Tennis and baseball

Early day today, got up and walked down the street to the laundromat.  We have been amazed at the friendliness of all the New Yorkers we have come across.  We are staying in an area where the first language is Spanish, I have definitely been unfairly  racially profiling most of the people in the neighbourhood but have been pleasantly surprised at how approachable they have been.  All the Hispanics, Ho's and Honkies have all greeted this white boy with a welcome, 'Hey man, lookin' good man'.  You get the drift.....  Tonight, coming home from Yankee Stadium we had to get 2 trains (one from the stadium to the city, then from the city to Queens)  We then have to get a bus for the last couple of miles home.  We got on the bus at 11.30pm and everyone on the bus was Hispanic, we are the only white people within 5 miles.  The bus driver looked at us, looked at his passengers and said, "You know where you going, you on the right bus?"  We told him why and where, he looked us up and down, shrugged and said, "OK, on you get."  Everyone looked as we made our way on, but they all smiled and I don't think it was the type of smile of a lion sizing up prey....it really was a friendly gesture!!

Another day session at the tennis today, watched Li Na, Djokovic and Sloane Stevens play, this all finished early enough for us to get back to the motel for a shower before we went to the baseball. 

In the quest for trying anything, we had a giant pretzel at the tennis.  Pam said it tasted like Playdough.  I haven't tasted Playdough lately but it was like a long round piece of squashed bread that had been soaked in salt, we didn't finish it.  Wow...that pretzel was making me thirsty!!!

We have had some very hot days, the sunscreen has been getting a workout, particularly today, feeling a little sunburnt tonight.

School bus from the 'Logan Bus Co.'  A little lost I imagine?

Pam with her hero on the Hall of Fame Walk.

More of the Hall of Fame Walk.

Arthur Ashe Memorial Garden.

Some of the outside courts.

Can you see Pam in her seat?

How about now? Proud in her State of Origin cap.

Birds eye view of Louis Armstrong Arena.

The food area, lots to tempt us.

One last look at Arthur Ashe Stadium, very sad to say goodbye.

Baseball
Went to Yankee Stadium tonight for a baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees.  I've been watching and hearing about the stars of the Yankees for years now, and to be able to watch the likes of Derek Jeter, Alex (A-Rod) Rodriguez, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson and Mo Rivera and others was a dream come true.
The teams are close on the ladder and neither seem to have much hope of making the play-offs but there is a history of neighbourly rivalry going back many years so the Yankees and their fans were keen for a win.  It was a packed house, very noisy with the fans showing their support.  Had some beer and a hotdog, yummo, felt like a local!
Started slow, it was 0-0 after 3 inning.  Baltimore hit the lead with a home run, Yankees bounced back with a 40 minute 5 run 5th inning.  Coming into the 8th inning Yankees held a 3 run advantage, Baltimore had 2 on with 2 out and needed a home run to tie.  Their batter hit the biggest hit and it went sailing closer and closer to the home run wall....just falling short, caught and 3 out.
It came down to the top of the 9th, Baltimore still need 3 runs, the fans wanted it shut down,Yankees coach brought in the veteran pitcher - Mo Rivera and the crowd went wild.  In reply Baltimore sent out 2 pinch hitters and Rivera knock them over quickly.  They resorted to their lead off hitter and Rivera got the out and won the game.  The fans went wild.  I was exhausted.  Pam was enjoying it all.
Got home at midnight after another big day and ready for bed!!!

View from our seats.

View into right field.

Some of the legends - shots from the big screen.