Melky Cabrera has lots of reasons for smiling these days, especially on his birthday (LS/Bill Menzel)

Yankee Stadium—Unlike most press conferences, the one between Yankees center fielder Melky Cabrera and members of the Latino Sports Writers and Broadcasters’ Association (LSWBA) began and ended with a birthday celebration, that of Cabrera’s 25th birthday. When Cabrera entered the Yankees press conference room in the basement of the new ballpark on Tuesday afternoon, everyone rose and serenaded the young Yankee with a bi-lingual version of “Happy Birthday to You.” The beaming ballplayer blew out the candles on his large birthday cake and thanked those in attendance. The warm atmosphere in the room was very different than the usual adversarial feeling between athlete and scribe.

Jason Zillo Yankees director of media relations opened the conference on a positive note (LS/Bill Menzel)

The press conference officially began with Jason Zilo, Yankees director of media relations, praising the large turnout and thanking the LSWBA for its cooperation. Cabrera, on his 25th birthday, reflected on what he has achieved, thus far, as a ballplayer in his young lifetime, “I never thought when I was a boy that I would be in the big leagues. I am very happy on my 25th birthday, and hope I have 50 more.”  Several questions were directed to Cabrera’s thoughts regarding his place on the Yankees as the everyday center fielder after being sent to the minors and having the center field position being awarded to Brett Gardner at the start of the 2009 season. Cabrera showed his humility by continually giving credit to God, his teammates for their encouragement and support, and to Yankee manager Joe Girardi for giving him an opportunity. He also described his efforts during the off-season in his native Dominican Republic, “I worked very hard to regain my center field position as a starter. I worked with a trainer in the Dominican Republic. I prepared mentally and physically. I will continue working. I’m glad that I could live up to the manager’s trust in me.”

This could easilly qualify for a LatinoMDC Award -(Most Delicious Cake) L/S Bill Menzel

Cabrera was asked to compare his two Yankee managers, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, and the two Yankee Stadiums in which he played. Of his two skippers, Cabrera remarked, “They are tremendous managers. They both want you to work hard and win.” He also sees very little difference between the neighboring ballparks, “For me, they are equal. The same fans are there.”

The newest Yankee center fielder said he felt “no pressure” in following in the footsteps of such legendary figures as Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Bernie Williams in the highly valued center field position.  Although Williams is the only one he remembers, Cabrera stated, “I would like to be like them.”

Melky is thinking of the cake, no the question (LS/Bill Menzel)

Recent events were also the subject of queries. Cabrera became the 11th Yankee and the first since Tony Fernandez in 1995 to hit for the cycle when he accomplished that rare feat on August 2 against the White Sox. He admitted, “I never thought I would get the cycle by hitting a triple, but thanks to God, I made it.” Cabrera was asked his thoughts on the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry. He opined, “It’s a great rivalry. I think the rivalry began before I was born. Thankfully, we won all games [last weekend].”

The talkfest ended so that Cabrera could cut his birthday cake and share it with the media members present. Cabrera topped off his birthday by going 1 for 3 and knocking in two runs in the Yankees 7-5 victory over Toronto that evening.

After a 'Cut to the Chase' Session with Spanish Speaking press, Melky goe to Cut the Cake (LS/Bill Menzel)

Feliz Cumple Año y que todo te siga bien, Melky Cabrera (LS/Bill Menzel)

---

Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites