Adam Schneider:
What a fantastic day! I’ll never feel the same about [Yankee Stadium] again…to have been given the chance to play there, even just once, was magical.
Here are some of my highlights
* Walking past the Yankee clubhouse (in full uniform) just as a group of touring kids came out. Can you imagine the look on their faces? Even for just a moment…they thought I was the real deal. Then, of course…it occurred to them that I was an altacocker and the moment passed. But hey it was great, nonetheless.
* Tapping Steinbrenner’s motivational sign in the ramp-way to the dugout. Could only imagine how many times Jeter did the same before a world series game.
* Just something as simple as sitting on the bench…
* Hearing “the voice of god” announce my AB…not once, but twice!
* Tracking a high pop-up at shortstop…only to catch a glimpse of the 26x World Champs sign and almost drop the ball.
* Horace Clark, maybe… but DiMaggio, Mantle, Murcer, Williams…Schneider? Nah.
* Watching my buddy Mike Schain smack not one, but two hits…”Where’s Michael?”
* … and last and most important of all, seeing my 5 year old son in Gulianni’s seat rooting for me…then chasing down foul balls like it was the real deal.
For a day…it was!
Thanks to everyone…The players, Mary Connor, my boyz on da Bats and of course, The Captain for first cajoling …then inspiring us to join him in the Bronx.
Elvis Estevez:
There are so many memories that I walked away with yesterday that I could take the entire memory of your website space; however, I want to single out three individuals among the great company I was in: HOF Goose Gossage, fellow campers Ed Clark #7, and Karl Kilb. Having a “one on one” conversation with Goose in the tunnel while Game 2 was going on; a walking conversation while visiting the new stadium with Ed; and speaking with Karl who gave me a ’scouting report’ of what was to come as well as recounting some of his life’s memories while we threw the ball around on our own after breakfast in centerfield are conversations I will never forget. Certainly, getting to know other folks and exchanging ideas of what baseball has meant to them and to me was one of the greatest gifts I walked away with! All the best to everyone, Elvis Estevez #4 (day 2: 8/5/08)
Jay Myers:
It was a lot of fun just being on the field at Yankee Stadium and competing with some of the best players to ever play the game. My personal favorite moment was when Jesse Barfield gave me a tip in batting practice and I hit one to deep center right after that. Jesse’s a good teacher! He also gave me a big hug after that and said, “That’s what I’m talking about!”
Brian Callaghan:
Walking down that narrow tunnel and out into the dugout is something I will always remember. Playing catch with my brother in the outfield like a couple of kids, and then looking over and seeing the heroes of our youth on the field with us…it was all unbelievable. Hitting against Goose twice- incredible. What a memory. I will never forget this day- it was surreal. Endless thank you’s to all of the former Yanks who took the time to make our day so special. Please know how much it meant to me. My only regret is plunking Homer Bush and John Flaherty when I was pitching (sorry guys!!)…Thanks to the Yankees and everyone involved in pulling this day together- it was the best!!
Karl Kilb:
The two days that I spent at the Fantasy Camp were amazing! I will never forget the thrill of entering the Stadium field from the dugout, taking batting practice, tracking down fly balls in centerfield, hearing Bob Sheppard announce my name, and stepping into the batter’s box against Yankee Legends. It was an unbelievable, surreal dream-come-true to wear the pinstripes and to play centerfield at Yankee Stadium! Thanks to the Legends for their generous time, baseball tips and hilarious humor! It was an honor and a thrill to take the field with my heroes and fellow campers who appreciated the incredible experience!
Warren Sherman:
The emotions of playing a baseball game in Yankee Stadium are not describable—being the starting pitcher in game one was an extraordinary experience and honor—of course being the losing pitcher also has to be mentioned–that was like an honor as well–being among many of my idols on the field brought the word fantasy to a new level as we played in the stadium that was always and still is a large part of our lives against our heroes and in my case many of my friends including Bucky,Goose,Gator, Mick the Quick, Oscar and Homer —-I will never forget this day—NEVER
Phil Napolitano:
Having witnessed so many great games and memorable moments at the Stadium, being able to walk through the tunnel and out onto the field in full pinstripe gear was truly overwhelming. Then to stand at homeplate and take in the surroundings from a perspective I had only dreamed of, was really moving. I was having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that this Stadium will soon be gone but now it will be that much more emotional for me.
I also had an experience that was probably unique amongst the campers and gave me a real sense of being a big leaguer. Shortly after I got out onto the field my family entered the stadium. While I was chatting with them along the wall near the visitor’s on deck circle, I glanced into the dugout where one of the stadium tour groups happened to be sitting. Amongst them was a young boy with his arms outstretched, a ball in one hand and a pen in the other. I just chuckled and looked away thinking he would realize that I was nobody special. Instead he stretched further and silently mouthed the word “pleeeeeaaaaaase”. Still chuckling but not wanting to disappoint, I made my way over to the dugout rail where the boy met me along with a half dozen or so other kids, all beaming with excitement as they got my autograph. Little did they know that the thrill was all mine.
Michael Schain:
It may be called Fantasy Camp, but we were part of reality! We had the chance to put on the most famous sports uniform representing the most famous franchise in the most historic place in sports. We should consider ourselves very lucky to have had this extraordinary opportunity.
I keep replaying in my mind over and over again all the memorable moments from Monday. I can’t stop thinking about it. Just like the camp in Tampa, which I think about on a daily basis, this too will be etched forever. I have spent a lot of time in this great ballpark and being on the field was definitely an upgrade from my seats in Main Box 219. Yankee Stadium is not only my summer home, but I consider it my second home. Just to be on the field and look at Yankee Stadium in its vastness, greatness, and beauty was something to soak in. How many people can say they have been wearing their pinstripes in the dugout, at home plate, running the bases, spending time in the outfield, and seeing how high they can jump up on the outfield wall? There is definitely something special when you wear that uniform. I wanted to touch all the places that you can’t normally get to and let this landmark know how much joy and energy it has brought me over the years. The whole experience was inspiring, motivating, and otherwise beyond enjoyable! I will cherish the baseball from my base hit as a unique part of my Yankees collection.
Most importantly were the people involved in this event. I thank Warren for opening the window of Fantasy Camp in my life and to share this with him as well as some of my best friends/teammates - Tommy, Adam, Phil, Frankie the Yankee, and Rob makes it even more rewarding. Also, the Yankee Legends…the ones who are already our friends like Mickey, Oscar, Homer, Bucky, Johnny Blanchard, Tony Ferrara and the chance to make new friends was amazing - they were all so much fun while at the same time helpful and gracious.
Personally, I never thought I would be able to play on a baseball field, but the Yankees have afforded me that chance and allowed me to live my dream. I am very, very grateful for that opportunity. I know I will always be a Yankee and could not be prouder to say those words!
Lloyd Solomon:
I have still been searching for an adjective to describe this day. I may keep searching, but doubt that I will ever find a word or words that describe the day I had. Being a Yankee fan for 34 years, watching on TV and going to many games pale in comparison to the feeling I got when I took my pre game walk onto the field. I had chills as I walked across the outfield grass, looking up into the seats and at the huge scoreboard. Then looking down at the grass thinking of the many Yankee Legends who had stood in the spot I was standing at that moment. Reggie, O’Neill, Bernie, Mantle, Maris, Sweet Lou, just to name a few. Then to be greeted by Pat Kelly, then Bucky Dent (who remembered me from the January Tampa Camp, and gave me a hug, simply blew me away). Though extremely nervous approaching the Goose on the field, it became a dream come true. A true childhood idol. I offered him congrats on the HOF, and he received me warmly and graciously. Seeing my face on the big screen while in the batting cage, then getting personal batting tips from Tim Raines was incredible! Then getting more hitting advice from Johnny Blanchard and Ron Shelton (what a terrific guy!) in the indoor cages were priceless, despite striking out twice in the game…though it was against World Series Champs Jeff Nelson and Graeme Lloyd, I guess I need more work.
Being a catcher all my life, it was surreal approaching home plate for the 1st time. Viewing the field from that spot is something very few “non-players” can say they have done. I will remember that view forever! Squatting in the same spot as Posada, Munson and Berra put me into a trance. Despite making a “name for myself” by falling on my head trying to catch a pop up behind the plate, I felt I made friends with my catching brethren, Mike Stanley (another favorite of mine), John Flaherty, and Johnny Blanchard. They were simply stupendous and so friendly. What great conversations we had!
The dinner was the icing on the cake. Socializing with the Legends was something very few people can do, and I am so glad I was able to share it with my friends and family. Even Michael Kay was gracious enough to spend time talking to me and my guests. When I was saying good-bye, Tim Raines asked if I was coming to the next Camp in Tampa. Tim Raines was asking me?!?!!? WOW!
This was a day that will be etched in my memory for life. No one can possibly understand what this day meant except for maybe the teammates I shared the day with. Warren, it was so nice to see you again and share this day with you (and your crew as well). I know we don’t know each other well, but days like this bring people closer together. I felt like I knew you a lifetime. You are a very special person and I am glad I got to share part of this day with you. Hope to see you again at a future camp in Tampa (I’m already saving my pennies). Boyd, it was a lot of fun catching you. I will now be able to say I was part of a Boyd / Lloyd battery. Forgive me for not singling the rest of you out, in part because I am so bad with names, but I am good at recognizing good people. All of you were great, and I am glad I got the opportunity to play with you guys on this very special day. Best wishes to all of you!
Cornell University’s Alpha Tau Omega reunited at Yankee Stadium and became part of a new brotherhood of fantasy camp alumni and teammates. A foursome got to play on the most hallowed ground in sports with brother Mike Levine presented the MVP award by Ron Guidry.
From left to right: MVP Mike Levine, Jesse Cole, Steven Kay, and Michael Capasso
Monday camper Sam Abdelwahab, who attended Fantasy Camp with his boss, Chris LaSusa, was the MVP winner at Fantasy Camp (and for more than the reason that he got to live his dream of playing ball at Yankee Stadium). That night, Sam won a dinner raffle prize allowing him to participate in the Tuesday Camp for free. When Sam transferred his prize to his boss, Chris, because he had to work the next day, the Yankee Legends offered Sam the opportunity of a lifetime – to play on their team! Boss Chris then granted Sam the day off and both campers spent a second day living out their dream.
Camp opens at 7:30AM. Let the fantasies begin!
From left to right: Rob Gallo, Michael LaSusa, Chris LaSusa, Sam Abdelwahab checking in. What dreams may come?
Even though they would play there, every camper had to have a look at the most famous playing field in sports.
Sam Abdelwahab played college ball for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays. In 2008, the team finished as NCAA Division III College World Series runner-ups.
From left to right: Jeff Fittipaldi, Michael LaSusa, Sam Abdelwahab, Chris LaSusa, Scott Kaplan. A legendary squad from a legendary firm
Sam Abdelwahab: Coming Home!
Major league magazine sends reporter as camper!
Two campers go the distance and attend for two days!
Four frat rats, now grown-ups, showing up will be sure to give this day the kind of afterglow NASA generates.
Meeting Expectations: Camper/Blogger Edwin (Ed) Clark and family.
Forget the dream-come-true stuff.
What’s it like to feel real big league heat?
How does it feel to live for a long day as a ballplayer in “the cathedral of baseball?”
Stay tuned for a week-long special report with campers’ commentary on-camera and on the record!
Play ball!
Batting Practice: Camper Warren Sherman.
Goose and Bucky watch
Warren Sherman and idol, Bucky Dent
See what we mean?
Freddy “Sez” Schuman has some competition at Fantasy Camp
Here’s some anecdotes:
One camper writes:
-Pet Peeves: Closed minded people such as Boston Red Sox Fans.
-Knows more Yankee Facts than most people even knew existed.
Another aced high school play but…
-In high school, played 4 years of varsity baseball with no fielding errors in center field -Collects Smurfs?!?!?!?!
Who knew smurfs played ball?
Still another:
-Known to practice his swing and his pitching while in the shower (must be a pretty big shower; how many can you fit in there?) -Met his wife at the 2003 ALCS Game 7 -Enjoys baseball (obviously), golf, painting, writing.
Now for some lore on the Legends:
-Rich “Goose” Gossage is called Goose because in 1972, a teammate of Gossage’s on the White Sox said he looked like a goose when he leaned in to get the signs from the catcher.
-Bucky Dent now owns a baseball school in Florida called Bucky Dent’s Baseball School that teaches the fundamentals to young kids.
-Former Yankees pitching coach Ron Guidry, known to fans as Gator, and Louisiana Lightning, struck out a Yankee record 18 batters against the LA Angels; he went on to compile a record of 25-3, winning the 1978 AL Cy Young Award.
-Graeme Lloyd is only the third Australian native to play Major League Baseball.
-Pat Kelly now lives in Australia.
That’s right! In just 4 days, nearly 60 campers will take part in an experience of a lifetime. Besides taking part in live batting practice, they play against former Yankee greats including recently pronounced Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, Ron Guidry, Mickey Rivers, and Tim Raines. YES Network play-by-play announcer Michael Kay will be broadcasting from the booth. After participating in this once in a lifetime event, many reactions will be speechless. The atmosphere for campers will rival great Yankee games like the Subway Series between the cross-town rival New York Mets in 2000, game 7 of the 2003 ALCS against the Red Sox, and whichever Yankee memories hold true to the campers’ hearts.
Each Fantasy Camper will get a DVD with their game “telecast” as if it were on YES, with five (5) cameras covering game play! Michael Kay will use crib sheets containing anecdotes supplied by campers’ friends and family. Head shots will be taken in the YES broadcast suite at the stadium and these will be used during the game to identify players. Look, anybody can buy a regulation jersey and pants and photoshop their picture on an image of the famous infield, BUT, you can’t fake the video! In addition, each camper is getting a personalized photo album with their photos. Couple this with plenty of picture taking opportunities, and this fantasy becomes a vivid reality.
