Yankees make 100-year-old's birthday memorable

WALLINGFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- It was a trip of a lifetime for one Wallingford woman: the 100-year-old left Tuesday afternoon in a limo to go to her first Yankees game since the 1950's.

It's America's past-time. And Rose Manlio is quite clear about her love for our national game, especially when it comes to those who wear pinstripes.

"I love them, and I love them because they play baseball," Manlio said.

Willy Wonka can keep his "golden tickets."

"They did it all," Manlio said, "I was so shocked!"

That surprise was because for her 100th birthday, Rose received something far more valuable from the organization: four prime seats to Tuesday's game.

"Jeter, A-Rod, they're all good," Manlio said. "I love them all!"

Caregivers at Village Green of Wallingford contacted the Yankees, hoping for a signed ball, but the Yanks did something much better.

"When you told her, what was her reaction," asked News 8's Jamie Muro.

"She was speechless, she was speechless for a while," said LaToya McCrea, Village Green.

The last time Manlio saw the Yankees was in the 1950's watching Mantle and Maris.

Her first trip to the new stadium will be in style.

"Very excited," said Manlio. "I haven't had a decent night's sleep in a month!"