Dear Hank,
Is it okay if I call you that? Would you prefer Mr. Steinbrenner? I don't want to make you feel too old.
Simply put, why are you closing Yankee Stadium?
Why did you feel it was necessary to abuse the taxpayers of New York City to build a new stadium in the middle of our country's economic misfortunes?
I'm not even sure if I can call it a stadium - maybe the sixth borough of New York would be more appropriate.
Hank, forgive me if I come across as irrational, but tell me: Why now?
Why, when Yankee Stadium sells out night after night, even when the product on the field isn't exactly what one would call championship-caliber?
Don't tell me that you are doing this to ensure your dad's legacy. Your father doesn't need a new stadium built during the twilight years of his life for his name to go down in history as an all-time Yankee great.
Hell, he has so many memories there he didn't even need to be at the last game.
Hank, you have a lot of work to do if you ever want to be remembered like your father. Too much of your reputation stems from whining and indecision about Joba Chamberlain; try to change that to World Series rings and lavish downtown parades.
I must commend you, though. Even in the wake of a pretty miserable season for the New York Yankees, you've managed to make the last season at Yankee Stadium look pretty darn classy.
The commemorative ball used during every game, the All-Star Game in the Bronx and, of course, the last game at the stadium featuring all the Yankee greats topped off by a touching speech from Derek Jeter in its final moments.
Was this an honest gesture to the fans or a series of sly distractions to keep their minds off the fact that, as of last Sunday night, baseball will no longer be played at the hallowed Yankee Stadium?
Hank, do I need to give you a laundry list of examples to explain the lore of Yankee Stadium to you?
Do the names Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Joe DiMaggio ring a bell?
Ever taken a walk in Monument Park or watched a game with the Bleacher Creatures in right field?
Sure, the stadium is old, but so are Wrigley Field and Fenway Park. Maybe the seats are a little small, but we can all afford to lose a few pounds. Perhaps the smell on a hot summer day is a bit musty, but that's the Bronx for you.
Hank, I'm not some hapless Red Sox fan trying to ruffle your feathers - quite the contrary, actually. I write as a concerned Yankees fan wondering from afar what closing "The House that Ruth Built" will do to the organization.
You are giving up so much in the name of history and tradition that I'm not so sure you are going to get such good returns on your investment.
The new stadium will probably be a sight to see, but New Yorkers know beauty doesn't last. I hope you don't expect the magic of Yankee Stadium to pack up and move across the street just because you want it to.
I guess my parting words of advice to you, Hank, are to not rest on your laurels. Don't get too comfortable and think that because you have this fancy new stadium you will continue to draw fans regardless of where the Yankees are in the standings.
Ask any true fan. That's not what being a Yankee is all about.
Daniel Seco is a journalism graduate student. His column appears on Thursdays.
