There is a pedestrian bridge that leads to the Steinbrenner field from the parking area. Previously we parked in a private lot that cost $20 and was not any closer to Steinbrenner.
There are multiple team stores at the stadium and one is located near the bridge. Lots of folks were buying Yankees apparel and others were lined up to take photos at the large Yankee emblem here.
John likes to arrive early, so we got there while the Pittsburgh Pirates were warming up on the field.
As we walked to our seats, we paused to read more of the murals painted on the ingress tunnels.
The Pirates continued their warm up with batting practice. And the Yankees were doing pre-stretch exercises in a field next to the stadium.
Here's my sweetie enjoying the pleasure of an afternoon MLB game! And, our buddy, Vinny (88 years-old) who has been working on game days for the Yankees for over 30 years. Everyone seems to know him (well, at least the regulars). I think his love of baseball is keeping him young!
Below are Yankees' pitcher, Masahiro Tanaka, and Pirates' pitcher, Jamison Taillon. The next two photos are Yankees' hot new prospect, Clint Frazier, and Pirates' first baseman, John Jaso. Both are noted for their long hair, but Clint has since gotten his cut per Yankee policy.
Bases are loaded, so there was a huddle on the pitcher's mound (and a new pitcher brought in).
During the game we began talking with a couple sitting behind us. They were on vacation in Clearwater, FL, for two weeks with their two sons. They currently live in Paoli, PA, near where we used to live before we began our RV life. Originally from NYC, they were, of course, Yankee fans. What a lovely family...we had fun chatting with them during the game. Honestly, this is one of the most interesting aspects of our lifestyle, we get to meet such nice and interesting families everywhere!
During the 5th inning, I wanted to get a drink but John wanted me to wait so he could come with me. The real reason why, was that he ordered this posting on the scoreboard for my birthday!
Isn't he a total sweetheart? That was such a unique gift! And everyone around us were yelling happy birthday to me. My birthday was actually the day before, March 4, but who's counting. Getting old is turning out to be a lot of fun!
John also took a picture of me with the Yankees Spring Training mascot, Blue (but the NY Yankees are one of the three MLB teams that does not have a mascot).
During the 7th inning stretch, the infield crew dropped their rakes for a little dancing to the song, YMCA, that was being played. Most people in the stands joined in!
The Yankees ended up winning the game 3 to 2. Currently the Yankees and Pirates are ranked 1 and 2 in the Grapefruit League. It was a very enjoyable afternoon here in sunny Tampa, FL. We will be attending one more game (Yankees v Phillies) on March 24.
For additional information about the MLB teams in the Grapefruit League, check out this site: www.floridagrapefruitleague.com/.
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