Welcome to New York City! What a hell hole!

We pulled into Shea Stadium parking around 3:30, once again, expecting to have stuff to do around the park, like at the friendly confines. No no! Not a thing to do anywhere near, which lead us to finding some water at a gas station and a parking pylon to sit on until the gates open at 5:05.

That is, until we found out that the gates didn't open until 6pm that night. What happened to being able to see batting practice? The ushers roll up the doors at Shea at 6p and we get inline, which actually moved fairly quickly. My bag checked fine (I'm not really sure what they are looking for when they poke around your bag?) and we headed up to the gate. The clerk scans my ticket, and a giant red STOP appears on his scanner.

Usher: "Lets see what we got here, boys"
Andy, to self: "Fuck. I got scammed on craigslist."
Usher: "Hmmm."
Andy, to self: "Damnit."
Usher: "Looks like you have tickets to tomorrow nights game."
Andy, to usher: "Hmm?"
Usher: "Yep. July 9th."
Andy, to general public: "Umm. We're supposed to be in Yankee stadium"

That's right. We were at Shea, in Flushing, at 6p and we needed to be in the Bronx. Holy crap!

We ran to my car, switched our tickets, grabbed the yankees tickets and dashed towards the subway. The 7 to grand central and the 4 to the Bronx.

7:07. We're dashing off the subway to get to the game by opening pitch. Sadly, we end up missing the first half inning while trying to run COMPLETELY around the stadium to our section, which, was an awful awful place to sit.

Andy Pettite and the Yankees ended up winning 5-0 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

I understand that 9/11 was an American tragedy and that we need to remember those who died and those who have given their lives for our country. However, the one thing that gets on my nerves at ANY ball game is the singing of God Bless America in the 7th inning. Well, two things get on my nerves. God Bless America and... the WAVE. Holy hell, I hate the wave. Neither of these things happened at Fenway, and both happened in the Bronx. IN ADDITION to those two things, people started leaving in the bottom of the 7th inning! Seriously, NYC, you've been a disappointment.

NYC? Change my mind today, I dare you. Shea tonight, still very excited to see the Mets take on the Giants in what's known as one of the worst parks in the MLB.


Benson sings to NYC from Andrew Clark on Vimeo.


Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Yankee Stadium from Andrew Clark on Vimeo.