In the fourth inning, most of the Yankees starters came out of the lineup. Most went back to their dugout, but A-Rod crossed the field and sat down in the Hokies' dugout. For three innings, the three-time American League MVP sat with the Hokies, telling stories, signing autographs and just hanging out. This is what impressed me most about this entire event. Say what you want about the Yankees, A-Rod, whatever, but what a thrill these college kids got throughout this entire day. The whole thing was done the right way by the Yankees, and it was just a good story.
What an amazing story. Thanks, dyams, I didn't even know this was going on. Class move by the Yankees, and even classier by A-Rod. I loved that Damon smiled at the pitcher after being brushed back, albeit unintentionally.
That's a great story, plus the A-Rod thing makes it even better. Thanks.
Nice story, dyams. I love college baseball, I really do. Maybe it's because I've had several friends and neighbors whose kids played in college, maybe it's because around here, the summer collegiate leagues provide some of the best entertainment to be had (is that true around the country, btw?). I know how hard they work and how much it means to them to play. There's something about college baseball players that they're always eager to take the field, even against a team that's a notch or two above them -- maybe especially against such a team. I'm really glad the Hokies got this chance.
l_b_b, in my neck of the woods, (Kansas) there are several (what we call) semi-pro teams that a lot of college players spend their Summers playing on. Local families put them up for free, feed them, etc. They play virtually every night. Off the top of my head I can think of six or seven teams in the state, and a few in neighboring Missouri. It is an absolute blast to watch.
What a cool life long experience for the VT baseball team. Great stuff to tell the grand kids. I just hope they all had cameras. Here in the deep south the college game is far superb to the pro game. What, with the Braves back on track (loosing like they were when I was growin' up) and those 11 Florida MLB teams that suckuth as well. The SEC my not be a baseball powerhouse conference they are usually well represented at the CWS.
I may be (legitimately) tarred as an Arod hater from my past remarks, but I'll keep that on the field. Genuinely classy move by him here though.
Here's coverage from the Virginia Tech website.
Being an official card-carrying anti-Yankees torch bearer, and disliking Boss George even more, I have to admit this was a classy move overall by him and the entire organization. Not only did the VT baseball team get some thrills and memories that will last a lifetime, the million-dollar-plus donation helps the school and families that lost loved ones during that cowardly attack last April.
As a UVA alum I am hopelessly jealous.As a Yankee fan I am proud.
Thanks for the article, dyams. That was a fun read. I liked that ARod sat on the Hokies bench and all but isn't it possible that he took someone else's spot on that bench? I mean, there's gotta be a kid that won't get his opportunity now that ARod sat in his seat. (Sorry, wfrazejr, I couldn't help myself.)
This is too cool... I'm not a big Yankee fan because of the head honcho, but this was a class act and the fact that they gave so much money to help the families.. The players on VT will have something to talk about well into their late years. Can you see one of them telling their grandchild how they sat with A-Rod and chatted baseball way back when... A-Rod will be one of those guys that people talk about years after he is done... Great article, great gesture by the Yanks...
Class Move by a class Organization.
Hate the Yankees on principle, but that is a great story. My respect for A-Rod just went up a significant amount of notches.
Hate the Yankees on principle, but that is a great story. My respect for A-Rod just went up a significant amount of notches.
