Monday, February 3, 2014

The Yankee Stadium Experience: Taking the Subway

PART X: Taking the Subway to Yankee Stadium

If anyone has ever actually been to The Bronx, you know that parking can and will be a nightmare.  Well that is unless you are willing to shell out the $30 (or whatever they will be charging this season) to park in the Stadium lots.  I have never been a fan of driving to the Stadium myself...although my father prefers it for some reason...I guess he gets an adrenaline rush from having New Yorkers scream at him, tailgate within 6" of his back bumper, and honk incessantly.  On a side note, did you know that it is illegal to honk in certain parts of New York?  It is also illegal to purchase soda over a certain size, but I digress...

There are two locations that you can actually park around Yankee Stadium without having to pay an arm and a leg...one location is around the Bronx Police Station, but this is only allowed on Sundays...the other is along Grand Concourse where there are parking spaces along the length of the park...but both require you to be there approximately 2 hours ahead of game time.

To alleviate all of this nonsense, my suggestion is to take the good old Subway.  This isn't the New York Subway of your parents, you know...the one that is dark, dingy, and probably unsafe to travel without a personal bodyguard.  Sure there are some parts that are still a little scary and more than a little smelly, but the 1980s are gone (thank the Good Lord the 1980s Yankee teams are gone!) and the Subway is a relatively safe and easy mode of transit to get to the game at New Yankee Stadium.

In order to get to the game you need only to follow the instructions provided by The New York Yankees themselves:

The #4 train will bring you to the Bronx from Brooklyn and the East Side of Manhattan.  The B train also originates in Brooklyn, but will take you up the West Side of Manhattan via 42nd Street and Central Park before heading into the Bronx.  The D train is basically just the supped up version of the B train with less stops.  You can still get to the Bronx from Queens, but you'll have to catch a connector to the B, D, or 4 trains.  The trip will cost you $2.50 one-way, but if you are heading into town for a weekend series, I suggest you purchase the 7-day unlimited pass for $30...that way you can roam around the city without the hassle of purchasing a single-fare ticket every time you head into the subway...3 trips to the Stadium = $15 by itself.

During game days, there are Express trains from Manhattan that will take you directly to the Bronx with limited stops.  What can be better than hopping on a train filled with mutual Yankees fans heading out to the old ball game.  I can tell you one thing better...heading back to Manhattan or one of the other burroughs filled with Yankees fans cheering Mets and/or Red Sox Suck!...that's what!  The best had to be during the 2000 World Series during the SUBWAY SERIES...

In the last few years (I can't recall when it was finalized), a new plaza was built for the stop at Yankee Stadium and it is rather pleasant architecturally.  The subway just fits with the Stadium, because like the Yankees, the Subway is just what New Yorkers are used to...and both are pretty great in my opinion.  The Subway is so great that the Yankees pay homage to it every night with the Great Subway Race that pits the B, the D, and the 4 train against each other in a winner-takes-all race on the Jumbo-tron.  Okay it's not that serious, but it is nonetheless a fixture within the Stadium.

So ladies and gents...head on out to the Stadium, but do it the smart way...TAKE THE SUBWAY!


Hey!

My name is Thomas Culkin and I just wanted to take a brief moment to introduce myself. I recently joined the writing staff at The Greedy Pinstripes and am very grateful for the opportunity. I was born on Long Island, New York in 1994 but have lived in south Florida since '05. Being in south Florida gives me the awesome opportunity to explore the Grapefruit league and Florida State League every year. I live within an hour of the Tampa Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and most importantly the New York Yankees spring training complexes. With spring training 2014 right around the corner I am excited to have connected with The Greedy Pinstripes when I did and will use my proximity to these teams to fuel my writing. Thanks again to the leadership at The Greedy Pinstripes and I look forward to this awesome opportunity!

We Need To Sign Ervin Santana, Now Please


This is nothing more than a plug of my Twitter account but it's cool when a Major League player follows you, especially one with a blue check. Ervin Santana follows me now, now we must sign him. It's in the Twitter small print, look it up. Sign him now and make Ivan Nova the best 5th starting pitcher in the history of 5th starters.

Derek Jeter Continues Winter Workouts In Tampa


Derek Jeter did very little today at the Yankees minor league complex down on Tampa, Florida but it is apparently a huge deal in Yankeeland. Jeter's day included five rounds of batting practice, which were 39 swings each time, and fielding exactly 34 ground balls. This is the first time that Jeter has taken batting practice on the field since the 2013 season ended and his second time, that we know of anyway, that he took ground balls live.

Here are a few quotes from Jeter this morning regarding his latest workout:

“This offseason is like a normal offseason,” said Jeter, who was in a walking boot until early January last year. “I’m four months ahead of where I was last year. Last year, quite honestly, I want to forget about it.”

“My job is to be ready to play,” Jeter said. “I remember when I was 35, everyone said that was it. He can’t play anymore. End of my career. So, it’s really nothing different. Eventually, somebody is going to be right, you know what I mean? You’re going to run out of numbers.”

“Everything is good so far, knock on wood,” Jeter said.

Joining Jeter for a little early work down in Tampa is Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild and pitchers Adam Warren and Preston Claiborne. Just as a reminder pitchers and catchers start workouts on February 15th, a mere 12 days away.

Popular Start Times Continue to Accommodate Fans


CHARLESTON, SC - Countless Charleston RiverDogs fans have passion about many things that range from the team's famed food & beverage creations to the traditional Thirsty Thursdays, Fireworks Fridays, and Family Sundays.
"We have always taken pride in our customer service and we are simply reacting to what many fans have told us," said RiverDogs General Manager Dave Echols. "We listen to all suggestions and when it is the right thing to do, we'll adjust and do it."Another item that our fans care greatly about is the start times for the 70 home games at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park.
Therefore, all Saturday home games will once again have a 6:05 pm first pitch as the RiverDogs announce their game times for the 2014 season.
The team's games on Monday through Friday will continue to feature the traditional 7:05 pm start time while Sundays' first pitch will again be at 5:05.
As usual, however, the RiverDogs have several special days in which the normal start time will be slightly adjusted and that list of games include:
  • Wednesday, April 9 vs. Greenville - Education Day at 11:05 am;
  • Wednesday, April 30 vs. Augusta - Education Day at 11:05 am;
  • Friday, July 4 vs. Rome - Independence Day Celebration at 6:35 pm;
  • Wednesday, July 9 vs. Greenville - Big Splash Day at 12:05 pm;
  • Monday, July 21 vs. Augusta - Business Person's Special at 12:05 pm;
  • Wednesday, Aug. 13 vs. Hickory - Business Person's Special at 12:05 pm;
  • Thursday, Aug. 28 vs. Greenville - Season Finale with postgame Fireworks at 6:35 pm.
As always, fans have the opportunity to see two games for the price of one when The Citadel plays a Southern Conference contest prior to the RiverDogs and those dates are:
  • May 2 vs. Delmarva (The Citadel vs. Wofford)
  • May 3 vs. Delmarva (The Citadel vs. Wofford)
  • May 4 vs. Delmarva (The Citadel vs. Wofford)
  • May 15 vs. Hickory (The Citadel vs. UNC Greensboro)
  • May 16 vs. Hickory (The Citadel vs. UNC Greensboro)
The RiverDogs open the 2014 season on April 7 with a seven-game homestand that features the Greenville Drive and the Augusta GreenJackets. For ticket information, please contact the box office at 843/577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.

Being posted with permission from the Charleston Riverdogs organization. The original article can be seen HERE

Meet A Prospect: Aaron Judge


The New York Yankees used their second pick and 32nd overall pick in the first round in the 2013 MLB First Year Players Draft to pick outfielder Aaron Judge from Fresno State. Judge is a huge guy standing 6'7" and weighing in at 255 lbs mashing the ball from the right side. In his final season before the draft Judge went on to hit .369/.461/.655 with 12 home runs and 12 stolen bases in 14 attempts. For such a big guy he will surprise you with his speed and athleticism to go with a strong throwing arm and unmatched power in this years draft.

Judge, even as big as he is, was athletic enough to stick at center field for the Fresno State baseball squad. Judge was so athletic that he was a three sport athlete and garnered many offers to come play college football and be a tight end before following his love of baseball all the way to Fresno State where both his parents attended. This is not the first time that Judge was drafted as he was previously drafted in the 35th round of the 2010 draft by the Oakland Athletics before taking his talents to Fresno State for three seasons.


Judge does not project to be a big time average guy but does not get the Adam Dunn comparisons quite yet either. Across the board many scouts see Judge as a .250 type hitter with project-able power but he will take his fare share of strike outs on the chin in the majors. Judge's power is undeniable, whether it has translated into college games or not, as it was apparent when he won the College Baseball Home Run Derby last season with eight home runs in the final round. Judge is a polished college bat that should move through the Yankees system rather quickly. Judge could be manning right field for the Yankees with his average speed, above average arm, and amazing power in just a few seasons and many years to come if he plays his cards right.

I personally do not believe it or see it just yet but I have seen a few places, Bleeding Yankee Blue for example, compare the Judge to Miami's Giancarlo Stanton. The Judge has not made his professional debut just yet but is looking for a big 2014 to put himself on the map in the Yankees system. 

Yankee Stadium Legacy: #57 Goose Gossage


Goose Gossage was one of the most dominating closers of his era finishing his career with 310 saves, one of only 21 Major League Pitchers at the time to save over 300 games. Gossage led the American League in saves three different times in his career and also got his fair share of victories as well. Gossage finished with 115 relief wins in his career which goes to show you how much the game, and the closer position specifically, has changed.

57 days until Yankees Opening Day

Prospects Month: Top 28 Yankees Prospects List #26


Continuing our look at The Greedy Pinstripes Top 28 prospects list as a part of Prospects Month we name our #26 prospect, Jake Cave!

Here is the complete up to date list. Check back every day as the list fills out and we continue our look at the prospects in the New York Yankees system during Prospects Month here on TGP.

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26. Jake Cave
27. Ben Gamel
28. Angelo Gumbs

Exclusive Interview With Prospect Ty Hensley


Today we bring to you a injury update and an interview with 2012 first round draft pick Ty Hensley as the latest part of Prospects Month here on The Greedy Pinstripes. Ty had hip surgery last season and missed the entire season in 2013 and looks to be back better than ever in 2014. I won't make you wait any longer so here is the interview. 

The Greedy Pinstripes: We won't make the fans wait any longer than they have to, how is the rehab going? Everything on schedule for 2014?

Ty Hensley: Yes I'm feeling better and better every day and I am more than ready and anxious for this season to start. I feel a lot better than I did before i had my surgeries.



TGP: Biggest baseball inspiration growing up as a kid?

TH: My father. Given his baseball background and knowledge, he was the one who got me hooked. Him, and my favorite players Roger Clemens and Chipper Jones.

TGP: I don't really need to ask because I follow your stuff on Twitter a lot but how important is family to you?

TH: Family is the most important thing in my life behind my faith. I know that no matter what happens they have my back and always want what is best for me. They taught me everything I know and have molded me into the man I am today. I have the best family out there, 
I couldn't ask for better.

TGP: I respect the hell out of you for being religious and being so open about it. How do you think your faith has helped you in your life and in your career?

TH: Appreciate that.  It's gotten me through everything I have ever done. Tough or easy. I know I always have the man upstairs to talk to and he always listens. He has surrounded me with incredible people and has always given me a reason to believe. My relationship with God has grown tremendously after this last year. This last year was a lot harder than a lot of people know. They will someday, but I couldn't have possibly made it through without God.


TGP: Did you play any other sports or positions in baseball growing up?

TH: Yes, I played all over the field in baseball and actually could have pursued that professionally if I chose to. I also played quarterback in football and could have gone to a few D1 schools to play. I also played basketball, but needless to say I was not very good!

TGP: What do you do during the offseason to keep yourself occupied?

TH: Catch up with old friends, lift, run, hang with my family, hunt, and recently I have been receiving training in a form of martial arts known as krav maga. After the season I will pick it up again because it is such a good workout and is good knowledge to have in defensive situations.

TGP: Favorite restaurant to eat at?

TH: A local sports bar in Lawrence, Kansas called "Henry T's". Best wings on the planet!


TGP: I see your a walking dead fan. Have you read the books or the comics? Oh and by the way please back off Maggie, I saw her first, thanks :)

TH: Haha, nope I just watch the show, I am obsessed.

TGP: I think this answer may be obvious but in my time around social media I have noticed there are two kinds of fans when it comes to prospects. You have the "prospect humpers" (myself being a self professed prospect humper) and a name yet to be determined (due to my lack of creativity) describing those who want to sell all the prospects off for the 37 year old "sure thing." Which category do you think yourself as a fan falls into?

TH: Well, since i am currently a prospect i would definitely be a "humper" (odd as that is to say). 

TGP: What current Major League player do you think you compare to the most?

TH: I don't really like comparisons now because this past year i have realized everyone is different and that I am a completely different pitcher as far as my body goes than a year ago… In a good way! so I'm still trying to figure this out!


TGP: I know you probably don't think of things like this but how long before you think we could see you in the Major Leagues? I have your ETA down as late 2016, is that accurate?

TH: I have no idea, but what I do know is that wherever I am I will work to stay healthy, perform to the best of my abilities, and stay positive. I will be ready when they call for me there. Thats all I can hope to do and the rest will take care of itself.

TGP: If you could be the Yankees GM for a day what would you do? Don't have to really be realistic here. 

TH: Haha tough to answer this question.. Guess thats why they let Mr. Cashman make all the calls and he does a very good job.

TGP: We'll finish with this one, where do you see yourself in life and your career in five years?

TH: Living out my dream of being the best Major League Baseball player that my talents will possibly let me be. That's the only thing that I know I want at the moment and that is all I'm focused on!

TGP: I just wanted you to know that we really appreciate you Ty. We as fans and blog owners see far too many beat writers and players and such who do not understand what social media is for. You are always open to talk on Twitter and have been gracious enough to give us two interviews now and we just wanted you to know that we, and our readers, certainly appreciate it. Thank you. 

TH: No problem at all, my pleasure! You do a great job! 


A big thank you goes out to Ty Hensley for doing this interview for us and a bigger thank you goes out to Mike and Marci Hensley for raising such a great man! We appreciate you taking the time out of your rehab and offseason schedule to do this for us and our readers, thank you. You can follow Ty on Twitter by following @TyHensley17

This Day In New York Yankees History 2/3


On this day in 1961 Charlie O. Finley douses a school bus in gasoline and sets it on fire in the left field parking lot at Municipal Stadium in Kansas City. The school bus said "the Kansas City to New York shuttle" on the side of it and was meant to symbolize the end of the team sending all their talented young players to the New York Yankees for major league players past their prime. The Kansas City faithful truly resented that and the new owner of the A's vowed to end the practice.


On this day in 1989 Bill White is chosen to be the president of the National League replacing Bart Giametti. Giametti is leaving to become the commissioner of baseball. The appointment makes the former Yankees broadcaster and first basemen the highest ranking black executive in professional sports at the time.



On this day in 1998 the Yankees replace their outgoing general manager Bob Watson with current GM Brian Cashman. Watson was not with the Yankees long but did win the 1996 World Series with the team, the first since 1978.


On this day in 2002 the Yankees resigned catcher Jorge Posada to a five year deal after putting up a .277 average with 22 home runs and 95 RBI's the season before. Posada was asking for $7.75 million in arbitration which would have made him the second best paid catcher in baseball history.


On this day in 2011 at Yankee Stadium Andy Pettitte became the first member of the Core Four to announce his retirement. Andy was 38 years old and had a 240-138 record at the time in his sixteen year career.


Oh and New York fans may remember this happening on this day in 2008 as well.