Is there anything more American in springtime than Opening Day in major league ballparks across the United States? When the teams are from Washington DC and New York City and the pre-game ceremonies include a huge American flag, probably not!
If you return to visit the college you attended a generation ago, it’s bound to confirm that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” At Seton Hall University, that means a statue of the Pirates mascot appears outside the Richie Regan Recreational and Athletic Center ready to charge the Walsh Library. The sun continues to set on President’s Hall and the Immaculate Conception Chapel as it has since the 19th century. And, students still enjoy a break from studies by playing wiffle ball on the University Green.
It’s NASL soccer on turf with an eclectic roster featuring Brazilian-born former Spanish international Marcos Senna, but today’s Cosmos is not the club your father may have seen a generation ago. The 2014 edition plays second-division soccer in front of a few thousand fans at Hofstra University, not 40,000-70,000 as it did at the New Jersey Meadowlands, although it continues the winning tradition established in the 1970s and ’80s when it was among the world’s most famous soccer clubs.
Today’s New York Cosmos, however, features some things not seen many years ago — ultras standing and chanting for 90+ minutes behind a goal and a sponsor prominently displayed on banners and uniforms. At yesterday’s home opener, Pele was even on hand to pose (sort of) for pictures with fans old and new.
The Parachute Jump stands as tall as ever, its colors probably blinding the ghosts of yesterday’s thrill seekers. Wonder Wheel cars slide through their circles, the sounds of the Cyclone and its shrieking riders a background soundtrack. An antique car sits by Nathan’s, like a picture from a vintage postcard or book.
On a pleasant spring weekend day, Coney Island remains as vibrant as ever, attracting the tired, the poor, the huddled masses and many others, just as it did over a century ago. Signs of new investments hint at possibilities of even greater summertime memories ahead.
Many Monmouth County residents and vacationers have seen Wilson Hall as they peek to the south while passing through Monmouth University. Erlanger Gardens, situated just west of Wilson Hall’s back rooms, is another of the university’s architectural gems. The garden occasionally hosts students and events, but often sits peacefully at sunset.
He won’t be appearing in the World Cup for the first time in 20 years this summer, but Thierry Henry is expected to continue being in top form as the New York Red Bulls attempt to capture their first MLS Cup this season.
After scoring 51 goals in 123 internationals for the French national team, Henry has notched 45 goals in 106 matches for New York, including one in last night’s 4-0 win against Houston. He remains difficult to mark as he roams around the pitch, and still gets past defenders who challenge him, always to the joy of Red Bull Arena ultras grateful for his skills and leadership.
On the subject of Tumbling Dice, don't the Rolling Stones -- all officially senior citizens -- still sound great in concert? (Thank you, Wang Lynn, for sharing your video of them performing the song in Shanghai last month.)
