While the New York Yankees aren’t playoff-bound for the first time in a decade-and-a-half this season it’d be impossible to not take a moment to pay tribute to Yankee Stadium, which closes down after tonight’s game against Baltimore.

I had the opportunity to visit the shrine earlier this season. It doesn’t have the amenities of a Jacobs Field, Camden Yards or even Fenway Park. Its ambience can’t match those of Wrigley Field or Coors Field. Its seating arrangements are strange and, as my wife notes, the bathrooms are ill-conceived and somewhat disgusting.

But it’s still Yankee Stadium. Love the Yankees or hate the Yankees you can’t argue the history, from Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig to Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle, from Don Mattingly to Whitey Ford and Billy Martin, this ballpark has seen more personalities and more championships than any other.

I surveyed a couple fans while I was there this summer and there was little sentiment. The new ballpark will be one of those new-style monuments, a shrine to capitalism and a more comfortable place to watch a game. “The ghosts won’t have far to go,” said one man, who didn’t appear ready to shed any tears.

All of that may be true. But while I’ve never been a Yankees fan and this was my one and only visit to the House that Ruth Built, I couldn’t help but think that despite its shortcomings it was definitely a special place. It was definitely worth the trip.