The Non-Dramatical Way to Watch a Baseball Game

Gone is the most recent heyday of Yankees' Baseball. Only one remins from the infield power quad of Tino Martinez, Chuck Knoblauch, Derek Jeter and Scott Brosius. Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill no longer jam in the outfield with frequent guests such as the gone-but-not-forgotten Shane Spencer. Power pitchers such as El Duque and David Cone, Lord of the Perfect Game, have hung up their pinstripes. Most sadly, Joe Torre is no longer at the helm as Skip. The late 1990s Yankees were an amazing bunch and put on a great show night after night. We, the fans, came to rely on their consistency and took it for granted when the regular season gave way to the post-season and that the Yankees would face off against some sure-to-lose team at the World Series.

Today, the names and faces have changed. Captain Jeter is now joined by the controversial A-Rod, Jason Giambi and Johnny Damon. Some new stars have begun to emerge such as Hideki Matsui, Joba Chamberlain, Robinson Cano, and Bobby Abreu. Joe Girardi is back in pinstripes, but is no longer the star catcher - he's now their manager! Despite these many changes, the boys just can't seem to play like they used to.

I always have a place in my heart for the boys of summer, but haven't had much time to visit them uptown since Lilah came along. Until yesterday, that is. Yesterday's game against the Angels was one of the most riveting non-post season games played by the Yankees in the last decade. Nearly everything that could possibly happen in a baseball game, but rarely does, happened yesterday including but not limited to:

• Sacrifice bunts
• Ground rule doubles
• Solo homeruns
• Grand slam
• Double stolen bases, including stealing HOME
• Yankee Rookie Nady got 6 RBIs
• Major comebacks by both teams
• General Excitement!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, I fell in love with Yankees' Baseball all over again! These boys played like they meant it. We laughed, we cried, we cringed, we munched, we cheered, we booed, we had a fabulous afternoon! Perhaps a new heyday is dawning. Can the Girardi Era match the Torre Era? Time will tell. But one thing is for sure, I will be watching!

Special shout out to my dear friend Rich who visits annually to watch his favorite team play and always includes me in his plans. He is a true Louisville Slugger ;)