Things I Learned During a Rain Delay at Yankee Stadium

Rays 4, Yankees 3

It appears I wrote too soon yesterday that I had never experienced a rain delay at Yankee Stadium. Because wouldn’t you know it, following a Mark Teixeira double that cleared the bases and tied the game at three, a delay was called. Being 10 PM, I had to actually leave to catch my train (which I absolutely hated doing). But I learned a few things about the Stadium during a delay:

1. The bleachers are not really covered from the elements. Obviously, if you were in the seats that aren’t under the overhang, you’d get drenched. But the areas on the concourse aren’t exactly covered either. But from about rows 22 to 25, the overhang is your best friend and luckily that’s just where my seats are.

2. The floor gets very slippery. I saw at least two people go down on the steps and the concrete was already puddling after only 15 minutes of rain. Maybe they should think about adding some more drains on the concourse in addition to everything else at the $1.5 billion ballpark.

3. Mark Teixeira is a girl. After doubling home three runs, Teixeira stood at second base for like 15 seconds and then sprinted into the dugout while the Rays players stood in the rain getting soaked. What Mark, afraid you’re going to melt?

4. The Yankees employees have learned their lesson. As I exited the Stadium, a few people asked some of the employees if the game was called. They all said, we are not sure yet, until the players and team is informed we cannot give you a definitive answer. Much better than, “There is no way they’ll start this game.” Oh crap, looks like they will, sorry you can’t get back in.

5. The grounds crew is fast. The way they unrolled that tarp, with lightning speed, it seems they practice more than just the YMCA during the off season.

After about an hour delay, the game got restarted with the Carl Crawford hitting a solo shot that won the game for the Rays in the 10th inning. So not only did people get completely drenched, but they got to see the Yankees come up short.

Meanwhile, across the city in Queens, the Mets and Phillies were able to complete their pitchers duel, a 1-0 New York victory, with barely a drop. Talk about your crazy weather.



(Photos: PIMC)