Monday marks the third annual Hanks Yanks Golf Classic at Trump Links Golf Course in the Bronx at Ferry Point. This event has become a major fundraiser for hundreds of New York City youngsters with a purpose of raising funds in order for them to play organized baseball.
This year Hanks Yanks will have representation from the Bronx with three teams coordinated through the efforts of Tony and Jessy Melendez of the TM Baseball Training Academy that is located minutes away from Trump Links.
This also marks the 40th anniversary of the 1977 World Champion New York Yankees which was the first championship team of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
“Mr. October” Reggie Jackson, instrumental in that championship year will be honored with the third annual “Boss Award’ that will be presented by Hank Steinbrenner, founder of Hanks Yanks. The honor is given to an athlete or entertainer who has always given himself both on and off the field the same way Mr. Steinbrenner cared for individuals from all walks of life.
Last year the award went to former New York Yankee Carlos Beltran. This is the one event that Hank Steinbrenner anticipates this time of year because of his constant communication with the kids from the Hanks Yanks program.
Also honored that day will be nine-time Grammy Award winner Jose Feliciano. Former Channel 7 and WABC sports anchor Scott Clark will be the Master of Ceremonies. In addition Yankees relief pitcher Tyler Clippard will be receiving “The Hank Award” for his loyalty to the kids of New York and never refusing to give them an extra hand.
In it’s third year the event has raised thousands of dollars to help fund Hanks Yanks teams that compete in the New York City and Tri-State area,
“Every year I’m thrilled at the fact we have more and more kids playing baseball because of the Hanks Yanks program” Steinbrenner said.
As we all know with the Steinbrenner family every week is hope week. If we can get more kids to play baseball then let’s do it
More information about the event: www.hanksyanksgolf.com.