Closing time in the Bronx

Saying goodbye 17 years ago today to Yankee Stadium

The final game of the original, and later remodeled, Yankee Stadium takes place 17 years ago today as New York beats Baltimore 7-3.

Mariano Rivera delivers the final pitch

With a Sunday night crowd of 54,610 looking on in the Bronx, closer and future Hall of Famer Mariano Rivera – in a rare non-save situation for him – records the final out on a grounder by Brian Roberts to first baseman Cody Ransom.

The last hit comes on Jason Giambi’s one-out, RBI single in the seventh inning off reliever Baltimore’s Jamie Walker.

The last homer comes on Jose Molina’s two-run shot to left field off Baltimore starter Chris Waters in the fourth inning.

The last win, perhaps fittingly, goes to Andy Pettitte, who during his first 14 seasons in New York puts together a 95-42 record in 170 appearances at the original Stadium, which opens in 1923 and is remodeled during the 1974 and ’75 seasons.

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