A New HOPE From The Evil Empire

No, no this post has nothing to do with the original Star Wars film (or as it is officially known: Episode IV: A New Hope).  Such rather derogatory names have inundated my favorite baseball team for as long as I can remember and definitely beyond that.  This week, The New York Yankees have been on the streets, in apartment buildings, and in the new stadium giving back to the community that they call home.  Whether it be something seemingly trivial like throwing pop flies to a ten year old or participating in an event honoring a Navy veteran who is afflicted with Lou Gehrig’s disease, the NOW solo first place American League East sluggers have been receiving praise both on and off the field.

HOPE (Helping Others Persevere and Excel) week began Monday and has included the following events:

• Alex Rodriguez and pitchers Joba Chamberlain and Andy Pettite were in Greenwich Village and visited a young boy who has Cerebral Palsay.  The sixth grader is confined to a wheelchair; however, the Bombers conducted a clinic for him and his little league teammates.
• Ace closer Mariano Rivera, second baseman Robinson Cano, and outfielder Melky Cabrera visited a small Washington Heights apartment where a couple open their home to children for lessons in community and leadership.
• Captain Derek Jeter and first baseman Mark Teixeira (who my mother claims closely resembles our admin… I don’t see it… sorry I cannot find a photo good enough to compare) participated in a ceremony honoring a Navy veteran with Lou Gehrig’s Disease and his wife.

Say what you will about the Yankees… overpaid, over-privileged.  The new stadium is a homerun hitters paradise.  Any team who takes time out off the field to help and inspire (yes, even if the team happens to be from Bean Town) deserves some appreciation.