Yankees vs. Hokies On TV March 18
Sunday, January 27th, 2008Roanoke TV Station WDBJ To Broadcast Yankees vs. Hokies
On March 18, 2008, at 1:05 p.m. Yankees will invade Virginia again. No it will not be U. S. Grant or William T. Sherman instead it will be Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Hideki Matsui and Alex Rodriguez. The New York Yankees will play Virginia Tech’s baseball team in an exhibition game.
On May 23, 2007, prior to their game against the Boston Red Sox on that day, the Yankees made a $1 million contribution to the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund and announced that they would visit the Hokies as a way to aid in the healing process. Derek Jeter jogged onto the field to present the check just minutes before the Yankees took the field against the Red Sox in the final game of a three-game series. Participating in the on field ceremony that night from the New York Yankees were be President Randy Levine, Chief Operating Officer Lonn Trost and Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian Cashman. They were joined by Dr. Charles Steger, the President of Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Jim Weaver, Vince Houston, Captain of the Virginia Tech Police Department, Jason Dominiczak, Captain on April 16, 2007, Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and Matthew Johnson, current Captain of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad. Following the check presentation Dr. Steger threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
George Steinbrenner, owner of the Yankees stated, “The events that took place this spring in Virginia have deeply affected us all,” Steinbrenner said in a statement. “But the Virginia Tech community has shown great spirit and resolve during this difficult time, and the New York Yankees are proud to join so many others in supporting the healing process.” Charles Steger said after meeting Steinbrenner, “I could also tell from the tone of his voice and what he said that he’s sincere and committed, and really feels it’s important to take this kind of step to help these young people regain their lives.” According to Steger, the Yankees are the only sports team to contribute money to Virginia Tech.
Running out to their positions, the Yankees’ starting lineup passed the Virginia Tech logos painted near the first- and third-base dugouts. Jorge Posada caught Steger’s pitch in front of a nationally televised audience, a throw that came in low but reachable. The catcher said that it’s an honor for him to wear the Virginia Tech logo on his cap — as the entire team did on Wednesday — and that he’s proud of the way the organization stands behind those at the school. “The things that went on at Virginia Tech … it just puts things in perspective,” Posada said. “Baseball is not everything, and you [take] your life for granted. But this is an example of the great organization we are representing. I think the Yankees are doing the right thing.”
Others wishing to make a donation should call 1-800-533-1144 or send their contribution directly to:
Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund
University Development (0336)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
