Sep 23 2008
Shea Stadium
Well, the Cubs have officially clinched home-field advantage through the National League playoffs. While there doesn’t seem to be much at stake in these final six games, there is still something to play for. The Cubs are playing these final six games against the New York Mets and Milwaukee Brewers who are both fighting for the final playoff spot (Wild Card). It’s very beneficial for the Cubs to get a look at both of these teams right before the playoffs begin as the Cubs will have an advantage of scouting out their potential opponents’ weakness.
Anyway, that’s not really what I wanted to post about today. I visited Shea Stadium last month and since the Cubs are playing at Shea Stadium right now, I figured it was only approporiate to post some pictures from the old ballpark. Shea Stadium, also known as the house that Ron Santo hates, opened its doors in 1964. The Stadium will be closing at the end of the season as the Mets will move next door to the new Citi Field. I really didn’t care much for Shea Stadium, for a few reasons. With all of the outfield advertising and lights and scoreboards, it felt a bit overwhelming at times. Also, the one thing I hated the most was that the ballpark is LGA Airport adjacent so every couple of minutes the roar of an airplane fills the stadium. I do think that there were some cool aspects like the neon figures on the stadium’s facade, the songs that were played between innings (I think it’s hilarious that they play “Lazy Mary” and all the fans get so pumped for that), and the “Home Run Apple” that pops out of a magician’s hat whenever the Mets hit a home run.
Basically, if you never made it out to Shea Stadium, you didn’t miss much. You’ll probably have the same experience when you go over to Citi Field as I’m sure a lot of the same elements will be transfered over there. Anyhow, here are some photos I took, enjoy.
GO CUBS!
