Today is the England v Wales game (rugby) for the
Triple Crown.. (Wales, England Ireland and Scotland compete for it and Wales have beaten Scotland and Ireland already, so only England to go.
Irrespective of that, as a Welsh rugby fan, we have to beat England - it's just how it needs to be - think Yankees v Red Sox rivalry… but with more singing *g*
So, to prepare for that, and cos it's Spring Training, I'm watching Derek's 3000th hit game.. I'd sort of forgotten AJ was pitching.. Alex is injured, and Jorge is DH'ing.
I still have a few Mussina games on disk too…
As I live so far away from NY, I haven't been able to see as many games in person as I'd want but I think I've done well.. but there are 3 that will always stand out:
Jeter's head first dive into the stands - July 1st 2004
I was on the 1st base side in the main boxes - so we could see really well and it looked sooo scary. I was expecting him to be carried out on a stretcher.. but you can't imagine the relief of everyone when he reappeared..
Last game at the old stadium - September 21st 2008
I confess, I cried… and not just at Jeter's amazingly heartfelt speech, but just looking round and knowing that all that history was over.. pictures here
Getting there just before lunchtime, on a lovely sunny day, it was fantastic to walk around the field, to spend the time to appreciate and to mourn the end.
First game at the new stadium - April 16th 2009
The new stadium… so impressive, and again, a lovely sunny day - the weather gods knew better than to try spoil such a day.
Plus Bernie singing in centre field - what more can you ask for.
pictures here
I think this was triggered by the knowledge that this era has an end.. now Jorge gone.. and Mo will be next (whenever that may be)… I thought back years ago that it wouldn't be the same with Paulie or Tino or etc etc.. it is.. but that doesn't mean it's less.. different is different.. but bare with me when I shed more than a few tears for Mo, for Derek, for Alex…
Anyway… enough of the boys of summer, now I have to focus on WALES…
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.
