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Clarkstown Teacher's Solution To High Ticket Prices: 'Boycott The Yankees'

The new Yankee Stadium represents the best and worst of the franchise Mike DeLucia is most passionate about. 

Mike DeLucia, the author of "Boycott The Yankees."

Mike DeLucia, the author of "Boycott The Yankees."

Photo Credit: Jamie Gouger
"Boycott The Yankees" is Mike DeLucia's most recent book.

"Boycott The Yankees" is Mike DeLucia's most recent book.

Photo Credit: Mike DeLucia

His most memorable Yankees's moment came at the new stadium: Game 2 of the 2009 American League Division Series when Alex Rodriguez hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. 

But DeLucia hasn't been to a game since 2010 or 2011, and he doesn't plan on going back until tickets are priced at the league average. And he wants people to join him in his book, "Boycott The Yankees: A Call to Action by a Lifelong Yankees Fan," a critique of baseball and how an average fan's experience has been compromised by corporate America.

It's not a book about wins or losses, or a book specifically about the Yankees.

"(The book) is about how much they (Yankees/Major League Baseball) rip us off," DeLucia said, adding that a Yankees' empire was built on the backs of loyal fans. "Without us, they crumble."

He admitted writing the book didn't feel right; it felt borderline blasphemous. Some people feel the same and take offense to the book's title, DeLucia said. But it's purpose is to insight change so the average fan can enjoy a game without spending a fortune.

DeLucia, a Somers resident and Clarkstown South High School English teacher, grew up in the Bronx. 

He started writing the book in 2014 after he let five years of distaste fester. While it might seem small to some, the placement of the bullpen between right field and the bleachers-where DeLucia sits for games and the home of the loyal "Bleacher Creature" fans-was what got him going.

This was compounded by ticket prices that are the second-highest in the league, high costs of attending a game, and the fact the new stadium was built with $1.2 billion in public subsidies, according to DeLucia. 

 DeLucia hopes to insight change through a petition calling for lower prices and walkouts of games, similar to the 77th minute walkout by Liverpool F.C. supporters in England. To buy the book, visit BoycotttheYankees.com.

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