11/05/24
March 19, 2008
Stars and Pinstripes: No runs, two hits but plenty of thrills for the Virginia Tech baseball team and community as the Yankees visit to fulfill a pledge by George Steinbrenner to aid the universitys healing.
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.
posted by hawkguy at 08:41 AM on March 19, 2008
That's a great story, plus the A-Rod thing makes it even better. Thanks.
posted by yerfatma at 08:41 AM on March 19, 2008
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.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 08:44 AM on March 19, 2008
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.
posted by hawkguy at 08:50 AM on March 19, 2008
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.
posted by Folkways at 09:03 AM on March 19, 2008
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.
posted by trox at 09:06 AM on March 19, 2008
Here's coverage from the Virginia Tech website.
posted by dyams at 09:53 AM on March 19, 2008
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.
posted by NerfballPro at 11:50 AM on March 19, 2008
As a UVA alum I am hopelessly jealous.As a Yankee fan I am proud.
posted by Landis at 02:16 PM on March 19, 2008
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.)
posted by BoKnows at 04:30 PM on March 19, 2008
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...
posted by bruce2ww at 09:12 AM on March 20, 2008
Class Move by a class Organization.
posted by Petewigg at 07:56 PM on March 20, 2008
Hate the Yankees on principle, but that is a great story. My respect for A-Rod just went up a significant amount of notches.
posted by Drood at 08:50 PM on March 20, 2008
Hate the Yankees on principle, but that is a great story. My respect for A-Rod just went up a significant amount of notches.
posted by Drood at 08:51 PM on March 20, 2008
Stay classy, A-Rod.
posted by BornIcon at 07:51 AM on March 21, 2008
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.