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Was it a bird? No. A plane? Nope. And it wasnt Superman, either. Well, maybe. That was Brian Cashman gliding down the Landmark Building in downtown Stamford Friday morning. Passers-by who happened to look skyward might have sighted the New York Yankees general manager as he practiced rappelling the 22-story structure in preparation for Sundays city-wide Heights & Lights holiday celebration.
Ive done it, Cashman said after touching ground in the second of several run-throughs. It was an accomplishment for the MLB executive, who doesnt make daring aerial feats part of his normal routine. Im afraid of heights, he said. I wont look over the tops of buildings.
Cashman also admitted he was a bit nervous before his cascade down the 350-foot Stamford building. He practiced on a 37-foot rock-climbing wall at Reebok Sports Club in New York City. From 37 feet to this, he quipped while safely grounded.
Heights & Lights is a traditional annual holiday celebration featuring a light show, music and Santa -- accompanied by an elf or two by his side -- rappelling down the Landmark Building. On Friday, Cashman donned spiked tresses and reindeer antlers as one of Santas helpers. Rappelling along with him were elf Brian van Orsdel and Fox TV meteorologist Rick Reichmuth.
Standing ready at the Landmark structures base were Turn of River Firefighters Jason Bernstein and Max DePhillips.
Were holding the ropes on their way down to make sure that the guys coming down are safe, said Bernstein during a break in practice runs. The firefighters also checked out the building for safety and to gain familiarity.
Its good to know the area, said DePhillips, who thought rappelling might be interesting to try. Running into a fire is one thing, he said. Coming down a building is a whole nother experience.
Questions? Comments? Observations? Felicia can be reached at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.com
Brian Cashman is the first celebrity guest rappeller for Heights & Lights. Do you think that should become part of the tradition? Who in Fairfield County would you recommend?
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