The Boss was indeed in the house that he built last night, as a frail George Steinbrenner returned to Yankee Stadium for the World Series opener.
Steinbrenner’s arrival came at 7:09 p.m., approximately 50 minutes prior to the Game 1 first pitch from CC Sabathia to Philadelphia’s Jimmy Rollins.
A large black van rolled through the tunnel at the clubhouse level of the stadium, with a golf cart trailing it. At the elevator waiting area that takes guests up to the suites, the 79-year-old Steinbrenner — whose failing health is no secret — got out of the van and into a wheelchair.
Among those in the golf cart were Dr. Andrew Boyer, the Yankees’ team doctor in Tampa.
Security was tight for Steinbrenner’s arrival. In fact, a set of mesh curtains surrounds the area in front of the elevator, and the curtains were drawn in to prevent people from seeing Steinbrenner.
Steinbrenner had not been to a game since the season — and stadium — opener back in April against the Indians, a game the Yankees lost.
Coincidentally, that game also featured Sabathia (The Boss’ $161 million ace) facing off against left-hander Cliff Lee, then with Cleveland. Lee started for the Phillies last night.
Steinbrenner’s son, Hal, who is the Yankees’ managing general partner and co-chairperson, was at the team’s ALCS clinching celebration on Sunday night and said that night, “We expect to win a championship.”
Derek Jeter, too, has said of George Steinbrenner, “He expects us to win.”