可能最近世界棒球經典賽資格賽正打得火熱，今天想來分享個紐約曾經是最好的棒球酒吧之一，也是最適合棒球迷朝聖的酒吧，說真的我不是標準的棒球迷，最多就是會跟跟著朋友湊湊熱鬧，所以在美國的時候也莫名奇妙的前往這個據說算是傳奇的棒球酒吧。
這個棒球迷不會錯過的酒吧叫Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant ，老板是個來自愛爾蘭的棒球迷，所以他收藏了無數和棒球名人和賽事相關的紀念品，酒吧裡有非常多的紀念品公共展示，其中包括 4,000 多個簽名球、數百個搖頭娃娃、比賽用設備、簽名球衣、冠軍戒指和其他物品。
Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant 位於帝國大廈對面，交通上非常便利。據說這裡除了球迷外，也曾出現不少運動員、名人、體育主管、裁判聚集，最有趣的是即是相愛相殺的紅襪隊和洋基隊球迷也可能相聚在此酒吧裡。
我的朋友是洋基隊的鐵桿球迷，於是他早早就研究好了紐約的棒球酒吧，我反正也閒著沒事，就跟著他前往酒吧裡感受一下氣氛。
其實剛走進這家酒吧時，會發現酒吧裡四周放上電視牆以便訪客觀看熱門賽事，這一點和我在台灣去過的運動餐廳非常相似，但很明顯所有到訪者都是非常投入棒球比賽的，因為大部分的人基本全程站立觀看比賽，時不時會有出現極大聲的歡呼，真的有種身入其境，在現場觀賽的感覺，哈哈。
因為酒吧裡聚集的大部分是球迷，所以很容易直接和身邊的陌生人大聊特聊，真的能感受到四周氣氛非常友善。最令我印象最深刻的是，當敲出全壘打的時候，我的朋友直接被一個比他還高的白人抱起來歡呼，嚇得我一時拿不住手上的酒吧。
可惜的是這間全美最好的運動酒吧之一，在經營16年後，也抵抗不了疫情而永久關閉了，幸運的是在它關閉前，我曾有幸在該酒吧感受到大家對賽事的熱烈，也算是朝聖了傳奇酒吧了一回。
With the World Baseball Classic qualifiers heating up, I thought I’d share about what was once one of the best baseball bars in New York—a must-visit spot for any baseball fan. To be honest, I’m not exactly a die-hard baseball fan myself. At most, I just tag along with my friends when they get excited about a game. But while I was in the U.S., I somehow ended up visiting this legendary baseball bar that many fans considered sacred ground.
The bar, Foley’s NY Pub & Restaurant, was a haven for baseball lovers. The owner, an Irish baseball fan, had built an incredible collection of memorabilia over the years. The place was filled with more than 4,000 signed baseballs, hundreds of bobbleheads, game-used equipment, autographed jerseys, championship rings, and all sorts of other baseball-related treasures.
Foley’s was conveniently located right across from the Empire State Building. It wasn’t just a bar for fans—it was also a gathering spot for athletes, celebrities, sports executives, and even umpires. What made it even more special was that despite the fierce rivalry between Red Sox and Yankees fans, you could find both sides drinking and cheering together under the same roof.
My friend is a hardcore Yankees fan, so before his trip to New York, he had already done his research on the best baseball bars in the city. Since I had nothing better to do, I tagged along to check out the atmosphere.
Walking into Foley’s, I immediately noticed the walls covered in TV screens showing live games—something that reminded me of sports bars back in Taiwan. But what really stood out was how intensely everyone was engaged in the game. Most people weren’t even sitting—they were standing the entire time, completely absorbed in the action. Every big play was met with deafening cheers, making it feel like we were right there in the stadium.
Because the bar was filled with passionate fans, it was incredibly easy to strike up conversations with total strangers. The energy was contagious, and everyone was so friendly. One of my most unforgettable moments was when someone hit a home run—my friend was so excited that a much taller, random stranger picked him up in celebration. I was so shocked that I almost dropped my drink!
Unfortunately, after 16 years in business, Foley’s couldn’t survive the impact of the pandemic and had to permanently close its doors. But I feel lucky that I got to experience the magic of this legendary bar before it was gone. It was truly a one-of-a-kind place that embodied the spirit and passion of baseball fans.