone in 1976 and 100% will be gone when the demolition is complete, regardless of what kind of footprint they may end up leaving. This country, the people who made it great, did many wonderful things over the decades, but now we seem to have a way of trampling on our past like it's not important, and the mistakes we make along the way in this modern time can't be fixed. A good example of where we've gotten to at this point in our history would be the comparison between victorian era architecture and what's built now. Look at the care some very talented artist took in designing the frieze for the original stadium, perfectly balanced and loaded with detail. The new freize says it all, look at the two side by side, and that's what 85 years of "progress" has produced. The new stuff looks like it's made of plastic. I doubt much built in this era will be landmarked in the future.

[Manhattan]

I've stated on here in the past that I'm not happy about the place that was my baseball home disappearing into history. But if they hadn't done the 70's renovation, this would hurt a lot more. To all of you that didn't have the pleasure of being in the old stadium, I started going to games in 1969, take it from me, being in the new one has never had the feel of the old. Much was lost when they redesigned it. The way I see it, 50% was gone in 1976 and 100% will be gone when the demolition is complete, regardless of what kind of footprint they may end up leaving. This country, the people who made it great, did many wonderful things over the decades, but now we seem to have a way of trampling on our past like it's not important, and the mistakes we make along the way in this modern time can't be fixed. A good example of where we've gotten to at this point in our history would be the comparison between victorian era architecture and what's built now. Look at the care some very talented artist took in designing the frieze for the original stadium, perfectly balanced and loaded with detail. The new freize says it all, look at the two side by side, and that's what 85 years of "progress" has produced. The new stuff looks like it's made of plastic. I doubt much built in this era will be landmarked in the future.Today I got the September 2008 issue of Yankees magazine THE TIME HAS COME TO SAY GOODBYE TO YANKEE STADIUM ONE LAST LOOK in my mailbox. Today I got 1 T-shirt that YANKEE STADIUM THE FINAL SEASON I picked with an addias Yankees keychain and 1 photograph of both Yankee Stadium from the New York York Yankees fan club I picked up the package at the manager's office at the apartment building that I live in Los Angeles,CA.

[monkeypants]

Sure - so why can't the field and some seats be preserved as was originally planned?? We all "get" the parkland replacement requirement.

Much earlier in this thread, before I got bored with it, I cited an article from the Times (?) that indicated local community groups were not satisfied with the original deal. As Six4three says, keeping a stretch of stands standing around a dedicated ball field may not have been considered an adequate replacement for open parkland for the community. You will recall that the original plan called for using Heritage Field for HS games and the like. Presumably such a plan would mean that the field would be closed off from other activities when not used for games.

Also, does the community really need a single ball field of rather cavernous dimensions? That is why, obviously, the new plan calls for laying out multiple fields on the site.

Perhaps a plan that would preserve a small piece of the structure standing, almost like a statue or monument, in otherwise open parkland or at the edge of a series of little league and softball fields would do the trick. I for one do not see the attraction in keeping a piece of wall, for example (thus I see very little merit in what has been done in Pittsburgh by keeping a stretch of Forbes Field), but I can see where others would find it a fitting compromise.

[New York Kid]

And the reason the Stadium has to go has also been explained "interminably".
The land is need to replace the parkland used by the new stadium.

Now I see the root of your error, metfan. You apparently do not understand that it is completely unlawful to deny Yankee Stadium landmark status, on any alleged 'parkland' requirement (which doesn't exist anyhow.) Even the LPC doesn't cite that clearly illegal basis. The 'parkland replacement' issue was properly not part of the landmark review. It is an issue completely independent of the the landmark review process.

With these facts in mind, now how do you feel about the decision to not grant even LOCAL landmark status to Yankee Stadium, while simultaneously granting NATIONAL landmark status to the far less historically and architecturally significant 1520 Sedgewick Avenue?

To help you with your architectural review (being that we all know Yankee Stadium is infinitely more historical important), I am providing you below with a photograph capturing 1520 Sedgewick Avenue's best architectural elements. Below that is a phot of Yankee stadium. Which building is more architecturally significant, metfan - the nationally landmarked 1520 Sedgewick? Or, the unlandmarked Yankee Stadium? Which site more historically significant?

[New York Kid]

New York Senator Chuck Schumer was a powerful force behind getting 1520 Sedgewick Avenue NATIONAL LANDMARK status. All those who believe Yankee Stadium is more historically, culturally and/or architecturally significant should write and call Senator Schumer, expressing how historically important Yankee Stadium is, and how extremely worthy it is of landmark status - particularly in comparison to 1520 Sedgewick Avenue, which he championed to NATIONAL LANDMARK status.. Communications on NATIONAL LANDMARK issues are NOT limited to local constituents. Everyone can and should let Senator Schumer know how very highly regarded and even beloved Yankee Stadium is, not only in New York, but all over the nation, and world.


http://schumer.senate.gov/SchumerWebsite/contact/webform.cfm

[New York Kid]

http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080920/SPORTS/809200351/1006/SPORTS

[stadiumbuilder]

New York Kid: This guy is not going to do anything for you, Chuckie does what's good for Chuckie. Many Yankee fans are from NJ and CT, we couldn't vote for him if we wanted to, and he's well aware of that. He helped get 1520 Sedgewick landmarked for PC reasons and votes, not because he cares. Shame the Yankees and/or the City into doing something, that's your best bet. Remember, there's a saying around Washington. "The most dangerous place to be is between Chuck Schumer and a live mic or TV camera".

[metfan13]

Good - so now we all get it :cap: . . parkland must be exchanged . . . . now, let's try to preserve some meaningful aspect of YS within that restriction. Which would be:

Nope New York Kid (see posts above) still doesn't get it. Still citing the same buildings that have been explained, still denying the parkland that's required.

He still wants a big empty stadium alongside the new big stadium. Still comparing where people live to and empty ballpark.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Nope New York Kid (see posts above) still doesn't get it. Still citing the same buildings that have been explained, still denying the parkland that's required.

He still wants a big empty stadium alongside the new big stadium. Still comparing where people live to and empty ballpark.

so, what youre saying is, he wants the city to let Yankee Stadium rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium let it rot?

[Manhattan]

so, what youre saying is, he wants the city to let Yankee Stadium rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium let it rot? No one should let George Steinbrenner rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium. And also no one should let Yankee Stadium to do the same.

[jimmyjimjimz]

No one should let George Steinbrenner rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium. And also no one should let Yankee Stadium to do the same.

You're obviously a *******. What I said was he wants YANKEE STADIUM to rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium let it rot. I never said anything about George Steinbrenner.

[New York Kid]

Nope New York Kid (see posts above) still doesn't get it. Still citing the same buildings that have been explained, still denying the parkland that's required.

He still wants a big empty stadium alongside the new big stadium. Still comparing where people live to and empty ballpark.

Strikes on all three swings, metfan.

Strike 1: Landmark review is, and was, completely independent of any professed "parkland requirement." (Indeed, the "parkland issue" was not even raised until after landmark status was denied to Yankee Stadium. Nor does any such law trump landmark designation review, or require the demolition of Yankee Stadium. If you believe otherwise, show us what you believe to be that law.)

Strike 2: Saving a historical remnant of Yankee Stadium does not result in "a big empty stadium," as you incessantly rant. Rather, it results in a beautiful, five to ten thousand seat treasure of a ballpark, that would be used all year long.

Strike 3: You have still failed to show - in fact, you have totally evaded explaining - how 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is architecturally or historically superior to Yankee Stadium.


Next time up, you should finally explain why you believe it is okay for landmark laws to be unlawfully ignored and inequitably applied.

With people like you out there, metfan13, it's now wonder Steinbrenner & Gang have been able, so far, to pull off this scam.

[monkeypants]

Strike 3: You have still failed to show - in fact, you have totally evaded explaining - how 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is architecturally or historically superior to Yankee Stadium.

Bogus argument.

As you like to invoke, the landmark status decision of 1520 Sedgewick is independent of the denied status for YS. That is to say, you may be right that the apartment building does not deserve to be designated a landmark. But this does not in turn require YS to be granted landmark status. Indeed, one could make the argument that neither deserve the status.

You are correct, however, that the commission does seem to operate inconsistently. In other words, you have discovered that a government agency is ineffective, incosistent, and possibly corrupt. Breaking news.

[shaneslatts]

Strikes on all three swings, metfan.

Strike 1: Landmark review is, and was, completely independent of any professed "parkland requirement." (Indeed, the "parkland issue" was not even raised until after landmark status was denied to Yankee Stadium. Nor does any such law trump landmark designation review, or require the demolition of Yankee Stadium. If you believe otherwise, show us what you believe to be that law.)

Strike 2: Saving a historical remnant of Yankee Stadium does not result in "a big empty stadium," as you incessantly rant. Rather, it results in a beautiful, five to ten thousand seat treasure of a ballpark, that would be used all year long.

Strike 3: You have still failed to show - in fact, you have totally evaded explaining - how 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is architecturally or historically superior to Yankee Stadium.


Next time up, you should finally explain why you believe it is okay for landmark laws to be unlawfully ignored and inequitably applied.

With people like you out there, metfan13, it's now wonder Steinbrenner & Gang have been able, so far, to pull off this scam.

Exactly correct Kid. When all else fails, use the "so you would have a big empty ballpark" line.
Saving a small piece of Yankee Stadium metfan13 is clearly ...very clearly...NOT wanting to have an "empty ball park" left to rot
Sometimes Kid I think people know this but say it anway......

[New York Kid]

Bogus argument.

As you like to invoke, the landmark status decision of 1520 Sedgewick is independent of the denied status for YS. That is to say, you may be right that the apartment building does not deserve to be designated a landmark. But this does not in turn require YS to be granted landmark status. Indeed, one could make the argument that neither deserve the status.

You are correct, however, that the commission does seem to operate inconsistently. In other words, you have discovered that a government agency is ineffective, incosistent, and possibly corrupt. Breaking news.

You've misstated my position, monkeypants. I've never said that 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is not worthy of landmark status. What I say is that, if that 1520 Sedgewick Avenue is worthy of NATIONAL landmark status, then Yankee Stadium unquestionably deserves [at very least] the LOCAL landmark designation it was denied. No intelligent person armed with all the relevant facts could honestly disagree.


Being that this disparity is so glaring, monkeypants, have you written or called any one about it yet? Or [based on your earlier posts], are you just going to stand by bloviating, do nothing at all to help save part of a such a historically important national treasure?

[New York Kid]

so, what youre saying is, he wants the city to let Yankee Stadium rot like the owners of Tiger Stadium let it rot?

Jimminy Crickets, jimmyjimjimz, where did you get that? Saving Yankee Stadium in the way so many have described in this thread would result in a magnificent, small capacity ballpark, where kids would play all year round. It would be wonderful - architecturally, historically, and functionally. You may want to revisit some of the superb posts in this regard by Kaplanski [post no. 257], Shaneslatts, SparkyL [post no. 410/422], Stadiumbuilder, among many others. Below is one proposal by Swoboda4, but please study all the proposals and you will see that the Stadium can and should be saved in an extremely beautiful and highly productive manner.

[New York Kid]

New York Kid: This guy is not going to do anything for you, Chuckie does what's good for Chuckie. Many Yankee fans are from NJ and CT, we couldn't vote for him if we wanted to, and he's well aware of that. He helped get 1520 Sedgewick landmarked for PC reasons and votes, not because he cares. Shame the Yankees and/or the City into doing something, that's your best bet. Remember, there's a saying around Washington. "The most dangerous place to be is between Chuck Schumer and a live mic or TV camera".

I certainly understand your sentiment, stadiumbuilder. I can tell you this, though, from direct, personal knowledge and involvement. The letters and calls this thread has generated has already had an enormous impact. Media coverage has been heavy - particularly in the press, and on radio. Even the New York Times is now addressing the issue - due directly to the efforts of people on this thread.

So, I strongly encourage that everyone do call and write Senators Clinton & Schumer, and all the other key figures listed above who can help save a historical remnant of the Stadium. The tide is turning against those who are planning to destroy the Stadium, just so they can so deceitfully and exorbitantly profit off the sale of its "non-historical" treasures.


http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/sports/baseball/21landmark.html


http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2008/09/07/news/doc48c3546cabd60002883670.txt

[shaneslatts]

That photo, or something very much like it is what most here have been advocationg from the start. a very scaled back Yankee Stadium, dug out to dugout, lower section with some stands. The rest of the area open parkland for the residents. This has mainly been the position of most of the posters who support such an idea.
The response to those opposed to the idea of saving a section of yankee stadium seems to be centertred around "keeping a big empty stadium around" when its not what has been proposed. So the next time you see that argument being used, KNOW thats not the case, nor the result we are seeking

[New York Kid]

What would any one object to such a wonderful tribute, barring some financial stake in demolishing and selling every square micrometer of the Stadium? It not only does NOT detract from community parkland, it greatly enhances it, by creating a field every kid in the South Bronx - indeed, all of New York and enttire nation - would want to play on (excepting, possibly, a few hard-headed, history-hating Red Sox fans :banghead:... and, of course, metfan13 and monkeypants :rofl::rofl:)

Here's another great proposal, as posted by SparkyL.

[New York Kid]

Here's a photo of the Babe's Granddaughter & Derek Jeter, sharing grief yesterday over what's proposed for The House That Ruth Built. The Yanks will forever curse themselves if they go through with their current scheme to sell every chip and splinter of the one-and-only House That Ruth Built. They're in for a karmic collapse, unless they change course fast. This year was just the beginning.

Let's hope they're made to see the light.

[monkeypants]

It not only does NOT detract from community parkland, it greatly enhances it, by creating a field every kid in the South Bronx - indeed, all of New York and enttire nation - would want to play on...

Would the field be open, year round, for kids to play on, picnic, walk dogs, play frisbee, etc.? Or would it be closed to protect the field, open only for organized events (such as HS games)?

[New York Kid]

Would the field be open, year round, for kids to play on, picnic, walk dogs, play frisbee, etc.? Or would it be closed to protect the field, open only for organized events (such as HS games)?

I would vote to leave it as open as possible, without destroying the holy ground that it is. Walking dogs would be more appropriate at the historic milk bone factory, wouldn't you think, monkeypants? I understood the intentional walking Ruth, or Gehrig, or DiMaggio, or Mantle, or Jackson, at Yankee Stadium, but not walking Bowser, Spot, or Rover. Who do you have in mind for clean up? :eek:

[monkeypants]

I would vote to leave it as open as possible, without destroying the holy ground that it is. Walking dogs would be more appropriate at the historic milk bone factory, wouldn't you think, monkeypants?

I don't know where it is appropriate to walk dogs, though I generally associate public parks with this activity. The more open you make it, the more it is like a real park (but the more likely the field will be damaged). The more restrictions you put on the activities allowed, the less it is a "real" public park.

As for the "holy" ground, it would be sad if the sod that dates back to the 1990s, on the same ground that dates to 1976 (eight feet below the ground that DiMaggio and Ruth played on, which was hauled away in dump trucks), were severely damaged by those inconvenient community folks who lost 20 acres or so of Macombs Dam park.

[New York Kid]

As for the "holy" ground, it would be sad if the sod that dates back to the 1990s, on the same ground that dates to 1976 (eight feet below the ground that DiMaggio and Ruth played on, which was hauled away in dump trucks),

All semantical dog crap, monkeypants ... as you well know. Name one place on Earth considered 'holy ground" that has its original sod. It's a figurative term, as apropos to Yankee Stadium as it is anywhere else. Would you destroy Gettysburg, too, just because it's original sod has been replaced? Under your wholly preposterous argument, there is no 'holy ground' anywhere.

This is nearly identical to your ill-intended argument against the worth of saving the Roman Coliseum, monkeypants.

[New York Kid]

Would the field be open, year round, for ... dogs ... ?



Well, at least one species of dog, monkeypants. :cap:

[Mike Wagner]

Why don't we destroy the White House, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Capitol, Mt. Vernon, Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Monticello, the National Baseball Hall of Fame...I could go on and on. All of these buildings have one thing in common with Yankee Stadium. They are all icons and a great part of the United States of America.

Why did Billy Graham and Popes come to Yankee Stadium? Why did President Bush come to Yankee Stadium after 9/11? Why did Jehovah's Witnesses rally at Yankee Stadium?

Yankee Stadium IS as SACRED as the structures listed above!!! I never heard of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue before. And that's a national treasure? A blind man can see that there's no comparison. Again, we have a case of politics instead of doing what's right.

Yes, the Yankees have a new Stadium in the wings. The reason so many people are so emotional about the destruction of Yankee Stadium is because it IS such a great part of the history of our country. It's not just another stadium or another building. Many events at the Stadium have shaken us to the core. Look at Lou Gehrig Day, Babe Ruth Day, and the last day of the ballpark. People don't go there because they had nothing better to do.

A portion of Yankee Stadium SHOULD be saved and used by the community for recreational purposes. And, having a portion of this American icon would make its demise much easier to swallow. Just as with the death of any loved one, being able to put your hands on something tangible makes the passing a bit easier to take. To be able to touch the wall of the greatest Stadium in the history of baseball would be very comforting to all of us who love Yankee Stadium. The many packed days and nights at this shrine shows the nation's love for Babe's Place.

History shouldn't be lost for the sake of the almighty dollar. A compromise can be worked out before the wrecking ball hits. Both sides of the issue can be pleased. Do what's right, not what's political. Once it's gone, it's gone. Before that happens, please use reason. A reasonable compromise can be worked out to the satisfaction of both sides of this terrible issue.

Respectfully,
Michael Wagner

[shaneslatts]

Why don't we destroy the White House, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Capitol, Mt. Vernon, Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Monticello, the National Baseball Hall of Fame...I could go on and on. All of these buildings have one thing in common with Yankee Stadium. They are all icons and a great part of the United States of America.

Why did Billy Graham and Popes come to Yankee Stadium? Why did President Bush come to Yankee Stadium after 9/11? Why did Jehovah's Witnesses rally at Yankee Stadium?

Yankee Stadium IS as SACRED as the structures listed above!!! I never heard of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue before. And that's a national treasure? A blind man can see that there's no comparison. Again, we have a case of politics instead of doing what's right.

Yes, the Yankees have a new Stadium in the wings. The reason so many people are so emotional about the destruction of Yankee Stadium is because it IS such a great part of the history of our country. It's not just another stadium or another building. Many events at the Stadium have shaken us to the core. Look at Lou Gehrig Day, Babe Ruth Day, and the last day of the ballpark. People don't go there because they had nothing better to do.

A portion of Yankee Stadium SHOULD be saved and used by the community for recreational purposes. And, having a portion of this American icon would make its demise much easier to swallow. Just as with the death of any loved one, being able to put your hands on something tangible makes the passing a bit easier to take. To be able to touch the wall of the greatest Stadium in the history of baseball would be very comforting to all of us who love Yankee Stadium. The many packed days and nights at this shrine shows the nation's love for Babe's Place.

History shouldn't be lost for the sake of the almighty dollar. A compromise can be worked out before the wrecking ball hits. Both sides of the issue can be pleased. Do what's right, not what's political. Once it's gone, it's gone. Before that happens, please use reason. A reasonable compromise can be worked out to the satisfaction of both sides of this terrible issue.

Respectfully,
Michael Wagner
:highfive:
AMEN!!!!!:applaud:

[mandrake]

On a forum like this, we all love baseball. However, there are millions of people who don't like any sports and there are people who are really teed off about tax payer money spent on Mets and Yankees ballparks. (I am NOT one of those). If the economy tanks, as I have been predicting for months, you can forget getting any tax payer money period. If we really see hard times, the priorities of the city,state, and country are going to change. I have said this before; sports right now may be locked in 1927/1928 glory days but 1930's depression days could be around the corner. Maybe not really as bad when 25% unemployment hit by 1933; but it could get very rough in the USA soon.
Whoever gets elected in November is going to get stuck with a big bag of goods!

[New York Kid]

Why don't we destroy the White House, Statue of Liberty, U.S. Capitol, Mt. Vernon, Golden Gate Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, Monticello, the National Baseball Hall of Fame...I could go on and on. All of these buildings have one thing in common with Yankee Stadium. They are all icons and a great part of the United States of America.

Why did Billy Graham and Popes come to Yankee Stadium? Why did President Bush come to Yankee Stadium after 9/11? Why did Jehovah's Witnesses rally at Yankee Stadium?

Yankee Stadium IS as SACRED as the structures listed above!!! I never heard of 1520 Sedgwick Avenue before. And that's a national treasure? A blind man can see that there's no comparison. Again, we have a case of politics instead of doing what's right.

Yes, the Yankees have a new Stadium in the wings. The reason so many people are so emotional about the destruction of Yankee Stadium is because it IS such a great part of the history of our country. It's not just another stadium or another building. Many events at the Stadium have shaken us to the core. Look at Lou Gehrig Day, Babe Ruth Day, and the last day of the ballpark. People don't go there because they had nothing better to do.

A portion of Yankee Stadium SHOULD be saved and used by the community for recreational purposes. And, having a portion of this American icon would make its demise much easier to swallow. Just as with the death of any loved one, being able to put your hands on something tangible makes the passing a bit easier to take. To be able to touch the wall of the greatest Stadium in the history of baseball would be very comforting to all of us who love Yankee Stadium. The many packed days and nights at this shrine shows the nation's love for Babe's Place.

History shouldn't be lost for the sake of the almighty dollar. A compromise can be worked out before the wrecking ball hits. Both sides of the issue can be pleased. Do what's right, not what's political. Once it's gone, it's gone. Before that happens, please use reason. A reasonable compromise can be worked out to the satisfaction of both sides of this terrible issue.

Respectfully,
Michael Wagner

So perfectly you've expessed the love and respect people - from all over, and from all walks of life - have for the great Yankee Stadium, Mike. Thank you! :applaud::applaud::applaud:

You're so right. A representative part of this great treasure should be saved for recreational use and historical tribute. There would be no greater place for kids to play ball at than the very field where the immortals themselves played. It would be the premier neighborhood field in the world.

[Mike Wagner]

Dear shaneslatts and New York Kid,

Thank you. My bid deal is that out of common sense and decency, I cannot fathom some apartment house that nobody has ever heard of on Sedgwick Avenue becoming a national landmark, and Yankee Stadium doesn't deserve such status. After 85 years of many historical events, there shouldn't even be any argument. It's no contest. It's another case of politics - plain and simple. It is just so wrong sided, that's what I have a hard time with. There's just no comparison. It's like putting Arnold Kaputnick in the Baseball Hall of Fame and excluding Babe Ruth - where's the logic?

Baseball has had many great sluggers - Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle,
Willie Mays, Ted Williams. While there was only one Babe Ruth, EACH slugger made their mark in their own way. They were all great home run hitters, but they each were beloved and respected in their own right, and for their own achievements.

So it is with the two Stadiums. The new 2009 Yankee Stadium will create many memories, with great teams, just as the 1923-2008 Stadium has. And that's fine. At least George Steinbrenner kept the Yankees in New York. He most certainly deserves credit for that and the many pennant and World Series champs we've seen under his reign. As a Yankee fan, I'm grateful to him for all the winning seasons we've had.

From what I understand by reading the posts on this thread, the city owns the land the old Yankee Stadium is on. And that's fine. Again, I cannot fathom that - who knows how many places like 1520 Sedgwick Avenue - have received landmark status that no one has ever heard about - or knows about - or cares about!!! These places don't hold a candle to Yankee Stadium.

I firmly believe the new 2009 Yankee Stadium and a PORTION of the old Yankee Stadium can most certainly stand together and not detract from each other. They can help each other with regard to tourism in the Bronx, as well as a destination for sightseeing. And, the community can and should also benefit. I've seen some WONDERFUL. REASONABLE artist concepts of a portion of the old Yankee Stadium remaining.

Also, again, the old Yankee Stadium is a shrine. How many fans go to the graves of Babe, Lou, Joe, or Mickey? You're going to the grave of a loved one in the family. No, it's not a wonderful experience, but at least you can touch the headstone or cry or give thanks for all they've done to make us feel better. You have something solid to visit.

The ESPN announcers on TV said the last game at Yankee Stadium was going to be seen around the world. Has 1520 Sedgwick Avenue ever been broadcast around the world? What happened there? I forgot. Case closed.

-Mike Wagner

[monkeypants]

This is nearly identical to your ill-intended argument against the worth of saving the Roman Coliseum, monkeypants.

I never made such an argument. But then again, you are a master of distortion and knew that already.

[monkeypants]

All semantical dog crap, monkeypants ... as you well know...

Avoid the substance of the argument as you have all along. I asked how public the park would be in your plan, and you placed restrictions on its use. I suggested that the more restrictions placed, the less the park would serve local public interest.

Keep avoiding the real issues while talking about "holy ground" and dog biscuits and anything else that distracts from the substantive (and realistic) issues.

[New York Kid]

You *do* realize that the picture of the Coliseum you posted does *NOT* show the original exterior of the structure, as it looked in antiquity? That is an inner course of travertine blocks, what was left over after the structure collapsed in an earthquake and most of the stones were carried off to build other structures. The brickwork is modern, including some buttressing put in by Mussolini to hold up the crumbling old building, which was falling apart from pollution, vibrations from traffic, and general neglect.

So, you have just compared Yankee Stadium to the substructure of the Coliseum, with a Fascist overlay. Hmmm...

Ah yes, monkeyparts, one of your earlier posts denigrating the Roman Coliseum, with your derogatory allusions typical of your negativity and cynicism - in this case trying to tear down the Roman Coliseum (and by inference, Yankee Stadium) with malignant references to Mussolini & Fascism.

When are you going to stop all your negative pontifications and start doing something positive and meaningful. I note you've done absolutely nothing to help save the Stadium. All you do is help tear it down.

Only you (and metfan13, of course), would object to curbing dogs from crapping on the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium. Heck, that's not even permitted at Petco Park, pal. You'll just have to crap all over the field all by yourself, as you've been doing from the get-go. Bad dog, monkeypants.

[GordonGecko]

The problem with all the efforts to save Yankee Stadium is that Yankee stadium doesn't really exist anymore after the 70's renovations. If they can't retrofit anything back to the original design then there's no point.

I think the exterior walls should be preserved in sections and erected somewhere else that fans can go to appreciate. Maybe leave a section in the Bronx, have one at Cooperstown, maybe in some private hands here or there. I don't think think there's much chance of having a significant part of Yankee Stadium preserved as it stands now.

[New York Kid]

It wasn't demolished...it was left derelict to rot, collapse, and infill with silt and mud from the nearby river. Then its building material was quarried for use in other brand new structures (brand new at the time). One of the main reasons it survived even in part was because the city in which it was built lost something like 90% of its population--it was allowed to stand because it wasn't in the way. Its survival, like the survival of many of the very old, great architectural marvels of the world, was largely an accident of history. Far more historic structures have been destroyed in war, or because they ceased to serve their function, or they were abandoned and left to disintegrate. So too with Yankee Stadium.

Maybe if the Stadium were not situated in a hugely dense urban setting, there would be more reason to keep it. Maybe if there was not a law requiring the parkland being taken up by the new stadium be replaced, leaving a stretch of the old stadium standing would make sense. Maybe if much of the visible "feel" and "charm" of the 1920s stadium had not been lost in the 1970s, then more people would be feel more strongly about keeping the old yard. But the confluence of specific historical circumstances (including, yes, the motives and personality of the team's owner) make saving the stadium, even a chunk of it, unattractive to many people.

So, flame away. Compare remodeled Yankee Stadium to the Cathedral of Chartres or St. Peter's Basilica (which, in fact, was built new in the 1500s after the historic older version was demolished), or the Pyramids, or the Colisseum, or any other old, historic, and architecturally important structure. However valid those comparisons may be (and I question many of them), they don't change, nor are they particularly relevant to, the particular circumstances of the looming demolition of Yankee Stadium.

Here's still another of your posts disparaging the worth of saving the Roman Coliseum and Yankee Stadium, monkeypants.

Congratulations on being one of the few people in the world who so easily could live with the destruction of both.

Even Romulus & Remus, raised by Lupa the She-Wolf, wouldn't allow dogs to defecate all over the Coliseum grounds, as you so cavalierly propose for Yankee Stadium.

[New York Kid]

Dear shaneslatts and New York Kid,

Thank you. My bid deal is that out of common sense and decency, I cannot fathom some apartment house that nobody has ever heard of on Sedgwick Avenue becoming a national landmark, and Yankee Stadium doesn't deserve such status. After 85 years of many historical events, there shouldn't even be any argument. It's no contest. It's another case of politics - plain and simple. It is just so wrong sided, that's what I have a hard time with. There's just no comparison. It's like putting Arnold Kaputnick in the Baseball Hall of Fame and excluding Babe Ruth - where's the logic?

Baseball has had many great sluggers - Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle,
Willie Mays, Ted Williams. While there was only one Babe Ruth, EACH slugger made their mark in their own way. They were all great home run hitters, but they each were beloved and respected in their own right, and for their own achievements.

So it is with the two Stadiums. The new 2009 Yankee Stadium will create many memories, with great teams, just as the 1923-2008 Stadium has. And that's fine. At least George Steinbrenner kept the Yankees in New York. He most certainly deserves credit for that and the many pennant and World Series champs we've seen under his reign. As a Yankee fan, I'm grateful to him for all the winning seasons we've had.

From what I understand by reading the posts on this thread, the city owns the land the old Yankee Stadium is on. And that's fine. Again, I cannot fathom that - who knows how many places like 1520 Sedgwick Avenue - have received landmark status that no one has ever heard about - or knows about - or cares about!!! These places don't hold a candle to Yankee Stadium.

I firmly believe the new 2009 Yankee Stadium and a PORTION of the old Yankee Stadium can most certainly stand together and not detract from each other. They can help each other with regard to tourism in the Bronx, as well as a destination for sightseeing. And, the community can and should also benefit. I've seen some WONDERFUL. REASONABLE artist concepts of a portion of the old Yankee Stadium remaining.

Also, again, the old Yankee Stadium is a shrine. How many fans go to the graves of Babe, Lou, Joe, or Mickey? You're going to the grave of a loved one in the family. No, it's not a wonderful experience, but at least you can touch the headstone or cry or give thanks for all they've done to make us feel better. You have something solid to visit.

The ESPN announcers on TV said the last game at Yankee Stadium was going to be seen around the world. Has 1520 Sedgwick Avenue ever been broadcast around the world? What happened there? I forgot. Case closed.

-Mike Wagner

Right you are, Mike. let's make you Mayor. "Mayor Wagner" - has a nice ring to it!

[SparkyL]

The problem with all the efforts to save Yankee Stadium is that Yankee stadium doesn't really exist anymore after the 70's renovations. If they can't retrofit anything back to the original design then there's no point.

I think the exterior walls should be preserved in sections and erected somewhere else that fans can go to appreciate. Maybe leave a section in the Bronx, have one at Cooperstown, maybe in some private hands here or there. I don't think think there's much chance of having a significant part of Yankee Stadium preserved as it stands now.

Which is why we are suggesting:

[Yoda]

maybe some saudi billionaire will buy it and relocate it to his palace.

[stejay]

I honestly believe that it should be the location of a National Sports Museum, and could have baseball, football, basketball, hockey, even motorsports, soccer and lacrosse. It could be a shrine to all of American sports heroes in one place.

[Mike Wagner]

Dear New York Kid,
Thank you. Mayor Wagner sounds good, although I'm not related to Mayor Wagner from the 1950s & 1960s. Although I appreciate your sentiments, I know I wouldn't last. I'm not a politician. I'm too honest.

Some things are done for the right reasons and some for the wrong reasons.
Some things can be compromised and some cannot. Given the history of Yankee Stadium and what it's meant to the United States, to knock it down and leave nothing would leave a hole in the heart of New Yorkers, baseball fans, and Americans who know that Yankee Stadium has stood for excellence and has signified the BEST life has to offer.

When you go to Disneyworld you know the quality is top notch and nobody can compete because of the way things are done there. There's only one Disney. And everybody knows it.

And there's only one New York Yankees. Everyone knows that, too. In November of 1996 I had the HONOR AND JOY to attend the New York Yankees Fantasy Camp in Tampa. I shopped around on the internet and looked at different fantasy baseball camps and prices. After mulling it over, I came to one conclusion. The Yankees are in my heart and in my soul. Even though the other camps were maybe $1,000 less, they weren't the Yankees. I knew if I went the cheaper route I would have been kicking myself for not spending the extra $1,000 to go to the Yankee camp. Nobody does it like the Yankees. They are the BEST!!! Imitators just can't compete.

Years ago I went to Benjamin Franklin's homesite in Philadelphia. Well, I was very disappointed because there was no preservation of it, so all they had was a built up metal outline of where it was and its size. People who know what Yankee Stadium means to the hearts and souls of baseball and America realize what an important treasure it is.

The Yankees will draw more than 4 million fans next year. The area could have two sites to visit instead of one. And, having a section of Yankee Stadium 1 should bring year round business to the businesses nearby, as fans pay their respects to both icons.

Again, speaking for myself, I can accept the demolition of Yankee Stadium because we have a Yankee Stadium across the street. But to not have ANYTHING left is sacriligious to the many meaningful, positive events that have occurred there.

In my research for my Yankee Renovation 1973-1975 book, I read where Reggie Jackson signed with the Yankees, even though other teams offered a few hundred thousand dollars more than the Bronx Bombers did. In the New York Times article of Nov 30, 1976, "Jackson Signs Yankee Contract For Five Years and $2.9 million," the article said in part, "Jackson stressed there are factors in life besides money." Reggie knew that putting on the sacred pinstripes would outshine any other team, and hitting home runs in Yankee Stadium as a Yankee would do the same.

All I ask is we have a decent size portion of Yankee Stadium to pay our respects to. Using part of the Grandstand to encompass a baseball field would, I think, be quite acceptable. Ballfields are supposed to be placed there anyway. And, the Babe loved kids and wanted them to all play baseball. What better place than at Babe's Place? I could see him smiling now.
Everyone would love to stand in the same batter's box as Babe, Lou, Joe, Mickey, Reggie, and Derek. Or pitch from the same mound as Waite, Whitey, Allie, Steady Eddie, Ron, and Mariano.

Respectfully,
Mike Wagner

[metfan13]

The problem with all the efforts to save Yankee Stadium is that Yankee stadium doesn't really exist anymore after the 70's renovations. If they can't retrofit anything back to the original design then there's no point.



Very true. "Hallowed ground" with a facelift.

[monkeypants]

Ah yes, monkeyparts, one of your earlier posts denigrating the Roman Coliseum, with your derogatory allusions typical of your negativity and cynicism - in this case trying to tear down the Roman Coliseum (and by inference, Yankee Stadium) with malignant references to Mussolini & Fascism.

When are you going to stop all your negative pontifications and start doing something positive and meaningful. I note you've done absolutely nothing to help save the Stadium. All you do is help tear it down.

Only you (and metfan13, of course), would object to curbing dogs from crapping on the hallowed grounds of Yankee Stadium. Heck, that's not even permitted at Petco Park, pal. You'll just have to crap all over the field all by yourself, as you've been doing from the get-go. Bad dog, monkeypants.

Nope, you lose. I did not denigrate the Coliseum. I simply pointed out your and others' ignorance about the history of the Coliseum. What you quoted by me is factual correct...you can look it up. And yes, I did find it amusing that the one photo you used to compare Yankee Stadium to the Coliseum was of the most dilapidated part of the Roman structure, buttressed in the 20th century.

I'm sorry you don't like the facts, but such is history.

[monkeypants]

Here's still another of your posts disparaging the worth of saving the Roman Coliseum and Yankee Stadium, monkeypants.

Congratulations on being one of the few people in the world who so easily could live with the destruction of both.

Even Romulus & Remus, raised by Lupa the She-Wolf, wouldn't allow dogs to defecate all over the Coliseum grounds, as you so cavalierly propose for Yankee Stadium.

I do think that you are very slow. Again, reread what I wrote. I never said a word about the *worth* of saving the Coliseum. I merely pointed out the historical fact that it was NOT saved in any meaningful or coherent way--survived in derelict and rotting for by accident. I also point out the historical fact that many (most) such structures have survived largely by accident.

But you can keep making things up and lying about what I said. It seems to make you feel good.

[monkeypants]

Even Romulus & Remus, raised by Lupa the She-Wolf, wouldn't allow dogs to defecate all over the Coliseum grounds, as you so cavalierly propose for Yankee Stadium.

Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha. You do realize that when the Coliseum stood rotting it was used, among other things, for bull fights. So, Lupa wouldn't allow dogs to defecate on the hallowed ground, but I guess bullsh*t is ok.

[Captain Cold Nose]

Please concentrate on the issues addressed in the thread and not each other. Name calling is absolutely not allowed on this site. If you can't resolve your arguments with anothe poster, use the ignore feature of this site. But don't bring down the public boards.

[monkeypants]

Please concentrate on the issues addressed in the thread and not each other. Name calling is absolutely not allowed on this site. If you can't resolve your arguments with anothe poster, use the ignore feature of this site. But don't bring down the public boards.

Fair enough. My apologies.

[monkeypants]

As suggested, the ignore list has been employed.

[Captain Cold Nose]

As suggested, the ignore list has been employed.

Thank you, monkeypants.

[aqib]

Some things are done for the right reasons and some for the wrong reasons.
Some things can be compromised and some cannot. Given the history of Yankee Stadium and what it's meant to the United States, to knock it down and leave nothing would leave a hole in the heart of New Yorkers, baseball fans, and Americans who know that Yankee Stadium has stood for excellence and has signified the BEST life has to offer.


The best life has to offer? Really? Seriously? One of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) places to watch a game in the sport is the best life has to offer? Notoriously rude and obnoxious fans is the best life has to offer? Give me a break.
The whole time I was growing up in NY I didn't quite get the anti-NY hatred from around the country. This thread shows why so many people hate NY and particularly the Yankees and their fans. Yankee Stadium means a lot to YOU and OTHER YANKEE fans. Just like Tiger Stadium means a lot to Tiger fans and Wrigley means a lot to Cubs fans. But Tiger and Cubs fans don't act like their stadium means anything to other people. I look forward to seeing this place come down, I look forward to the demolition thread here too.

[shaneslatts]

The best life has to offer? Really? Seriously? One of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) places to watch a game in the sport is the best life has to offer? Notoriously rude and obnoxious fans is the best life has to offer? Give me a break.
The whole time I was growing up in NY I didn't quite get the anti-NY hatred from around the country. This thread shows why so many people hate NY and particularly the Yankees and their fans. Yankee Stadium means a lot to YOU and OTHER YANKEE fans. Just like Tiger Stadium means a lot to Tiger fans and Wrigley means a lot to Cubs fans. But Tiger and Cubs fans don't act like their stadium means anything to other people. I look forward to seeing this place come down, I look forward to the demolition thread here too.

Some of you folks crack me up. So you have a personal problem with NYers and the Yankees, etc, which then justifies, in your mind the destruction of what is, and should be a landmark
Tiger Stadium means alot to me. Im not a Tiger fan and live no where near Detroit but many greats were there.I'ts a landmark, no sane person would "enjoy" it's destruction. Its the history of a place, not your own personal feelings for or aganist a city or a team. I have those same feelings for Wrigley and Fenway as well.
This isnt a contest to see who hates which team or city the most, and then gets some kick out of watching history smashed to the ground. This is about preserving a section of an American landmark. If you look forward to the demolition of the stadium where so much baseball and other American history took place all I can say is that I'm glad your not on any board that decides which historical landmarks should be preserved.
Honestly, I feel sorry for you.
Hatred can blind a person

[Mike Wagner]

Dear aqib,
I agree with you that the food is a rip off. I try to eat elsewhere because I can't justify the prices. The same for theme parks. And, no, I don't have the same feeling for Tiger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, etc. But, these are also great landmarks to many baseball fans across the country and especially to the local fans. They're ALL worthy of National Landmark Historical status because they also have proud histories, and have seen so many greats of the game.

I'm sorry no sections of the Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Connie Mack Stadium, or so many other historical baseball parks were saved. I'm sure fans of these other teams are sorry they weren't.

It might be a nice trend if a good sized section of historic ballparks would be saved. Reading about something is one thing. Actually going there and seeing an historic treasure enhances the interest of people and gives them a greater appreciation of the history of the object they're seeing.

-Mike Wagner

[Captain Cold Nose]

Some of you folks crack me up. So you have a personal problem with NYers and the Yankees, etc, which then justifies, in your mind the destruction of what is, and should be a landmark
Tiger Stadium means alot to me. Im not a Tiger fan and live no where near Detroit but many greats were there.I'ts a landmark, no sane person would "enjoy" it's destruction. Its the history of a place, not your own personal feelings for or aganist a city or a team. I have those same feelings for Wrigley and Fenway as well.
This isnt a contest to see who hates which team or city the most, and then gets some kick out of watching history smashed to the ground. This is about preserving a section of an American landmark. If you look forward to the demolition of the stadium where so much baseball and other American history took place all I can say is that I'm glad your not on any board that decides which historical landmarks should be preserved.
Honestly, I feel sorry for you.
Hatred can blind a person
I think you've missed his point, Shane. It's not about historical preservation or teams involved or even the demolition of the stadium. It's about the hyperbole and treating something as far greater than it actually is, well, because it is, which seems to be the attitude. I could be wrong, but that's my take on his post, not his hating on NYC and YS per se. The whole attitude of entitlement.

[Shadly]

To Save Yankee Stadium: preserve one of the main entrances into the stadium as an arch way:



Something like that, only with:



Just the archway to the stadium. Restored to it's former glory. I think community groups would probably be cool with this.

[GordonGecko]

Just the archway to the stadium. Restored to it's former glory. I think community groups would probably be cool with this.

Best and most realistic suggestion I've heard so far. Anyone here have Photoshop + time to burn?

[monkeypants]

To Save Yankee Stadium: preserve one of the main entrances into the stadium as an arch way...

Just the archway to the stadium. Restored to it's former glory. I think community groups would probably be cool with this.

Reasonable solution. It's too bad the main gate facade was destroyed in order to install the escalators, so it would have to be rebuilt. But it would be odd to preserve a section that had to be rebuilt in 2008. Part of the original gate in LF is still standing, I believe. Perhaps that could be preserved?

[Shadly]

I had that thought this weekend, and the thought immediately following it was, "this has to happen." New York loves putting big arches in their parks. It hasn't insulted any of the locals to date.

[IPO]

The whole attitude of entitlement.

You sound more like me every day. :dance

Bottom line, King George III decided to move from a modern park that hardly looks outdated or run down because he wants a new toy to play with. Every year the story changed about how much money they make vs how much they claim to lose but of course will not cut the payroll which a hard salary cap would have done.

Only thing wrong with current Yankee Stadium is it's ownership demanded a new stadium for decades and now they are leaving a modern functional ballpark in excellent condition for no other reason then they wanted more money.

It was the only thing wrong with the 23-73 ballpark too.

[aqib]

Dear aqib,


It might be a nice trend if a good sized section of historic ballparks would be saved. Reading about something is one thing. Actually going there and seeing an historic treasure enhances the interest of people and gives them a greater appreciation of the history of the object they're seeing.

-Mike Wagner

I can understand that take. Truth be told if Ebbets Field had been partially preserved I would have gone there many times when I was in college (I'm an NYU grad and went frequented a mosque in Brooklyn).

Its the take that Yankee Stadium has american/worldwide significance beyond being a ball park and to the world beyond Yankee fans. Yankee fans also project an attitude that deep down inside everyone loves the Yankees on some level. If Yankee fans want to preserve the stadium on the gorunds that it has significance to THEM, I would agree. Just like on the Tiger Stadium thread I have supported the Tiger fans quest to save their park, but they don't have an delusions that Tiger Stadium means something to the rest of the world. Thats what I have an issue with.

[Mike Wagner]

Dear aqib,
I understand what you're saying. I would, however, say Yankee Stadium does have worldwide significance above other Stadiums? Am I a Yankee fan? Yes. But that's not why I say this. I can PROMISE you this. I don't know how much you know history. I'm not the world's biggest expert by any means, but I have a decent knowledge.

I don't know if you know that during World War II the Japanese said, "To hell with Babe Ruth!" Babe and a group of ballplayers toured Japan in the 1930s, as I recall, and spread the game to Japan. Look at how the Japanese know about American baseball. If they've studied the history of American baseball, they'll know that the Yankees have been the top team for many years.

Also, New York is one of the greatest known cities of the world, such as Paris, London, and Rome. That's also made Yankee Stadium and other NY landmarks famous worldwide. New York is a world's stage.

Honestly, I don't think Tiger Stadium has much significance outside the U.S. Nothing against the Tigers, but it doesn't have the world stage like New York does.

If the Polo Grounds and Ebbets Field were still around, would they have worldwide significance? I would think they would because they were in New York, and also consistently fielded great teams. And, they, too, were in the New York spotlight. I know not everyone loves the Yankees. If I grew up in Cleveland instead of New York, I'd probably be an Indians fan.

The world is full of icons. Everyone knows about the Egyptian Pyramids, the Eiffel Tower, the Loch Ness Monster. Some things transcend the world. They're famous for whatever the reason is.

We Yankee fans have a great pride because of our winning history. You also expect bigger and better things in New York because, again, it's on the world stage.Historically, the Giants were better than the Yankees. Then Babe Ruth lit up the imagination of the world with his lifestyle and home runs. He also loved people. Ty Cobb, on the other hand, was also one of the greatest players in the game, but he was hated by virtually everyone. If Babe Ruth played for the St. Louis Cardinals or Browns, maybe they would have the history that the Yankees have. Who knows?

Yankee Stadium is known around the world. When the Pope visits and his mass is shown around the world from Yankee Stadium - or wherever - the place the Pope is at becomes instantly famous. When an international boxing match occurs at Yankee Stadium or Vegas or Madison Square Garden, that place is shown around the world. The Yankees have so many pennants and World Series wins under their belt, that winning is expected.

As I stated in an earlier post, I had the HONOR of going to theYankees Fantasy Camp in November 2006. No other camp would do. Why? Because it wasn't the Yankees. If I was a Dodger fan, then only the Dodger Fantasy Camp would do. So, yes, I'm prejudiced in that way. I will say this for myself - if the Yankees don't win the pennant, I hope someone does that has never done so or has not done so in a long time. I will ONLY wear a Yankee cap or uniform. But I do respect others that wear the uniform of another team. We have our favorites, but under it all, we're ALL Americans.

Maybe I should be a politician. I get long winded enough!!!

Respectfully,
Mike Wagner

[metfan13]

I think you've missed his point, Shane. It's not about historical preservation or teams involved or even the demolition of the stadium. It's about the hyperbole and treating something as far greater than it actually is, well, because it is, which seems to be the attitude. I could be wrong, but that's my take on his post, not his hating on NYC and YS per se. The whole attitude of entitlement.

Yes, I think that sums it up for many.

[Manhattan]

Yes, I think that sums it up for many. Last night was the last home for the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

[New York Kid]

The best life has to offer? Really? Seriously? One of the most expensive (if not the most expensive) places to watch a game in the sport is the best life has to offer? Notoriously rude and obnoxious fans is the best life has to offer? Give me a break.
The whole time I was growing up in NY I didn't quite get the anti-NY hatred from around the country. This thread shows why so many people hate NY and particularly the Yankees and their fans. Yankee Stadium means a lot to YOU and OTHER YANKEE fans. Just like Tiger Stadium means a lot to Tiger fans and Wrigley means a lot to Cubs fans. But Tiger and Cubs fans don't act like their stadium means anything to other people. I look forward to seeing this place come down, I look forward to the demolition thread here too.

You missing the obvious point, Herr Aqib, that Yankee Stadium is the greatest stadium in the history of baseball. Just as people from New York should, and do, fight to protect the heritage of communities throughout the nation and world, you should act to protect The House That Ruth Built. I'd certainly campaign to save the original headquarters of Motown, or the historical automotive landmarks, in your area, if they were threatened.

The "hate" you cite should not blind you from seeing [admitting] the preeminent place of Yankee Stadium in American history.

[New York Kid]

I guess bullsh*t is ok.



No, it isn't, monkeypants - which is why I correctly recognize the flagrantly corrupt decision of New York City to deny landmark status to Yankee Stadium - and your cavalier acceptance of it - so very abhorrent, as is your enthusiastic support of destroying it.

[New York Kid]

I was in college (I'm an NYU grad and went frequented a mosque in Brooklyn).

Its the take that Yankee Stadium has american/worldwide significance beyond being a ball park and to the world beyond Yankee fans.



In case you didn't learn this at NYU, or when you frequented Brooklyn, Aqib: Yankee Stadium does have great significance beyond Yankee Fans. It figures that you left for Detroit, and advocate for the destruction of the great American icon & treasure that is Yankee Stadium.

[jimmyjimjimz]

Last night was the last home for the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

Thank You Capitan Obvious

[jimmyjimjimz]

You sound more like me every day. :dance

Bottom line, King George III decided to move from a modern park that hardly looks outdated or run down because he wants a new toy to play with. Every year the story changed about how much money they make vs how much they claim to lose but of course will not cut the payroll which a hard salary cap would have done.

Only thing wrong with current Yankee Stadium is it's ownership demanded a new stadium for decades and now they are leaving a modern functional ballpark in excellent condition for no other reason then they wanted more money.

It was the only thing wrong with the 23-73 ballpark too.


Once again, King George III is dead, and also, once again, what does the patch on the uniform say? "Yankee Stadium 1923-2008"

[Gary Dunaier]

Last night was the last home for the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

No it is not. The New York Yankees (est. 1903, originally the Baltimore franchise of the American League, est. 1901) will be playing at Yankee Stadium in 2009, or, if you want to express the date in Roman numerals, MMIX, or, if you want to spell it out in words, two thousand and nine, or, if you want to express it in years of American independence, the 133rd.


Thank You Capitan Obvious

I wish there was a Comic Book featuring Captain Obvious and that it was published either by Marvel Comics or by D. C. Comics (formerly National Periodical Publications) and that it was written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby but that will never happen because Mr. Kirby is no longer with us.

[jimmyjimjimz]

No it is not. The New York Yankees (est. 1903, originally the Baltimore franchise of the American League, est. 1901) will be playing at Yankee Stadium in 2009, or, if you want to express the date in Roman numerals, MMIX, or, if you want to spell it out in words, two thousand and nine, or, if you want to express it in years of American independence, the 133rd.



I wish there was a Comic Book featuring Captain Obvious and that it was published either by Marvel Comics or by D. C. Comics (formerly National Periodical Publications) and that it was written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby but that will never happen because Mr. Kirby is no longer with us.

how is it the 133rd year of american independace if the country became a country in 1776, which was at least 200 years ago?

[Gary Dunaier]

how is it the 133rd year of american independace if the country became a country in 1776, which was at least 200 years ago?

You got me there. Tell you what: why don't you form a committee on that and work up a nice Power Point presentation for me? Have it on my desk no later than 9.00am for my review.

[cgcoyne2]

You missing the obvious point, Herr Aqib, that Yankee Stadium is the greatest stadium in the history of baseball. Just as people from New York should, and do, fight to protect the heritage of communities throughout the nation and world, you should act to protect The House That Ruth Built. I'd certainly campaign to save the original headquarters of Motown, or the historical automotive landmarks, in your area, if they were threatened.

The "hate" you cite should not blind you from seeing [admitting] the preeminent place of Yankee Stadium in American history.


I believe the original MOTOWN headquarters was a house in the middle of a residential street. It didn't take up the whole block. It also didn't have to be given back as community land or part of a park system.

This is a good story from ESPN.com
http://proxy.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3598021

[shaneslatts]

I think you've missed his point, Shane. It's not about historical preservation or teams involved or even the demolition of the stadium. It's about the hyperbole and treating something as far greater than it actually is, well, because it is, which seems to be the attitude. I could be wrong, but that's my take on his post, not his hating on NYC and YS per se. The whole attitude of entitlement.

Captain, I understand your point of view, ....honestly
I became a yankee fan in the sixties, after the glory years. Growing up in NJ, the Mets were the 'in' team. To me, Yankee Stadium was where Babe and Lou played, and where they said goodbye. To me,as an American, it represented history. It still does. As much as I love Tiger Stadium, and Fenway, and Wrigley, this is Yankee Stadium. To say that it has more historical value then other stadiums is not belitteling those other places.I wouldnt compare Cold Harbor to Gettysburg, as an example. Both are battlefields, but one , in all honesty came to symbolize the civil war. I cant apologise for the fact that Yankee Stadium has more history held in its walls then other Stadiums
The point is, when someone says "I cant wait for its demolition" or "I cant wait to see the demolition thread", causes me to wonder how people having a "NY attitude" could blind them to the fact that a landmark containing history of not only the yankees, but baseball in america, as well could be totaly wiped away....
Let me be plain...Wrigley and Fenway and Briggs, hold alot of local baseball memory. Cold Harbor and Bull Run Battlefields are mentioned localy and known on occasion to many americans, where as Gettysburg in known nationaly as THE historic Civil war battlefield. It dosent matter if you are from the south, or North. Gettysburg is THE battlefield
In the same way, a section of Yankee Stadium should be preserved, not for new yorkers only, but for Americans...for ALL of us
Just my opinion

[Captain Cold Nose]

Captain, I understand your point of view, ....honestly
I became a yankee fan in the sixties, after the glory years. Growing up in NJ, the Mets were the 'in' team. To me, Yankee Stadium was where Babe and Lou played, and where they said goodbye. To me,as an American, it represented history. It still does. As much as I love Tiger Stadium, and Fenway, and Wrigley, this is Yankee Stadium. To say that it has more historical value then other stadiums is not belitteling those other places.I wouldnt compare Cold Harbor to Gettysburg, as an example. Both are battlefields, but one , in all honesty came to symbolize the civil war. I cant apologise for the fact that Yankee Stadium has more history held in its walls then other Stadiums
The point is, when someone says "I cant wait for its demolition" or "I cant wait to see the demolition thread", causes me to wonder how people having a "NY attitude" could blind them to the fact that a landmark containing history of not only the yankees, but baseball in america, as well could be totaly wiped away....
Let me be plain...Wrigley and Fenway and Briggs, hold alot of local baseball memory. Cold Harbor and Bull Run Battlefields are mentioned localy and known on occasion to many americans, where as Gettysburg in known nationaly as THE historic Civil war battlefield. It dosent matter if you are from the south, or North. Gettysburg is THE battlefield
In the same way, a section of Yankee Stadium should be preserved, not for new yorkers only, but for Americans...for ALL of us
Just my opinion

You know, I almost mentioned Cold Harbor in a thread dealing with how Richmond does not have a team in place for 2009. Since that battlefield is basically farm land and fields, I wonder if they thought about using it. If the spot where JEB Stuart received his mortal wounds was hardly worth saving . . .

You are right, if any baseball stadium can be deemed a treasure that this country should hold up as a symbol of the national pasttime, it should be Yankee Stadium. Part of it, at least. While my unbiased view does see why the stadium simply can't be kept whole as it was given the new stadium going in, just as logic allows me to accept that Tiger Stadium could not be saved entirely as well as it was time to move on, it makes sense to not commit the sins of the past with other great baseball stadiums being left to nothing and a plaque.

Preserve it in part, as they're doing with Tiger Stadium. Let some good come out of the allowed decay of the Corner by being a model for how to deal with what many treasure. In the big picture, saving a bit of YS and making it part of what they're using the land for will make going to the new stadium special.

[New York Kid]

how is it the 133rd year of american independence if the country became a country in 1776, which was at least 200 years ago?

After thorough, expert review, the Landmark Preservation Commission of New York has determined that, due to amendments to the constitution ago, the United States is no longer over 200 years old, and therefore not worthy of the powerpoint presentation being requested. Likewise, all Bicentennial Celebrations held in 1976, have been rescinded.

[New York Kid]

Tell you what: why don't you form a committee on that and work up a nice Power Point presentation for me? Have it on my desk no later than 9.00am for my review.

The Power Point presentation you've requested has been denied. Please see post above.

Sincerely,

Landmarks Preservation Commission

To Preserve & Protect

[Captain Cold Nose]

The Power Point presentation you've requested has been denied. Please see post above.

Sincerely,

Landmarks Preservation Commission

To Preserve & Protect

Keep the political commentary to a minimum, please. Especially when making stuff up.

[mandrake]

Personally, I would like a small part of OYS and the field to remain. But I doubt you will see any tax $$$ for this.

Now, let's be honest. How many Yankee fans gave a hoot when Comiskey Park came down? How many Yankee fans care that 75% of Tiger Stadium is gone? How many Yankee fans would mourn Wrigley Field being flattened? (Wasn't it Babe Ruth who said way back in 1932 "I'd give back half my salary to hit in a dump like this?") . How many Yankee fans would try to stop Fenway Park from being destroyed? Would we go on and on how Babe Ruth won 3 WS on that very mound and how dare we think of removing that mound?

Back in 2000, when NYC was celebrating a subway series, most of America was saying 'who cares' and shut off the TV. Compare Yankee , and Mets ratings to Red Sox and Cubs and New Yorkers will be shocked to see who draws better. I would think MLB wants Red Sox vs Cubs in the WS in 2008. And they will not drone on and on about YS closing......

[GordonGecko]

...Babe Ruth won 3 WS on that very mound and how dare we think of removing that mound?



I count at least 7 mounds in this picture, and not one of them are the original pitcher's mound. Not that Ruth ever pitched in Original Yankee Stadium anyways...

[Captain Cold Nose]

I count at least 7 mounds in this picture, and not one of them are the original pitcher's mound. Not that Ruth ever pitched in Original Yankee Stadium anyways...

I thought he made sporadic starts throughout his Yankee career. None of those came at YS?