Bronx International Baseball Little League got a big treat at their annual awards ceremony.
Besides the fact that the kids were receiving their end of year awards, they also got to see a short video from Major League Baseball’s Commissioner Rob Manfred.
The predominantly Latino league took a big gasp when they heard the commissioner mention International Baseball. That little line made the kids and their families feel very special.
One parent was telling his kids that when someone as powerful as the Commissioner of baseball acknowledges you that means you are someone special to.
Through the power of video, Rob Manfred made an impression that will last a long time.
Gabriel Balcacer, the president of Bronx International Little League told the kids that they should all be proud of themselves because Major League Baseball and its commissioner are proud of their accomplishments.
No matter whether a parent can afford it or not, no child is ever turned away.
This may not be a good business model but it’s a great way to get our children started on the right direction in life.
I do a weekly show on WPAT am radio called The World of the Big Leagues. My small fee is directed to this league to help with the Umpire fees.
My pal Alfred Zaccagnino from the Samarian Group sponsors kids and came through big time with the trophies and the long-time sponsor and true league friend Christopher Gorayeb and his Law Firm has been a true godsend. John Rivera of the Cristian Rivera Foundation made a surprise donation and actually came to the ceremony with his beautiful daughter Sofia.
During past years many players would cross the street to the site of the original Yankee Stadium to give baseball clinics to the kids. Players like Oswaldo Cabrera and Gio Urshela and Harrison Bader. Omar Minaya must also be thanked because he opened the Little League season by throwing out the first pitch.
Let me close by thanking The Roberto Clemente Award winner Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals for always taking time to visit with the kids whenever you come to New York to play the Yankees.
Mr. Rob Manfred please know that your message has probably reached and saved a life of a kid because as George Steinbrenner once told me… I am somebody during a period when my self esteem was at its lowest and I thought I was Nobody!
