A nice Stadium Opening touch (UPDATED)

I thought this made for a nice touch when TNYS opens tomorrow TODAY (Thursday, 4/16, 1:05pm EST):

If the Yankees had picked anybody else to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at their new stadium Thursday, it just wouldn’t have seemed right. Yogi Berra, 83 years young, will do the honors before the Yankees host Cleveland at 1:05 p.m.
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The home plate and pitching rubber to be used Thursday is the same set that closed out the old Yankee Stadium last September. When the game is over, the plate and the rubber will be moved to the Yankees Museum, located in the ballpark. I haven’t seen the museum yet, but I’ve heard there is a breathtaking display of autographed baseballs from every living Yankee the team could find.

In case they missed anybody, the Yankees will have 40 of their alumni on hand for the opener. Here’s the list:

Luis Arroyo, Jesse Barfield, Yogi Berra, Ron Blomberg, Bobby Brown, Horace Clarke, Jerry Coleman, David Cone, Chili Davis, Bucky Dent, Al Downing, Dave Eiland, Ed Figueroa, John Flaherty, Whitey Ford, Joe Girardi, Rich “Goose” Gossage, Ken Griffey, Sr., Ron Guidry, Charlie Hayes, Rickey Henderson, Reggie Jackson, Tommy John, Jim Kaat, Don Larsen, Hector Lopez, Tino Martinez, Lee Mazzilli, Gene Michael, Jeff Nelson, Graig Nettles, Paul O’Neill, Joe Pepitone, Willie Randolph, Bobby Richardson, Mickey Rivers, Buck Showalter, Bill “Moose” Skowron, Luis Sojo, Mel Stottlemyre, Ralph Terry, Bob Turley, David Wells, Roy White, Bernie Williams, Dave Winfield.

Do I have to mention that Kelly Clarkson is doing the National Anthem? Well, they seem to have gotten a lot right so far, so I will let this one slide.

I'll be watching from my office and will try to post a screen grab or two, if there's anything noteworthy.

Just wish Bob Sheppard was well enough to be there. At least his (recorded) voice will announce the first Yankee at bat ("Derek Jee-tah, num-bah twooo")


UPDATES:

• The park looks gorgeous; they couldn't have gotten a nicer day, weather-wise
• Kelly Clarkson was very good, my apologies
• John Fogerty? He and Ed Figuroa.... nice hair color; sure it's that way naturally
• Joe Pepitone looks like he'd rather be Gene Simmons
• I love me some Whitey and Yogi
• Where were the rest of the guys from the 90's Dynasty? What, Randy Velarde was busy?
• Bernie... nice touch
• They didn't show Yogi's pitch live. BOOOO!
• The 20' less area behind the plate is obvious. Helps hitters.