Baseball Player Magazine

The group of 15-18 year olds were put together by Yankees Community Advisor Ray Negron, along with his pal Herman Hernandez II. The team, comprised of youths from diverse socio-economic backgrounds, captured the championship of Yaphank, L.I.’s “Baseball Heaven” league. In its inaugural season, “Hank’s Yanks” managed a 21-2 record, along with numerous press clippings, and a celebrity following, which included Yankee greats Roy White, Darryl Strawberry and actors Luis Guzman and Richard Gere.

Team members like Matt Duran of New Rochelle H.S., enjoyed the experience of a lifetime. His power displays attracted numerous scouts to the games, where they also discovered players like senior William Jerez of Grand Street Campus (Brooklyn) and 18 year old pitcher Leonel Vinas, who tossed two no-hitters. For Vinas, winning the championships in “Baseball Heaven” was in his words, “Equivalent to the 27 championships that the Yankees franchise own. Being a contributor is so satisfying.” But it’s more than just baseball for Joey Christopher, a senior at Calhoun H.S. “It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to be on this team and around Mr. Steinbrenner.” His presence is unbelievable and it has helped me grow as a person, as I’m ready to take it to the next level in my life,” Christopher said.

Sophomore Christian Rosario of Oceanside H.S. stated, “It’s a road that hopefully will lead to my dream of being a major leaguer. Just playing in Yankee Stadium for the Cup was a dream in itself.” 

The seasons highlight had to be winning the first annual “Boss’ Cup.” The game was created after the death of Yankees “Boss” George Steinbrenner. Yankee Stadium was the site of the dramatic 3-2 victory over The Mariano Rivera All-Stars. By coincidence, Mariano Rivera Jr. was the losing pitcher. A crowd of almost 2000 showed up on that August afternoon, with Hank cheering on from the dugout. He rewarded the team with a dinner at the famed Patsy’s Restaurant.

For the older players, college is the next step as Adelphi, Hofstra, and Dowling Universities have shown an interest in having them as student-athletes. There are plenty of teams throughout the east coast, but what separates “Hank’s Yanks” from the others is Negron’s determination and Hank’s blessing, as they both emulate the Yankees tradition of giving back. The team also spent time visiting children in various hospitals and providing Yankee knick- knacks to the grateful patients. It’s something that George M. Steinbrenner would have been proud of, as his son Hank Steinbrenner will continue to carry the torch his father lit.