The Yankees had been looking for a new and permanent venue since at least 1909.
Louis Cardinals in (the new) Busch Stadium had been the Pittsburgh Pirates, who won the 1909 World Series in Forbes Field's inaugural season; and the Boston Red Sox, who won the 1912 World Series in Fenway Park's first year.
Louis Cardinals in (the new) Busch Stadium had been the Pittsburgh Pirates, who won the 1909 World Series in Forbes Field's inaugural season; and the Boston Red Sox, who won the 1912 World Series in Fenway Park's first year.
The original Yankee Stadium was demolished in 2010, two years after it closed, and the site was converted into a public park called Heritage Field. ==History== ===Planning and construction=== The Yankees had played at the Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan since 1913, sharing the venue with the New York Giants.
McGraw, always ready with a pointed quote for the sportswriters, derisively suggested that the Yankees relocate "to Queens or some other out-of-the-way place". Tillinghast L'Hommedieu Huston and Jacob Ruppert, the Yankees' owners since January 1915, finally decided to put the club's dream into reality and build their own stadium.
Regardless of what the figure was, it was undoubtedly more than the 42,000 fans who attended game five of the 1916 World Series at Braves Field, baseball's previous attendance record.
The doubt over the Yankees' lasting power was amplified by baseball's sagging popularity after the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, in which eight Chicago White Sox players were expelled for conspiring with gamblers to fix that year's World Series.
The Yankees would remain tenants at the Polo Grounds for ten years, the same length of time they had spent at Hilltop Park. For the 1920 season, the Yankees acquired star slugger Babe Ruth and in his first year with his new team, the Yankees drew 1.3 million fans to the Polo Grounds, outdrawing the Giants.
By the middle of 1920, the Giants had issued an eviction notice to the Yankees, which was soon rescinded.
However, during the 1920s and 1930s, the Yankees' popularity was such that crowds in excess of 80,000 were not uncommon.
In the 1928 game, with the score 0–0 at halftime, legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne gave his "win one for the Gipper" speech (with reference to All-American halfback George Gipp, who died in 1920); Notre Dame went on to defeat Army, 12–6.
In 1921, the Yankees won their first American League pennant (but lost the then-best-of-nine 1921 World Series to the Giants in eight games, all played at the Polo Grounds).
It has often been referred to as "The Cathedral of Baseball". The stadium was built from 1922 to 1923 for $2.4 million ($345 million in 2019 dollars).
Construction began May 5, 1922 and Yankee Stadium opened to the public less than a year later.
It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees, one of the city's Major League Baseball franchises, from 1923 to 1973 and then from 1976 to 2008.
It has often been referred to as "The Cathedral of Baseball". The stadium was built from 1922 to 1923 for $2.4 million ($345 million in 2019 dollars).
Located only a half-mile (0.8 km) north of the upper Manhattan location of the Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium opened for the 1923 season and was hailed at the time as a one-of-a-kind facility in the country.
The stadium's walls were built of "an extremely hard and durable concrete that was developed by Thomas Edison", with total of of concrete used in the original structure. ===1923–1973=== Yankee Stadium officially opened on Wednesday, April 18, 1923, with the Yankees' first home game, against the Boston Red Sox.
The many photographs taken throughout the stadium's history serve as references, especially as the Yankees were among the first to post distance markers on the outfield walls, doing so beginning in 1928. In its 1923 incarnation, the right and left field foul lines hit the box seat railings at a distance of only about 257 feet from home plate.
In total, the venue hosted 100 World Series games. 16 of the 17 World Series won in the Bronx were clinched at the 1923 Yankee Stadium, nine by the Yankees and seven by their opponents: Yankees, in , , , , , , , and St.
Babe Ruth hit the ballpark's first home run on its Opening Day in 1923.
It was first wondered by Babe Ruth after he hit the first home run in Yankee Stadium on its opening day of April 18, 1923: That player turned out to be Yankee's backup catcher José Molina, as he hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning. Other lasts were Jason Giambi recording the last hit in Yankee Stadium, driving in Brett Gardner, who scored the last run in Yankee Stadium.
In the game, Darling singled, doubled and homered as the CCBL leftfielder, then came on in the final inning to pitch in relief, preserving the CCBL's one-run victory. ===Boxing=== When Yankee Stadium opened in 1923, the Polo Grounds continued to host boxing matches; however, Yankee Stadium was home to prizefighting beginning in its first few months.
Benny Leonard retained the lightweight championship in a 15-round decision over Lew Tendler on July 24, 1923, in front of more than 58,000 fans.
Norton led for most of the fight, but Ali improved in the later rounds to win by unanimous decision. ===College football=== The first college football game played in Yankee Stadium was a 3-0 Syracuse victory over Pittsburgh on October 20, 1923.
New York University played more games there than any other school, 96, using it as a secondary home field from 1923 to 1948, with a record of 52–40–4.
This problem, dubbed the "bloody angle" by the players, was solved prior to the 1924 season by moving the infield some ten feet toward center and rotating it slightly.
When an ill Ruth could not lead the Yankees to the World Series in 1925, college football took center stage at Yankee Stadium that fall.
The concrete lower deck extended well into left field, with the obvious intention of extending the upper deck over it, which was accomplished during the 1926–27 off-season.
Grambling lost to Central State University of Ohio, 37–21. The Classic has been held at Giants Stadium and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey's Meadowlands Sports Complex ever since, though the Yankees remain a supporter of the event. ====Games==== ===Professional football=== In 1926, after negotiations failed with the fledgling NFL and the Chicago Bears, Red Grange and his agent C.C.
Cox, a 1927 graduate of Rice University, donated the ballpark to his alma mater on July 19, 1962. In the 1966–67 offseason, during the period in which Rice owned the stadium, the concrete exterior was painted white, and the interior was painted blue.
Ruth also set the then-league record for most home runs in a single season by hitting his 60th home run in 1927.
In July 1927, the aging former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey came from behind to defeat heavily favored Jack Sharkey by delivering several questionable punches that were deemed illegal.
The many photographs taken throughout the stadium's history serve as references, especially as the Yankees were among the first to post distance markers on the outfield walls, doing so beginning in 1928. In its 1923 incarnation, the right and left field foul lines hit the box seat railings at a distance of only about 257 feet from home plate.
That resulted in a new left field distance of , and a new right field of (eventually posted as 295). By 1928 some of the box seats had been chiseled away in the left field corner, allowing a somewhat longer foul line distance of .
In 1928 the deep left-center field corner was marked as , with the deep right-center field corner 429.
In July 1928, Gene Tunney upheld the heavyweight title against Tom Heeney at Yankee Stadium, and then retired as champion. Perhaps the most famous boxing match ever held at Yankee Stadium was on June 22, 1938, when Joe Louis, an African-American, squared off against Schmeling, a German.
In the 1928 game, with the score 0–0 at halftime, legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne gave his "win one for the Gipper" speech (with reference to All-American halfback George Gipp, who died in 1920); Notre Dame went on to defeat Army, 12–6.
Army played 38, compiling a 17–17–4 record (including the best-attended game, on December 1, 1928 when Army lost to Stanford 26–0 before 86,000 fans).
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
The 1929 game between the two teams had the highest attendance in the series at 79,408.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
However, during the 1920s and 1930s, the Yankees' popularity was such that crowds in excess of 80,000 were not uncommon.
The right field area would remain the only hitter-friendly portion of the outfield before its 1970s remodeling. When the wooden bleachers were replaced by a concrete structure in the 1930s, its left corner (now aligned with the main stand) was marked as .
Sharkey had similarly bad luck in a July 1930 heavyweight championship bout at Yankee Stadium, when his knockout punch to Max Schmeling was ruled illegal; Schmeling won by default.
The Miami-Nebraska game remains the only college bowl ever played at the stadium. In 1969, Notre Dame and Army reprised their long series at the Stadium (1925–1946 except 1930) with one final game, which the Fighting Irish won, 45-0.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
F.C.] defeated New York Yankees in the first major soccer game to be played at the Stadium on June 28, 1931.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
This was the second All-Star Game held in New York; the Polo Grounds had hosted the event in 1934. From 1959 to 1962, Major League Baseball held two All-Star Games each year.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
It was referred to as "the Yankee Stadium" (with the "s" in "stadium" sometimes lowercase) until the 1950s. Yankee Stadium underwent more extensive renovations from 1936 through 1938.
Schmeling had defeated Louis in 1936, but in defense of his title, Louis knocked out Schmeling in the first round.
After the 1928 game, NYU beat Carnegie Tech (now Carnegie Mellon University) in 1931 and 1932, defeated Fordham in 1936, lost to Carnegie Tech in 1929 and lost to Fordham in 1934 and 1935.
A second New York Yankees football team, not related to the first, split its home games between Yankee Stadium and Downing Stadium as it competed in the second AFL in 1936 and 1937.
A second New York Yankees football team, not related to the first, split its home games between Yankee Stadium and Downing Stadium as it competed in the second AFL in 1936 and 1937.
It was referred to as "the Yankee Stadium" (with the "s" in "stadium" sometimes lowercase) until the 1950s. Yankee Stadium underwent more extensive renovations from 1936 through 1938.
By 1938, the Stadium had assumed the "classic" shape that it would retain for the next 35 years.
In July 1928, Gene Tunney upheld the heavyweight title against Tom Heeney at Yankee Stadium, and then retired as champion. Perhaps the most famous boxing match ever held at Yankee Stadium was on June 22, 1938, when Joe Louis, an African-American, squared off against Schmeling, a German.
The following night in Game 5, the Yankees replicated their heroics from the previous night; Scott Brosius hit a game-tying home run off Kim with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning en route to a win. ====All-Star Games==== On July 11, 1939, Major League Baseball held its seventh All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium, in concert with the World's Fair being held at Flushing-Meadows in Queens.
This was one of eight championship fights the "Brown Bomber" fought at Yankee Stadium. On July 1, 1939, Max Baer defeated Lou Nova at Yankee Stadium, in the first televised boxing match in the United States.
A third AFL New York Yankees took the field in 1940 and became the New York Americans in 1941. The New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1946 to 1949.
A third AFL New York Yankees took the field in 1940 and became the New York Americans in 1941. The New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1946 to 1949.
In April 1945, Yankees president Larry MacPhail announced that after the War, the Yankees would install an additional tier of bleachers to increase stadium capacity to 100,000.
(The World Series was not televised until 1947.) On September 27, 1946, Tony Zale knocked out New York native Rocky Graziano for the middleweight crown; it was the first of three bouts between Zale and Graziano. On June 25, 1952, middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson sought his third title against light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim at Yankee Stadium.
A third AFL New York Yankees took the field in 1940 and became the New York Americans in 1941. The New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1946 to 1949.
A 457 sign was eventually added to left-center's "Death Valley", between the 402/415 pair and the 461. The 415 sign in deep left field appears in clips of Al Gionfriddo's catch of Joe DiMaggio's long drive in the 1947 World Series.
(The World Series was not televised until 1947.) On September 27, 1946, Tony Zale knocked out New York native Rocky Graziano for the middleweight crown; it was the first of three bouts between Zale and Graziano. On June 25, 1952, middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson sought his third title against light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim at Yankee Stadium.
The fiercely competitive Notre Dame–Army game moved to Yankee Stadium, where it remained until 1947.
The 1947 AAFC championship game was held at Yankee Stadium.
New York University played more games there than any other school, 96, using it as a secondary home field from 1923 to 1948, with a record of 52–40–4.
That sign, and its 367 counterpart in right field, were both covered by auxiliary scoreboards during the 1949 season.
A third AFL New York Yankees took the field in 1940 and became the New York Americans in 1941. The New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1946 to 1949.
Following the 1949 season, the NFL New York Bulldogs acquired many of the players from the 1949 Yankees.
It was referred to as "the Yankee Stadium" (with the "s" in "stadium" sometimes lowercase) until the 1950s. Yankee Stadium underwent more extensive renovations from 1936 through 1938.
Using the name the New York Yanks they played two seasons at Yankee Stadium, 1950 and 1951. The New York Giants of the NFL played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1956 to 1973.
national team 6–3, in a rematch of the Miracle on Grass match at the 1950 World Cup. Major international clubs returned to the Stadium in 1966, with Pele's Santos of Brazil beating Inter Milan 4–1 on June 5.
Pink Floyd also performed two sold-out shows at this venue on their final North American tour in 1994 in support of their album The Division Bell. ===Other events=== Beginning in 1950, the stadium began holding religious conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Using the name the New York Yanks they played two seasons at Yankee Stadium, 1950 and 1951. The New York Giants of the NFL played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1956 to 1973.
(The World Series was not televised until 1947.) On September 27, 1946, Tony Zale knocked out New York native Rocky Graziano for the middleweight crown; it was the first of three bouts between Zale and Graziano. On June 25, 1952, middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson sought his third title against light-heavyweight champ Joey Maxim at Yankee Stadium.
European club exhibitions first came in 1952, when on June 14, Liverpool drew 1–1 with Grasshopper Club Zürich.
After he purchased the Philadelphia Athletics and transferred the franchise to Kansas City on November 8, 1954, Johnson sold Yankee Stadium to John W.
However, the plans fell through and the expansion did not take place. Many sources incorrectly state that prior to the 1955 season, Yankee Stadium's Ballantine Beer scoreboard was sold to the Phillies for use in Shibe Park.
Cox on March 22, 1955.
It was also the home of the New York Giants National Football League (NFL) team from 1956 through September 1973.
Don Larsen threw a perfect game on October 8, 1956, in the fifth game of the World Series, while David Wells and David Cone threw theirs on May 17, 1998 and July 18, 1999, respectively.
Using the name the New York Yanks they played two seasons at Yankee Stadium, 1950 and 1951. The New York Giants of the NFL played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1956 to 1973.
The game was one of three NFL championships games that were played at Yankee Stadium; the 1956 and 1962 championship games were also played there.
Many people also felt three baseball teams could not prosper in New York City, but Huston and Ruppert were confident the Yankees could thrive amongst the more established New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League (their gamble eventually paid off: Both National League teams relocated to California following the 1957 season).
There was also a makeshift camp nearby where the program was broadcast for hundreds others to listen to. On July 20, 1957, evangelist Billy Graham attracted a crowd of 100,000 to a televised "crusade" at Yankee Stadium.
While many of these moments were baseball-related—including World Series games, no-hitters, perfect games, and historic [run]s—the stadium also hosted boxing matches, the 1958 NFL Championship Game (referred to as The Greatest Game Ever Played), college football, concerts, Jehovah's Witnesses conventions (see record attendance), and three Papal Masses.
On December 28, 1958, Yankee Stadium hosted the 1958 NFL championship game, frequently called "The Greatest Game Ever Played".
The 1958 New York International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses attracted 253,922 people from all over the world, although many were at the nearby Polo Grounds, the Yankee Stadium total of 123,707 in a single day remains the biggest attendance ever for any event at Yankee Stadium and is commemorated by a historical marker in the sidewalk nearby.
This was the second All-Star Game held in New York; the Polo Grounds had hosted the event in 1934. From 1959 to 1962, Major League Baseball held two All-Star Games each year.
The referee who declared Maxim the winner was the second that night; the first had left the fight due to heat exhaustion. On June 26, 1959, 5-1 Swedish underdog Ingemar Johansson defeated Floyd Patterson at the stadium by stoppage in the third round to become world heavyweight champion. After its 1970s renovation, Yankee Stadium hosted only one championship fight.
The condition of the facility worsened in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting its closure for renovation from October 1973 through 1975.
On July 13, 1960, Yankee Stadium hosted baseball's second All-Star Game in three days.
This was a rematch following the teams' controversial 1961 game won by Notre Dame, 17–15. The Gotham Bowl was scheduled to premiere at Yankee Stadium in 1960, but was canceled when no opponent could be found for Oregon State University.
In addition to the NFL championship games, one of the most notable plays in NFL history occurred at Yankee Stadium on November 20, 1960.
The hit left Gifford with a concussion and forced his temporary retirement from football for the remainder of the 1960 season and all of the 1961 season. The Giants played their first two home games at Yankee Stadium in 1973, concluding their tenancy on September 23 with a 23–23 tie against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Roger Maris would later break this record in 1961 at Yankee Stadium on the final day of the season by hitting his 61st home run.
This was a rematch following the teams' controversial 1961 game won by Notre Dame, 17–15. The Gotham Bowl was scheduled to premiere at Yankee Stadium in 1960, but was canceled when no opponent could be found for Oregon State University.
The 1961 game was moved to the Polo Grounds, and when just 6,166 people came to Yankee Stadium for the 1962 game, in which the University of Nebraska defeated the University of Miami, 36–34, the Gotham Bowl was never played again.
The hit left Gifford with a concussion and forced his temporary retirement from football for the remainder of the 1960 season and all of the 1961 season. The Giants played their first two home games at Yankee Stadium in 1973, concluding their tenancy on September 23 with a 23–23 tie against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cox, a 1927 graduate of Rice University, donated the ballpark to his alma mater on July 19, 1962. In the 1966–67 offseason, during the period in which Rice owned the stadium, the concrete exterior was painted white, and the interior was painted blue.
This was the second All-Star Game held in New York; the Polo Grounds had hosted the event in 1934. From 1959 to 1962, Major League Baseball held two All-Star Games each year.
The 1961 game was moved to the Polo Grounds, and when just 6,166 people came to Yankee Stadium for the 1962 game, in which the University of Nebraska defeated the University of Miami, 36–34, the Gotham Bowl was never played again.
The game was one of three NFL championships games that were played at Yankee Stadium; the 1956 and 1962 championship games were also played there.
In the eighth game, in 1963, Syracuse beat Notre Dame, 14–7.
Cox, a 1927 graduate of Rice University, donated the ballpark to his alma mater on July 19, 1962. In the 1966–67 offseason, during the period in which Rice owned the stadium, the concrete exterior was painted white, and the interior was painted blue.
national team 6–3, in a rematch of the Miracle on Grass match at the 1950 World Cup. Major international clubs returned to the Stadium in 1966, with Pele's Santos of Brazil beating Inter Milan 4–1 on June 5.
Sheppard died in July 2010. ===Hammond Organ=== The Hammond Organ was installed at Yankee Stadium in 1967 and was primarily played by Eddie Layton from its introduction until his retirement after the 2003 season.
In 1967, Mickey Mantle slugged his 500th career home run.
The game was the longest in All-Star Game history by time, lasting 4 hours and 50 minutes and tied for the longest in history by innings, tied with the 1967 All-Star Game and was played in front of 55,632 people.
Upon the 1968 merger of the United Soccer Association and the National Professional Soccer League, a new league was created known as the North American Soccer League, where the Generals remained as the New York team.
In 1968, in addition to league competition, the Generals took on Santos, winning 5–3 and Real Madrid, losing 4–1.
The latter three games that year were all part of a three-day "United States Cup of Champions". On September 15, 1968, the U.S.
The Miami-Nebraska game remains the only college bowl ever played at the stadium. In 1969, Notre Dame and Army reprised their long series at the Stadium (1925–1946 except 1930) with one final game, which the Fighting Irish won, 45-0.
The new Yankee Stadium would end up hosting two outdoor NHL games in 2014. ===Concerts=== The first concert ever held there was an ensemble R&B show on June 21, 1969, put together by the Isley Brothers; the first rock concert held at the stadium was on June 22, 1990, by Billy Joel.
The condition of the facility worsened in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting its closure for renovation from October 1973 through 1975.
The metal frieze circling the upper deck was painted white. ===1974–75 renovations and beyond=== In 1970, newly reelected Mayor John Lindsay approached team president Michael Burke of CBS, which owned the Yankees, with an offer to spend $25 million on improvements to Yankee Stadium.
It was painted white in the mid-1960s. When the stadium was renovated in the 1970s, 10 rows were added to the top of upper deck, and the support columns were removed.
The right field area would remain the only hitter-friendly portion of the outfield before its 1970s remodeling. When the wooden bleachers were replaced by a concrete structure in the 1930s, its left corner (now aligned with the main stand) was marked as .
In the unplanned speech, Jeter thanked and saluted the fans: Afterwards, the team circled the stadium on the warning track waving to fans and wishing the stadium goodbye. Line score ====Collegiate baseball==== From 1970 to 1987, the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) played its annual all-star game at various major league stadiums.
The 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1980 games were played at Yankee Stadium.
The referee who declared Maxim the winner was the second that night; the first had left the fight due to heat exhaustion. On June 26, 1959, 5-1 Swedish underdog Ingemar Johansson defeated Floyd Patterson at the stadium by stoppage in the third round to become world heavyweight champion. After its 1970s renovation, Yankee Stadium hosted only one championship fight.
In August 1971, the New York Giants football team announced that it would leave Yankee Stadium for a new football-only stadium in the Meadowlands Sports Complex under development in New Jersey.
In 1971, the city of New York forced (via eminent domain) Rice to sell the stadium for a mere $2.5 million (equivalent to $ today).
It was the final game at the stadium for either team. Starting in 1971, the Stadium hosted the Whitney M.
draw 3-3. In 1971 and 1976, the New York Cosmos of the NASL played their home games at Yankee Stadium.
During the 1971 season, they also hosted Hearts from Scotland, and Apollon Kalamarias of Greece.
It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees, one of the city's Major League Baseball franchises, from 1923 to 1973 and then from 1976 to 2008.
It was also the home of the New York Giants National Football League (NFL) team from 1956 through September 1973.
The condition of the facility worsened in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting its closure for renovation from October 1973 through 1975.
In January 1973, CBS sold the Yankees to a group led by George Steinbrenner for $10 million.
Yankee Stadium closed for renovation on September 30, 1973.
The 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1980 games were played at Yankee Stadium.
The star of the 1973 contest was game MVP and future major league manager Jim Riggleman.
To that point, Norton was one of only two boxers who had beaten Ali (in 1973); this was their third and final, meeting.
Using the name the New York Yanks they played two seasons at Yankee Stadium, 1950 and 1951. The New York Giants of the NFL played their home games at Yankee Stadium from 1956 to 1973.
The hit left Gifford with a concussion and forced his temporary retirement from football for the remainder of the 1960 season and all of the 1961 season. The Giants played their first two home games at Yankee Stadium in 1973, concluding their tenancy on September 23 with a 23–23 tie against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Yankees played their home games in 1974 and 1975 at Shea Stadium (The NFL Giants played their last Yankee Stadium game on September 23 (a tie), then went to the Yale Bowl through 1974, Shea in 1975, and the new Giants Stadium in 1976).
Although the right field fences were eventually pushed back after the 1974–1975 renovations, they were still relatively close to home plate and retained the "short porch" moniker.
After the 1974–1975 renovations of Yankee Stadium, the outfield fence was moved in, enclosing the monuments and plaques on the old fence and creating "Monument Park".
The Stadium hosted 37 of the 83 possible World Series during its existence (not counting 1974–75, and the 1994 strike), with the Yankees winning 26 of them.
The condition of the facility worsened in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting its closure for renovation from October 1973 through 1975.
The Yankees played their home games in 1974 and 1975 at Shea Stadium (The NFL Giants played their last Yankee Stadium game on September 23 (a tie), then went to the Yale Bowl through 1974, Shea in 1975, and the new Giants Stadium in 1976).
It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees, one of the city's Major League Baseball franchises, from 1923 to 1973 and then from 1976 to 2008.
The Yankees played their home games in 1974 and 1975 at Shea Stadium (The NFL Giants played their last Yankee Stadium game on September 23 (a tie), then went to the Yale Bowl through 1974, Shea in 1975, and the new Giants Stadium in 1976).
When the renovated stadium opened in 1976 on April 15, the cost had ballooned to $160 million ($723 million in 2019 dollars); originally borne by New York City, it is now being paid off by New York State. The outside shell of the stadium remained the same, with its original concrete walls painted over.
Those boards displayed the current game inning-by-inning along with runs-hits-errors. When the stadium reopened in 1976, the distance in straight-away center field was .
Chris Chambliss won the 1976 ALCS by hitting a "walk-off" home run in which thousands of fans ran onto the field as Chambliss circled the bases.
With the Yankees defending their 1976 pennant, Billy Martin managed the American League team on his home field.
The 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1980 games were played at Yankee Stadium.
On September 28, 1976, a declining Muhammad Ali defended his heavyweight crown against Ken Norton.
In October, they moved to the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut, for the rest of the season. In 1976, after the renovations, the New York Jets hosted 3 preseason games (Giants, Raiders, and Redskins) at Yankee Stadium.
draw 3-3. In 1971 and 1976, the New York Cosmos of the NASL played their home games at Yankee Stadium.
In 1976 the team's star attraction was Pelé.
Finally, on August 10, 1976, the last soccer game was played at Yankee Stadium, with the Cosmos thrashing the Miami Toros 8–2.
A year later, in the 1977 World Series, Reggie Jackson hit three home runs on three consecutive pitches in the championship-clinching Game 6.
The 38,000 fans who attended the game also saw the Red Sox' Ted Williams in his final All-Star appearance. Showcasing its new renovation, Yankee Stadium hosted the All-Star Game on July 19, 1977.
The Cosmos moved to Giants Stadium for the 1977 season. ==== International soccer matches ==== ===Hockey=== National Hockey League (NHL) executives inquired about the possibility of using Yankee Stadium for an outdoor ice hockey match featuring the New York Rangers in the 2008–09 season after the successful reception of both the 2003 Heritage Classic and the 2008 NHL Winter Classic outdoor games.
No-hitters were thrown by Monte Pearson, Bob Feller, Allie Reynolds, Virgil Trucks, Dave Righetti, Jim Abbott, Dwight Gooden and a combination of six Houston Astros pitchers in one game. The Stadium was the site of a nationally televised game on August 6, 1979, the same day as the funeral for departed Yankees captain Thurman Munson.
A New York Times article of the following day described the turnout as "the largest crowd in stadium history" to that time. Cardinal Francis Spellman (1957), Pope Paul VI (1965), Pope John Paul II (1969 as a cardinal, 1979 as pope) and Pope Benedict XVI (2008) all celebrated Mass at the ballpark, along with numerous clergy.
In 2005, a new Hammond Elegante was installed replacing the original Hammond Colonnade. ===Music=== One of the most famous traditions for Yankee Stadium was playing Frank Sinatra's version of the "Theme from New York, New York" over the loudspeakers after every home win, since 1980.
The 1970, 1973, 1976 and 1980 games were played at Yankee Stadium.
The 1980 game starred future New York Mets all-star pitcher Ron Darling of Yale University.
These conventions would continue on until the late 1980s.
In 1983, the Pine Tar Incident involving George Brett occurred; Brett's go-ahead home run in the ninth inning of the game was overturned for his bat having too much pine tar, resulting in him furiously charging out of the dugout.
In 1985, the left field fence was moved in and the stadium assumed its final dimensions in 1988.
In the unplanned speech, Jeter thanked and saluted the fans: Afterwards, the team circled the stadium on the warning track waving to fans and wishing the stadium goodbye. Line score ====Collegiate baseball==== From 1970 to 1987, the Cape Cod Baseball League (CCBL) played its annual all-star game at various major league stadiums.
Yankee Stadium hosted its final Classic during the 1987 season, also the last time a football game was played there.
In 1985, the left field fence was moved in and the stadium assumed its final dimensions in 1988.
A long pedestrian walkway and its staircase meet at the "bat". ===Roll call=== Beginning in the 1990s and after the first pitch was thrown at the top of the first inning, the "Bleacher Creatures" in Section 39, usually led by a man nicknamed Bald Vinny, began chanting the names of every player in the defensive lineup (except the pitcher and catcher, with some rare exceptions), starting with the center fielder.
The new Yankee Stadium would end up hosting two outdoor NHL games in 2014. ===Concerts=== The first concert ever held there was an ensemble R&B show on June 21, 1969, put together by the Isley Brothers; the first rock concert held at the stadium was on June 22, 1990, by Billy Joel.
On June 21, 1990, a rally was held at Yankee Stadium for Nelson Mandela upon his release from prison.
It was also the site of two dates of U2's Zoo TV Tour in 1992.
The Stadium hosted 37 of the 83 possible World Series during its existence (not counting 1974–75, and the 1994 strike), with the Yankees winning 26 of them.
Pink Floyd also performed two sold-out shows at this venue on their final North American tour in 1994 in support of their album The Division Bell. ===Other events=== Beginning in 1950, the stadium began holding religious conventions of Jehovah's Witnesses.
In Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, Derek Jeter hit a fly ball to right-field that was interfered with by fan Jeffrey Maier but ruled a home run.
Consideration was also given to building atop railroad tracks on the West Side of Manhattan (an idea revived in 1998) and to Long Island City, in Queens.
Don Larsen threw a perfect game on October 8, 1956, in the fifth game of the World Series, while David Wells and David Cone threw theirs on May 17, 1998 and July 18, 1999, respectively.
Don Larsen threw a perfect game on October 8, 1956, in the fifth game of the World Series, while David Wells and David Cone threw theirs on May 17, 1998 and July 18, 1999, respectively.
Sinatra's version was not played after Yankee losses, but rather a different version of the song was played. After the September 11 attacks, all American Major League Baseball stadiums started playing "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch for the remainder of the 2001 season.
José Molina hit the ballpark's last home run in its final game on September 21, 2008. In 2001, six weeks after the September 11 attacks, Yankee Stadium hosted an emotional three games in the World Series.
On September 23, 2001, Yankee Stadium hosted a memorial service for victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. On March 10, 2006, Yankee Stadium saw its only wedding at home plate.
Sheppard died in July 2010. ===Hammond Organ=== The Hammond Organ was installed at Yankee Stadium in 1967 and was primarily played by Eddie Layton from its introduction until his retirement after the 2003 season.
In Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, Aaron Boone hit an extra-inning "walk-off" home run to send the Yankees to the World Series.
The Cosmos moved to Giants Stadium for the 1977 season. ==== International soccer matches ==== ===Hockey=== National Hockey League (NHL) executives inquired about the possibility of using Yankee Stadium for an outdoor ice hockey match featuring the New York Rangers in the 2008–09 season after the successful reception of both the 2003 Heritage Classic and the 2008 NHL Winter Classic outdoor games.
Since the 2004 season, the national anthem has rarely been performed by the organists, opting for military recordings of the Star Spangled Banner.
In 2005, a new Hammond Elegante was installed replacing the original Hammond Colonnade. ===Music=== One of the most famous traditions for Yankee Stadium was playing Frank Sinatra's version of the "Theme from New York, New York" over the loudspeakers after every home win, since 1980.
For part of the 2005 season, the Yankees used a recording of Tynan, but the Smith version was reinstated due to fan complaints about the long duration of the Tynan version.
The renovation significantly altered the appearance of the venue and reduced the distance of the outfield fences. In 2006, the Yankees began building a new $2.3 billion stadium in public parkland adjacent to the stadium, which included $1.2 billion in public subsidies.
The only other team to do so prior to the 2006 St.
On September 23, 2001, Yankee Stadium hosted a memorial service for victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks in New York City. On March 10, 2006, Yankee Stadium saw its only wedding at home plate.
This all but sealed the fate of Yankee Stadium and the Yankees played their final two seasons in the stadium in 2007 and 2008 while the new venue was being built. After the final game in the Stadium's history was played on September 21, 2008, public tours of Yankee Stadium continued until November 23, 2008.
Example: "Now batting for the Yankees, the shortstop, number 2, Derek Jeter, Number 2." For each following at-bat, Sheppard announced just the position and name: "The shortstop, Derek Jeter." Due to health reasons, 96-year-old Sheppard announced his last game on September 5, 2007.
On August 6, 2007, Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th home run against the Kansas City Royals at the Stadium.
It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees, one of the city's Major League Baseball franchises, from 1923 to 1973 and then from 1976 to 2008.
Yankee Stadium closed following the 2008 season and the new stadium opened in 2009, adopting the "Yankee Stadium" moniker.
This all but sealed the fate of Yankee Stadium and the Yankees played their final two seasons in the stadium in 2007 and 2008 while the new venue was being built. After the final game in the Stadium's history was played on September 21, 2008, public tours of Yankee Stadium continued until November 23, 2008.
November 9, 2008 was the last day the public tours included Monument Park and the retired number area.
On November 12, 2008 construction workers began removing memorials from Monument Park for relocation to the new facility.
It does not cantilever out over the upper deck as much as the original did. The iconic facade is employed in graphics for the YES Network and was incorporated into the logo for the 2008 All-Star Game held at the Stadium.
He did sign a new two-year contract with the Yankees in March 2008 but lacked the strength necessary to do the job and missed the entire 2008 season, including the 2008 All-Star Game, which was played at Yankee Stadium.
He could not announce the final game at the old stadium in September 2008, but recorded a video address that was played during the pregame ceremonies and also recorded the lineups for the game.
In 2008, center fielder Melky Cabrera booted a routine grounder while attempting to wave to the fans. ==Stadium usage== ===Baseball=== In its 86 years of existence, Yankee Stadium hosted 6,581 regular season home games for the Yankees.
José Molina hit the ballpark's last home run in its final game on September 21, 2008. In 2001, six weeks after the September 11 attacks, Yankee Stadium hosted an emotional three games in the World Series.
Jim Palmer was the game's starting pitcher because Nolan Ryan refused to play when Martin asked him. In honor of its final year of existence, in July 2008, Yankee Stadium hosted 2008 All-Star Game festivities.
The following evening, the American League won the 2008 All-Star Game 4–3 in 15 innings.
Drew was named game MVP going 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. ====Final game, 2008==== Yankee Stadium hosted its final baseball game on September 21, 2008.
The Cosmos moved to Giants Stadium for the 1977 season. ==== International soccer matches ==== ===Hockey=== National Hockey League (NHL) executives inquired about the possibility of using Yankee Stadium for an outdoor ice hockey match featuring the New York Rangers in the 2008–09 season after the successful reception of both the 2003 Heritage Classic and the 2008 NHL Winter Classic outdoor games.
Yankee Stadium closed following the 2008 season and the new stadium opened in 2009, adopting the "Yankee Stadium" moniker.
The Yankees accomplished this feat yet again in the New Yankee Stadium in the 2009 World Series. The Stadium was the first facility in North America with three tiers, although the triple deck originally extended only to the left and right field corners.
Yankee officials said that while the team had contemplated a final ceremony (with any proceeds going to charity), talk of a concert was just media speculation. The front office staff vacated the premises on January 23, 2009.
Demolition began in March 2009 with the removal of the playing field.
On May 13, 2009, the process of removing seats began and was completed on June 8.
On September 3 and 4, the iconic white facade was dismantled. On November 4, 2009, construction workers began tearing down the outfield bleachers, marking the first major structural demolition of the old ballpark.
He officially announced his retirement after the 2009 season.
As the most prominent feature on the stadium's exterior, recognizable even to first-time visitors, the bat was often used as a designated meeting spot for fans to meet their ticket holding friends before entering the stadium. The "Bat" continues to stand outside the Metro North Station, built in 2009.
The original Yankee Stadium was demolished in 2010, two years after it closed, and the site was converted into a public park called Heritage Field. ==History== ===Planning and construction=== The Yankees had played at the Polo Grounds in upper Manhattan since 1913, sharing the venue with the New York Giants.
By January 2010, the loge level was gone and demolition began on the left field escalator bank adjacent to Gate 2.
In February 2010, demolition work began on the upper deck and the outfield wall; the final part of the outfield wall (the Continental Airlines ad, the out-of-town scoreboard and the remaining part of the advertising panel to its right) was taken down February 24, 2010.
Demolition of the original Yankee Stadium was completed on May 13, 2010. A park complex called Heritage Field was constructed on the old stadium site, accounting for 40% of the original parkland that is now occupied by the new Stadium.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Heritage Field took place on June 29, 2010.
Sheppard died in July 2010. ===Hammond Organ=== The Hammond Organ was installed at Yankee Stadium in 1967 and was primarily played by Eddie Layton from its introduction until his retirement after the 2003 season.
Heritage Field was officially opened in April 2012.
That December, after significant lobbying by Lindsay, the New York City Board of Estimate approved $24 million ($140 million in 2014 dollars) for the city to renovate Yankee Stadium.
The new Yankee Stadium would end up hosting two outdoor NHL games in 2014. ===Concerts=== The first concert ever held there was an ensemble R&B show on June 21, 1969, put together by the Isley Brothers; the first rock concert held at the stadium was on June 22, 1990, by Billy Joel.
It has often been referred to as "The Cathedral of Baseball". The stadium was built from 1922 to 1923 for $2.4 million ($345 million in 2019 dollars).
When the renovated stadium opened in 1976 on April 15, the cost had ballooned to $160 million ($723 million in 2019 dollars); originally borne by New York City, it is now being paid off by New York State. The outside shell of the stadium remained the same, with its original concrete walls painted over.
The tradition of playing Smith's version continued in the new stadium until April 2019, when accusations surfaced that some of her other songs contained racist lyrics.
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