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Shea Stadium
Experience
Queens, NY -
8/23/1989 - 6/12/2005
by: Anthony Lorenzo
Shea
Stadium is more that just the home of my New York Mets. It was
where my love for the game of baseball began. I can remember like
it was yesterday. My father was on vacation and bought two
mezzanine reserve tickets for the August 23rd game
against the San Francisco Giants. That morning I woke my father up
and told him that I was ready to go. Needless to say I did not know
that the Shea Stadium gates did not open at 9 am. I spent my time
practicing my imaginary swing and windup. It was something that
happened almost sixteen years ago, but I can see it as if it
happened yesterday.
These memories are
timeless; they are what make the game of baseball unique. Sharing
that afternoon with my father was the first time I recall ever going
somewhere with him and not my mother. We talked about the team and
he encouraged me to stay in the game, even though the Mets fell
behind early. When he saw me becoming discouraged he would say,
“They just have to put together some hits and they’ll be right back
in it.” Baseball was the first bond my father and I shared. He
spent most of his time working, so we could not spend as much time
together as either of us would like. Baseball and everything
surrounding it, card collecting, little league, etc, allowed us to
spend time together. As my father continues his fight with lung
cancer baseball is something I can always go back to for a boost.
He and I have been spending more time together lately and baseball
has been a focal point, but now the roles are reversed. I have
become very knowledgeable about the game and have answered his
questions regarding which teams are playing which and where a
particular player might be playing or played. Baseball, especially
the Ballpark Tour, has saved me in many ways. It has given me
sanctuary as my family and I deal with his illness.
All of this leads
me to Shea Stadium again. For the first time in the 2005 season I
will visit Flushing to see the Mets play the Los Angeles Angels of
Anaheim. It will be the first time I ever watch the Angels play
(completing my goal of seeing all 30 Major League Franchises), but
more importantly it will be the first time I see new Mets ace Pedro
Martinez take the Shea Stadium mound. I write this prior to
attending the Sunday afternoon game because I fully expect a Mets
win. The additions of Pedro Martinez and Center Fielder Carlos
Beltran have changed the attitude of the New York Mets organization
to the point where fans expect them to win. It is a great feeling
to have at Shea again. I usually write a brief summary of the game,
but for Shea Stadium I will let my pictures and scorecard do the
talking.
I have been a part
of countless memorable Mets games, most of which resulted in a Mets
win. I don’t actually know my personal winning percentage, but I
would have to say it is above .500. I have gone to games with
friends, family, classmates, coworkers, and even Rachel. I have sat
everywhere from the Upper Reserve to Field Box, eaten hot dogs,
cracker jacks, and an assortment of other health foods (I highly
recommend the Mets Carvel Sundae). Carried sandwiches from home,
passed beer and money down the aisle, climbed hundreds of steps.
Shea Stadium is heaven. I do not care what other Ballparks I visit
have, Shea Stadium will always be #1 for me; it is more than a
Ballpark, Shea is the ultimate time machine. It takes me back to my
childhood, to that day I woke up my father and shared with him
something only a father and son can: their first ballgame.
Ballpark Tour Pictures
Ballpark Tour Page
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