[RBI Magazine] – A cup of dirt worth $29.00? This week that crazy misconception became a reality as the closing ceremonies at Yankee Stadium concluded on Sunday September 21st, 2008. On the first day of Autumn, sports fans all over the world traveled to the Bronx to witness one of the greatest, yet solemn moments in baseball history – to say goodbye to an era of baseball that Yankees fans made sure will never be forgotten.
I may be generalizing here, but I guess you could say New York does not do well with change. Immediatley that night, the Internet became a prime time market place for sports fans wanting a real piece of history. The items up for bid? Cups of dirt, paint chips scraped off the exterior wall with a screw driver, broken pieces of the main entrance gate, cup holders, and a flattened piece of old chewed gum 3 inches in diameter, all purchased for a five finger discount that night at the stadium.
Those fans fortunate enough to swipe a piece of the stadium in the Bronx should consider themselves of having the utmost luck. Those who were caught with their hands in the cookie jar faced harsh penalties as they tried to walk away with noticable items from inside the stadium. Security was strengthened that night to a force of 2,000 police to make sure the guts of the baseball cathedral remained intact after the fans departed for one last time. And trust me they made it tough!
One shady Yankees fan actually made it onto the field after the game and posed as a grounds crew member. Imagine that! A shady Yankees fan! He tried to net as much grass and dirt from the field as possible, stuffing it into his sweatshirt and pants pockets. Greediness however did smack him in the grundle. While running off the field back to the stands he decided to take a nab at third base. Needless to say the stands were further away then expected for the rookie thief. Security sunk him into the turf before he made it into foul territory. So far since Sunday, 20 people have been arrested for possessing stolen property. Some fans caused more than $1,000 in damage while trying to disassemble souvenirs. These lucky fellas were arraigned last night and all have been released from jail after posting bail.
Even though the last game was played Sunday night, Yankee Stadium security is far from being off the hook. Construction workers and the occasional passer-by still need to be discouraged from taking parts of the stadium. You also need to remember we are dealing with Yankees fans. Do not put it past any of them (and yes I am stereotyping) to have a formulated plot to aid in captivating dirt, wood chips or whatever it is they want on the shelf at home.
On Ebay, at this exact moment, you can purchase bullpen gravel for $29.00. I rest my case! The seller claims to have been in the press box, the Yankees locker room, and ultimately the Yanks bullpen on Sunday night. With the purchase of the dirt the seller will supply pictures of himself filling the bags with what he collected from the different locations. It can’t get more authentic than that folks! $29.00 could be a great deal for all of you sentimental sports fans out there. You can also buy from other dirt sellers for the hefty price of about $50.00. Also, plans to auction off the left field foul pole are already in the making by stadium officials. The word on the street is; Mike Mussina will be the first person to place his bid. Don’t get me started on the urinals! That’s just plain old nasty and is the perfect way to get worms. Go with an official Yankee Stadium dust bunny instead!
Admit tingly, it was tough to see Yankee Stadium leave Major League baseball forever. However, the memories and the history will never leave the hearts of millions. Those trying to steal parts of the stadium do not need old gum or paint chips to remind themselves of how great the stadium was. They merely need to look back upon history and look at the memories, highlights, and players that made Yankee Stadium the baseball cathedral that it is today.
And as old Frankie said…..
“If I can make it there, I’ll make it anywhere, It’s up to you , New York, New York.”
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