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“Hey Kid Do You Want To Be A Yankee?”

Published by Aris Sakellaridis on January 19, 2010

The NY Yankees are making dreamers out of everyone. Last week they opened up the gates of their New Cathedral and let the youngsters of the community participate in a “Show Me What You Got!” workout. For the kids, ages fifteen and up, just setting foot on the field was priceless. They got to do more than that. Under the watchful eyes of Yankees scouts Cesar Presbott, Steve Markovich, and Matt Hyde, the dreamers, or should I say prospects, loosened up their arms and promptly took their positions in right field and shortstop. Presbott hit them fungoes as their throws rocketed to third base and home plate. The infielders showed off their range and arm strength to the barks of Presbott’s “Good play, strong arm.” His energy alone led to a smooth workout/tryout among eighty hopefuls. What Presbott looks for mainly is athleticism and hustle, although a 90 mile an hour fastball, and a power stroke will also open his eyes wider.

Each candidate took ten swings of Presbott’s pitches. Some batters even managed to impress the likes of Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, who coincidently was in the building to checkout the new billion dollar stadium before heading to Citi field, where his team was facing the Mets.

Yankees advisor Ray Negron spoke to the ballplayers before the action began and told them to basically enjoy the moment and have fun. Even though the weather was sweltering hot, fun was definitely in the forecast for these potential Yankees.

For Negron and Presbott their passion of the Yankees runs deep into the surrounding neighborhoods. Their mere presence into the nearby parks gives the kids they come across a sense of hope. On this day these kids were in the Yankees own ballpark.

This writer even got into the act as I took some grounders and got my cuts in. I was the oldest participant at the age of 48 and I could honestly say that I won’t be waiting for a call-back.

But for most of these youngsters you have to be seen before you live out your dream, you never know how many will turn out wearing pinstripes in the future. On this day they came to play and not too many people can say they took groundballs at the same spot where Yankee Captain Derek Jeter patrols. On this day the Yankees provided their neighbors with HOPE, which has been the theme for them all season.