As a Mets fan since 1984, the one baseball stadium that I was always apprehensive of going to was the hallowed halls of the "House that Ruth Built". After all, the Yankees last World Series triumph in 2000 came at the expense of my team.

I really had to think about this one, and it came down to this. Even as a Yankee hater, when you look at the tradition and history that this stadium brings, and the fact that its days are now numbered, even I felt compelled to pay a visit to a place where I would not ordinarily be very welcome.

So, it was there I went, just to get a tour of the place, before they took it apart, once and for all. As the tour began, the first stop was the press box, formerly the home of such broadcast legends as Mel Allen and Phil Rizzutto. You actually have three different rows for 3 different media types. As someone in the sportscasting industry, it was definitely a place of interest.

Then, there was the journey to the infamous Momument Park. I guess that you have to be a Yankee fan to truly understand all of the tradition that goes behind all of those retired numbers - and the ones to come, ala Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. Of course, I had to at least take a picture with Jackie Robinson's number 42. I'll most likely be doing that at whatever park I happen to be in. Once Monument Park was done, we got to walk on the warning track. What I'm trying to figure out is why stadiums are so protective of their grass from people who aren't even wearing cleats, especially a place that will become rubble in another month, or two.

From the track, it was on to the dugout, and from there, into the clubhouse. This is the one area where pictures aren't allowed, because some players still have personal things inside. It's probably a little known fact, outside of Yankeeland that Mickey Mantle's locker is currently occupied by Jorge Posada. Derek Jeter had not one, but two lockers(one is for all of his fan mail). It's probably not a coincidence that A-Rod's locker is across from Jeter, and not in any close proximity.

Anyway, that's the nuts and bolts of our tour. I have to admit that I am glad that I went. While I think Yankee Stadium should be preserved, the city of New York will turn the land into a community park that will hold 2 or 3 baseball fields, among other amenities. So, at least some good should come out of it. So, when those new and inflated ticket prices for the new Yankee Stadium are posted, think of it as "taxpaying" for the good of the community. Well, try to, anyway.

That's 6 down, and 24 to go. As a Mets fan, Yankee Stadium is probably the one thing that was well worth the money that falls into that team's pockets. Too bad it won't be here to stay.