Jerry Hairston, Sergio Vitre & Alex Rodríguez posing before the start of the stuckball game. (Photo LSV)

Bronx, NY: Who say's a little rain can stop men and boys from having fun? That was not the case today in the South Bronx, when Alex Rodríguez, Jerry Hairston and Sergio Mitre showed up to play a little “pitching in stickball” drizzle and all. The reason for this visit to the lot on 154th St and River Avenue (the lot with all the Yankee murals) was to take some stickball swings against a number of local kids and to show that men can be boys and boys can be men, even if just for a few hours.

Alex scoping the schene prior to the game. (Photo LSV)

The event was organized by, Ray Negrón, Yankee Special Assistant and author of several children’s books. Mr. Negrón has been instrumental in organizing several events on behalf of the NY Yankees commitment to have players integrate more with the community.

Today’s stickball experience was one experience that many of those kids will take with them forever. How many kids can say that they pitched against a professional baseball player, a NY Yankee, an Alex Rodriguez?

From the looks of the pitching rotation, approximately 10 kids, all under 12 had the opportunity to say that they pitched against some of the best. The kids took their role very serious as each took their turns, they would stare into the eyes of these Yankee players and pitch to them without fear. 

Curve, knuckler, or breaking ball, Alex waits on it. (Photo LSV)

Both Alex Rodríguez and Jerry Hairston took some good swings, Alex connecting for perhaps 6 hits out of 45 pitches, of which more than half were way outside the strikeout box painted on the wall. He was hit by one pitch, but took it in stride as he lined the next pitch for a hit.

Alex looked relaxed, much more than I had ever seen him in past functions. To his credit, he did not show up with a slew of bodyguards and security personnel, nor did he appear to be in a rush to go somewhere else, which has been some of the previous criticisms of him. Alex even walked over on his own to the chain link fence separating those outside the lot with those inside to greet them and allow them to take pictures, something that they had been screaming for.

Alex taking a few moments to speak and pose for a few fans outside the lot. (Photo LSV)

Though he was driven to the field from the stadium (3 blocks away) he appeared to be genuinely enjoying this encounter with the kids. Let’s face it how many times has Alex had the opportunity to face a pitcher and not worry about getting on base, hitting a homerun, or driving in a run, but just having fun?

After the stickball game, the players went to Billy’s Bar & Lounge where they were met by another group of children all sitting and waiting to see and hear these three Yankee players.

Jerry Hairston batting against one of the many kids that pitched against the. (Photo LSV)

Prior to this part of the event, all the kids were treated to lunch and a brief introduction at Billy’s. When Alex, Jerry and Sergio walked in they were greeted by all the kids and their parents, or guardians.

Alex having genuine fun, no pressure in this game. (Photo LSV)

All three players spoke and stated how much they enjoyed playing with the kids. Alex Rodriguez hit a “Grand Slam” when he encouraged the kids to “read, read and read” and focus on education. “If you can read one book a month and hit 12 homeruns in one year then you really achieved something great,” he told them.

Lenny Caro, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce gave each player a certificate of appreciation. Julio Pabón, President of Latino Sports took the opportunity to inform everyone that Alex Rodriguez had won the prestigious LatinoMVP award and that he would be getting his special award at a ceremony on September 11th, 2009 at Yankee stadium as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Alex speaking to the kids stressing education and urging them to read one book a month. (Photo LSV)

Every child was given a $25 dollar Modell’s Gift Card on behalf of the players and Modell’s.

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