On August 12, 2007 the 3 of us went to see the New York Yankees’ New York Penn League team, the Staten Island Yankees. My daughter is a New York Yankees fan and had wanted to see the Yankees play at Yankee Stadium. We had planned to go on August 4, but when I went to buy tickets, the entire weekend was sold out (August 4 would turn out to be the day that Alex Rodriguez would hit home run #500 – oh well). As a consolation, I figured that we could see the other Yankees team. The team was created in 1999 and played its first game in Oneonta New York. Since 2001 they have played at the Richmond County Ballpark, located next to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. Because they are the lowest affiliate, other that the rookie leagues, of the “Bronx Bombers” the Staten Island Yankees are affectionately called the “Baby Bombers”.
The S.I. Yankees have won the New York Penn League championship 5 times so far: in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2009.
Their ballpark, being located right near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, affords outstanding views of New York Harbor and the skyline. Therefore an added distraction is the constant passing of ships all through the game. The concourse is open, and while fans are at the concession stands, it is still possible for them to see the action on the field (and in the harbor too). There are also photos of many of the New York Yankee greats, such as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Phil Rizzuto. The mascot is named after Phil, and is called Scooter the Holy Cow. Just out side the ballpark's left field fence is a monument to 9-11 and the Twin Towers, which were clearly visible from the park until 9-11-01.
The S.I. Yankees’ opponent on August 12 was the Jamestown Jammers, who are an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. The Jammers ended up winning 3-1, but the 3 of us still had a great time.
We returned on August 10, 2008 to see a game, against the Williamsport Crosscutters. However, the weather did not cooperate and after a 2½ rain delay, the game was canceled. Even though there was not a game that day, Eileen got her picture taken with a puppeteer and his puppet Jackie Rabbitson, and I got autographs from 3 "Baby Bombers": Jahdiel Santamaria, Melky Mesa, and Jacinto Gonell. Of course, we got to enjoy the skylines and watch boats go by. However, we returned 6 days later with our rain check tickets and saw Staten Island play the Vermont Lake Monsters. This time they won,6-1. However, since they played a makeup game from the 15th earlier that day, this game was cut to 7 innings. But who cares, we had a great time.
Since Staten Island is closer to New Jersey than to New York (the nearest point to the rest of New York Sate is at the Narrows) it was not feasible to build a bridge from Manhattan. So since the 17th century the only was to get there from Manhattan was by boat – the Staten Island Ferry. The fare was a nickel until the 1970’s when it eventually went up to 50¢ by 1990. However, since 1997 it has been free. After the 9-11 attacks no autos have been permitted on the boats. The 5 mile trip takes about 25 minutes and allows riders to see the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Ellis Island close up.
I remember going on the ferry as a child, and again during the 1960’s when I checked out the Staten Island Rapid Transit. When a former lady friend was living here before going back to Ireland, we made sure to take a ride on the ferry. The same when an Air Force buddy came to stay with me in 1976. The last time I rode it before 2007 was with my then future wife, on July 4, 1979.
The New York City Subway System does not go to Staten Island. However, since the 1830’s there has been the Staten Island Rapid Transit, now known as the Staten Island Railway. It was a subsidiary of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad until 1971, when the Metropolitan Transportation Authority took it over. There were originally three lines: Arlington, South Beach, and Tottenville. Since 1953 there has only been service to Tottenville. The only new station is to serve the new ballpark for the Staten Island Yankees.
