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Yankees go out winners at historic Stadium
2008-09-23
NEW YORK (AFP) - American baseball said so long to an old friend as Yankee Stadium hosted its final Major League Baseball game. It was a sweet sorrow send-off on Sunday and a victorious one for the Yankees who ended an era with a 7-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. Derek Jeter spent his entire career as a Yankee playing in the 85-year-old stadium which will be replaced by a 1.3 billion dollar building which is being built across the street. Speaking to the crowd after the final out of the ninth inning, Jeter said he had many fond memories of the hallowed ballpark. "It is a huge honour to put this uniform on everyday and come out here to play," American Jeter said. "There is a lot of tradition, history and memories. The great thing about memories is being able to pass it along from generation to generation. "We are moving across the street but a few things about the Yankees never change." The players gathered together and strolled through the outfield hugging, taking pictures and waving to the Yankee faithful who stayed in their seats long after the game had ended to savour the moment. Mariano Rivera registered the final out and Jose Molina, of Puerto Rico, hit a two-run homer which marked the last home run in the history of the Stadium where the Yankees have won 26 league championships. In possibly his final home start for the team, embattled pitcher Andy Pettitte (14-14) hurled five innings and recorded the victory. Pettitte was accused in last December's Mitchell Report of using performance enhancing drugs. Rivera, the team's closer in three of their four world championships, pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning as the fans chanted his name and cameras flashed. American Johnny Damon also homered to stymie the Orioles, who were swept in the final series here. Babe Ruth's 92-year-old daughter, Julia, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. "I played my entire career here at Yankee stadium and it doesn't get any better than this," Jeter said. "This is a very special special day." Panama's Rivera said he couldn't stop thinking of all the great players that had played at the historic ballpark. "I tried to picture Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle. All those guys. It is overwhelming. The Yankees are in a class of their own." Rivera said this night was more nerve-racking than a World Series. "The World Series, All Star Games, this is special. This is just beyond. This is its own. I was trying to hold my composure. I never got a lot of that before but today I got caught a little with that," Rivera said. The last word belonged to former Yankee superstar Yogi Berra, who is famous for coining the phrase "it ain't over till it's over". "I hate to see it go," Berra said. "I played here all my life. Eighteen years I played here and I am sorry to see it go."
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