On Monday I had a terrific time going to the Brooklyn Nets Basketball game at the Barclays Center with former Yanks great Willie Randolph, Baseball’s first Hispanic General Manager and Yankee special assistant Omar Minaya and a Yankee that has brought a lot of excitement to our fans, especially the young ones, infielder Jazz Chisholm.
Jazz has decided to spend some time in New York during the offseason to explore the city. He wants to learn what makes it tick.
He has already visited some places of interest including Public School 55 in the Bronx.
They are actually creating a special curriculum that deals with computer training. The computers are being donated by Jazz and the program will be named the Jazz Chisholm computer program.
Principal Luis Torres was literally brought to tears when he found out what Jazz had done.
It was incredible how the young kids at the arena instantly recognized Jazz. The look on his face told me that he understands the recognition factor that he has with our young fans. It’s almost like what a young Derek Jeter had during his first couple of years with the team. I told him that it’s important that he can bring that to the Yankees because that’s how you create a new fan base.
During halftime, we sat at the arena restaurant and just talked about life in general. Jazz told us something that we didn’t know.
Jazz Chisholm likes to sing. Yes, he raps a little bit but he genuinely likes to sing. He pulled out his phone and played a sample of his music.
Guess what people… Jazz is very good!
His plans for the winter are to work very hard at his craft (baseball) and do some philanthropic events and complete his music project. I will not say what his style of music is except that it’s a combination of Will Smith and Baby Face.
It was beautiful to see and hear Willie Randolph share his experiences with Jazz and Omar Minaya is always a teacher to our young players. Omar has been this way since we were kids. For that matter, I first met Willie Randolph when I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Since Willie and I were signed by the same scout ( Dutch Doitch ) they had Willie talk to me on my first day in minor league camp. At that moment Willie was already a leader and has always been one. I can understand why Omar wanted Willie to come to the Net game and spend time with Jazz.
All in all, it was a very good time. Jazz learned a lot about us and we learned a lot about him.
I had this young student named Nick Singh with me. He is doing amazing work with the Make a Wish foundation and he is a very hip young man. It was really nice to see him and Jazz talk about today’s music etc. Nick actually served as an interpreter for me because I really don’t know a lot of today’s music. Omar and Willie didn’t either. lol
However in the immortal words of Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons… Oh, What a Night! By the way, the Nets beat the Grizzlies 106 – 104.
