BY JOEL SHERMAN
Last updated: 5:47 am
July 14, 2008
Posted: 5:17 am
July 14, 2008
WE CAN all act as if the one and only Yankee Stadium is closing in a few months. We can buy into the myth - and buy plenty of overhyped, overpriced paraphernalia to complete the self-delusion.
MORE: Joel Sherman's Hardball Blog
However, the House that Ruth Built already was closed in 1973, and what re-opened in 1976 following major renovations was a facsimile, not the same facility. For continuity and to keep an historic aura, we are all supposed to act as if a seamless handoff from that Yankee Stadium, to this Yankee Stadium occurred.
This was kind of like when the part of Darrin Stephens on "Bewitched" was handed from Dick York to Dick Sargent in midseason 1969, and ABC executives hoped nobody would notice too much.
Of course, America noticed.
And anyone who can spell IQ recognizes that despite the same locale, the Yankee Stadium that is being shut after this season is distinct from the original. So to independently honor this building and its hosting of the Mid-Summer Classic, The Post has created a Yankee All-Star team of those who served best in this Stadium's term, from 1976 to the present.
CATCHER
Jorge Posada
OK, before Thurman Munson's fans cry blasphemy, recognize that the majority of Munson's best seasons came prior to Yankee Stadium re-opening in 1976. He started in just 264 regular-season games in the renovated park before his August 1979 plane crash. He did win the MVP in 1976 and was an elite postseason player as the Yanks won the pennant in '76, and championships in 1977-78. Munson was a borderline Hall of Famer. But so is Posada, and he has spent his entire career in the current Stadium.
FIRST BASE
Don Mattingly
Perhaps the championships give Tino Martinez some weight, and if you like strong on-base percentage/slugging percentages, maybe you could look at Jason Giambi while looking the other way at his defense, injuries and steroid history. But in the four seasons from 1984-87, Mattingly was the majors' best player. He did not have enough extended greatness to reach the Hall of Fame. But he had enough to lock up this designation.
SECOND BASE
