Heat

Yankee Stadium is the central feature of the Bronx skyline. From the first action of Heat, all places and sights in the story surround Yankee. For Michael, Yankee Stadium symbolizes his ultimate dream: to play baseball at the greatest stage. It is the place where he will, he hopes, play to qualify for the Little League World Series. The Stadium looms in the background of each scene—Ellie running away, Michael sitting on his doorstep, Macombs Dam Park. Each character is able to look to it for inspiration. The spirit of the Yankees animates and unites characters and actions throughout the story.

But it is always at a distance, until the last chapter of the story. El Grande, and the other Yankees who Michael admires, are visible only from the outside gates; Michael has no chance to step inside the park. Ironically, it is El Grande, who he confronts outside the park, who is able to get him inside of it. Entrance into the stadium illustrates the achievement of Michael’s dream: he is finally able to access the mythical symbol around which his life has revolved.