RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The original Yankee Stadium was a stadium located in the Bronx, New York City. It was the home ballpark of the New York Yankees, one of the city's Major League Baseball franchises, from 1923 to 1973 and then from 1976 to 2008. The stadium hosted 6,581 Yankees regular season home games during its 85-year history. It was also the home of the New York Giants National Football League (NFL) team from 1956 through September 1973. The stadium's nickname, "The House That Ruth Built", is derived from Babe Ruth, the baseball superstar whose prime years coincided with the stadium's opening and the beginning of the Yankees' winning history. It has often been referred to as "The Cathedral of Baseball".
The stadium was built from 1922 to 1923 for $2.4 million ($345 million in 2019 dollars). Its construction was paid for entirely by Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert, who was eager to have his own stadium after sharing the Polo Grounds with the New York Giants baseball team the previous ten years. Located only a half-mile (0.8 km) north of the upper Manhattan location of the Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium opened for the 1923 season and was hailed at the time as a one-of-a-kind facility in the country. Over the course of its history, Yankee Stadium became one of the most famous venues in the United States, having hosted a variety of events and historic moments during its existence. While many of these moments were baseball-related—including World Series games, no-hitters, perfect games, and historic home runs—the stadium also hosted boxing matches, the 1958 NFL Championship Game (referred to as The Greatest Game Ever Played), college football, concerts, Jehovah's Witnesses conventions (see record attendance), and three Papal Masses. The stadium went through many alterations and playing surface configurations over the years. The condition of the facility worsened in the 1960s and 1970s, prompting its closure for renovation from October 1973 through 1975. The renovation significantly altered the appearance of the venue and reduced the distance of the outfield fences.
In 2006, the Yankees began building a new $2.3 billion stadium in public parkland adjacent to the stadium, which included $1.2 billion in public subsidies. The design includes a replica of the frieze along the roof that had been part of the original Yankee Stadium. Monument Park, a Hall of Fame for prominent former Yankees, was relocated to the new stadium. Yankee Stadium closed following the 2008 season and the new stadium opened in 2009, adopting the "Yankee Stadium" moniker. The original Yankee Stadium was demolished in 2010, two years after it closed, and the 8-acre (3.2 ha) site was converted into a public park called Heritage Field.
In the 1961 season, the Kansas City Athletics (now the Oakland Athletics) and the New York Yankees had contrasting performances. The Yankees dominated the American League, setting a new standard for excellence, while the Athletics struggled and finished towards the bottom of the standings.
The New York Yankees, led by their iconic duo Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, were a force to be reckoned with. Both Mantle and Maris were on a historic chase to break Babe Ruth's single-season home run record of 60. August was a pivotal month for the Yankees, as Mantle and Maris continued their home run battle. Mantle was dealing with injuries but managed to hit 9 home runs in August, bringing his season total to 44. Maris, however, was on fire and hit an impressive 13 home runs in August, reaching a total of 51 for the season.
The Yankees' overall dominance in the league also showed in their record for August. They won a majority of their games and solidified their position at the top of the American League standings.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Athletics faced a difficult season in 1961. They struggled with both their offense and pitching, leading to a disappointing performance throughout the year, including August. The team failed to gain momentum and remained near the bottom of the standings for most of the season.
On July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees pitched a no-hitter against...
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees - Dave Righetti No Hitter - Radio Broadcast / On July 4, 1983, Dave Righetti of the New York Yankees pitched a no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, marking a highlight in his career. In a game that underscored his tremendous skill and focus, Righetti became the first Yankee to achieve a no-hitter since Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. Righetti’s strong performance, supported by his team's defense, resulted in a thrilling 4-0 victory. This memorable game is celebrated in baseball history as one of the finest individual pitching performances on America's Independence Day.
On October 6, 1977, the New York Yankees faced the Kansas City Royals in Game...
1977 ALCS G2 - Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / On October 6, 1977, the New York Yankees faced the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium. Ron Guidry took the mound for the Yankees, while Larry Hassler started for the Royals. The Yankees were in pursuit of their 23rd American League pennant, coming off a strong season under manager Billy Martin. Key players like Reggie Jackson and Thurman Munson led their lineup. The Royals, on the other hand, were making their first postseason appearance after winning the AL West, with stars such as George Brett and Hal McRae at the forefront of their campaign.
The game began slowly, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. The Royals struck first in the third inning when Freddie Patek's sacrifice fly put them ahead 1-0. The Yankees responded in the fifth inning as Chris Johnson hit a home run to give them the lead. The sixth inning proved pivotal for the Yankees, who scored three runs, aided by a critical error from George Brett that allowed two unearned runs to score. As the game progressed, the Yankees' lineup depth shone through, with Thurman Munson and Willie Randolph contributing significant hits, while the Royals struggled to match their offensive output. The Yankees ultimately won the game 6-2, taking a commanding lead in the ALCS.
#Yankees #Royals #ALCS #RonGuidry #GeorgeBrett #ThurmanMunson #ReggieJackson #BillyMartin #FreddiePatek #ChrisJohnson
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On May 1, 1973, the New York Yankees hosted the Kansas City Royals at Yankee...
1973 Kansas City Royals vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / On May 1, 1973, the New York Yankees hosted the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in an evening matchup that featured Steve Kline for the Yankees against Ken Wright of the Royals. Both teams were looking to gain footing early in the season, with the Yankees aiming to rebound from a disappointing fifth-place finish in the AL East in 1972. The Royals, still a relatively young franchise, were continuing to build their team identity and improve upon their performance in the AL West.
The game began with both pitchers holding the line, but the Yankees broke through in the second inning, scoring two runs facilitated by a sequence of hits and a fielding error by the Royals' catcher, Fran Healy. The Royals managed to cut the deficit in the third inning when John Mayberry drove in Freddie Patek, but that would be the extent of their scoring. The pivotal moment came in the seventh inning when the Yankees, led by Bobby Murcer's three-run homer, extended their lead significantly, capitalizing on reliever Tom Burgmeier's struggles to seal the game's fate.
The Yankees won the game 6-1, illustrating their capability to execute in key moments, a theme that would resonate throughout their 1973 season as they fought for, and eventually won, the AL East title.
The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their...
Detroit Tigers vs New York Yankees - Radio Broadcast / The Detroit Tigers had a solid season in 1970, finishing with a respectable record. Their roster included talented players like Al Kaline, Norm Cash, and Bill Freehan. In August, the Tigers had a mixed month with some impressive wins and occasional setbacks. They remained competitive in the American League East division race throughout the season, but ultimately fell short of the division title.
The New York Yankees, known for their storied history, had a strong team in 1970. Led by manager Ralph Houk, the Yankees featured star players like Thurman Munson, Bobby Murcer, and Mel Stottlemyre. In August, the Yankees had a remarkable performance, winning several key games and solidifying their position at the top of the American League East division. They continued their dominant form throughout the season, securing the division title.
In August, both the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees were closely watching each other's performance, as they were fierce competitors in the AL East division race. The Tigers had some memorable victories during this month, keeping their hopes alive for a postseason berth. However, they also faced some tough losses that hindered their chances of catching up to the Yankees.
On the other hand, the Yankees had a fantastic August, showcasing their offensive prowess and pitching strength. They went on a winning streak, distancing themselves from their division rivals and solidifying their position as the team to beat in the American League East. Their consistent performances during August played a crucial role in their eventual division title victory.
On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in a day game that was a part of the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees started the game with Al Downing on the mound, a left-handed pitcher who had been a key part of their rotation throughout the season. The Indians countered with Lee Stange, a right-hander who was looking to improve on a challenging season, as reflected in his 7-14 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tight race for the American League pennant, while the Indians were playing for pride, well out of contention for the postseason. The baseball world was abuzz with the tight pennant races, especially in the National League where the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds were locked in a fierce battle.
The game started with the Yankees taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a Mickey Mantle double that drove in Phil Linz and Bobby Richardson. The Indians managed to score a run in the top of the third on a single by Chico Salmon, but the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own, extending their lead to 3-1. The Indians showed signs of a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the game at 3-3. However, the Yankees' offense proved too strong, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to secure a commanding lead. Key contributions in this inning came from Mantle and Elston Howard, who both drew walks and later scored, while Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer added crucial hits.
The final score was 8-3 in favor of the Yankees, a victory that played a significant role in their successful chase for the American League pennant. The 1964 season was a memorable one for the Yankees, as they won the AL pennant but eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Mickey Mantle, despite battling injuries, had a solid season, and the Yankees' roster was dotted with All-Stars, including Howard, who won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.
In the midst of the 1961 baseball season, the New York Yankees faced off against...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Game 1 of DH - Radio Broadcast / In the midst of the 1961 baseball season, the New York Yankees faced off against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, September 10. The Yankees were in the midst of their legendary season, with Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, known as the M&M Boys, chasing Babe Ruth's single-season home run record. Meanwhile, the Indians were a solid team trying to stay competitive in the American League. The starting pitchers were Whitey Ford for the Yankees and Barry Latman for the Indians. Ford was having a strong season, but this game would prove to be a challenge for him. Latman, on the other hand, was looking to hold back the powerful Yankee lineup.
The game started off with a bang as the Indians put up two runs in the first inning, with Johnny Romano and Willie Kirkland driving in runs. The Yankees, however, answered back in the second inning, plating six runs. The big blow was a two-run homer by Johnny Blanchard, and Whitey Ford himself drove in a run with a single. The Indians fought back in the third inning, scoring four runs, highlighted by a three-run homer from Vic Power. The Yankees' relief pitcher, Jim Coates, then came in and settled things down, holding the Indians to just one run over the next six innings.
In the eighth inning, the Yankees managed to push across the go-ahead run, thanks to a pinch-hit single from Bob Cerv. Luis Arroyo then came in to close out the game in the ninth, securing a 7-6 victory for the Yankees. It was a hard-fought game, with both teams showing their offensive prowess.
The 1961 season is remembered as one of the most exciting in baseball history, largely due to the home run chase between Mantle and Maris. Ultimately, Maris would break Ruth's record, hitting 61 homers, while Mantle would finish with 54. The Yankees would go on to win the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in five games. The Indians, meanwhile, would finish the season in fifth place in the American League. Despite their loss in this particular game, they showed their ability to compete with the best, contributing to the memorable narrative of the 1961 season.
On April 27, 1947, a significant event unfolded in the annals of baseball history, marking...
1947 Babe Ruth Day - Radio Broadcast / On April 27, 1947, a significant event unfolded in the annals of baseball history, marking "Babe Ruth Day" at Yankee Stadium. This day was singularly poignant as it featured one of the last public appearances of George Herman "Babe" Ruth, a figure synonymous with the sport itself. Ruth's career, a tapestry of home runs and unprecedented feats, had by then transitioned from the vibrancy of his playing days to the quieter, yet no less impactful, role of an ambassador of the sport. The year 1947 found Ruth far removed from his peak in the 1920s and early 1930s, yet his influence on the game and its fans remained undiminished. In this ceremony, Ruth addressed the crowd, his voice reverberating not just through Yankee Stadium but also across the countless radios tuned in to hear the legend. This speech resonated as a poignant capstone to a career that had, in many ways, shaped the very fabric of America's pastime.
The day was not merely a farewell but a celebration of Ruth's indelible impact on baseball, with the echoes of his achievements and the sheer force of his personality still palpable in the stadium. As fans listened to his words, they were reminded of the numerous records and moments of awe that Ruth had provided throughout his illustrious career. The juxtaposition of the year 1947 against the backdrop of Ruth's career highlights served as a stark reminder of the relentless march of time and the lasting legacy of one of the sport's most iconic figures.
In this engaging audio clip from August 16, 1955, Mel Allen, a renowned American sportscaster,...
The Legend of Babe Ruth Biography / In this engaging audio clip from August 16, 1955, Mel Allen, a renowned American sportscaster, famously known for his work with the New York Yankees, conducts a captivating radio interview focused on the enduring legacy of Babe Ruth, one of baseball's most legendary figures. At this point in history, Allen's career as the "Voice of the Yankees" was in full swing, making him a household name among baseball fans, while Babe Ruth, who had passed away in 1948, remained an iconic symbol of the sport's rich history. This interview offers a unique glimpse into Ruth's monumental impact on baseball, through the lens of one of the most influential sportscasters of the time, providing listeners with not only a reflection on Ruth's achievements but also on how his legend continued to inspire and shape the narrative of baseball.