Ultimate Miniature Yankee Stadium Model - Coolest Thing I've Ever Made EP24

This miniature Yankee stadium model based on the original "House that Ruth Built" is very likely the world's most accurate. When John Meeks from Hillsborough New Jersey heard that the original Yankee stadium was to be demolished in 2007, he decided the original needed to be preserved in all its glory. After 4 years and thousands of hours, his masterpiece was complete. The model represents the stadium as it appeared on June 24, 1973. The Yankees swept a doubleheader from the Detroit Tigers and John and a friend were lucky enough to be there to enjoy it. "I have attempted to replicate every significant detail in perfect proportion. The model is more than a half million individual hand cut pieces of styrene plastic, medal and wood and is unique in every sense of the word. I've showed it to relatively few people but I have had them come from as far as Texas to see it." We filmed with John recently and were blown away by this attention to detail and amazing model. Enjoy the video! Cheers- Guy (Producer, Coolest Thing I've Ever Made)
Follow us on Instagram @coolestthing for behind the scenes and other fun stuff.
Producer/Director: Guy Georgeson
Editor: Mark Westburg
Additional Editing: Guy Georgeson
Director of Photography: Andrew Sheppard
Associate Producer: Laura Morris
Music licensed from: Pond5, Epidemic Sound
Stock Media provided by Marscott / Pond5
Additional photos licensed from: Getty Images
Big thank you to the Bell Fund for additional funding of this season!

[@TXnine7nine]

This should eventually be in a museum. The Yankees museum would be fitting. It deserves preservation.

[@stephenmoncrieff2056]

Or the Hall of Fame

[@Ram-2112]

Since they messed it up in 09 they really should

[@online12plus]

imagine how many amazing things like this are in random basements around the world.

[@CoolestThing]

We've found a couple! But there are no doubt thousands of cool things still to see!

[@mrreef2450]

@@CoolestThingyou got your work cut out for you in finding them all ❤

[@LowdownBoy]

Like this? Not many! Get real.

[@fortyyearfitness]

Ask buffalo bob

[@alexanderlugo6318]

This man's masterpiece should be purchased by the New York Yankees and placed in the front foyer of the stadium in a beautiful custom display case.

[@CoolestThing]

We agree!

[@brianbanfill6813]

Forget about the Yankees purchasing it, this should be somewhere in Cooperstown on display!

[@rogercarlson6300]

This is a masterpiece of art & should be permanently shown at the new Yankee Stadium! very well done!

[@MrJohnnycage1985]

How much would this piece go for?! The hours and accuracy of this model is insane.

[@Crusader1815]

@@MrJohnnycage1985 This is one of those things one can properly call "priceless." You can see from his sketches and other works that this man is a true artist, and the love and dedication it took to build this thing are rare in the extreme, plus the accuracy is so great too. Wherever it winds up, I hope they will keep it under a titanium dome so nothing can fall on it and smash it.

[@55giantsfan22]

This needs to be in the hall of fame

[@CoolestThing]

Yes! Very much agree!

[@stevenwaldman1908]

This is truly amazing, your attention to detail is incredible. BRAVO

[@gynandroidhead]

That's my friend of over 40 years. This stadium is unbelievable.

[@ronachten2902]

I gotta know... Is he the most detail oriented person you've ever known? Is he working on something else now?

[@gynandroidhead]

@@ronachten2902 Nothing close to that.

[@rstefanie2622]

Tell John to add the 1973 Datsun pinstriped bullpen car. The driver was known as Banana Nose...huge nose.

[@gynandroidhead]

@@rstefanie2622 I will let him know.

[@AnimationArtWorld]

He probably now knows more about Yankee Stadium's construction and details than anybody ever has. A true artist in many ways. "It belongs in a museum"

[@leokimvideo]

This isn't a model, it's an amazing piece of art. Totally priceless

[@tedbell4416]

This model should be in a museum

[@CoolestThing]

We agree!!

[@pjwillsr]

Haven't read all the comments, but the Yankee marketing contact should know about this and find a home inside the "new" stadium. What an unbelievable accomplishment. Patience is a virtue.

[@kalashnakov0477]

The definition of work of art, modern day Michelangelo. This has to be one of the most beautiful small scale models I've seen, this guy should be recognized by the NY Yankees organization.

[@CoolestThing]

We agree, it's an absolute work of art!

[@T.W.I.T.]

the level of patience and commitment is astonishing.

[@detcordxxxi]

Human ingenuity is an amazing thing to behold. This belongs in the baseball Hall of Fame!

[@stevejames9167]

As a person who replicates sailing ships, I can really appreciate this. Oh, and a Yankee fan 😀

[@dukem991]

Amazing I am blown away by this model congrats this should be in the hall of fame

[@BostonSteve922]

As a Red Sox fan this is the coolest thing about the Yankees I’ve ever seen. Excellent job sir very well done 👍

[@ym61]

Incredible job and I WAS AT THAT JUNE 24 DH!

[@capone_rd_809]

This is amazing, especially in an era where you could 3d print everything.

[@ScreengageLLC]

I felt the same way the first time I saw the Yankee Stadium in person. That shape and the Victorian-style details...it was the coolest thing to me. Been there several times in the late 1970's. Love this model!

[@jermainewashington7447]

Everyone needs a hobby. What an incredible model. Nice job.

[@wyit7172]

I live in the same country, probably no more than 20 minutes away from this guy. Crazy the amount of talent that’s right next to you that you may never know existed.

[@GeorgeH.WillisJr.-jj8ox]

This should definitely be in the ⚾️ HOF! Unbelievable!!!

[@clifford7594]

Your Yankee Stadium model is the coolest thing I've ever seen.

[@oldguysrock2170]

The Yankees should display your stadium in their front office or where it can be viewed by the fans! But behind glass. Fantastic work! You are a true artist, and a patient one!

[@djsandvig1]

I am VASTLY more impressed with this scratch built masterpiece than ANYTHING “printed”…..and being a Detroiter I love the Tigers nod. Good on ya’ dude , good on ya’

[@jamesdickinson1397]

Amazing job. I've never been to NY living out in California, but I always admired the great history of the Yankee teams and Yankee Stadium. I applaud your effort in building this. To cool for school is all I can say. GREAT VIDEO. 😁👍

[@robbruno6713]

a true craftsman... the amount of detail is unreal! well done sir!

[@flyboyadventures777]

A true Artist that never got the credit they deserve! Should be in glass at the new stadium for all to admire!!!😎😎😎

[@kerlyn3582]

There is no comment that can adequately describe this labour of love ... so I will just have to use one word - WOW!

[@MosheFeder]

A masterpiece in every sense of the word. My admiration for John's skill and determination is boundless. The only possible reaction is awe. I hope he has a long life to admire and enjoy his accomplishment and I also hope he's provided for its disposition and preservation. Obviously, either the Yankees or the Baseball Hall of Fame need to acquire it and put it on display. In the meantime, Bravo John Meeks!

[@wakcedout]

He inadvertently created a museum piece. The fact he worked hard to make it accurate down to the smallest detail makes it something that should be seen generations to come. Hopefully before he passed he donates it to a museum so others may enjoy this piece of history. Otherwise it will just end up in the trash.

[@authorharryswanson]

I authored a book that largely covered the 1922/23 construction of Yankee Stadium taken from the original construction documents of Osborn Engineering and White Construction entitled "Ruthless Baseball, Yankees Purified by Fire / Stadium Construction". John actually used the same process as White Construction, to determine seating capacity. Wood for the seats were custom cut on site. Each seat cost $1.50 including installation. John's detail work is awesome.

[@aljon5947]

Interesting, always curious about the costs of building stadiums. I live in a country where there is basically only 1 ballpark. I’ll definitely build one when I become rich!

[@thecoolcreativebuildchanne2613]

Simply amazing! This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen in my 60 years!!

[@drebaselius9160]

Amazing talent! A Masterpiece!

[@jamiebray8532]

WOW he's got some great talent on my mediums. OMG the amount of respect I have for this man is just overflowing.

[@bobbowie9350]

Its incredible! Round of applause!

[@danielpruitt8550]

This guy is my favorite type of person with the passion for this project he is doing, I'm doing something similar with Pokemon Maps.

[@DaM.1]

The fact that it's not done with 3d printing is incredible. That would also take a lot of time thought. Moddeling every part with outstanding detail, printing, paiting... just imagine 40 thounsand seats by hand

[@CoolestThing]

It’s quite the feat indeed! His dedication is unbelievable! Glad there are people like John out there!

[@mulemule]

6:20 60,000 seats, s'il vous plait! *_60,000!_*

[@Slapjabber]

WOW! That’s cool. Especially, since the new stadium is just a little league field on steroids. History preserved!

[@SummerlinRealtor]

What an amazing work of art! He truly is a gifted person! This is beyond beautiful! 😊

[@cameroncannioto5171]

holy crap. congrats man you have more patience than anyone i ever met or know of. deserves to be displayed at a museum

[@12345682900]

Amazing of course and certainly worthy of museum consideration/presentation. I too have crafted a few replicas (although nothing like this) that I hope find their way to museums one day. What's interesting, and unbelievable, is that nothing was "mass produced," 3D printed. This replica is a true, hand-crafted work of art & labor of love. The effort expounded in research alone is also something that should always be noted. Well done, John. Well done!

[@alexandergermanis679]

A true labor of love and a work of art. The Yankees would be fools not to at least offer to purchase it.

[@Philtration]

Incredible... Just mind-blowing how accurate this is.

[@Eric_In_SF]

I was four days old when you went to that baseball game :-)

[@StyreneDreams]

Now this guy is a true styrene King! 👑

[@thestadiumguy]

Hi John…I just stumbled upon your video. I hope you remember me. Seeing your model presentation in this way makes me marvel at your work and ability as a model maker. If you remember me telling you this years ago…..I said that “your model is so good, I want to burn mine”. 😉 Well, I never burned mine… as a matter of fact, I recently passed the 51st anniversary of the day I started building it. And now, it resides permanently at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore. Yours is the best and most detailed model that I’ve ever seen and I need to congratulate you on your tireless dedication and I hope to see it in person someday! Brad Merila

[@trevorsabo1824]

This mans passion is so awesome. Love it - thanks. ✌️❤️🇨🇦

[@JesterRace139]

1:03 The self portrait is spot on

[@takehandleandshoveuparse]

This is a national treasure, it must be protected.

[@CoolestThing]

We agree!!

[@jeffbunnell]

They should put it in Yankee stadium, in the museum

[@johnm8096]

Amazing detail. What a masterpiece

[@HartfordWhaler]

Amazing work. You’ve captured the soul of the stadium. That should be on display at a museum. Or in Cooperstown.

[@Tank4Life]

The attention to detail is out of this world!

[@gljm]

You've made me cry, it is so beautiful and oh the memories!!!!!

[@13ON3S]

So cool. This needs more views

[@mrlatino1964]

WOW.. COMPLETELY SPEECHLESS...

[@shaunl446]

I appreciate anyone with passion. Salute sir!

[@mongolikechewchew2475]

It took 284 days to build the original Yankee Stadium. Michael Kay talked about it on the broadcast Sunday, May 5th, saying that they broke ground on that date in 1922 & the Stadium was finished for opening day 1923. Amazing, just as your model is just incredible!

[@peterharrison3318]

It's amazing what happens when passion and talent is combined. Incredible work!

[@EmotionallyExhausted]

I have no words for how amazing this is. There are enough Yankee fans who would pay big $$$ for one, you could just make these full time and retire. Superbly done.

[@stefanegger]

You guy, you are amazing. That is incredible craftmanship, patience and resillience. My man, you outdid yourself.

[@triple7marc]

I bet the Hall of Fame or new stadium would pay a pretty penny for this.

[@CoolestThing]

That would awesome! It deserves it!

[@mulemule]

Seems like the type of guy who'd never sell it (esp. given its deep connection to his youth) but he'd likely let them display it.

[@alexbickel8380]

Omg how great is that model!!! A glorious achievement. The Hall of Fame should commission a thousand artisans to build a model of every stadium that has hosted a big league game. It would take a new wing on the Hall just to display them but what a treat it would be.

[@RoboCop-zn8bt]

I still remember my first time walking out to the field at Fenway park with my dad. Nothing better than a late afternoon game on a summer day.

[@veiloeperen]

That is effing cool man. Amazing eye for detail!

[@chickerd4928]

Maybe for his next project he can add LED’s to those light towers and light it up. That would be really cool to see.

[@introaether937]

John has created a wonderful piece or work. Congratulations. Bravo!

[@josephzaza334]

This needs to be seen in person! Hopethe Yankees step up. If not, I am going to this man’s to stare at it all day.

[@Charlielizard]

Absolutely phenomenal! Happened upon a short video and had to watch this. Everything is so perfect. The most miniscule details have been reproduced. This definitely needs to be shared with the rest of the country; and not just on KZbin. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@CoconutDreams123]

Such talent and dedication ... You, sir, created a masterpiece!

[@c.r.broken_human]

You creating is fantastic, I mean absolutely fantastic. As it has been mentioned it deserves to be in the Yankees museum.

[@user-ei8di1xu8i]

Thank you for doing this!

[@villewintermaul1907]

This would be really awesome if made with lego... now that's a challenge!

[@williamsignorovitch32]

Now it all makes sense, he said he had kids. That explains why he spent so much time on it. 😂 I’m kidding your model of Yankees stadium is by far the coolest model build I’ve seen. Keep up the passion.

[@carlsaganlives6086]

Cot (and bucket) in the corner, utility sink already there, slot for food tray in the door, ongoing exterior entrance project...

[@markveals2915]

Amazing. This brings back a lot of memories, as 1973 was the first of many years I attended Yankees games. One season in the original stadium (1973)

[@finch45lear]

Worth every second you put into it. It is gorgeous and stands alone.

[@rstefanie2622]

Amazing. I was at that doubleheader in 1973 vs the Tigers, and yes, that was excitement for that era (end of the Horace Clarke Era & beginning of the George Steinbrenner Era).

[@corsair371]

amazing model. I am very impress! 😎

[@wilsonb1121]

What a beautiful piece!!!

[@raylehotsky1881]

Very, very cool !!

[@anthonycoates60]

Thanks for keeping the memories alive.

[@theHAL9000]

Phenomenal! Stunning ... should be in a museum.

[@WillBrach]

This is way cooler than the model roller coaster I built from scratch in college.

[@undraftedplayer]

WOW ! JUST AWESOME ! A PIECE OF ART !

[@jamescooke4847]

totally terrific...should be for all to see.

[@Aubreykrendale]

It is. Right here on KZbin.

[@kurtissolberg7920]

This is awesome. Well done Sir!

[@aaronvincent9827]

Nothing but admiration for his passion and patience. I'm a huge baseball fan, and this is a piece of history frozen in time. What a beautiful model.

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you for watching! We totally agree! John knocked it out of the park!

[@WereInATightSpot]

What an incredible model! And great job on the production... the lighting, camera work, editing, audio, everything's top knotch!

[@CoolestThing]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it! John is quite the artist indeed!

[@voidfilan5055]

Beautiful from a METS fan😻👍‼️

[@jbflawless9819]

Just found this channel a cpl days ago and have binged watched every video lol. Looking forward to more, incredible people

[@CoolestThing]

Welcome! We filmed a whole bunch a couple months ago so new episodes are being edited now! Stay Tuned!!

[@glennmoreside787]

Simply brilliant, WOW!!

[@Galaxiiee02]

This dude has so much talent wow

[@daniedevite6781]

Amazing job! Labor of love

[@CarlosMartinez-fv7dk]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lyleshoostine1683]

This model deserves preservation either in the new Yankee Stadium or Cooperstown for all Yankee fans to see and appreciate. One question I have: Did you ever consider a phase 2 where somehow small LED lighting is possible for scoreboard and light structures or is the scale too small for hiding wiring and lighting that small currently doesn't exist?

[@treetoppa8388]

I’m trying to imagine having players from Detroit and New York on the field in an action sort of way. I’m guessing it would only take you another few thousand hours but would be so cool! I love this. Great work. Masterpiece!

[@moboutmen]

I cannot believe I get to say this....I was there! Upper deck, 1st base side. Tickets from S&H Green Stamps.

[@rstefanie2622]

Also attended. pennant fever if you remember, but the NYY faded as the A's head to the WS in '73.

[@solless2504]

The most impressive part to me is how clean it is😂 there’s no dust on anything. It much be a pain to clean

[@laurenmallon4963]

really cool !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@spatz813]

I wonder what an appraisal would be.... Take that thing on Antiques Roadshow lol.