Munch Musings from E. 53rd and Hamm Ave: Yankees Edition

Let’s be blunt here (who,me?)! The New York Yankees are in town for a 3 game series April 10th through the 12th, yuppers Monday through Wednesday and there is no doubt that not only will that cut down the crowds locally but the numbers of Yankees fans dramatically! Ok, most teams desire that the Yankees come to their ballpark on a weekend but no doubt the Guardians (for some bizarre reason) are attendance challenged and MLB has to know that. Sure, it defies logic that the best franchise in the city does not sell out most of its games or at least hit 20,000 each and every game.  It is so cool when the Bronx Bombers come to town on the weekend. Walk around downtown and you’ll hear New York accents which are easy to pick out, especially the Brooklyn accents! I always stop and welcome the outsiders to our great city and usually the conversation turns to “how great Cleveland is plus how reasonable it is to get a hotel for 3 nights, eat every meal out, get great tickets to the game and indeed pound some down after the games.” Fans from other cites love coming here and sadly part of the reason too is they can get great seats just through the box office.  Bottom line MLB, if the Yankees are going to play here Monday through Wednesday at least move the series into June, July or August!

I know so many of you cringe when you hear “Yankees” and the dislike borders on downright hate? Why? Jealousy? Is it like the disdain for Duke, Ohio State, Golden State and others who are GOOD at what they do? Shucks the Guardians are great at what they do! It also could be the New York payroll but you need to take that up with MLB! Good luck!  I have stated many times that my Dad, who played AAA ball, instilled in me a respect for the Pinstripes or on the road the block letter “NEW YORK” in navy blue outlines in white on the gray uniform. Why? They are good. He also taught me to acknowledge great plays by the opposition even if they are painful! Back to Yankees respect! I remember my Dad carrying me on his shoulders (a great ride plus view) down W. 3rd to Municipal Stadium for Indians – Yankees series. That’s how young I was but of course I was his baseball sidekick! Why go out of the way to see the Yankees? My Dad needed me to see greatness plus efficiency and top talent playing this game. I was young and of course the Indians had Rocky and some other talent but New York had the talent “en masse”. My Dad felt it was his duty to take me to see Mantle, Maris (former Indian), Boyer, Berra, Skowron, Downing, Terry, Duren, Stottlemyre and more! Of course as time went on from these times mediocrity set in until the Yankees rebuilt or reloaded! A few times really stand  out to me watching my beloved baseball team vs NY:

* Near the end of Mantle’s career he played some first base. There was a monster crowd for a twip-night double header as the Yankees were in town. What the heck is that? A double header that started in the late afternoon and went into the evening!  In the second game NY was comfortable ahead when their Left Fielder went down with some type of muscle pull. The MICK grabbed a fielders glove and for all intents and purposes limped his way to left field. No one really paid attention until a foul ball was popped up near the bullpen. If you remember the pens in Municipal Stadium were just past the dugouts in foul territory. Again in this game the Yanks had a huge lead and it was the 8th inning. Mantle could have let it drop harmlessly but took off like the Mickey Mantle of yesteryear, dove parallel to the grass and made the grab. As he walked back to left field he was dragging his one leg. At that moment it hit the mammoth crowd what they just saw and one by one then tens of thousands stood and cheered The Mick! He bowed and tipped his cap. WOW!

* Also my Dad would purchase seats in different parts of the stadium to see various nuances of the game. I remember sitting home as he wanted me to watch Downing’s curve ball break!  It’s obvious years later that Al did NOT toss a wicked curve to Henry Aaron when he hit number 715!

* We also needed to sit along the first base line when Yogi Berra was a player coach!  Yup he coached first and at times was called to pitch hit. I saw Skipper Ral[h Houck call on Yogi to pinch hit late in a game and all he did was go get the lumber from the first base coaching box and sock a home run!

AGAIN the stories I gave you above denote greatness. Likewise I took my sons and daughters to see Derek Jeter’s last game in Cleveland and when He got up for the last time I stood and cheered “The Captain.” My youngest son asked “do you want him to hit a home run Dad” and I simply replied “heck no, I hope he strikes out” but I needed to applaud a great career!

Now get on out to the ballpark to see the Guardians and Yankees. I do NOT work for the team and I do NOT get a cut of ticket sales but I know what is good for us!  This week games are tonight (Monday 4/10) at 6:10p, with Bieber tossing, Tuesday at 6:10p as Gaddis will outpitch Cole and even Mrs. Munch is going Wednesday afternoon at 1:10p. with Civale toeing the rubber!

Have a powerful week and as always enjoy every sandwich. For now adios amigo, long may you run!

And a note to the Guardians…win 2 out of 3.