It's time to get some miles on Citi Field and Yankee Stadium because we've officially reached the outer limit of discussion topics. Mike Battaglino of the New York Post posits that the Mets and Yankees are going to suffer because their new ballparks are too comfortable for them, their opponents and the fans. Battaglino uses a quote from former Mets pitcher and current announcer Ron Darling as his thesis statement.
"One of the big advantages you always had as a Mets player ... [other teams] hated coming to Shea Stadium," Darling said. "[They] couldn't stand playing in the ballpark. Now it's going to be a lot different coming here because of the beautiful amenities, the beautiful clubhouse."
Tell that to the Mets of the late '70's and early 90's. Or the Yankees of the early 90's, for that matter. Funny how not being able to stand the ballpark has zero effect on the outcome of games when the home team is larded with crappy players. Darling obviously knows what it's like to be a pro player and the effect of going from stadium to stadium, but facts don't bear out the fact that the park matters nearly as much as the players who call it home.
Battaglino extends his argument to the fans. He writes that with better food and amenities available to them, fans won't be so into the games. That was obviously a huge problem at Citizen's Bank Park last season when Phillie fans had no interest whatsoever in how their team fared on the field because there were cheesesteaks available on the outfield concourse.
Again, facts don't bear out the theory. Nor do they help Battaglino's cause when he extends his hypothesis to the NFL. The Steelers and Patriots have dominated the league from their two new stadiums while teams like the Raiders, Chiefs and Bills stumble along in their older buildings.
Hate the stadiums because the seats are too expensive or because they don't cater to the diehard fans who would watch a game anywhere regardless of the availability of sushi. That's fine, but the Mets and Yankees are going to win or lose because of how they pitch, hit and field.
Josh Alper is a writer living in New York City and is a contributor to FanHouse.com and ProFootballTalk.com in addition to his duties for NBCNewYork.com.
