The Bronx Daily

Opening Day Notes

The last opening day was a historical event at Yankees Stadium. But do you know how many historic events took place? Here are some of them:

• Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and Mariano Rivera became the first trio in Yankees history to play for the team in 14 consecutive seasons surpassing Bill Dickie, Lefty Gomez, and Red Ruffing (1930-1942) and Whitey Ford, Elston Howard, and Mickey Mantle (1955-1967).
• Hideki Matsui broke his streak of 681 games with only one manager. He is second behind only Chipper Jones and Albert Puhols and holds the AL record.
• The Yankees broke the streak for most consecutive home wins surpassing the 1945-1954 Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Derek Jeter surpassed Phil Rizzuto's record with 12 opening day starts at shortstop for a Yankee.
• Bobby Abreu extended a 12 game hitting streak on opening day.

Let's go Yankees! Tonight the Yankees win!

The Yankees Win!

The spirit of Babe Ruth shined as just like his team did on April 18, 1923, when he hit a homerun to defeat the Boston Red Sox. April 1, 2008 the heros were Melky Cabrera and Chien-Ming Wang. Ruth would have been proud as Wang threw 7 innings giving up 6 hits and 2 runs and looked the part of staff ace.

Cabrera hit a homerun and made two great plays in the outfield. Cabrera did not look like a guy who belongs in the 9th spot in the batting order but on a modern day murderers row, he fits there perfectly.

The Yankees took the lead in the seventh and turned the ball over to the best one two punch in baseball. Joba Chamberlain safely navigated through the eighth and who better than Mariano Rivera to close the final home opener at the house that Ruth built.

For Ruth and the baseball gods, they can smile as tradition continues and the Yankees make a push for another World Championship. This team can go all the way, and what could be more of a fitting tribute than the final pitch at Yankees stadium being a clincher of the World Series!

Sheppard to Introduce Jeter

Bob Sheppard may not be at the ballpark tonight for the New York Yankees final opener but his voice will be. Derek Jeter, who has a recording of Sheppard introducing him, will use the recording as is introduction.

Jeter said, "It's unfortunate, because one of the first things I looked forward to when I was called up was coming to Yankee Stadium and hearing him say my name. I had Bob Sheppard record introducing me. I'll always come to the plate with Bob Sheppard."

It is a moving tribute and could not be more fitting at such a historic event as the final home opener at the house that Ruth built. Derek Jeter continues to show class and an absolute respect for the game and its history.

The voice of the Yankees will hopefully return to the team in June. He is recovering from a bronchial infection he has had since October. Jim Hall, Sheppards long time back up, will fill in until he returns. Sheppard is thought to be in his late 90's but since he never tells his birthday, no one knows for sure.

Rain Out!

The tears from Babe Ruth in heaven flowed on Yankees stadium as he lamented over the last opener at the house he built. Therefore the game was called and the Yankees will play the Blue Jays tomorrow.

If the anticipation wasn't bad enough, now we have to wait another day. Hang in there!

Opening Day!

Listening on the radio for play-by-play,
I hear, "Welcome to Opening Day".
Despite cold temperatures for today's game,
A sellout crowd has came.
I turn my attention to the bullpen.
The starting pitcher is number 10.
Managers present line-ups
Pitcher throws warm up.
Umpire yells, "Play Ball!"
Fielders heed the call.
Innings one, two and three,
No score too be.
Inning five,
Visitors come alive
Back-to-back singles down the line.
Sacrifice fly - position nine.
No one at fault,
But one run results.
Inning eight,
Still not too late.
The home team takes their swings.
A base hit and stolen base, leadoff would bring.
Will this one get a hit?
No, second base smothers it.
Fly ball and a play at the plate.
A perfect throw ends the eighth.
I review the pitcher's stats,
As the visitors come to bat.
Four straight balls and a walk,
Pitching coach comes out too talk.
A new pitcher trots to the mound.
Three feared sluggers shut down.
Bottom of the ninth,
Climax at its height.
An error on a bad hop.
Line drive over shortstop.
Fans express belief,
Even with the closer now in relief.
Double off the fence.
The crowd is in suspense.
Rounding third, anxiously awaiting the final word.
This is what I heard.
"Here comes the winning run",
Safe! and "That's a winner" 2-1.
Spectators approve with a deafening roar,
Seconds later, fireworks would soar.
Baseball and America's pastime is my reason,
I think I'll go to another game this season.

by Don Angel

Opening Day Line Up

Here it is, the final opening line up at the house that Ruth built. It may not be Murderers Row but it is none the less impressive.

1. Johnny Damon LF
2. Derek Jeter SS
3. Bobby Abreu RF
4. Alex Rodriguez 3B
5. Jason Giambi 1B
6. Robinson Cano 2B
7. Jorge Posada C
8. Hideki Matsui DH
9. Melky Cabrera CF

Chien-Ming Wang P

Let's go Yankees!