To qualify the boys had to show an improvement in their education. Photo Aris Sakellaridis

The NY Yankees got an early start to their 2010 season, with the theme of 2009, which was appropriately named HOPE.  When Yankees Special Assistant Ray Negron approached owner Hank Steinbrenner and Vice President Felix Lopez with a plan to have twelve underprivileged kids from New York and Long Island area come to Tampa and play baseball on its facilities, they both gave the thumbs up.  It was in Yogi Berra’s words, “Déjà vu all over again,” as Negron and Steinbrenner continue the Yankees way of giving back.  It’s been the staple of Hank’s dad George Steinbrenner trademark since he purchased the team in 1973, and implodes into each employee as evidenced by the team’s foundation.  To qualify the boys had to show an improvement in their education. 

Ricky Negron, Ray’s youngest son, led off the trip being the first one to arrive via a 25 hour train ride.  Ricky got his first lesson of the trip as ex-baseball player and current broadcaster Tim Mc Carver was also on board.  After Mc Carver learned that Negron’s son aspired to become a major leaguer, he responded to Ricky, “How bad do you want it?”  With those words the tone of the trip was set.

Upon arrival in Tampa, the senior Negron took Ricky straight to Steinbrenner Field, where the top high school juniors and seniors were working on their swing for the 5th Annual Power Showcase which was held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.  The freshman Ricky was introduced to Yankees Minor League Coach Jody Reed.  When Reed was told of Ricky’s goal, his response was “you gotta really want it bad.  You have to make certain sacrifices.”  Into the cage stepped Ricky under the watchful eyes of Power Showcase Coordinator Brian Domenico.  Ricky was invited to the next day’s showcase, where he shagged fly balls and got a feel of the event.

On Wednesday, the eleven other players arrived, they were immediately taken to the spring training home of the 2009 World Champion NY Yankees.  The kids were in awe of their surroundings and couldn’t wait to get started.  They stretched and ran drills under the tutelage of fitness coach Rob Malichio, who Negron recruited for the week.  Malichio’s training regimen is what shapes up pro athletes, and each youth held his own.  A quick infield and outfield workout helped work out the kinks of these lucky kids as the “Baby Boss,” Steinbrenner observed from his balcony during a break from the office. 

The next day was the same routine as juniors Herman Hernandez, Bryan Dromerhauser, Jonathan Vasquez, and Erik Kondak, took their cuts in an impressive batting practice session.  V. P. Felix Lopez appeared on the field to get acquainted with the possible future Yankees.  Jeffrey Rodriguez, Matt Duran and Andrew Sesto took in every word that Lopez spoke, as he stressed on the importance of education.  He posed for photos and answered questions from the youths.  As an extra bonus, members of the 1977 Championship team, led by Mickey Rivers, Bucky Dent, Mike Torrez and Chris Chambliss took a break from their fantasy camp duties to spend some time with the youths.  The camera crew from the show “Yankees Magazine,” captured every moment.  The group was also amused by Tampa Yankees mascot “Sultan,” who happened to be in the neighborhood.  The young boys displayed their skills by showing their glove work.  They scooped up groundballs and made crisp throws as the cameras rolled.  Before they called it a day there was a special treat.  The 2009 Championship trophy was on display on the main field as each youngster was in awe of the crown jewel.  They each posed for a photo to the patience of Tampa Security Director John Sabean who was the keeper of the trophy. 

The next day was a trip to IMG Baseball Academies, were a team was awaiting their presence thanks to IMG advisor, Kit Carlson.  After a quick warm up led by Malichio, it was play ball!  To their surprised the youngsters were shocked to be facing an ex-major league pitcher in Steve Frey.  What a show as the boys from New York held their own against the crafty lefthander.  IMG prevailed at the end, but on this day there were no losers.  Afterwards Frey spoke to the kids about how he was impressed with their approach to the game.  His inspiring words of perseverance and going after your dreams, was felt by all.

 The next day was a trip down memory lane, as Negron took the boys to the Huggins/ Stengel complex in St. Pete.  He enriched the boys on the history of the old spring training home of the Yankees.  Negron reminded them that Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig got ready for their seasons on this same field where they were getting ready to practice on.  The youngsters got the message of being on sacred grounds and were humbled by the number 430ft. sign down the right field line, which was all made possible by Director Shawn Drouin.

The trip was more than just about baseball as most of these youngsters were on their first trip away from home.  They were even lectured on the evils of drugs and steroids from Vice President of the Christopher D. Smithers Foundation Tom Croce and Yankees Minor League Team Doctor Joe Calandra, who were in town to participate in the Yankees Fantasy Camp.  The boys wouldn’t blink as they visioned every word that Croce and Calandra spoke.

A visit to future Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar’s home was priceless. Photo Aris Sakellaridis

The youths got to see Alomar’s Gold Gloves and other awards he gained in his storied career.  Alomar stressed the importance of focus and preparation in anything they strived for in life.  He then outfitted each member with his new dry-fit shirts entitled “Second 2 None,”  which will soon hit the market.

The finale came when they packed to leave for their trip back home.  Upon leaving Negron’s home, where they spent the week, their “baseball boot camp” was about to end, and on the last day they hit.  It was back to Steinbrenner Field, where they got their last licks in the indoor hitting cage.  They put on an impressive display, and for these student athletes, they go back home on this January day being a better person.  They got a taste of life’s lessons brought to them by Hank Steinbrenner, Felix Lopez and the 27th time World Champion NY Yankees.

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites