The Billy Joel Yankees Game

The Billy Joel Yankees Game

By Paul Semendinger

August 15, 2025

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NOTE - I wrote this article for the IBWAA's newsletter, Here's The Pitch. It was published on August 9 and is reprinted here.

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On July 11, my son Ethan and I went to the Yankees game. It was Billy Joel Bobblehead Night. The following are some of my reflections from the game, written in a way to pay tribute to a host of Billy Joel's songs.

I was, of course, in a New York State of Mind as Ethan and I headed into the Bronx to see the Yankees. We had been planning this trip to the stadium For The Longest Time. We invited my other two sons, but they don't live close by. One lives in Pennsylvania, a bit west of Allentown. The other lives Somewhere Along The Line near Boston.

Ethan was taking me to the game to celebrate my birthday and even though the Yankees had suffered through a miserable June and start to July, as fans we were Keeping The Faith. (Don't Ask Me Why, but Everybody Has A Dream. To be honest, I Go To Extremes. I simply want the Yankees to win all of the time. Hey, it's My Life.)

I always feel a rush of excitement as we drive in and get near Yankee Stadium. As we crossed the Macombs Dam Bridge, Half A Mile Away, a giant smile came across my face. It was time for Yankees baseball!

There is always something special about going to a Yankees game. I love when the Piano Man plays the stadium's old organ over the PA. I think the old stadium sounds are the best - much better than the sound effects and loud recorded music.

As it would turn out, This Night was to be one where the Yankees had a host of great moments.

Carlos Rodon was the starting pitcher. He needed to Turn Around a recent string of less-than-great starts. And he did! Rodon pitched eight solid innings. The Yankees had been needing better length from their starting pitchers and Rodon delivered! One of the most dramatic moments of his outing came late in the game...

After Rodon gave up two hits in the eighth inning, it looked like he might be tired. Aaron Boone came out of the dugout to give Rodon the hook, or so it seemed. Rodon looked at Boone and said that he could get out of the inning. It was A Matter of Trust, but Boone left Rodon in to face Kyle Tucker who, facing the Pressure, was retired thanks to a great catch by Aaron Judge. After throwing eight full innings of shutout ball, I thought, "Well, Carlos Rodon, Everybody Loves You Now."

Cody Bellinger also had a fantastic night. He clubbed three home runs. The Big Shot might have been his first because it increased their lead and gave the Yankees a little breathing room. Bellinger hit a second home run, and then was robbed of a third on a great over-the-wall catch by Kyle Tucker. And So It Goes. After he hit his third homer, later, there was no doubt that, for one night at least, Cody Bellinger was the Big Man on Mulberry Street. Bellinger's three home runs were one of the best Surprises of the night.

One of the problems with the Yankees in recent years, is that they make far too many mistakes. As I watch blunder after blunder, I wonder why they can't simply Get It Right The First Time. I said to Ethan that part of the problem comes down to the preparation and coaching. He responded, "You May Be Right." It seems it is Sometimes A Fantasy to imagine that the Yankees of today can simply play good crisp baseball. The lack of fundamentals has been a problem with the Yankees.

This Is The Time for the Yankees. They need to start playing more consistent baseball. Everybody Has A Dream. In regard to baseball, mine is for the Yankees to finally win another World Series. With this win, the Yankees just might be Getting Closer to achieving that dream for me.

On This Night, the Yankees were the better team. We got to take home a Billy Joel bobblehead as a great Souvenir. I've Loved These Days -- having the chance to get out to a game at Yankee Stadium. If I Only Had The Words (To Tell You) how great of an experience this game was!

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Paul Semendinger is a frequent contributor to the IBWAA's newsletter. Paul's Yankees site Start Spreading The News has been delivering daily Yankees coverage of the team since 2017. A published author, Paul's books have won numerous awards. Stay tuned, he is finishing up three more!