 Little Leaguers from the DR in NYC were thrilled to meet Fernando Tatis & Julio Pabón. (Photo by Don Pollard) El Barrio, NY: Over 50 Little League players and many members of the El Barrio’s (East Harlem) community had an incredible evening with one NY Mets player that left a long lasting impression on everyone that attended. The player was NY Mets utility player, Fernando Tatis who was recently put on the disabled list and underwent shoulder surgery of his right clavicle. The fact that he was in New York and did not travel with the team to the West Coast was a blessing since he was able to communicate with the organizers and as a result came through for the event. Tatis did not let any of the die-hard baseball fans that were looking forward to meeting and hearing from the various NY Mets players that were invited down. Four additional players were invited. They were: José Pagan, Alex Cora, Rod Barajas and Ruben Tejeda Unfortunately, for one reason, or the other, all of the players except for Fernando Tatis could not show. Ruben Tejeda was sent down to Buffalo just a few days before the event and the fact that the Mets were playing the day before in Los Angeles made communications with the players very difficult.  Fernando Tatis & makes everyone laugh with one of his many interesting stories. (Photo by Don Pollard) However, just as when Fernando Tatis made baseball history by hitting two grand slams in the same inning when he was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, he hit another grand slam at El Museo Del Barrio with everyone of the attendee’s. The fact that Fernando was not sharing the stage with anyone for this informal forum gave the event a unique and special touch. It gave Tatis the opportunity to speak freely and share quality time with the fans. There was a lot of laughter, some sadness and a lot of motivation that was exactly what many of these children needed to hear. The majority of these children came from the South Bronx and East Harlem two of the hard hit poverty communities in the city. In addition, there was a Little League team touring from the Dominican Republic. Ironically they were from one of the poorest sections of Santiago and perhaps would have never had the opportunity to meet a baseball player this up close and personal.  One of the many El Barrio & South Bronx teams that participated in one of the best forums they had ever encountered. (Photo by Don Pollard) Fernando Tatis poured his heart out to the audience through a series of questions asked by the moderator, Mr. Julio Pabón, President of Latino Sports and President of the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association. Everyone present had the opportunity to ask questions after the intense interview and they all had the opportunity to walk up on stage get an autograph, take a picture and share a comment with Mr. Tatis, or Mr. Pabón. “Thank you, this was one of the best activities that I have ever attended,” was a common comment made to the moderator and the player. Tatis had his arm on a sling from his surgery, but yet did not let that interfere with his desire to attend and spend time with some children that as he stated, “could be future players, doctors, or professionals.” Fernando Tatis walked into El Museo Del Barrio as a utility player and left a giant among men to everyone of the children that were present.  Fernando Tatis, Dale Gregory: VP fo Public Programs-NY Historical Society & Julio Pabón pose after an incredible event in El Barrio. (Photo Don Pollard) This event was sponsored by the New York Historical Society as part of a series called: "Nueva York."
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