FLUSHING, N.Y. — It was a bit surreal at first glance. An empty stadium (save for a few dozen cardboard cutout fans). YES Network broadcasters Michael Kay and David Cone at Yankee Stadium, Meredith Marakovits, and Paul O’Neill at home, not at Citi Field.

FLUSHING, N.Y. — It was a bit surreal at first glance. An empty stadium (save for a few dozen cardboard cutout fans). YES Network broadcasters Michael Kay and David Cone at Yankee Stadium, Meredith Marakovits, and Paul O’Neill at home, not at Citi Field. More of a golf atmosphere than baseball.

Yet, by the time all was said and done, the New York Yankees soundly defeated the New York Mets, 9-3. Yeah, that felt normal.

Personally, my emotions went from, should we really be doing this, too, damn it felt good to see some baseball and have somewhat of a break or escape from the COVID-19 pandemic, if only for a few hours.