NEW YORK -- Serendipity. That's what I thought I had on Friday. I had a pre-planned business trip to New York City on Friday and Saturday, flying back to Chicago late Saturday afternoon. I knew I'd be free Friday evening, and so when the first game of the ALDS between the Yankees and Tigers was scheduled for Friday, I patiently waited online when the Yankees put a few tickets on sale for Game 1.
I scored a nice single seat in the left field bleachers at Yankee Stadium, right above the visitors bullpen; the total cost was $37, including fees; that's $12 less than the average cost of a bleacher ticket at Wrigley Field in 2011. Between that and being able to ride there on the NYC subway, it figured to be one of the less expensive days I've ever spent at a playoff game. Postseason baseball is worth seeing in person even if you're not a fan of one of the teams; the atmosphere is absolutely electric, and I was hoping to enjoy a terrific pitching matchup of CC Sabathia vs. Justin Verlander.
Then serendipity went and bit me in the ass.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/10/1/2461700/yankees-tigers-rainout-alds-game-1