Food for Fans

The Stadium's Owner James Walsh proudly shows off Larry Kelley's Heisman Trophy.. Michael Turton

It would be a grave injustice to refer to The Stadium as merely a "sports bar." The well-appointed restaurant on Route 9 just south of Graymoor in Garrison is a bona fide sports museum that features an array of historic artifacts collected from the biggest of big-league sports—hockey, football, baseball, and basketball. The extensive collection, only part of which is on display at the restaurant, includes items from sports' most legendary stars—from Mickey Mantle and Paul Hornung to Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky.

Owner James Walsh doesn't have to consult an inventory list to rattle off the collection's highlights. "Right now we have 1,200 photographs, 575 autographed baseballs, and 72 signed game jerseys," he said.

While the collection is unmistakably large, it is the quality and mystique of its marquee pieces that will capture the imagination of sports fans. "We have two Heisman trophies—Larry Kelley's, the first awarded in 1936, and Paul Hornung's from 1956," Walsh proudly explained. Walsh hedged when asked how much such a trophy is worth, but added that former Notre Dame quarterback Angelo Bertelli is asking $400,000 for his 1943 Heisman award. "Our collection is worth more than this building," Walsh stated, adding, "but it is really about personal value. We did this for the joy of it and to be able to share it with the public. Every piece here has a personal story."

Photos (Top, L-R) Dodger Maury Wills's gold glove; Cooperstown sign autographed by baseball Hall of Famers; Derek Jeter's jersey worn the day he broke Lou Gehrig's hitting record; a display of autographed baseballs. All photos by Michael Turton. (Bottom) Dan Marino's and Johnny Unitas's football helmets.

The Stadium collection goes back to 1953 when Joe Walsh, James's father, began saving baseball clippings. Walsh said that his dad was one of six living in a one bedroom apartment in the Bronx. Sports clippings were his entertainment, and they cost nothing. "He'd look in people's garbage pails for newspapers to see if any records had been broken or to get the box scores." Joe Walsh never threw away any of those original clippings. They now form part of The Stadium collection.

Joe Walsh's childhood hobby of collecting clippings became a lifelong passion for sports memorabilia. "As a kid I never knew what UPS might deliver—I'd open a box to find a baseball autographed by Babe Ruth," Walsh said.

Among Walsh's personal favorites in The Stadium's collection are Mickey Mantle's trophies from 1956 when he won baseball's triple crown for most home runs, most runs batted in, and highest batting average.

Yankee fans will also be intrigued by a display that features a letter sent to Mantle—but not from a fan of the Bronx Bombers. The sender threatened to kill Mantle if he played against the Red Sox in a game to be played in Boston. Mantle not only played, he hit a home run, then sprinted around the bases at full speed. Fans were baffled as to why Mantle ran so fast, with his hands placed guardedly over his helmet. The letter includes a note in Mantle's own handwriting, commenting on just how much the incident frightened him.

One baseball in particular fascinates Walsh: It is signed by both Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—one of only five in existence.

Basketball fans will be impressed by a poster that features autographed photographs of the NBA's top fifty players—pre LeBron James. The only player who did not sign the poster was "Pistol Pete" Maravich, who died before the limited edition print was made.

And fans of the "original six" National Hockey League will appreciate a case that displays the Montreal Canadiens' Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion's awards—including his 1956-57 Stanley Cup Art Ross Trophy as leading scorer, the Hart Trophy recognizing him as league MVP, and his jersey.

The Stadium's visitors aren't limited to just armchair quarterbacks. Entire professional teams have also visited, including the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Pittsburgh Penguins. The legendary Warren Spahn, Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, Herb Williams, Otis Anderson, and Kerry Collins are just a few of the other pros who have dropped by to check out The Stadium collection and, no doubt, to become part of it.

And … there is food at The Stadium!

The menu, which changes seasonally, features a mix of mainly American and Italian offerings. Not surprisingly, appetizers are called "Pre- Game Warm Ups."

"I'll put our Buffalo Wings up against anyone's," said Walsh, adding that the burgers, crab cakes, and steaks are also very popular. Noteworthy is the seafood—some of which is flown in within 24 hours of being caught, from Honolulu. "That's pretty rare," Walsh said. He pointed to the Mahi Mahi and salmon as being especially delicious.

Other entrees include shrimp and scallop scampi; three steak offerings; butternut raviolis and spiced pork tenderloin; chicken Francese; chicken and sausage cassoulet; penne a la vodka; and pasta primavera.

A nice variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and soups round out the extensive menu.

Numerous draft and bottled beers are available along with a wine list that features a Italian, French, Australian, and Californian vintages.

Mark Burns, The Stadium's chef, is a graduate of the culinary program at Johnson and Wales College in Rhode Island. Burns has been at The Stadium since it first opened its doors in April 1999.

Super Bowl Sunday will be a good day for football fans to converge on The Stadium. Where else can they gaze upon Joe Namath's signed jersey; the helmets of Brett Favre, Dan Marino, and Johnny Unitas; and Fred Biletnikoff's Super Bowl MVP trophy? Draft beer at half price will be on tap along with some Super Bowl menu specials. Walsh advises fans to come early as The Stadium routinely fills for all major sporting events. Some 300 Jets fans were there to see that team's last playoff game.

On the softer side, a special Valentine's Day menu will be offered, including "chocolate banana decadence" as a "lovers' dessert."

A bit further down the road, Stadium-goers can look for a traditional St. Patrick's Day menu of corned beef and cabbage and shepherd's pie along with drink specials and Irish music. On that note, The Stadium has picked up where Guinan's Pub left off, offering a seisiun—authentic Irish music on the evening of the first Thursday after each full moon. "Musicians come from all over New York State for it," Walsh said.

The Stadium is open from 4pm until 1am from Monday to Wednesday and from noon until 3am, Thursday through Sunday.