I just had my first visit to PNC Field. The last time I was there, I saw the Red Barons play. Things have changed.

I was given two tickets to see the Yankees play the Indianapolis Indians. The seating was at the Budweiser Pavilion and it included dinner and drinks (yummy and yummy). This night out was a “thank you” from Times Leader’s Newspapers in Education program to the sponsors of this program. My boss is one of the sponsors and could not attend, so I snatched up the tickets (thanks, Boss!). Alan Stout, an impeccable business man (who also has good taste in music!), coordinated the event meticulously (thanks, Alan!).

I don’t know nuthin ’bout no damn Yankees. Wait, yes, I do. Derek Jeter. There. That’s all I got. Clearly in the minority, I really noticed a difference in the fans, they are a serious and dedicated group. The predominant color of dress was blue and white. I think that this historical base is as solid as a rock for baseball fans living here. You’re either a Yankee fan or a Red Sox fan (with a few poor Mets fans sprinkled in). I don’t know much about the those teams, either, other than I was happy when the Red Sox finally won the World Series and will be very happy when the Mets do again (not since 1986? Really?).

The stadium appeared different immediately because of the seats missing in the upper decks. There was money to be made in the advertising banners. Frankly, it was probably a good choice since the stadium probably didn’t fill up often. But there were so many empty seats in the season ticket section. Shame on them! Our seats in the pavilion were perfect, so I shouldn’t complain.

The natural grass really makes a difference. I like it. I hate to admit that, though. No longer is it a “multi-purpose” stadium. Besides being useful in the heights of the spring and summer baseball season, autumn local football teams used to play there and in the winter, they set up ice skating and ice carving shows. There was a huge, weekend- long high school band competition that brought hundreds, if not thousands, to the hotels in that area. The natural grass ended all that.

But, who doesn’t like a baseball game? I liked it. You know when you go to the theater in New York City, you get a “Playbill” that provides information about theater and who’s who in the cast? Well at the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankee affiliate, you get a “Playball” giving information about the team, their statistics and a couple of ads. Cute, isn’t it?

There sure was a lot of fuss in Scranton about bringing them here. I guess so far, things are going well for them.

I don’t even know how to read the standings, but I try. On this first day of summer, I think the damn Yankees are one game out of first place behind Pawtucket. I think I even know that the real damn Yankees are five games behind Boston Red Sox. Hmm, I’m not too bad, for a girl. Maybe I’ll take me out to the ballgame more often!