An interview with Bucky Dent
In Monday’s amNewYork, we have an article about the last opening day at the House that Ruth Built. I interviewed several fans and a couple of past Yankees about the history that will be lost when the current Yankee Stadium is torn down.
Here is a transcript of my interview with Bucky Dent, who played in pinstripes from 1977-82. Notice how many times he calls Yankee Stadium "a special place."
How well do you remember the first game you played at Yankee Stadium?
“I remember it quite well. It’s just a special place. I missed the old stadium when I came up. They were playing in Shea. Missing the old one then coming back and playing in the old one -- the one they’re in now -- it was pretty neat.
What do you think makes Yankee Stadium such a special place?
“I think because of the history of the people that played there. Just walking in there and having that feeling of knowing that the great guys like Ruth and Gehrig and Mantle and Berra and all those legendary guys played there.”
Do players talk about the history of the stadium often, like for example they feel the ghost of Babe Ruth?
“You talk to the guys who played there. That’s a special place to go.”
What do you think of the plan to tear down the stadium to build a new one next door?
“I’m kind of torn, simply because of the tradition, the history, that aura. You know the guys that have played there, they know that House that Ruth Built. It’s a special place. I know that they’re building a new one, but there’s that feeling about playing in Yankee Stadium?
Do you think it’s possible that a new stadium could capture that special feeling that the old stadium had, or will new memories have to be created there before that can happen?
“It’s going to take a history of things. The new one’s going to be nice. But the old one, you knew that those great players played in there. That was like sacred ground. It’s a special place. That’s not going to be able to replaced.”
What was your favorite memory of playing at Yankee Stadium, whether it was something you accomplished or witnessed there?
“I witnessed Reggie hit his three home runs there, but my thing is the first time I put the pinstripes on and went out on the field, opening day. I was a kid. I dreamed of playing with the Yankees, and it all happened. And you stand in that dugout, and you wait for your name to be called, and then you run out for opening day.
“The other great memory is standing there waiting for your first World Series, playing in your first World Series game as a Yankee. Those memories, they’re vivid.”
Check back Monday afternoon at Game Face for a Q&A with Bill “Moose” Skowron.
(Photo by AP)
