Legends Field Rededicated as Steinbrenner Field

On March 27, 2008, Legends Field in Tampa was rededicated to honor George Steinbrenner, owner of the NY Yankees baseball team since 1973. The occasion was the last spring training game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, which I attended with my #1 Yankees fan.



Mr. Steinbrenner arrived with his family on his golf cart. He is the man with the silver hair, blue blazer, and sunglasses, being photographed.



The Hillsborough County Commissioner spoke of Steinbrenner's contributions to the sport of baseball and his philanthropy to the community, particularly here in Tampa.



After the speeches, the Steinbrenner family made their way on two golf carts around the stadium to the scoreboard, cheered by the fans. Here they stand ready to pull the cords holding the cover over the sign that used to say "Legends Field."



The new sign, "George M. Steinbrenner Field" in unveiled. The smoke on the left behind the sign came from the fireworks.



Three Sheriff's Dept. helicopters did a flyover immediately after the unveiling. (Anyone know what kind they are? Dad? I'll bet you know even from this angle!)



OK, it was finally time for a baseball game. George's wife, Joan Steinbrenner, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.



Our favorite player, Derek Jeter, hits a home run! Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for a win.



Alex Rodriguez aka A-Rod, another fan favorite, is at bat.



I am amused every time the groundskeepers come out in the middle of each game to smooth the dirt. They work to the sound of the Village People's song, "YMCA". And it cracks me up when they stop dead for every chorus to sign the letters "Y-M-C-A" with the crowd.



Ed & I thoroughly enjoyed our Yankees season tickets for the spring training games. The ticket prices were reasonable and we got to see so many famous players up close and check out the talent for the future as well.