The Yankees lost former player, manager, and general manager Ralph Houk on Wednesday at the age of 90.  He was a hero every sense of the word.  He earned a battlefield commission in WWII.  He returned home and was a leader even though he didn’t play much behind fellow catcher Yogi Berra.  Tommy Lasorda called him the best handler of men.  He was a fiery old school soldier in even sense of the word.

 

Posted by a mourning Tank.

Part 1 on Friday night focused on Mr. Steinbrenner.  Saturday afternoon was more focused on Mr. Sheppard.  The first words I heard on Saturday were Mr. Sheppard’s “Welcome to Yankee Stadium”. 

 

 

 

Saturday was also Old Timer’s Day with a special tribute to the 1950 Championship Team featuring Jerry Coleman. 

 

 

Yogi Berra was also honored but fell down at his nearby home.  He is okay and will hopefully be back at the Stadium soon.  Get better soon Yogi!

 

 

The Yankees also honored the widows of past greats including Mrs. Munson and Mrs. Sheppard.  Members of the 1950 Championship team are in the foreground. 

 

 

There were photos of the in between innings of the statue of Mr. Steinbrenner.  I went to Gate 2 and took this photo.

 

 

 

Posted by a grieving Tank reporting live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx. 

I rushed out of work on Friday to get to the Stadium on time for the George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard tributes.  The tributes were many and heartfelt.  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, especially mine, as it was like mourning the loss of an uncle and grandfather.  I’ll divide this tribute into two, one for Friday’s game which was the first game back since their passing and the second for Saturday’s Old Timer’s Day.  Since pictures tell a thousand words, I’ll let photos tell the story.

 

All flags throughout the Stadium flew at half staff.

 

 

The Yankees tried to lighten the moment with this Saturday Night Live moment clip.

 

 

The Captain Derek Jeter spoke on behalf of the team. 

 

 

Military service was a part of Mr. Steinbrenner’s life.  Soldiers based at West Point presented the colors.

 

 

The playing of “Taps” summed up the sadness of day. 

 

 

Flowers and “Taps” equal sadness.

 

 

Fans showed their appreciation to the Boss and Mr. Sheppard.

 

 

After the draining pre-game ceremony, the Yankees and Rays played.  CC didn’t have his best stuff but the Yankees rallied to win.  Swisher singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning.  He ran out to right field and the team followed him there to celebrate. 

 

  

 

Posted by an emotional Tank reporting live from Yankee Stadium in the Boogie Down Bronx. 

Yankees owner George “The Boss” Steinbrenner died this morning after a massive heart in Tampa, Florida.

Mr. Steinbrenner was the Yankees owner since 1973.  He bought the Yankees for about $10 million including debt and built it into a franchise worth over USD $1.5 billion dollars.  He arguably the greatest sports owner ever.  Unlike many owners, he believed you had to spend money to make money.  He didn't use the team like an ATM like other owners; he invested in his team. 

The Boss' Legacy: He rebuilt a fallen franchise into winning 7 World Series and 11 Pennants in 37 years.  He always put the fans first and changed sports as we know it.

Posted by a mourning Tank.

Baseball and the Yankees lost Mr. Bob Sheppard on Sunday.  He was 99 years old and the Voice of the Yankees from 1951 to 2007.  Reggie Jackson referred to him as the “Voice of God”.

 

I enjoyed listening to him at countless games over the years.  Derek Jeter still uses a recording of Mr. Sheppard’s when he comes to the plate.  I last saw a greeting from him at the last game at Yankee Stadium in 2008.   

 

Posted by a saddened Tank.

The world lost a true legend and gentleman, former UCLA Coach John Wooden the Wizard of Westwood.  Though he won 10 NCAA Championships with UCLA including seven in a row, Coach Wooden always emphasized character, faith, and life lessons.  He passed on Friday night of natural causes at 99 years of age.

 

Posted by a mourning Tank.

Former Mets pitcher Jose Lima died on Sunday at 37 of a heart attack.  He was a fun loving player whose enthusiasm was infectious.  Vin Scully paid a great tribute.

 

Posted by a saddened Tank.

MLB and the entire broadcasting world lost a friend on Tuesday.  Long time Tigers broadcaster Ernie Harwell lost a battle with cancer and died at 92.  Detroit Dale enjoyed telling me about Harwell broadcasting.  I got to hear Mr. Harwell do some guest appearances in different baseball broadcasting booths over the years.  He was a joy to listen to.  Mr. Harwell was the Dodgers broadcaster before Vin Scully took the job.  That should tell you he’s been around for a long time.  Mr. Harwell will be missed.  My condolences go out to Mr. Harwell, Detroit Dale, and all who loved Mr. Harwell.

 

Posted by a saddened Tank.

Fate can be cruel.  I happened to be in the Bronx on Thursday, March 25, 2010, as construction crews were taking down the final part of the Old Yankee Stadium Upper Deck.  It was a sad sight to see and I think pictures will tell the story better than I can.  It was a funeral that I didn’t want to go to but had to go to bid farewell to an old friend.

 

The final part of the upper field right deck is in view from the #4 train downtown side.

 

 

To minimize dust, construction crews sprayed down areas around the upper deck.

 

 

Ropes were attached from a crane to the pull the upper deck down.  You will then hear noise of the pull down and eventual fall of the upper deck.  The video is here.

 

The remains of the field are behind me in the background.

 

 

This is a gap hole in my sports heart.

 

 

Posted by a saddened Tank reporting live from the platform of the downtown 4 Train at Yankee Stadium.

21 year old Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili was killed Friday morning during a training run.

 

His tragic death cast a shadow over an otherwise incredible Opening Ceremony.  May his memory be eternal.

 

Posted by a saddened Tank.