Unrealized Concepts - Volume 4 - Yankee Stadium Renovation (1998)

In 1998, just at the beginning of the current Yankees run, there were many ideas floated for a new ballpark. Most alternatives involved the Yanks leaving the Bronx to either Manhattan (their home for their first 22 years) or the New Jersey Meadowlands. This proposal was different in that it not only kept the team in the Bronx, but in Yankee Stadium.



The plan was floated by the Bronx Boro President Fernando Ferrer. It involved reintroducing many of the Stadium's classic features including the Frieze above the upper deck and the exterior facade.



An interesting feature that was eventually incorporated into the new Yankee Stadium is above. It seems to be quite similar to the "Great Hall" at the new park. Basically a glass wall which extends the concourse out onto what was then Ruppert Plaza.

The plan was never really accepted by the Yankees though. It never really got past the proposal stage. While its a shame the Yankees didn't stay in the original Stadium, at least they are still in the Bronx.

You can see these and more images of this proposal at StadiumPage.com.

Yankee Stadium Demolition - 03/22/10

Yankee Stadium demolition has progressed over the past week. They are down to the last few sections of upper deck which will probably be gone by the end of the week. From there they will likely move onto dismantling the outer walls.



Check out the above image and about 50 others at StadiumPage.com.

Yankee Stadium Demolition - 03/13/10

Demolition continued at the old ballpark even with today's nasty weather in the New York area. The upper deck continues to be cut into small pieces so they can be torn down. In the video above, you can see the grappler cutting into the concrete so to make small pieces to pull down.



I took about 50 pictures and the above video. Check out these and the whole set at StadiumPage.com.

Yankee Stadium Demolition - 03/06/10

I made another visit to the site of the old Yankee Stadium today. Demolition has progressed quite a bit in the four weeks since I visited last. The majority of the back "bleacher wall" has been torn down, so you can get a unblocked view into the stadium now. Unfortunately for me, the Manhattan bound #4 train platform was closed so I couldn't get any shots straight into the park.



They seem to be shearing the upper deck concrete into small sections that can be removed individually. I didn't see any demolition in progress, so I'm unsure what they are doing exactly. Although demolition is progressing well, I do expect some part of the stadium to be standing on Opening Day. With that, baseball fans should be able to get at least one more glance at the old ballpark.

You can see full size versions of these two photos and another 29 shots in the Yankee Stadium Demolition section of StadiumPage.com.

Yankee Stadium Demolition - 02/15/10

The demolition of the old Yankee Stadium continues, and it seems like they are making progress. At this point the seating plank for the field and loge levels has been demolished. The upper deck is basically intact except for what seems to be the last section. The stairwell "pod" next to the left field end has been removed which caused that part to be demolished. Most of the exterior remains. If I were to guess, there will still be a considerable amount of the structure left when the season begins in April. However, if the pace is increased, it could be done before then.



I was in the area today and took over 40 photos of the old ballpark. Check out larger versions of these two photos and the other 38 or so at StadiumPage.com.

Ballpark Logos

One great thing about baseball and sports in general is the logos. Many people don't realize, but just about every MLB park has its own logo. The teams use them for ballpark signs and promotional efforts. The logos end up being a key part of StadiumPage.com in that they act as the link to each park's photos. Here are a few of my favorite ballpark logos


While incorporating the sponsor's logo, it still conveys the fact that its the sign for a ballpark. Simple but effective.


This one is nice because although it is a naming rights deal, if you weren't aware of the Safeco brand, you may not realize. Also it incorporates the Mariners' compass logo, which is one of the best in the game.


This is more of an anniversary logo, but I still consider it a ballpark logo. I like how it incorporates the old look of Shea from 1964 through the early 80's on the left side along with the 1980's forward blue/neon look.


One of the few ballpark logos that actually has an image of the park in it. I think its also supposed to look like a political campaign button which is appropriate to Washington DC.


This is a rarely seen alternate version of the Citizens Bank Park logo. It incorporates the signature Neon Liberty Bell from Right Field along with the field's shape. Simple and effective. The Phillies should use this version more.


Like Miller Park, this one is able to incorporate the sponsor's logo with the club's. The growling tiger along with the bats and the ballpark's signature steel arches are all present. A nice way to sum up an underrated ballpark.


Its too bad that the original Yankee Stadium gates were lost in the 1970's renovation. The designer did a nice job pulling them into this final season logo. Great logo for one of the classic parks.

That's just some of my favorites. You can see more on StadiumPage.com .