At last week's opener at Yankee Stadium, a police helicopter made so many sweeps over the ballpark and surrounding vista that, with a little extra zing, Danny Tartabull could have dented the sleek blue and white chopper with his second-inning homer.
Was a fugitive in the crowd? Was this psychological warfare against the Texas Rangers? Is there usually a police helicopter at Yanks' games?
"That's for something else," said Sgt. Pat Lenham, 47, of the mysterious swooping helicopter, which costs the city about $600 an hour to operate. Lenham preferred instead to talk about the great weather, the Grand Old Game and the fun-loving nature of Yankees fans in general.
On opening day, the officers in blue usually have their hands full controlling the pre- and post-game rush. With over 50,000 fans and one mayor in the stands, this year was no different.
But on Wednesday, a police spokeswoman was surprised to learn about air support for 160 police officers and a team of motorcycle cops around the stadium.
But Kathleen Kelley, another police spokeswoman, had it all cleared up Thursday. "The helicopter," she said, "was watching traffic on the Major Deegan expressway."
Or maybe the copter crew just wanted a bird's-eye view of the game.