So let me tell you about the time I was in the visiting team’s batting cage at Yankee Stadium chatting with Garth Brooks and his wife, Trisha Yearwood.

The story begins on Friday when I approach John Foxx, who in addition to hosting afternoons on 95.5 PLJ is the Program Director of NASH FM 94.7. We usually chop it up about weekend plans and hang out when possible. Obviously he had the two massive Garth shows to cover at Yankee Stadium. While I am not a lifelong country fan, I certainly have an appreciation for both Brooks and the genre; fun fact: I even helped launch NASH FM’s social media pages when the station signed on the air in 2014.

And if you missed the memo, I am a diehard Yankees fan.

I jumped at the opportunity to head to the stadium and possibly meet Garth on Saturday. Foxx and I live close to each other so we agree to share an Uber up to the Bronx that afternoon. Our first stop is the Hard Rock Café inside Yankee Stadium, because NASH FM is broadcasting live from there before the show. The Yankees are in Cleveland for a 4:05 pm first pitch, so I figure it will be a great place to also catch the game.

We walked in to the Hard Rock at Yankee Stadium around 4:15. The game was not on a single TV; three of the TVs at the bar were actually turned on to MLS soccer.

I could not believe it.

After asking the hostesses if I could get the Yankees game on… in the Hard Rock Café… at Yankee Stadium… they obliged.

A few Bloody Mary’s and a nacho platter (Foxx insisted) later, we made our way to will call, grabbed tickets and wrist bands and headed inside the Stadium. Once we were there, a member of Garth’s team grabbed us and brought us in to the Champions Suite, accessible during games to fans with Legends or Champions level tickets.

I’ve never had either so I’m now full out kid-in-a-candy-store mode.

There are snacks and libations waiting for us, as we wait for Garth. If you’re wondering the answer is no, the promoter did not have the TVs on the Yankees game; they were shut off. So I’m literally in Yankee Stadium, using its WiFi to watch the game on my BlackBerry.

Will not be denied watching a @Yankees game… even in #YankeeStadium. pic.twitter.com/M810FvVPyb

— Ralphie Aversa (@ralphieaversa) July 9, 2016

A few beers later (alcohol also provides a nice transition), another member of Garth’s team takes us in to the back hall way, past the visiting team’s clubhouse and in to the indoor batting cage. There are a few couches and love seats set-up in the middle of the narrow room along with a step-and-repeat. Shortly after the seven of us sit down, Garth and Trisha walk in. They take a seat and we just chat for 15 minutes.

Seriously, why don’t I do country radio?

We wrapped with a squad photo and individual photos. On our way out we were handed swag bags that included Garth and Trisha’s latest albums, t-shirts and more.

A photo posted by Ralphie Aversa (@ralphieaversa) on Jul 10, 2016 at 11:07am PDT

Of course it should be known by now that for as many trips up to the Bronx as I’ve made over the years, this is surely one I won’t forget any time soon.