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Play Ball!

© Jeanne-Michele Vigna

While the summer equinox doesn't officially occur until the end of June, the sixth month is often looked at as the start of lazy days, afternoon beer drinking and thoughts of sandy beaches. It is also the best time to partake in what has always been called “America’s pastime.” I’m of course talking about baseball.

If you are spending any amount of time in New York City this season, you must stop by and visit at least one of last year’s World Series contenders. New York is the proud home of both The Mets and The Yankees; and tickets for seats do not cost that much if you know what you are doing.

Sure, tickets at Yankee Stadium can cost as much as $65, but if you are willing to forgo drinking for a few hours bleacher seats are the best value at $8. If you are in the mood for a beer, then your next bet is $15 a seat, but then again beers do range from $5.50 to $6.25. Senior Citizens can get in for $5 and students can get a discount as well simply by presenting a high school or college ID card at the Advance Ticket Window. Every Tuesday, tickets for Tier Reserved seats are only $14. In town for Fleet Week? Then get one free admission with presentation of active military ID at the Press Gate, day of game only. And of course if you're a half-pint under the age of 14, you can get half-price on a ticket when accompanied by an adult.

The Yankee Stadium subway stop is located directly outside the Stadium at the corner of 161st St. and River Ave. It is conveniently reachable by several subway lines and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes less than 25 minutes. The #4 train, as well as the B (weekdays only) and D trains makes stops at 161st St./Yankee Stadium and roundtrip only costs $3.

With the Mets you won’t find yourself spending more than $43 on a ticket and if you sit in the upper tier section you can get away with paying as little as $12. Even the beer is cheaper at Shea Stadium with a Budweiser costing $5. Take a ride on the subway line Atlanta Brave John Rocker made famous, the #7 IRT Flushing line. Services to Shea Stadium at the Willets Point/Shea Stadium station makes stops at Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Grand Central Station in Manhattan.

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