Please!!! Bill Gates? Oprah Winfrey? Donald Trump? Mayor Bloomberg? Can anyone take this Yankee fan to a game?
There’s almost nothing I want more. I can’t think of anything other than winning the mega-millions jackpot and spending a month on a private, luxurious, isolated, tropical island. So, until I come up with the winning ticket . . . I’m sticking with baseball.
During this time, as I prep for the big 4 - 0 and beyond, I’m focusing on thoughtful spending and my future financial freedom. Going to the ballpark just doesn’t fit in.
I have great friends — avid baseball fans like me. We love the game and everything about it. We used to go to as many games as possible each season. When we couldn’t get tickets — because the games were sold out — we found ourselves watching in our favorite pubs and restaurants.
I guess I’m still going to as many games as possible. This year, that would be none.
Knowing I’m on a tight budget, my friends want to treat me, but this girl is starting to see the experience in a whole new light.
It's true that one doesn't have to spend an arm and a leg just to show up to the game. There are different price levels. Although one of my best friends is a Bleacher Creature, I prefer a more comfortable experience.
I want to see the game. I want to feel like I’m in an oversized schoolyard or park with 52,325 of my closest friends.
I don’t want to bring binoculars or a zoom lens to read the numbers on the backs of opposing team jerseys. Of course, I don’t need to see the numbers to know who’s who in pinstripes. From a mile a way, I can recognize each player from the way he walks, stands, bats, throws, and even spits.
Let’s face it. The seat is only a fraction of the cost. I like my ballpark experience to include a hot dog or two, maybe some peanuts, and at least one round of drinks for my friends. Back in the day, it also included a pre-game outing.
If I bring my god-kids, then we’re talking about a whole different ball game, just like Disney on Ice or the circus. They love these experiences, which I also consider important exposure for their growth, so it’s more than worthwhile . . . when we can pull it off.
It doesn’t matter at which ballpark; going to a game is expensive. The new Yankee Stadium, however, has 444 concession stands, 13 dining and lounge options, and four team stores (11,560 sq. ft.).
So many enjoyable ways to spend, spend, spend!
But, somehow I’ve grown a whole new appreciation for watching the game at home on my comfortable couch, with real-time commentary, healthier food options, close-up shots, a clean bathroom without lines, instant replays, and post-game interviews.
I still enjoy almost every game with my favorite Bleacher Creature. Our VIP seats are 24.5 miles apart — from couches on Long Island to the Bronx.
We both have unlimited text messaging and average 30 messages a game — from It’s high, it’s far, it’s gone! to Jeter's on fire! from Hip, hip, Jorge! to Godzillaaaaaaaaaa!
Being die-hard Yankee fans, many of our messages would be inappropriate to share here. Most of them pertain to a certain New England team or umpires in need of eye exams.
The message I miss the most this year is MOOOOOOOOOOOSE!
Our favorite message is always The Yankees Win! Theeeeeeeeee Yankeeeeeeeees Win! (Thank you, John Sterling.)
Please don’t mistake me. As much fun as we’re having, I’m not giving up the ballpark forever. We’re just going through a phase — a temporary separation. We’ll be back together soon enough, because nothing beats a ball game.
Till then . . . anyone have an in with the Mayor?
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