The last time I saw my boys play live at a stadium was game 2 of the 2017 World Series. Way too long ago, so when they hoisted the pennant and were about to play the Yankees I knew I had to see a game.
I decided on a game in New York. It would save me 4 hours of flight either way and a handful of dollars. So I settled on going to game 4, the second game in the Bronx.
Now, little did I know the Dodgers would be up 2-0 before they travelled to New York. So, when I boarded my plane on the day of game 3 I was happy with the lead and would look for a bar to watch the game that evening.
Game 3
I landed at Taqueria Gramercy which is a Dodger friendly restaurant where I got a nice table close to a television. When game time arrived two more fans joined me at my table. The bar was filled with Dodger fans and one or two Yankee fans. It was a great experience. There were shots all around and there was Freddy doing his thing… again!
At Yankee Stadium
I’d never been to ‘new’ Yankee Stadium so I could add another MLB stadium to my visited list which now stands at 18. The ride there was bad. The subway was crowded and warm, but I made it and although the lines at the entrance of Yankee Stadium were long it was smooth getting in.
It’s like a temple of baseball worship. I liked the old stadium but this one has been adding some great moments in itself. But just the one World Series. I hoped my boys would celebrate that night with a sweep.
The Game
Well, Freddy did what he does best, in the first inning. Dodgers up 2-0 but it was obvious the Yankees were not going to lay down and take the sweep. Our boys weren’t that sharp. Probably tired of being so hot all the time. Yanks smelled blood and acted. Now, I was surrounded by Yankees fans so I was a bit anxious but they had a great night and honestly, for a series as classic as Yankees vs. Dodgers it honestly was good it wasn’t going to be a sweep.
After the game, Yankee fans praised me for my sportsmanship as I did theirs. I love fans who support their team. Even if they are Yankee fans.
Game 5
I had a flight back home during game 5 and no wifi so the moment we touched down at Schiphol Airport I whipped out my mobile and YES it looked like it had been one hell of a game. A stewardess noticed my cap and asked me if I knew they’d won. Yes they have. Oh, she said, so they have won the World Series. Yup, I said!
It was time for reflection, of big smiles and a bottle of good champagne to celebrate this awesome season the boys pulled out of the hat. I specifically think about Shohei, how he must feel. All that talent wasted for years with the Angels and now World Series champ with the Dodgers.
So…
It was an awesome experience. Being in NYC, meeting Dodger fans. Even in one occasion meeting Josh, who I first met during the tail gate before the 2012 opening day game in LA. Weird, in a city of over 9 million to see someone you know. Thanks NYC for the hospitality and the Yankees for being there and let’s do it again some day.
THIS.IS.NEXT.YEAR!