Monday's Home Run Derby was a hit with fans from the Bronx and around the city, but some said they felt excluded by the high ticket prices.
The American League was represented by Minnesota's Justin Morneau, Tampa Bay rookie Evan Longoria, Texas' Josh Hamilton and Cleveland's Grady Sizemore.
The National League sent Houston's Lance Berkman, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun, Florida's Dan Uggla and Philadelphia's Chase Utley to the plate.The Home Run Derby came a day before the All-Star Game. Cleveland's Cliff Lee threw out the first pitch at the Midsummer Classic. It was the first All-Star Game to return to Yankee Stadium since the 1970s.
Some fans lined up early to snag hats, miniature bats, bears, T-shirts and other memorabilia. "It's gonna be a symbol that you can have for a lot of years, and memories," says fan Charles O'Neal. "When this stadium goes down you can say you had it."
Despite all the excitement, fans complained the Yankee organization did not do enough to make sure Bronx residents would be part of the celebration. Even some who couldn?t pay the steep ticket, food and parking prices flocked to the stadium for the atmosphere and the memories.
The new Yankee Stadium is expected to open next season.