Thirty-six years ago today, after being closed two years for renovations, Yankee Stadium re-opened for business with an 11-4 Yankees victory over the Minnesota Twins. Though the WPIX broadcast of that game doesn't appear to exist any longer, the Opening Day pre-game ceremonies — featuring a wide array of Yankee legends, and emceed by the equally legendary Bob Sheppard — are thankfully still available on YouTube.
Part One:
Part Two:
Part Three:
Aside from the sentimental significance of the Yankees returning home after two years in Shea exile, these clips have considerable historical value, not least because 1976 would turn out to mark the Yankees' return to the post-season for the first time in 12 years; this event, therefore, shows Billy Martin's Bronx Bombers reclaiming their pinstriped past on their way to adding an important new chapter to the franchise's history.
Alas, while Babe Ruth hit the first home run at the original Yankee Stadium, the first homer at new refurbished Yankee Stadium came off the bat of a visiting player, Twins outfielder "Disco" Dan Ford. The first Yankee round-tripper at the re-opened park wouldn't come until two days later, when Thurman Munson cranked a solo shot off of the Twins' Jim Hughes. Like Casey Stengel useta say, you could look it up.
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