I have had the opportunity to be around Nestor Cortes off and on for a few years. These meetings have taken place at hospitals in south Florida.
These events were usually to deliver presents to kids on Christmas or just to brighten up a child’s day who was scared because he had cancer.
The last time we were together it was with one of baseball’s great humanitarians Raul Ibanez. We visited the Joe Dimaggio children’s hospital. To see Nestor hang out with kids of all denominations and share laughs even though many of these kids were suffering was beautiful. To see the veteran Ibanez and the very young and hopeful professional player Cortes giving of themselves I’m sure encouraged these kids to try harder to get better.
These are some of the greatest moments that I get to share with some of these young men who realize how blessed they are.
When I read negative articles about these same young men who are trying to better their own lives, it bothers me. Especially when it’s written by people that don’t even know the individuals. It’s funny that negativity just happens to come out when a person is just finally getting his life together.
George Steinbrenner always told me to ignore the jealous people that try to knock you down when you’re trying to climb up the mountain. Those are the same people that will say how great you are when you finally reach the top.
That being said, I will close by telling Nestor Cortes to keep striving. Real people or friends will always be there to help dust you off. They know who you are and you know who you are.
