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STAMFORD, Conn. Brian Cashman admits he is still a newbie when it comes to rappelling down the sides of tall buildings. But after his second straight year of going down the Landmark Building for Stamfords Heights and Lights event, he is getting into a groove.
Hopefully it looked better this year, Cashman said. He tried to do a few tricks on the way down late Sunday afternoon but said they weren't as successful as he would have liked.
Brian just sailed down this year, Brian Van Orsdel, the stunt Santa Claus, said as he described how Cashman worked hard to put on a better, faster show.
But the Yankees general manager was still sore that he lost to the Grinch, who happens to be a Red Sox fan. Motts Pelazza, emceeing the event, calmed the nerves of Yankees fans, saying, Its the only time the Red Sox will finish first this year.
Cashman didnt make the same guarantee. It comes down to the players on the field, he said, and both will have great teams next season.
The effort of the five rappellers was appreciated by the audience, which cheered on all of the characters even the Grinch as they made their way down the 22-story building in downtown Stamford. This is awesome, its such a great night, Lisa Pelazza said as she and her grandson Tristan watched from Bedford Street.
Joining Cashman and Van Orsdel on the Stamford Rappel Team was Fox News meteorologist Rick Reichmuth, Jason Teitelbaum as the Grinch, and Ron Markey as Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
After the event, Santa, Cashman and everyone else made their way to Latham Park, where Jerry Pias Activities for Kids Chorus performed traditional Christmas carols such as Must Be Santa and Jingle Bells before the lighting of the Christmas tree. The performance was a preview of the chorus' concert next weekend at the Palace Theatre.
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