Road Trip: Steinbrenner Field
Thomas Holmes, MS
Baseball Writer | Baseball Historian | Sports Management Expert |Veteran
Here is a new series called Road Trips. In this initial installment I attended a game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. This ballpark is home of the NY Yankees spring training and is home to the Tampa Tarpons, a minor league affiliate of the Yankees. Stories told at this park, or the accomplishments made on this field do not match this historical franchise. It was built in 1996. Its original name, Legends Field, is misleading. For Yankee fans, the word “legend” has intense meaning. With its deep history, the word “legend” is connected to countless players. Babe Ruth did not play here and neither did Joe DiMaggio. During Mickey Mantle’s playing years, spring training was in Ft. Lauderdale. Reggie Jackson attended spring training here but only as a guest instructor. Even the fan favorite Don Mattingly never played here. In addition, this stadium sits on the same property as the “Old Sombrero”, the first stadium belonging to the Buccaneers before Raymond James Stadium was built. It was renamed after the 2010 death of the unforgettable owner George M Steinbrenner. A statue of him sits outside greeting each fan as you walk towards the ballpark.
My visit was on April 12, and it was the home opener for the Tarpons. I arrived early, around 4:30 for a 6:30 start time. Too early according to my brother Joe. I was unaware that gates did not open until thirty minutes prior to game start. I was hoping to get inside to see batting practice, but I struck out there. I killed time by checking out the retired number park. There is a small grassy area surrounded by plaques of all the retired numbers. The Yankees have the most retired numbers of all 30 MLB teams. Here is a link to my article about that: https://medium.com/@baseballnamesandnumbers/retired-number-ny-yankees-2f55b36f2fe. My brother Joe and I got excited as we read each plaque and reminisced about each player. Of course, we took multiple pictures. We had to, Mom wanted to see how the night was going via social media. The trip took a somber note when we found ourselves standing in front of the 9/11 memorial. We shared a moment of silence. The monument is made of steel from the towers. It makes a powerful statement and an unforgettable photo op.
Next, we checked out the two-floor team store. Mr. Steinbrenner would have been proud at the level of merchandise for sale. Shelves were full of an assortment of items. In the past I have bought a pair of super awesome sunglasses there. This time I purchased a baseball with the Tarpons emblem. I wanted a reminder of this specific game. My main mission was to find merchandise linked to Jasson Dominguez. He is a highly anticipated rookie prospect. No luck but store associates assured me I was not alone on my search and items are on order.
I purchased tickets in advance from the Tarpons website. I recommend buying tickets ahead of time. We were lucky enough to choose a game where the tickets were two dollars. Yes, I said two dollars and did I forget to mention parking was free. Gates opened at six, 30 minutes before game time. Once I entered, I quickly got in the concessions line. Tonight’s two-dollar night also included two-dollar concessions on selected items. The selected two-dollar items were not appealing to me, so I ordered the traditional ballpark cuisine of a hot dog, cracker jacks, and beer. I thought a 30-minute head start would be adequate, but it was not. The lady in front of me at the concession stand ordered enough food to feed the US Army. By the time we got to our seats, the first pitch was on its way to the plate. At this time in the night, I was slightly disappointed but got over it. I wanted to see the celebratory introduction of the team especially since it was the home opener and Rachel Balkovec’s first home game as manager.
The game against the neighboring Dunedin Blue Jays was just as competitive as a major league game. Minor league baseball is much more fan-friendly and economical. A glitch in the scoreboard gave the misleading impression the Tarpons pitcher was throwing a no-hitter. A series of dirty looks were sent my way once I said something about it. I understand the superstition, but I was watching the game and knew hits occurred. No no-no was in place. Left fielder Grant Richardson slammed a 2-run homer to left field in the second inning and knocked in another base runner later in the game. Grant was all the offense the Tarpons needed.
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After the third out was recorded for the Tarpons win, Old Blue Eye’s rendition of “New York, New York” played over the speakers. Transplant New Yorkers sang alongside Frank as if we all wished we were at Yankee Stadium. As we funneled out of the building with hesitation, last minute pictures were taken by all. No one wanted to break their intangible emotional connection with the Yankees. Once the parking lot is reached, reality sets in and you realize; its April, I am wearing shorts and a t-shirt at a ball game. Then you smile and say, “I love Florida.”
When visiting Steinbrenner Field, ask to see the lobby. The World Series trophies for the 1996, 1998, and 1999 championships are on display.
That was baseball and that was fun.