The Yankees have hung up their jerseys for the year after failing to make the playoffs. HAI DO/AFP/Getty Images

Baseball's cathedral takes final bow

Date published: 10/9/2008

IT'S OCTOBER--time for post-season baseball, time for the magic to happen, time for history to be made.

But there's something missing--a hole, if you will, in the heart of Major League Baseball. For the first time in 13 Octobers, the bases at Yankee Stadium are removed, the field is no longer painted, and you could hear a pin drop in baseball's cathedral.

The Yankees haven't clinched a playoff berth. And this precious piece of American history has seen its final out, its final home run, and is set to be laid to rest in November.

It's not just a baseball being thrown inside this park that makes it so historic, but something much more, that cannot be said about any other stadium in America. One of the hidden facts, unknown to many, is that Yankee Stadium played host not only to Yankees baseball, but also soccer, boxing, college football, professional football and many concerts.

It's not just the Joe DiMaggios, the Lou Gehrigs and the Babe Ruths who have changed in these locker rooms. Faces like Muhammad Ali, Knute Rockne and Pele--faces that have changed the world of sports--have walked in and out of these corridors.

U2, Pink Floyd and Billy Joel have sent the gift of music vibrating up and down these stairs, Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here twice, and Billy Graham brought more than 100,000 into these seats to perform one of his "crusades."

With its historical events and memorable past, Yankee Stadium has gained worldwide respect. Hate 'em or love 'em--inside, everyone has respect for the Yankees' dynasty and their legendary stadium. These grounds have hosted 37 World Series, 26 of them won by the Yankees.

Date published: 10/9/2008