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January 17, 2008

Breaking In The New Digs

Thinking ahead...

Who should throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the first game in the New Yankee Stadium, next season (in 2009)?

Big Stein?
Yogi?
Rudy May?

If you could pick the one person, who would it be?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at January 17, 2008 11:33 PM

Comments

If he's healthy, I'd lean towards Big Stein. He helped father this era of Yankee baseball, and with his time coming short, it'd be fitting to have him toss it out.

I remember him tearing up at the ceremony last year, and I know it would mean the world to him. Maybe I'm too sentimental Steve.

Posted by: EricSanSan [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 17, 2008 11:48 PM

Yes, I agree it should be George Steinbrenner. I suppose the Yankees could do a buildup the way they do in introducing the Old-Timers and have a lineup of old Yankee greats throw out balls-Yogi, Whitey Ford-culminating in George. But I think it should only be career Yankees and Hall of Famers, thus eliminating Reggie, Guidry, Mattingly, Winfield et al.

One other thought: Have every player on the opening day roster throw out a ball and then have George cap it off.

Posted by: Bob R. [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 18, 2008 06:27 AM

George Steinbrenner should absolutely be the one to do it, but I fear he may not be able. If that's the case, I am sure the honor will fall to Yogi. Personally, I would have Yogi (the old Stadium), Mattingly (Yankee Stadium II) and Jeter (Yankee Stadium III) all throw out the first pitch together. That would nicely tie together the three eras.

Posted by: williamnyy [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 18, 2008 07:25 AM

Steve, if you say Rudy May, I say Dick Tidrow. Tidrow's in every boxscore from the late 70's that you reference so it seems like he'd be the perfect guy.

But if we're being serious, I'd say Yogi since he's our greatest living Yankee.

Posted by: MJ [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 18, 2008 08:01 AM

Stick Michael and Bob Watson.

Posted by: SteveB [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 18, 2008 11:38 AM

Merlyn Mantle.

Posted by: Don [TypeKey Profile Page] at January 18, 2008 02:27 PM