In a dominant spring training game, the New York Yankees beat the Detroit Tigers in a spring training game.
The New York Yankees are arguably one of the most recognizable sports teams in the world. You’ll find their iconic logo on caps in nearly every sports store and random market stall. Not everyone may know the powerhouse team behind the symbol, but I was thrilled to have the chance to catch one of their games.
The Yankees are also one of the most successful franchises in U.S. sports history. With 21 American League East Division titles, 41 American League pennants, and 27 World Series championships to their name, they’re aiming for another strong season in 2025.
GEORGE M. STEINBRENNER FIELD
Tampa has a rich baseball history that dates back to 1913, when the Chicago Cubs chose the city as the site of Florida’s first spring training. Over the years, several teams have trained here. However, a major milestone came in 1993, when the New York Yankees struck a deal to build a new spring training stadium. Originally called Legends Field when it opened in 1996, the stadium was renamed in 2008 to honor George M. Steinbrenner, the Yankees’ longtime owner and a Tampa-area resident who had fallen ill around that time.
With a seating capacity of just over 11,000, it’s the largest spring training stadium in Major League Baseball. But in 2025, it won’t just serve as the Yankees’ preseason home. Due to extensive hurricane damage to the Tampa Bay Rays’ Tropicana Field, the stadium will temporarily become their regular-season home as well.
THE GAME
As someone who has never watched baseball in his life, I knew it wouldn’t be easy to figure out what I was looking at. However, the opportunity to watch a Yankees game for only $27 was something I couldn’t skip. It always sounded like something I might enjoy. So, seeing a legendary team during a spring training game felt like the perfect chance.
My ticket wasn’t for a seat in one of the grandstands, but it was a Pinstripe Pass, allowing me to enter George M. Steinbrenner Field and stand (or sit) in the outfield. For me, this was perfect. It gave me the chance to sit right next to the field while still being able to wander around.
It was a great game to watch, as the New York Yankees dominated the Detroit Tigers. As I sat down at what I believed was a calm spot right next to the field, I was pleasantly surprised when a ball came within two meters of me, hitting the table. The Yankees hit their first home run in the first inning, with home runs two and three following very quickly. I nearly caught the ball from the second home run. Hit by Goldschmidt, but the guy next to me was just a few centimeters taller and managed to grab it. Awesome experience though! Being so close to the action was such a great bonus
Before the game, I wasn’t sure if I would stay the whole time or leave early. Everyone I talked to said the game takes forever and gets boring. Boy, were they wrong. I had a great time and stayed until the end. Yes, I was clueless about what was going on, but thankfully a security guard explained a few things to me.
Although the Detroit Tigers managed to close the gap slightly early on, it was the New York Yankees who won the game. Hearing Frank Sinatra over the speakers with the words “Yankees Win” on the screen was awesome. Honestly, as a European, seeing a sports game in the USA is an experience. People stand for the national anthem, there’s an honorary veteran, and the love for the red, white, and blue is something you can’t explain unless you see it. I had an absolute blast watching this game, and to be really honest, I became a fan of the sport. I’ve got a long way to go to learn all about it, but for a first-time experience, I was highly impressed with the excitement, and I really want to watch more Yankees games in the future.
With the actual season starting soon, the only thing I can say as new fan is: Go Yankees!
