(The following story by Rob Jennings appeared on the Daily Record website on October 28, 2009.)
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies is not the same as a “Subway Series” but, from a mass-transit perspective, the New York City/Philadelphia showdown starting tonight could be the next-best thing.
Taking the train to the game is a better strategy than driving to either city, jostling with traffic and paying an exorbitant parking fee.
While not as easy as taking the No. 7 and No. 4 subway trains to Queens and the Bronx, the route of choice during the 2000 Yankees/Mets World Series, NJ Transit and Amtrak are seizing the moment.
NJ Transit put out a press release Tuesday afternoon dubbing it “The NJ Transit Series,” since the company’s trains and buses link will connecting services to Yankee Stadium and Citizens Bank Park.
“Whether you’re rooting for the Yankees or the Phillies, NJ Transit is a great way to get to the game,” read the press release.
In response, Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole one-upped NJ Transit by noting that both teams have chartered Amtrak trains for traveling between the cities.
Cole noted that the showdown has elsewhere been referenced as the Amtrak World Series.
What about NJ Transit’s claim?
“Everybody can have their own name,” Cole said.
Other monikers being banded about include the Turnpike Series, for those determined to drive.
Neither Amtrak nor NJ transit are planning to add any trains.
“Existing service will be able to handle the crowds,” NJ Transit spokesman Joe Dee said.