Known as “The House that Ruth Built,” Yankee Stadium is perhaps the most well-known sports venue in America. Several pastor friends and I were invited as guests of Yankee Manager Joe Girardi, who is a committed Follower of Christ. My lifelong friend O.S. Hawkins, Evangelist Jay Strack, Pastor Ken Whitten of the Tampa Bay area and Pastor James Merritt of Atlanta all met for one last game at the stadium—since this is the final year of the stadium, built in 1923. A new version is being built adjacent to the current ballpark.
I grew up a Yankees fan in the era of Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra, Bobby Richardson, Whitey Ford, etc. So I was like a kid again—in awe of the great Yankee teams and players of yesterday and today. We were on the field for batting practice and for conversations with players like Andy Pettitte and future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera, who is the greatest playoff and World Series closer of all time. Both of these men love God and live their faith. We talked about the Lord, God's Word, and family and friends. The games were tough losses for the Yankees as the Red Sox beat them.
The most impressive part of Yankee Stadium is the 
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emorial area just beyond the left field fence. The Yankee greats are remembered here. My favorite is the one of Mickey Mantle pictured here. I love the description: “A Great Teammate.” This incredible athlete played not for himself but for the team. This attitude is often missing in sports today. Enjoy these photos of our time there...especially if you love baseball.
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emorial area just beyond the left field fence. The Yankee greats are remembered here. My favorite is the one of Mickey Mantle pictured here. I love the description: “A Great Teammate.” This incredible athlete played not for himself but for the team. This attitude is often missing in sports today. Enjoy these photos of our time there...especially if you love baseball. 
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6 comments:
I only attended one series at Yankee Stadium -- the '98 playoff series with the Rangers, which didn't turn out too well for the Rangers, as I recall.
And Yankee Stadium, even then, was a tired pile of bricks. But it was a magical place, too, especially out by the monuments. Like you, Pastor, I grew up during the glory days of the Yankees -- I had a little plastic statue of Mickey Mantle in my room.
It sounds as if you had a great time there, especially talking with with Andy and Mariano.
If only everyone realized that all the adulation and personal honors in the world don't really matter in the eternal scheme of things.
Hello Pastor Graham! Our family attended Prestonwood for the first time today. What a beautiful service! We will surely be back. Keep up the good work.
Jack,
What a trip. Sound like a great experience.
Roland
What a great legacy journey! I've enjoyed receiving a rss feed of your blog on my igoogle page. It's been great. Keep it up.
Pastor,
I was at the game on August 27th and happened to see you there. Small world!
Jeff
Brother Jack...loved the story about Yankee Stadium. My best friend, Jim "Catfish" Hunter was a Yankee great and as his pastor, I can also attest to the fact that he was a committed follower of Jesus Christ as well. I went to Yankee Stadium with my son about 2 years ago and it was a wonderful experience.
By the way -- I really enjoy your broadcasts.
Pastor Keith Vaughan
Cary, NC
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