NEW YORK -- Like several other current and former Yankees, center fielder Harrison Bader was in attendance last week for Joe Torre’s Safe At Home Foundation Gala, the proceeds of which benefit children afflicted by violence and abuse in their homes, schools and communities.
Before the Gala started, Bader looked like a kid in a candy store. Bader grew up a Yankees fan in Bronxville, N.Y., and he was seen talking shop with Torre and former pitcher David Cone. Bader sounded like a guy who will be attending the gala for years to come.
“Not only is it for a great cause, it’s from two important individuals -- one, I grew up admiring [Torre], and Joe’s wife [Ali],” Bader said. “If I can show my support in any facet, I’m happy to do it for a long time. I’m looking forward to it.”
Upon recovering from a foot injury, Bader was productive after making his Yankees debut on Sept. 20. Acquired in an August trade with the Cardinals, Bader helped improve the Yanks' defense and was arguably the team’s best player in the postseason. In nine playoff games, Bader was 10-for- 30 [.333] with five home runs and six RBIs.
Bader hopes the positive vibes will carry over into next year. He is already working out at Yankee Stadium and feels healthy.
“Listen, it’s a day-by-day process. It’s worth it. I’m just excited to attack it again,” Bader said.
While he is preparing for next season, Bader is hoping Aaron Judge will continue to be next to him in the Yankee Stadium outfield. Judge, who is a free agent, had a season for the ages in 2022, hitting .311 with an American League record 62 home runs and 131 RBIs.
“His next chapter is his, [with] his family and his wife,” Bader said. “I want him to be in pinstripes. Many of us do. But we want him to be happy, get what he deserves. I know he will do it with a smile on his face. I’m looking to hear how it all shakes out for him, because I just want his success to play out the way he [wants].”