Closing the House That Ruth Built

The final game of the original, and later remodeled Yankee Stadium takes place 15 years ago today as New York beats Baltimore 7-3.

With a Sunday night crowd of 54,610 looking on, closer Mariano Rivera – in a rare non-save situation for him – records the final out on Brian Roberts’ grounder to first baseman Cody Ransom.

The last hit comes on Jason Giambi’s one-out, RBI single in the seventh inning off reliever Jamie Walker.

The last homer comes on Jose Molina’s two-run shot to left field off Baltimore starter Chris Waters in the fourth inning, seen here in a photograph by the New York Times’ Chang W. Lee.

The last win, perhaps fittingly, goes to Andy Pettitte, who during his first 14 seasons in New York puts together a 95-42 record in 170 appearances at the original Stadium, which opens in 1923 and is remodeled during the 1974 and ’75 seasons.