A day with the “Bleacher Creatures”

Hey folks. So anyhow.

It’s my first game of the 2022 baseball season.

I get myself up. Have my morning coffee and a bagel from the Big Apple market on 42nd and 9th. The bagels are freshly made and are only $.60. Most folks think everything is expensive in New York because they never get outside of the touristy parts of the city. Food prices aren’t much different than any other part of the country, especially if you’re living or staying in the neighborhoods with your local markets. Jack’s on W. 40th is my other go to place for quick groceries and great prices.

The Yankees were supposed to play Friday night, but the weather had been iffy all day. I was getting on the D train when I saw Jason posted that the game had been cancelled. It had already started raining, so I kind of thought that might happen. Needless to say, I’m excited and ready to get to the game and see all my Bleacher Creature friends.

I’m at my second home, so to speak. Michael Morrows digs at W. 45th and 9th Ave. in Hell’s Kitchen. Right smack in the heart of Midtown, Manhattan. I go out the door, take a left. Boom! Broadway theatres on the next block! And over to 7th and it’s Junior’s. Got to have some cheesecake while you’re here.

I was walking by Junior’s a couple years ago with my Section 203 Bleacher Creatures shirt on and I hear a voice. “Hey! You goin to the game?” I look at it’s Tracy Morgan! Yeah. That’s right!

Me: Hey! Tracy! Yeah man. Headin there now.

Tracy: Man. Love that Bleacher Creatures shirt. I love “Roll Call.”

Me: Yep! They’re great folks.

He’s sitting at a table outside with a couple other folks.

Tracy: Hey. Come sit down and talk some baseball for a minute.

So I’m thinking, “Holy cow! I saw him on SNL, 30 Rock and his own show The Last OG! And he wants to talk to me?”

We had a nice chat. He told me about collecting baseball cards and that he just recently bought a Mickey Mantle card. We talked about how fun Yankee games are and him getting to sit behind home plate in Lorne Michaels seats sometimes. We took a pic together and I was off to the Stadium. I’ve seen him at Junior’s a couple of other times. One time he was with Jay Z in a fancy sports car picking up an order out front.

I just love to walk in New York. It takes me about 10 minutes to get to 42nd St. Get on the shuttle to Grand Central where I will take the 4 train up to the stadium for the game. It’s a nice day, so I’m in shorts and T-shirt, but it’s supposed to get up to about 90. It’ll be pretty steamy out in the bleachers.

 It’s a Saturday afternoon game with “Nasty” Nestor Cortez going against an old established veteran, Dallas Keuchel. Two lefties. I remember watching Dallas pitch years ago in a spring game vs. the Phillies. He threw six innings of no-hit ball. Lots of off speed and great command.

I call my gal on the way to the subway, as I always do, when I go out for my wandering around in Manhattan. I always take Emily on my walks via the phone. 

Me: Hey! How are my gals today?

Emily: We are good. Squeeky has been eating really well today. She let me sleep til about 7 this morning.

Me: She loves cuddling with her mommy. Chico messaged me and said meet him at the La Bodega cause he’s got my ticket on his phone.

Emily: You will see a bunch of your Creature buddies there for sure.

Me: Yep. It’s so neat going there with the Bleacher folks.

Emily: I know you will have a blast with them. 

Me: Yep. Well, I’m at the 42nd St. station now. So, I will text you when I get to the Stadium. I hope you and Squeeky enjoy the lazy day.

Emily loves being in the city with me and going to games. She didn’t make it this trip.

I walk down the platform at Grand Central. Just as a 4 train pulls up. Sweet! That’s great timing. 

There’s an older couple sitting next to me and I think it’s their first trip to the Stadium. They’re all excited and the lady is a little scared. So, I talk to them and tell them which stop we get off on and where to go from there. At the other side of me stands a dad and his son. The kid has on a Yankees shirt, hat and he’s got his glove. Great memories will be made for that little fella today.

I’m at the Stadium in 20 minutes.  Man, that’s quick because it’s a 4 Express.  The 4 unloads above ground on a platform. Sometimes the subway is the “above way. ” It’s great to have stops above ground, especially during the summer when it’s almost as hot as my honeymoon! In the summer, it gets so hot down in the subway. Here’s a tip if you’re visiting. I go into the subway and stand at the very top where there’s a bit of a breeze. Then I watch for the train and when I see it pull in, I sprint down the steps, knock folks out of the way and jump on the train.

As I exit the 4 train, I walk down the steps and there’s a guy with a table set up, selling Yankees baseball hats and bucket hats. He’s selling them for $10. I want to get one, but I don’t have time right now. I will get one after the game, if he’s here. 

Years ago, in the mid 90″s, I got bucket hats for my entire school golf team I was coaching. Now, they’re back in style. My pal, Jayden “Bucket Brains”, has a great Yankees bucket hat. 

The steps from the 4 train takes me down to River St. and Rivera Ave.  You can see up the hill to the old Grand Concourse that used to be a hotel where Yankees greats like Yogi and The Mick lived during the season. Great place.

Folks are selling water down here out of a big cooler for a dollar a bottle. If people are smart, they can buy their water before they go in and save a lot of money that way. Folks can also take in their food. The clowns that run the Tampa Bay Rays won’t allow food inside! Top notch clown run organization!

The Yankees built several ballfields where the old Stadium was across the street. Bald Vinny is out selling his Bleacher Creature shirts.

Ok. I got to head up the street to meet Chico at the La Bodega. It’s 12:15. Some guy just walked by in a Francisco Lindor Mets jersey and a Mets hat. That clown‘s got a bunch of nerves showing up here at a Yankees game with that crap on. As my pal Face says, “Look at that Met bird! Mets Suck!”

You got to stay in the shade when you’re walking around New York City when it’s really hot. Another visitor’s tip, walk on the shaded side of the street.

Old man just walked by me in a Clemente Pirates shirt and hat, along with a guy with an old, vintage Montreal Expos outfit. I have a Roberto Clemente rookie card. He was a class act. I walk into the La Bodega and I see Pete Anderson. He runs a great, Yankee Facebook group called True Blue. It’s a neat group for Yankee fans and has a lot of Bleacher Creatures as members. All the posts are nice and cordial. Pete comes down on the train from Westhampton to watch games when he can. He sits in the bleachers in his old pal Chris Higgins seats. Chris is an old time Bleacher Creature going back to the old Stadium in Section 39.

Me: Hey Pete! Man, it’s great to see you. I saw your post that you were coming down on the train.

Pete: Yeah. I’m in for the games this weekend. Good to see you too, Dee.

Gabriel walks up. He had posted that he needed a ticket for the game if anybody had an extra one.

Gabriel: Hey Dee, man great to see you. Glad you’re here.

Me: Hey buddy. Yeah, I’m here for several days for this home stand. Did you get a ticket?

Gabriel. Yeah! Pete’s got one for me here.

Pete: Gabriel, I got you covered with your ticket.

Marc walks in about this time.

Me: Hey Marc. How’s softball going?

Marc: Pulled a hamstring. On the IL.

Marc does “Roll Call.” Don’t need a good hammy for that. As long as his vocal cords are in order, all is well.

I finally see Chico and give him a handshake and hug. He’s talking to Jayden and Joe.

Me: Hey sir! It’s great to see you. Thanks for taking care of me with the tickets, as you always do.

Chico: Hey my friend. How are you? It’s great to see you up here again, I got your tickets, buddy.

Chico: Ok. It’s time to go.

Chico has 6 tickets. So, we all follow him to the Stadium.

We go in the side entrance to the right field bleachers. There’s a big, long line of people waiting to get in. 

Chico: No! Don’t stand in that line with all those people. Come on down here with me. 

We walk past all of the people in line to another side entrance. This gal waves at Chico.  She says, “Hi Chico. How are you today?”

Chico: I’m doing wonderful young lady. These are all my buddies.

We all go in right behind Chico.

Instead of walking up the stairs, Chico takes the elevator. The security guard by the elevator even knows Chico.

We get up to the concourse and head over to Section 203: Home of the Bleacher Creatures.

I see Ida and give her a big hug.

Ida: Hey Dee! It’s great to see you.

Me: Hey young lady. It’s good to see you to. I can’t believe how hot it is.

Ida: Why did you bring all this heat from Tampa up here with you?

Ida is an incredible young lady. She is the head of security out in the bleacher section and seems to be everywhere all the time. She takes incredible care of the Bleacher Creatures and always checks on everybody when it’s really hot. 

As we start to walk down the steps, we see Nannette and Becki, two other Bleacher Creatures. Everybody exchanges hugs and greetings.

Nannette: Dee, I saw you posted that you were out at Brighton Beach the other day. What are you doing going out there without inviting me?

Me: I knew you would say that. My buddy, Michael, had to go out there in that area for a meeting with a musical director. So, we decided last minute to go sit at the beach a bit.

The gals sit up in the top area that has several fold out chairs.

They always hold up a flag during the National Anthem and God Bless America.

My old Yankee pal, Face, is sitting there. His regular seat is in the row in front of Chico. 

Me: Hey buddy! What’s up? I’m so glad you’re at the game. I was afraid I wouldn’t get to see you.

Face: Hey man!  Yeah man, I saw you posting on Facebook that you were in town and I told myself, I got to get to the game to see my buddy, Dee.

One Saturday back in February, we were in Cleveland, TN watching Bailee play softball. Bailee’s parents and five grandparents were at this game watching her. She pitched a great game and hit a home run. I always video her batting and when she hits a home run I do my version of the John Sterling. It is high, it is far, it is gone! Bailee Goes Boom! 

I got a call from Chico saying that Face had a stroke and was in the hospital. It affected his right arm and right leg. When I got off the phone with Chico, I told Emily what had happened to Face. It made us both sad. We’re thankful for our baseball, softball, basketball and Yankees friends we’ve made over the years.

Me: How are you doing, buddy?

Face: I’m doing pretty good. The rehab has been tough, but I’m back walking again. I just use this cane.

Me: So, I guess you’re just sitting up here and not going down to your regular seat?

Face: Yeah, I’m just sitting up here until I feel like I can walk better down to my seat. 

Oh. I see another one of my favorite folks coming my way. It’s Milliee.

Me: Hey young lady. I was hoping to see you.

Milliee: Dee! How you been doing? How’s that sweet Emily?

We exchange hugs. She is a retired day care teacher and just as sweet as she can be to me. When Emily is at games here, she enjoys sitting with Milliee and Tina.

Me: I’m doing great. Spent some time with my good friend, Michael, last week. Emily is great. She’s enjoying her vacation away from me!

I’ve been doing my nonsense videos since last July and have made a lot of friends on Facebook, many of which are New York Yankees folks. One guy that sees all of my stuff is Jayden. My nickname for his is “Bucket Brains” because he’s always wearing a Yankees bucket hat. Yet, I haven’t seen him commenting on any of my posts in about three weeks. I walk down the steps to my seat and I see him. He yells out, “Hey folks. So anyhow” and comes up and gives me a big hug.

Me: What the heck man? I thought something was wrong with you. How come you haven’t been on Facebook following my stuff.

Jayden: I’m in Facebook jail. I get out next week.

Me: Facebook jail!  What the heck is that?

Jayden:  Well, when you make a comment to somebody that’s inappropriate, they put you in Facebook jail.

Me: So, you were running your mouth to Marc again and got kicked off.

Jayden: Yep 

Me: Bless your heart.

Tina comes in and walks down to her seats. She sits on the seat with the plaque for Ali Ramirez, the Original Bleacher Creature. She can often be seen shining the bronze plaque.

I walk down.

Me: Hey Tina!

Tina: Hey Dee: It’s good to see you.

We exchange hugs. 

Tina is the “Queen” of the Bleacher Creatures. Emily, Justin and I had sat in Section 39 at the old stadium many times over the years. It was a thrill to say the least. Except I didn’t know any of the Creatures back then. The first year the new Stadium was open, I sat in Section 203 and just happened to buy a seat next to Tina and Joe. He wasn’t at this particular game. As the game went on, Tina spoke to me and asked where I lived. I told her I lived in Clearwater, had Yankees spring training tickets and have been a Yankees fan since I was five. We hit it off from the start. The rest is “history” as they say.

Me: I wasn’t sure if you were coming, since you’re usually here a lot earlier than this.

Tina: Yeah. I will tell you later. You won’t believe what happened to me on the way to the Stadium.

Tina called me later and told me her funny experience on the way. Somebody had given her some new shoes that she decided to wear to the game.

Tina: I usually just take the train right to the Stadium, but there was weekend construction and it didn’t stop. It went all the way down to the Grand Concourse. So, I had to get off, walk several blocks and catch the train back up to the Stadium and then walk to the stadium in those new shoes! Oh, gosh! By then, my dogs were barking.

We both had a good laugh. 

I mean how fortunate am I that “The Queen” of the Bleachers calls me?

I’m living a dream in more ways than one, folks.

It’s about 15 minutes before game time and I’m a little hungry because I have not eaten anything yet. I brought my sweet potato bun that I got down in Koreatown yesterday. I get them at the Korean Food Hall on 32nd St. near Macy’s. I enjoy getting the Korean food and love kimchi. You can’t get authentic, Korean food just anywhere.

The food hall is always filled with a mix of American and Asians. There is a huge, Asian market in Koreatown with great prices and all kinds of great food. I like their freshly made kimchi dumplings. You get eight dumplings for six dollars. That’s a bargain anywhere in my opinion. Just make sure you have something to drink because they will light you up. 

As I was leaving the food hall, an older couple, looking to be in their 60’s or so, stopped me and asked for some directions. That happens to me quite often when I’m in New York. Oh wait! I’m in my 60’s.

So anyhow. Michael says it’s because I’ve been there so many times that I look and act like a New Yorker. So, people just assume that I can give them directions, which I always can. The couple wanted to take a water taxi or cruise ride around the island and didn’t know which way to go. I told them to walk straight from 32nd all the way over to 12th, by the Hudson River. Then walk up around 39th and 40th as that’s where all the water taxis and island cruise boats will be. They were very appreciative, thanked me and headed that way. I put my food in my backpack and headed in the opposite direction to Grand Central.

As much as I love my home in Florida, I absolutely love being in New York City. Michael has taken me and Emily to so many wonderful neighborhoods and places in the city that I can get around anywhere and help anyone with directions. He’s a great tour guide and has had his own tour company for many years, tomorrowstoursofnewyorkcity.com.

Nasty Nestor Cortez is pitching for the Yankees today. He’s 3-1 with a 1.80 ERA, so far this season. He’s going up against Dallas Keuchel, who is at the end of his career with a 6.6 ERA The Yankees will need to get to Dallas early because he has a history of really settling down after the first inning or so and it’s hard to score on him after that.

Chico always holds the flag during the national anthem and the seventh inning stretch when they sing God Bless America. Frank is holding the flag with Chico today. As we sing the anthem, they are shown up on the Jumbotron. 

Nestor gets ready to throw the first pitch and Marc stands up to get “Roll Call” started. We all clap until the first pitch is thrown. Marc calls out the name of the centerfielder. “Yooooo! Aaaaron!” Aaron Hicks is playing center today. Folks chime in until each player acknowledges the Bleacher Creatures! Marc goes all the way around to all the other players. Except for the pitcher and catcher. Then, he thanks folks for their participation and makes sure folks know that in this section there is “No Wave”!

The first inning is uneventful as neither team scores. I’m sitting with Chico. Frank and Julie sit in the row behind him. Their two wonderful daughters, Cara and Arianna, often attend games.

Nestor retires the side in the top of the second. 

When there are two outs and two strikes on the opposing team’s batter, Junior stands up. He usually sits with Tina and Joe. Then he motions for everybody to stand up and start clapping. The Bleacher folks are clapping for a strikeout or third out to end the inning. Strike three is called and the inning is over! The Creatures give one fist pump to each other in that situation.

Got to find some breeze. There’s not a breath of air right now. It’s like being in Chattanooga, stifling hot. Minus the giant mosquitos that carry you off. Need to find a place where you can stay in the shade and get a little breeze.  

In between innings, I’m looking around in the bleachers for people I know. I don’t see my buddy Patches yet. He said he was going to be here at the game. His name is Joey, but they call him Patches because he wears a Yankees jersey that’s covered in Yankees patches that have been sewn on.

Frank taps me on the shoulder. ” Hey! Look who just got here. You remember this guy?”

Me: Yeah, I know him. He’s “Green Can.”

Frank: Yeah, but he doesn’t drink green canned beer anymore. It’s a different beer.

It is Frank’s pal, Gerard. I met Gerard last year at the game. He’s a long time Yankee fan. He’s still young compared to me. He enjoys Florida and says he would love to retire down my way.

Ida is already walking down to see folks and check on them. She walks down our aisle and says, “Chico are you doing OK? Do you need me to bring you some ice?”

Chico: Thanks honey. I’m OK now. 

Ida: Do you have plenty of water to drink?  You need to drink water.

Chico: Yeah, I got plenty of water.

Then he looks down for his water bottle and can’t find it.  He looks at me and says, “Dee. Where is my bag? It’s got my water in it.”

Me: It’s right here next to me, Chico. I got your water for you. 

Chico:  Thanks friend.

Ida walks on talking to folks and getting hugs from Gabriel and a bunch of other Yankees folks. Everybody in the Bleachers just loves Ida.

Well, except for the young college kids that know about the Bleacher Creatures and sneak down to sit. They start pulling out those stupid Vape things and are puffing on them.  A kid in front of us has been doing it. Chico and Frank both have gotten onto him.  

Frank: Excuse me! You’re not supposed to be smoking those things out here. Please follow the rules.  You can go upstairs in the concourse and smoke. This man right here, pointing at Chico, has COPD and doesn’t need to be smelling and breathing that stuff.

Chico: Yeah, please stop smoking that stuff out here.

The kid says, “Oh man. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to, sir. Thanks for telling me.”

Thankfully, he stopped.

Josh Donaldson walks to lead off the bottom of the second. Followed by Gleyber Torres with a base hit, putting guys on first and second with nobody out. 

Me: This is the inning the Yankees have to put up some runs.

Frank: Yes, the Yankees have to get to Keuchel now.

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, the Yankees new shortstop, gets a single through the second base hole to right field as Josh Donaldson scores to make it one to nothing. 

The Bleacher Creatures have a tradition of giving high fives when the Yankees score, slapping hands three times. I’m not sure of the origins of this tradition, but it’s been going on all the years I’ve been at games.

The Yankees proceed to load the bases. Bringing up DJ LeMahieu. 

My buddy, Jayden, loves hockey and roots for the Rangers. I have never watched hockey in my life and never plan to, but I love the Tampa Bay Lightning because when they score 3 touchdowns, as I say, we get free food at Culvers.

Me: Hey Jayden, I think DJ is gonna hit a touchdown here!!!

Jayden just looks at me and laughs.

The next thing you know, boom! DJ takes an inside out swing and hits a touchdown into the right field stands near where we are sitting. As John Sterling says, “It is high! It is far! It is gone!

Everybody is jumping, cheering, moving around in the section, high fiving with their favorite pals. What a feeling! What a scene, to be part of that.

Jayden gives me a high five and says, “Old man, you were right!”

Me: Giddy up!

Tina looks up our way, points at us giving us a high five in the air! If you’re too far away to get to your friend, you just point at them and give a high five in the air.

Just that quick the Yankees have blown the game open, five to nothing, in the bottom of the second! The Creatures are all chanting, “Let’s go Yankees!!”

In between innings, I tell Frank and Chico, “Nestor has to hold them here, but most of the time when you have a long inning the other team scores their next at bat.”

Sure enough, Tim Anderson and Andrew Vaughn get on base, bringing up José Abreu with two outs. He promptly smashes one over the left field wall for a three-run homer making it a 5 to 3 game!

Jayden, Chico and some other guys have on these huge chains around their necks with the interlocking NY logo. Jayden took his off and let me put it on. Instead of putting it on, I draped it over the top of my head and turned my head sideways, making a crazy face. He took a picture of me.

Jayden: Old man! You’re quite a character.

We all had a good laugh. Somebody else grabbed it and tried it on. He lost track of it. 

Jayden: Hey, where is my chain? 

Chico: Hey Mudda! That little six-year-old girl down there has it. 

Jayden looks down his row and sure enough there’s a little girl wearing his chain. 

Jayden: I got to have that chain back. I paid $30 for it. 

Chico: You can’t take that chain back from that little girl. 

Me: Maybe you should just ask her out on a date. You’re both about the same age. 

Jayden: Yeah, you’re funny old man.

About this time Jayden comes over to me and says, “Hey old man. Let’s do a video about this situation.”  

Me: Let’s do it, buddy. Let it rip.

Jayden using his best southern accent says, “Hey folks. So anyhow. I kind of got myself in a sticky situation here at the Stadium. You see, this here chain, umm, I was passing it around to the locals here at Yankee Stadium and somehow some young girl got it and umm.  

Me: This little girl that’s 6 years old down here has your chain.

Jayden: Yeah, so, this girl that’s 6 got it somehow and I sent some feller to get it back cause I paid $30 for it. I mean $30 good dollars. As you can see here, now, it’s around my neck and it’s back. The chain will not be passed around until further notice. 

Chico: Ah, you’re sorry.! You can’t take that back from that little girl. You broke her heart. Give that back to her, Mudda!

Jayden: No way, Chico. Not going to happen.

Chico: Ah, you’re cheap! 

So, several of us start pointing at Jayden and chanting, “Give it back! Give it back!”

Jayden flips us all off.

Me: Hey Jayden! So, how about that nice bucket hat you got on. I’ve been looking for one. I will give you $2.36 for that hat.

Jayden: No deal!

Me: You got on some nice Yankees shorts, too. How about $3 for the hat and britches?

Jayden: Umm… that’s a hard no! No deal old man. How about you leave the Stadium and never come back?

Oh man! What a blast I’m having with these guys in the Bleachers!!!

In the bottom of the third, Anthony Rizzo works a walk. Stanton gets a base hit, sending Rizzo from 1st to 3rd. Donaldson comes up and hits into a force out at second, scoring Rizzo to give the Yankees a 6 to 3 lead.

The fourth inning and fifth innings are uneventful. However, Keuchel is lifted after the fourth inning, having thrown 84 pitches, giving up six hits, six runs and all six runs were earned.

I’ve had the honor of holding the flag with Chico during the National Anthem and the 7th inning stretch, when the Yankees play “God Bless America.” The Yankees honor a military veteran at this time EVERY home game! They even do it at all Spring Training home games in Tampa.  Hate the Yankees all you want, but they know how to do things. If there’s another team that does this, I would like to know which one. 

So anyhow, it’s the top of the 6th and Gabriel was sitting a few rows in front of us. He comes up and sits next to me. The day before, at the La Bodega, he had on an orange shirt. Guys started getting on him, calling him a Mets fan and for having a Darryl Strawberry jersey. These guys are relentless when it comes to giving each other a hard time about anything. It’s great fun. The guys around us start chanting, “Mets fan! Mets fan!” 

Chico:  What do you want, you Mets fan?

Me:  Who’s a Mets fan?

Chico:  This boy here!

And pats Gabriel on the head.

Me:  Wait, Gabriel swore to me he wasn’t. 

The guys are booing loudly now!!!

Gabriel lowers his head and is laughing, 

Me: It’s ok, buddy. We still like you.

Gabriel: Come on guys. I’m getting really embarrassed about that now. I’m really not a Mets fan.

I just came up because that guy down there wanted me to ask you, Chico, if he could hold the flag with you in the 7th inning.

Chico: What guy? Who is the guy?

The guys are still giving Gabriel crap.

Gabriel:  Stop guys! I’m not a Mets fan.

A couple guys realize it’s enough already and pat Gabriel on the back.

Chico: What guy are you talking about?

Gabriel doesn’t hear Chico.

Chico: Hey! Mudda! I’m talking to you!!

Gabriel: He’s that guy sitting down there.

Chico: Oh, I already told that guy he’s not holding the flag with me today.

Gabriel: Chico, I’m sorry, don’t get mad at me. I’m just the messenger.

Jayden reaches over to Gabriel and says, ” We love ya, man.”

One thing you don’t do is ask “The Godfather” to hold the flag with him. Game over!

Nestor goes 5 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits and 7 strikeouts. He’s been a marvel to watch thus far this season. He’s a lefty with multiple arm angles and leg kicks in his delivery. Not to mention, the dude has the best ‘stache’ in the majors. Younger guys say he’s taking off on Johnny Cueto. Us older dudes know it goes back further.

Pete: Watching Nasty Nestor is a lot of fun.

Me: Yep, he’s got a lot of old Luis Tiant in him.

Pete: Yeah, you’re exactly right. I was thinking the same thing.

There are some baseball conversations you just have to have with older guys that go back awhile and know the game. I ain’t got the time to try and edumacate some of these young whippersnappers like Jayden on old time ballplayers. Maybe he can read up on some of them while he’s in Facebook jail. Bless his heart!

Michael King comes in to pitch in the 6th. The White Sox put up two on the board on doubles by Leury Garcia and Josh Harrison to make it 6-5 Yankees.

My bladder is getting really upset. Gotta go “water the flowers.”

When I get back, I see my pal “Patches” is sitting several rows down from us. He did a video with me last year and sees all my nonsense. I think I will turn on my video and sneak up on him. Nobody is sitting next to him. I walk down the row behind him. The folks know I am about to do a video, so they get up for me so I can sit down.

Me: Hey folks, So anyhow. 

I say as I point the phone toward Patches. He’ got on his legendary Yankees jersey covered in patches and a Yankees hat. Except today, he has on some Mickey Mouse ears on top of his hat, as does his lovely gal sitting next to him. He hears my voice.

Patches: Oh! Oh! Hey folks. So anyhow.

He goes right into video mode.

Patches: I’m out here with my buddy, Dee. My buddy, here visiting from Florida. Let me tell you something folks. This gentleman here is a tremendous pain in my ass, but he’s a great guy. What do you say about that, mister?

As he puts his arm around me and pats me on the chest.

Me: Well folks, it’s Patches Mouse and Mrs. Patches Mouse.

Patches: This here is my Minnie Mouse. 

He puts his arm around his gal and pulls her over in view of the camera.

Patches: Come over here. We are on live camera. This is my beautiful girlfriend, Keila.

Keila laughs and turns away from the camera.

Patches: So anyhow. How you been, now? How’s your trip here this time?

Me: Well, I got off the plane at Laguardia.

Patches: Laguardia? That place is a mess. I wished I knew somebody that worked there or something.

Patches works on the construction crew that’s been renovating the airport the last 500 years or so. He’s a Seinfeld “canosewer” like me. He put up a Festivus pole last Christmas!!

Me:  And I couldn’t get to the bus and I was hollering Patches! Patches! Help me to the bus!

Patches: I would of come helped and given you a ride if I was there, but I was at the marina.

Me: But you were out in San Francisco or somewhere.  Where were you?

Patches: I was in Arizona in the desert. I laid down on a cactus! I landed on it a little and it pierced my butt. I’m a little injured.

Me: So, you got a case of “Cactass”?

Patches: Yep, and so anyhow. Let’s Go Yankees!

I love Patches. He’s always full of energy and a hoot to be around.

Anthony comes over and sits down next to me.

Me: Hey buddy. It’s a close game.

Anthony: Yeah, the Yankees really need to score again, since they play two tomorrow. 

Me: Yep. Hard to win a double header. This, in a way, may decide which team wins the weekend series.

Anthony is a “snazzy” dresser. He’s always posting on Instagram pics in his Yankees outfit for the day. Always has on some cool shades, too. Pete Anderson has a whole bunch of really neat Yankees shades. Got to get me a pair.

Anthony is a “third generation” Yankees fan. His dad and grandfather used to take him to games as a kid at the old Stadium. I really enjoy talking baseball with him. He and his gal, Cristina, are always at the games.

Higgy gets on with a walk to open the bottom of the 6th. He’s doing great behind the plate, but is only hitting .154 at this point in the season. Don’t mention Higgy to Chico. 

Me: Hey Chico. How you like that walk by Higgy.

Chico: Ahhh. Mudda! He sucks!

Chico has been a Sanchez fan from the get-go. He took it pretty hard when the Yankees sent Sanchez and Gio Urshella to Minnesota for Falefa and Donaldson.

Aaron Hicks singles to move Higgy to second. Aaron has struggled at the plate all year. He missed most of last year. Most Yankees fans are calling for him to be traded and he’s getting booed a lot.

Pete: Yeah, hate to see him get booed, especially being out all that time.

Me: Yeah, folks don’t realize how long it takes to get your swing back. He’s just out in front a lot trying to hit the ball. I will give him til the All-Star break to see if he produces. 

Pete: Plus, he’s a switch hitter. It will take him longer.

Me: Bingo!

Higgy moves to third on a Judge groundout, bringing up the Rizz. Signing Rizzo to a deal has been a great move by Cashman. He’s no Luke Voit! Thank goodness for that. Rizzo has quickly become a favorite for Yankee fans. He loves living in the city and has embraced life as a Yankee. Nobody beats the Rizz!! Especially on two strikes. He chokes up at least two inches and shortens his swing, getting his hands to the ball quicker. He promptly lifts a two-strike pitch to left field. Higgy tags and scores making it a 7-5 Yankee lead.

The Creatures are jumping with joy high fiving each other, finding their favorite person. Bucket Brains is jumping, running down several rows to high five with Marc. I can see Anthony walking down to high five with Jayden, Patches, D’Shaun, and Matt. Chico is yelling, “Ahhh Mudda!” I high five with Chico, Frank and Julie. 

Several of the guys that sit down lower will always turn around and holler at Chico and give him a high five in the air. 

Tina, Joe, Junior, Marc, Milliee and those folks down there are high fiving and they turn around and wave to us in celebration. So many fine down-to-earth people out there just loving their Yankees baseball.

Jayden comes up and gives me a high five, “Yeah Mudda! Old man!”

We look up at the top of the bleachers and give high fives in the air to Nannette, Becki, Face and Michael. When the Yankees score, it’s an event out in the Bleachers. 

A couple of young guys sitting below us turn to give me a high five, getting in on the fun. I haven’t seen them before.

Me: Hey buddy. I don’t know you. What’s your name?

He says, “I’m CJ and this is my buddy, Brandon.”

Me: Oh great. You guys come out much?

CJ: Yeah, when we can.

I notice his Yankee hat has a sewn-on patch of the 4 train and it says, The Four Line.

Me: What’s the patch for?

CJ: Oh, it’s the name of our podcast.

Brandon: Yeah, we talk Yankees baseball on youtube.

Me: Sweet! I will check it out.

For all you folks that think kids these days are dumb and lazy, you’re dead wrong. There are lots of great kids that want to make something of themselves in this world.

It’s hot as heck out here.  There’s not much of a breeze right now.

It’s the seventh inning stretch. Time for God Bless America. Chico and Frank hold the flag. If somebody doesn’t take their hat off, you can bet that Frank and Chico are going to holler at them to show some respect. Yep, on the Jumbotron again and on the YES network. 

Frank: Come on Chico let’s get you upstairs and in the shade. Get you some water. It’s too hot for you to be sitting down here.

So, we head up that way and I take Chico’s bag of goodies for him. Ida meets us up there and has a bag of ice and some water for Chico as he sits down.

The rest of the game, I sit with my good buddy, Face. Julie, Nannette and Becki are sitting up there, too. I see a couple walk by. The guy has on a tank top, but it looks odd to me.

Me: Hey, Julie. Look at that guy’s tank top. What the heck is that?

Julie: It does look odd. Like a woman’s shirt.

Then the guy turns around.

Me: Holy crap! The NY logo has glitter on it! That clown has on his girlfriend’s shirt!

The gals laugh.

Nannette: That’s a girl’s top.

Becki: It’s called a racer back, glitter tank top.

Me: Good grief. Bless his heart!

Me: Well Face, Yankees got a two-run lead.  Who’s gonna pitch the ninth, Chapman or Holmes?

Face: Man, I hope it’s Holmes. Chapman sucks. He’s been horrible.

Me: Yeah, every time Chapman comes in to pitch, the back stop cringes cause it knows it’s gonna get hit.

Sitting up here at the top of the Bleacher section, it’s a bit cooler because we’re in the shade and there’s a breeze coming down through the walkway.

Me: Face buddy, it’s great to see. 

Face: Yeah. Dee, I got some friends that are sitting in the Delta Suites today and wanted me to sit with them. I told them, man, I can’t. My good friend, Dee, is here from Florida and I’ve got to see him.

Me: Oh man. Thanks. I always enjoy talking with you. 

Loaisiga pitches the 7th and Castro comes on in the 8th. He gives up a hit and with two outs, Boone wastes no time. He calls on Holmes for a four out save. Mariano style! 

Face: Yeah, come on Holmes! Don’t need that clown Chapman to blow the game.

Me: Buddy, Holmes has been lights out. He’s sure pitching like Mo.

Face: Oh yeah, for sure. I mean look, he’s got a 0.4 or so ERA. Nobody can ever be Mo, but this kid is pitching phenomenal right now. 

Holmes gets out of the inning to the raucous applause of the fans. We all give a fist pump to each other!

The Yankees don’t score in the bottom of the 8th. It’s up to Holmes to close this game out.

He strikes out Luis Robert. The always dangerous Jose Abreu is up next.

Face: Gotta be careful with this guy. He can really hit. 

Holmes gets Jose to ground out to Dj at third. Two outs now.

Yasmani Grandal is the last man standing for the White Sox. With two strikes, Junior is up waving his arms for all the Creatures to stand and clap. The whole crowd is standing now! What a feeling! Holmes deals! Strike three!!

As John Sterling says, “Ballgame over! Yankees win! Theeeee Yankees wiiiin!”

The Creatures burst out in joy! High fiving each other and singing together as the sound of Frank Sinatra’s New York! New York! plays over the loudspeaker. 

We all linger around chatting and having a good time. Chico is ready to head home for his two hour car ride back to Waterbury, Connecticut. 

Me: Chico. Be safe and have a good evening.

Chico:  Ok. I will see you tomorrow, my friend.

Me: Yes sir.

Tina comes up the steps talking to people and giving them a hug.  She comes over to me and says, “Dee, it was great to see you.”

Me: I’m always happy to see you, Tina. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have so many friends out here. I will see you tomorrow. 

Tina:  No, I won’t be at the games tomorrow, but Joe will. I’ll be here Monday, God willing. 

Me: OK. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you then. Take care of yourself.

I wait with Face for a bit longer. He’s using a cane, but seems to be walking pretty well.

Me: I will walk down the ramp with you buddy to get you to your train.

As we walk down the ramp to the front entrance to the Stadium, a few other Creatures walk by telling Face they’re glad he’s doing better. As we get outside, Patches comes up.

Patches: Hey Dee! Great to see you my friend. You be here tomorrow?

Me: Oh yeah, you got it, buddy. I’m walking Face to his train across the street.

Patches: I’m going that way. Come on Face. I will get you there.

Nothing like sitting in the Bleachers!

The majestic view from Section 203: Home of the Bleacher Creatures!

Yankees Baseball!!!