I went to my first game at Yankee Stadium in 1953. I was 6 years old. It was summer, mid week...probably August. I went with my day camp. Back then, just about every game was a day game. Memories are still fresh. The place was cavernous, and nearly empty...just a few thousand. back then..that’s about the average crowd. Heck..in 61..when Mantle and Maris were both chasign Ruth, when Maris finally hit #61, there were only about 30,000 in attendance..less than 50% capacity..hard to believe. The other thing I rememebr was how GREEN the grass was at the stadium. I’d only seen games on a black and white TV...the grass in the staium was gorgeous....perfect in every way..
There is no better grass than ballpark grass.
I was 11 years old and my mom and dad brought me to Fenway Park on a friday night in Sept. 1967.The Mick in the twilight of his career came up to pinch hit with the Yankees down 7-2 late in the game and singled up the middle he promptly pinch run for.The Fenway crowd gave him a standing O. I remember that distinctly along with the smell of cigar smoke,hot dogs,beer and popcorn hanging in the air on warm late summer nite.(heaven on earth)
I hated the Yankees all my life but loved Mickey Mantle, that was baseball as it was and always should be.
And that's how I see him to this day in black and white. I guess it's an age thing; I was 6 y/o in ‘53 too. I watched on our old B&W Magnavox. I'll bet it was a thrill and somewhat exhilarating to a 6 y/o to see the greenness of the field when that's not what they are used to. I never got to see “The Mick” in person, but oh such lovely memories of such a carefree time.
I am aware that when his life ended, he was a dissipated man, but for that short period of time—WOW!!