It's rarer that I get a day off on a Sunday AND the Yankees are playing at home.
On Sunday, July 25th both scenarios collided with one additional caveat.
Thanks to a friend who emailed me her tickets on Saturday night, I was now taking Aaron to his first game at the new Yankee Stadium.
Take Me Out To The Ball Game!
Remnants of George M. Steinbrenner Memorial
Batting Practice
1st Game at New Yankee Stadium
So, I see Mariano come out of the dug out and we changed locations so I could get his attention. As soon I called his name (Ma-ri-aaaaaaa-no), to my surprise he stopped to look around until we made eye contact. He smiled, waved and waved again for Aaron - I'm feeling really good right now as people around us are asking "Do you know him?"
After Mariano Rivera's pitching session with Javier Vasquez - we see him ask Javy for the ball. As Mariano walks toward the crowd - people begin running towards him thinking he is going to sign autographs but he's got one goal and one aim - Aaron & I. The ball! It's for Aaron! He makes the gesture to toss the ball and throws it perfectly into my hands - I catch it barehanded and then...
I dropped it and watched as it rolled...other fans are closing in!
Aaron wanted to catch A-Rod's 600th home run ball. I thought this ball from Mo would be a good consolation prize and make for what was already working out to be a pretty memorable first visit to the new stadium.
Remember, this is the same kid (Aaron, that is) who caught Reggie Sanders home run ball off Shawn Chacon on April 13th, 2006 during his 1st game ever at the old yankee stadium. He thinks all this is normal- which is part of the problem.
Back to the story - As I reach forward to get the ball from under the seat I lost my footing and smashed my face into the chairs in front of me. I was covered in blood! A few tough moments for Aaron seeing his Dads faced busted with blood! I managed to ask him if he got the ball - you know, priorities! He smiled!
A shout out to all the Yankee fans & Yankee Stadium personnel who responded quickly and efficiently.
I felt bad for Mo. He'll never throw another ball to me again! He stood on the field watching as EMS attended to me. Eventually, I was able to get up. Once the EMS workers got the situation under control, I gave Mo a thumbs up followed by his thumbs up and I stood to my feet. What happened next was both surreal and hilarious. I heard claps and cheers. Could it be true? Am I really getting a standing ovation at Yankee Stadium - the one I've always dreamt about! (check off the bucket list)
While I was being treated in the ER the game started, Aaron walked over to the television set and took off his hat for the star spangled banner - this kid doesn't a beat! I love him!
My narcissism quickly faded in the ER as I began to lose more blood, my nose was diagnosed as broken and the ambulance was on the way. I name dropped and thankfully the yankee staff were gracious enough to stabilize me so I could get picked up and taken to my own hospital. Thanks Rick, Grant and Josh.
So off to the hospital - not the exit I anticipated...
Deliberation in the emergency room for a few hours delivered the final verdict: Yankee Stadium Chairs V Ralph's Face = Broken Nose. 15 shots in the face. hour surgery. 20 stitches. 4 gashes. ego bruised worse than my face, because I cried and screamed in front of nurses like a nena (girl) because of the pain.
There you have it, nothing like a beautiful afternoon...at the old ball game!
Thank you for calling, texting, emailing, praying, facebooking, tweeting, bbming and every other th-ing to express love and concern.
Love,
Ralph
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