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Written by Aris Sakellaridis
Monday, 31 August 2009
Yankees Hairston, Mitre wih his child and Alex Rogriguez in an ol' fashiion stickball game (LS/ Aris Sakellaridis)
On a wet Friday in August, there is nothing abnormal about seeing kids play stickball in the streets oh the Bronx. Add some Yankee players to the game and you now have the makings of a dream.
Yankees Alex Rodriguez, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Sergio Mitre decided to get some extra swings before making their way into the Cathedral they work in. They joined youngsters from the United League in a good old fashioned stickball game in a lot outside the old stadium where the Yankee Mural wall is. The kids lined up to take turns of pitching to both A Rod and Hairston. Mitre played the role of cheerleader, as he was left with babysitting duties for his son Sam. It was more than hit and run for these three Yankees players. They took time to sign autographs and pose for photos with all the kids and passersby who were stunned to see the trio playing stickball on this drizzly day.
It was a clutch moment in the Bronx all over again (LS/ Aris Sakellaridis)
The last Yankee player to be seen swinging a stick in the streets was folk hero Joe Pepitone, back in the 1960’s. NY Giants Willie Mays was also a regular swinger back in the 50’s.
After the game the players treated all the kids to lunch at Billy’s Café. Rodriguez spoke to the kids and challenged each of them to read a book a month. He stressed how education is huger than hitting a homerun. Yankees Advisor Ray Negron was hailed by Rodriguez for giving back to the children. Negron organized the event and helped to hand out gift certificates for Modell’s Sporting Goods which were donated by Mitch Modell. Certificates of appreciation were freshly signed and put together by Bronx Chamber of Commerce Lenny Caro.
A stickball game in the backdrop of a wall mural with Yankee Legends (LS/ Aris Sakellaridis)
The players then made their way to work, which was across the street, as they mingled with the well behaved crowd which showed nothing but love to Rodriguez, Hairston, and Mitre. For the few lucky players of United League who had a chance to pitch to Rodriguez and Hairston, the memory will last a lifetime. The Yankees came through providing HOPE to everyone they came in contact with.
Hairston shows his versatility once more (LS/Aris Sakellaridis)
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