Take Me Out to The Ball Game

Mention the baseball to someone and you will either be met with true passion or a strong hatred toward the long arduous pastime.

Nonetheless, I am a strong believer in making up my own mind when it comes to certain experiences. Especially ones like these.

So that was it, ticket in hand, Yankees cap on, I was on my way to experience ‘American’s favorite pastime’.

Like tiny ants we filed onto the New York subway, made our way up to the stadium in the Bronx and poured into the bleachers on a glorious Sunday afternoon.

The most affordable tickets are of course somewhere in the nosebleed section on the fourth tier, but if you manage to get front row of the section you will be treated with quite the view of the diamond.

As we sat down in our seats I could feel the atmosphere soaking in. This was one of those moments I really realized I was immersing myself in the American culture.

No trip to the field would be complete without a little culinary treat and I’m not talking about the peanuts or cracker jacks. Nothing goes hand-in-hand like a baseball game and a hot dog. I quickly realized it would be sacrilegious if I didn’t try what has been voted the best by baseball fans and it was delicious!

And I still had room to wash down the ‘dawg’ with the pièce de résistance, an ice-cream-filled Yankees helmet.

Time flies when you’re having fun and this game in particular was a quick one – just a short three and half hours!

The day was topped off with a win by the Yankee’s, which is lucky since it was a home game. There is always something crushing about losing on your own turf.

And out we all went again like tiny ants, spilling and tumbling over each other, back onto the subway.

Tip: If you are smart and want to avoid the long wait on the platform or smelling someone’s armpit in a full carriage, I suggest making a pit stop at the Yankees Tavern. The vibe is especially good when there is a win. Knock back a few beers, wait for the crowds to dissipate and enjoy the comfort and space on your train ride home.

At the old ball game.

Steph_profHerstory is a weekly column on women and travel by Steph Ridhalgh. Steph is a Sydney born; New York based television producer and travel blogger. Not one for being quiet for too long she simply loves talking about travel and lifestyle.

Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource for those who love to be in the know and know how.

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