The Outside Blog Minion Report: Shea Stadium / Citi Field

Carolyn Tann-Starr

http://www.TannStarr.com

44 years... I am 43 years old and all I can think about is the fact that for my entire life Shea Stadium was a place of fond memories and spectacular moments.

My family loves baseball. Did you know that I was listening to soap operas and ballgames in the womb? Yup. 'Tis true. Oh my word, the interesting things I could tell you about my childhood influences (LMAO - but I digress...). I shall save that for a Susan Mangigian Wordy C moment. After all, I do have a 57 Fact Mega-Meme in the works... among other things. ;-)

I will say that they didn't call me "Mouth" for nothing. Who knew I'd grow up to be a blogger. Betcha' didn't see that one coming, eh? I surely didn't... :-)

Rumor has it I have a gift for gab, but I must confess I was oddly speechless while on my way into the office. I have been driving past Shea Stadium twice a day for over 15 years and I must say it is becoming more difficult for me to do so as construction debris is taken away. Watching them dismantle one of my favorite places caused a mysterious, melancholy lump of emotion to swell up and choke the inside of my throat. I was going to be late for my appointment but I had to get a brief visit in. I did not want them to tear it down completely, although I know this is a necessary part of economic progress and change. It made my heart hurt and I couldn't shake the feeling I was about to cry. I really wanted to cry, but I didn't and that fact distracted me for the rest of the day. It made me wonder what was wrong with me...  I felt like an old friend was dying a slow death... Who knew you could feel that way about a recreational building?

I am going to really miss this place. My 7 and 2.10 year old will never know the thrill of sitting on those orange seats with their best friends, gobbling down expensive hot dogs while enjoying the atmosphere of sharing a landmark that dates back to the World's Fair. There is always the hint of the intangible, a secret thrill from watching one of America's favorite past-times take place on historical grounds. I was barely 4 when the Amazing Mets won the World Series Championship in 1969. All of that hollering and screaming while jumping up and down made quite an impression on me.

I am a very visual person (LOL). Artistic or Autistic? Hmm... You decide. I was out of High School when they did it again in 1986. Funny what you remember when your heart decides to mark a significant moment in time.

May God bless the new venture, may it bring new jobs and prosperity to the neighborhoods and I hope that Citi Field is worth the destruction of a treasured landmark. Once upon a time Shea Stadium was the place to be... Now I am looking forward to taking my little minions to Citi Field for their first ball game. :-)

Flushing Meadows Corona Park: Shea Stadium / Citi Field