Excited Fans Flock To Yankee Stadium On Opening Day
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Play ball!
It was an exciting day for fans who were hoping that the good weather would be a good omen for things to come this season for the Yankees.
About 50,000 people packed the stadium in the Bronx Monday, as the Yankees battled the Toronto Blue Jays on opening day.
Devoted, die hard followers lined up eager for the spring opener to get underway, CBS2's Janelle Burrell reported.
Photos: Chopper 880 Above Stadium | Opening Day 2015
Some admittedly came down with Yankee fever -- playing hooky just to be at the game.
"We have Yankee flu so we're out of work and school today," Michael Bello told Burrell.
All of them were eager to see how the new roster performed, with many bringing with them repeat good luck charms to show their support.
For fan Hector Montalvo, it's in the form of Jackie Rabbitson. "For me it's 46 years and for this guy it'll be 10."
In addition to a new team roster, there was a new protocol for getting into the stadium this year. All spectators are screened by metal detectors before passing through security, Burrell reported.
This new policy is being implemented at all major league baseball stadiums as an increased level of protection.
Rise and shine! #OpeningDay pic.twitter.com/2pBpNRphFq
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 6, 2015
This is an added sense of safety for families like the Salutes: Grandpa Teddy and dad Jason who are now bringing up a third generation of Yankee lineage with little Adrianna who was dressed from top to bottom in Yankees gear, Burrell reported.
"We've been doing it since I was a kid with him ... I wanted to keep it going with her. So hopefully I'll be doing it when I'm his age," Jason Salute said.
"If I could put a million dollars on this team right now, I would put a million dollars on this team to win," said Connor Reardon. "I'm 100 percent confident in my Yankees."
Former Yankees GM Joe Torre threw out the ceremonial first pitch. But unfortunately the Yankees fell to the Blue Jays 6-1.
Some fans who spoke with WCBS 880's Peter Haskell after the game said they're worried.
"I think we're going to have to wait a couple of years to see any championship teams around New York," said one fan.
"If Alex Rodriguez is going to be the offensive juggernaut for the Yankees, we're in trouble," another fan said.
The Yankees also started a new era of sorts as they played their first season opener since 1996 without legendary captain Derek Jeter. The future Hall of Fame shortstop retired at the end of the 2014 season.
"I think a lot of the nostalgia from Yankee fans is gone. Now you realize this is the group you have. This is who you're going to move forward with and root for them to win the World Series," Matt Grossman told CBS2's Steve Overmyer.