Proud To Be A Yankees Fan

I had to take a break from my spring training entries and mention the game the Yankees are playing this afternoon against Virginia Tech.   There aren't many times that fans across the nation join together and say something nice about the Yankees, but today is one of those days.   I am always proud of being a Yankees fan, maybe even a little too proud for some people, but I have never been more proud than I am today.   The fact that all of the starters in the lineup (except Matsui) not only made the trip, but wanted to be there, despite the fact that it throws off their spring training routine, says numerous things about the team.   For a team that often looks like a corporation, it was just great to see the players legitimately touched by the whole situation, and they came off as real people, not superstars.

Nothing will ever cause everyone to forget about the tragedy that happened last year, but the Yankees are doing everything they can to give something back to all the people touched by the tragedy.   For all the students at the game today, and especially the ones on their team, this is a day that they will never forget.   As I watch the game, and I see Alex Rodriguez sitting in their dugout, talking with all their players during the game, this is going to be one of the best moments of their lives.   Most, if not all, of the players on their team will never make the Majors, so to be able to take the field with the Yankees will be something they can tell their grandchildren, 60 years from now.

Say what you want about the Yankees, there's no denying that they care about more than just their personal image.   They didn't have to make this trip, but they did, and most importantly, they wanted to.   And by doing so, they are making dreams come true for a lot of people affected by the Virginia Tech tragedy.   I will never be prouder of being a Yankees fan than I am today.