The New York Yankees today announced the organization's continued celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. As part of the festivities this year, a special stickball tournament will be held near Yankee Stadium, actor, model and singer Ana Villafañe will perform the national anthem and discounted tickets will be offered during the month of September for all Yankee Stadium Spanish-language tours.
The Yankees, in collaboration with Major League Baseball and the 161st Street Business Improvement District, will host a special "PLAY BALL: Stickball" tournament in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, September 23, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place on River Avenue, between 158th and 161st Street, and will feature youth participants from the New York Emperor Stickball League.
On Friday, September 29, actor, model and singer Ana Villafañe will perform the national anthem. Best known for her portrayal of Gloria Estefan in the Broadway musical On Your Feet!, Villafañe has appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Friday Night Lights and Max Steel. In addition, Villafañe will be recognized by the Yankees in a pregame ceremony highlighting the 10th annual Hispanic Heritage Month Community Achievement Awards. The honor acknowledges those who proudly serve the surrounding communities in the areas of the arts, athletics, business, education and social responsibility.
During the entire month of September, all Yankee Stadium Spanish-language tours are being offered at a discounted price at the Yankee Stadium box office. For complete details on the offer, fans should call (646) 977-TOUR [8046] or follow @YankeesTours on Twitter. Please note that all ticket specials are subject to availability.
The increased activity surrounding Hispanic Heritage Month is an extension of MLB's "Ponle Acento" ("Put an Accent on It") campaign, launched in 2016 to highlight the distinctive mark that Latino players and fans leave on the game. As part of the league-wide initiative, Yankees players wore a "Ponle Acento" t-shirt during batting practice prior to their game vs. the Orioles on September 14.
For the second consecutive year, a special Hispanic Heritage Month supplement in Spanish has been included in the September edition of Yankees Magazine, the club's official game-day program. Yankees Magazine has served as the team's official game-day program since 1980 and has strived to exceed the expectations normally associated with a team-based periodical. The unique September edition of Yankees Magazine continues the publication's dedication to serve its loyal readers in new and engaging ways. The magazine can be purchased online at www.yankees.com/publications and www.yankeesbeisbol.com/publicaciones or by phone at (800) GO-YANKS [800-469-2657].
Additional on-field ceremonies include the recognition of Brett Gardner as the Yankees' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, the New York Yankees Hispanic Heritage Month Scholars and the New York League of Puerto Rican Women.
Since early September, the Yankees Spanish-language Twitter and Instagram accounts have participated in a special Hispanic Heritage Month ticket giveaway contest. Select fans have won tickets this season to home games during the month of September by posting a picture showcasing their "Yankees Pride" using #YankeesHHM2017. For more information on the contest and to participate while still applicable, please visit the Twitter and Instagram accounts listed below.
To learn more about these and other events, fans can also visit the team's official Spanish-language website, www.yankeesbeisbol.com and click on the special Hispanic Heritage Month section. While there, fans can also participate in an online sweepstakes for the opportunity to win tickets to the final regular season home game at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, October 1, vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. Up-to-date information on all of the team's Hispanic initiatives can also be found on the following Yankees Spanish-language social media outlets:
Twitter & Instagram: @Yankees_beisbol and @LosYankeesPR
Facebook: www.facebook.com/yankeesbeisbol