Yankees Loosening Up and Giving Back

It's nice to see the Yankees making adjustments. For too long they seemed to be run by a rigid corporation, unable to make changes. But there are some really nice things they are doing for the fans, community, and with each other.

First, it was nice to see the Yankees honoring someone who didn't buy an advertisement in the stadium or sponsor that days giveaway. While at the game last night, "Tara", came on the huge HD screen in between innings and I got worried that her voice would send the masses home early. But she calmly told the story of a 6-year-old boy who had just reached one year remission with cancer and got to hang out with the Yankees. As the New York Times wrote, he got to meet a bunch of the Yankees and even asked Derek Jeter to play catch with him. Pretty awesome stuff. And the kid got a HUGE hand last night.

One story that touches the heart today comes out of California and has nothing to do the Yankees, but is definitely worth a read from the Mercury News.

Sam Borden has word via LoHud about the Swish & Chips promotion going on at Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant. A good place to grab a brewskie, Foley's will donate $1 from every sale of the battered fish and fries dish to Nick Swisher's charity "Swish's Wishes".

And as Rob Neyer asks will owner continue to do the right thing (after they had moved up the start time of the World Series to make it more watchable for all)?

Well the Yankees responded and finally did something good with those empty Legends Box seats (also from Sam Borden):"Tonight through Sunday, the Yankees will commemorate Fleet Week. Members of the armed forces will take part in on-field pregame ceremonies. In addition, for each game through Sunday the club has donated tickets in the Legends Suite area to members of the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard, among other branches of the Armed Forces. With all the controversy over the Legends Suites this year, it’s nice to see the Yankees opening them to people who truly deserve the best seats in the house." Good job by the Yankees.

Lastly, the Yankees are playing more like a close-knit team that actually likes each other. AJ Burnett has started the pie-to-the-face for anyone who ends a Yankee game with a walkoff. Johnny Damon bought a WWE-type championship belt and it's given to the player who has the most impact in every Yankees win. And Mark Feinsand reports that the Yankees are holding a Kangaroo Court...with Mariano Rivera as the judge. I can't even imagine what that entails. But it's glad to see the Yankees are winning games, giving back, and having some fun doing so.