NY1
Updated 10:21 AM
Yankees Transfer Soil Between Stadiums
The Yankees are trying to bring some of their old stadium's mystique and aura to their new home.
Members of the team's 1998 World Championship team and 40 high school students from several Bronx schools took part in a special ceremony Saturday afternoon.
They removed dirt from the pitcher's mound and home plate area at the old stadium and placed the dirt in the corresponding locations on the team's new field across the street. The rain did not dampen the crowd's enthusiasm.
"Bringing dirt from the old and greatest stadium, you know, our Roman Colosseum to the new one, it's an honor," said a student.
"It was amazing, I had the greatest time of my life," said another student. "I don't care if it was raining, hurricaning, I'd be out here. I wouldn't trade this moment for the wold"
Former pitcher David Cone helped move his old mound.
"It's a great symbolic gesture to be able to dig up home plate and the pitcher's mound and bring it to the new stadium, while giving the old stadium the respect it deserves," he said.
Those putting the new dirt in place said now when they watch future wins they will think they had a little part in bringing the team good luck.
"You know, it makes me feel like I'm a part of history," said a student. "I've never been in Yankee stadium before so it's very special for me."
The first home game at the new Yankee Stadium against Cleveland is set for April 16.
Copyright © 2008 NY1 News. All rights reserved.