If you have been following my blog, you have noticed that not only I have visited some great sporting venues, but all of my top ten are associated with memories with family or friends. This trip to New York is no different. When my father was diagnosed with melanoma, he decided to focus on living instead of waiting to die. While he was alive, we planned a “baseball trip” each July. We have been to Washington, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Atlanta. After my father passed away, my mother and I continued the same tradition. In February of 2013, my mom asked if I wanted to go on a baseball trip that year and if so to pick the team that I wanted to see.
After a quick look at the MLB website and team schedules, I noticed that the Mets and Yankees would be at home during the same weekend. I could see Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in one trip. Reservations, plane tickets, and tickets for the games were booked immediately.
We saw the New York Mets play first. The Mets were hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mom and I had great seats down the first base side. I used to take my glove to baseball games when I was younger, but unfortunately for me I left it at home. I was sitting in my seat, when a ball was struck foul. It was heading straight towards me. The seats directly in front of me were open so I stood up. The ball hit off my hands, deflected off my chest and landed right in front of me. Being in New York I thought I would start hearing some “boos”, but I picked the ball and raised it straight in the air. I am sure there were some boos but everybody around me was clapping, which made me feel good. The game stayed close and ended up going into extra innings. The Diamondbacks scored runs in both the 13th and 14th innings, but the Mets battled back to tie after each inning. In the 15th inning, the D’backs scored again, but this time held on for the victory. It was a long day of baseball, but an exciting game. I really didn’t mind the Mets losing since they are in the same division as the Atlanta Braves.
After a quick look at the MLB website and team schedules, I noticed that the Mets and Yankees would be at home during the same weekend. I could see Yankee Stadium and Citi Field in one trip. Reservations, plane tickets, and tickets for the games were booked immediately.
We saw the New York Mets play first. The Mets were hosting the Arizona Diamondbacks. Mom and I had great seats down the first base side. I used to take my glove to baseball games when I was younger, but unfortunately for me I left it at home. I was sitting in my seat, when a ball was struck foul. It was heading straight towards me. The seats directly in front of me were open so I stood up. The ball hit off my hands, deflected off my chest and landed right in front of me. Being in New York I thought I would start hearing some “boos”, but I picked the ball and raised it straight in the air. I am sure there were some boos but everybody around me was clapping, which made me feel good. The game stayed close and ended up going into extra innings. The Diamondbacks scored runs in both the 13th and 14th innings, but the Mets battled back to tie after each inning. In the 15th inning, the D’backs scored again, but this time held on for the victory. It was a long day of baseball, but an exciting game. I really didn’t mind the Mets losing since they are in the same division as the Atlanta Braves.
The "Mets" Dog outside of Citi Field. He even shook our hand for a photo opportunity (for a tip of course).
Two days later we went to Yankee Stadium to see the Yankees play the Orioles. It had always been my dream to watch a game at Yankee Stadium. There is so much history with the Yankee organization and I wanted to be a part of it. Tickets are a bit more expensive than Mets home games, so Mom and I settled for first row tickets on the second deck. We had a perfect view of the entire stadium. This wasn’t the normal Yankee squad that I was used to watching on ESPN when they played the Boston Red Sox. There was no Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez. But, there was still Robinson Cano and Ichiro. Andy Pettitte was on the hill for the Yankees. I was really hoping from a strong outing from Pettitte but hopefully the Orioles could keep it close enough for Mariano Rivera to come in and get the save. Both teams went back and forth until the Yankees took the lead in the bottom of the sixth. The score remained 5-4 until the top of the ninth. And then Rivera entered the game with Enter Sandman playing over the intercom system. The crowd was on their feet. Rivera did not disappoint. He made quick work of the Orioles in the bottom half of the inning earning yet another save. It was great seeing a future Hall of Famer complete the victory. I don’t believe the experience would have been the same without seeing Rivera and a Yankees victory.
Yankee Stadium!!!
All the stats you could ever want to know about the pitcher and each batter.
You cannot go on a trip with my mother without seeing the sites of the city. When we were not watching baseball, she scheduled us to see and do other things. We saw the fireworks from the Hudson Bridge. We also saw two Broadway Shows (Book of Mormon and Kinky Boots.) Both were great shows but she forgot to prepare me for the story of Kinky Boots. I didn’t recognize the men in their fancy dresses and high heel shoes. It was fascinating and if you have an opportunity you should check out the show.
We also ate at some great restaurants. One in particular was Red Rooster. Mom wanted to go there because she watches all of the cooking shows and Marcus Samuelsson, the owner is one of her favorites on Chopped. The Red Rooster is a 4 star restaurant in Harlem. We knew we couldn’t get reservations for dinner and couldn’t afford it either so we settled for lunch. It was a great lunch from appetizer to dessert. We noticed the $300.00 bottles of wine, but settled for water and a delicious meal.
We also ate at some great restaurants. One in particular was Red Rooster. Mom wanted to go there because she watches all of the cooking shows and Marcus Samuelsson, the owner is one of her favorites on Chopped. The Red Rooster is a 4 star restaurant in Harlem. We knew we couldn’t get reservations for dinner and couldn’t afford it either so we settled for lunch. It was a great lunch from appetizer to dessert. We noticed the $300.00 bottles of wine, but settled for water and a delicious meal.
Mom waiting to go inside the Red Rooster
While in New York City, we walked around in Times Square, saw the sites from the top of the Double Decker bus tour and spent an afternoon in Central Park. After mom negotiated the price (I stayed out of it), our pedicab driver took us all around the park. We both enjoyed the history and famous tidbits that the driver shared with us.
Mom and I with our pedicab driver!!
Finally, we spent a several hours visiting the 9/11 Memorial. We had reservations for a guided tour. The guide that took us around was one of the first responders. She was able to really personalize the memorials and all that happened that day. If you go to New York, I suggest you take the time to visit the Memorial.
What a great trip. I got to see two great stadiums, see four teams play baseball, catch a foul ball and experience my first trip to New York City.
What a great trip. I got to see two great stadiums, see four teams play baseball, catch a foul ball and experience my first trip to New York City.