NY sports history: April 13, 1940

THIS DAY IN NY SPORTS HISTORY

Thursday, April 16, 2009

The new Yankee Stadium opens

The Cleveland Indians spoiled the opening of the new $1.3-billion Yankee Stadium by routing the Yankees, 10-2. The Indians scored nine runs in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, highlighted by Grady Sizemore's grand slam. CC Sabathia threw the first pitch in the stadium's history, a ball to Sizemore, who later grounded to Mark Teixeira for the first putout. Johnny Damon recorded the first hit, a first-inning single. Kelly Shoppach had the first RBI, a fourth-inning double that allowed Ben Francisco to score the first run. Jorge Posada hit the first home run, a fifth-inning solo shot. The first win went to Cliff Lee, who allowed one run in six innings.