Hank's Yanks get chance to greet benefactor
Hank's Yanks, a Long Island-based baseball team funded by Hank Steinbrenner, pose for a picture at a press conference. (Aug. 26, 2010) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Their baby faces lit up in anticipation as Hank Steinbrenner's arrival drew near.
Nervous energy took hold of them as they scrambled around a Yankee Stadium locker room, frantically setting up folding chairs in neat semicircles and pushing equipment bags to the back of the room.
"We clap when he gets here," one player instructed the group.
"Yeah, give him a warm reception," another chimed in.
For Hank's Yanks - an 18-and-under summer league baseball team funded by the eldest son of George Steinbrenner and comprised of teenagers from different socioeconomic backgrounds from various parts of New York - Thursday was about more than playing at Yankee Stadium. It was a chance to honor Hank Steinbrenner.
"He gave us an opportunity to play," said starting pitcher Leonel Vinas of Freeport, who turns 19 today. "And through the season he's been asking about us, how we're doing. So it means a lot to me."
Said catcher Elio Collado: "It makes my family feel proud of what I am and who I'm playing for."
An hour before Hank's Yanks were set to face Team Mariano, founded by Yankees closer Mariano Rivera, in the inaugural "Boss' Cup," Steinbrenner entered the room to the sound of applause.
"Needless to say, I've been paying more attention to you guys than our major league team right now," he joked, referring to Hank's Yanks' 21-2 championship season.
Hank's Yanks won again, defeating Team Mariano, 3-2.
"We got to do it for "The Boss," said rightfielder Robert Cruceta, 18, the father of a 4-month-old son. "He can accept anything but losing."
Competition aside, Steinbrenner expressed deep affection for Rivera.
"To tell you the truth, and I don't mean to slight anybody else, but Mo's my favorite guy," he said. "And obviously one of the greatest pitchers ever."
Though familiar with the Stadium field, Rivera's 16-year-old son, Mariano, said he was taken aback at the opportunity to play on the field. "To be on that same mound as my dad, it's incredible," he said.
And for a day, they owned Yankee Stadium.
"You can tell your daughters, your sons, your grandchildren," said Christian Rosario, 15, of Oceanside. "And maybe you'll be in the major leagues, or maybe you won't. But if you don't, at least you have this day."
