The New York Yankees are committed to supporting and highlighting diversity in our communities.
On Wednesday, July 5th the New York Yankees recognized the Flower Festival, a cultural program based on a Colombian tradition showcasing "silletas" or flower medallions, dancers, and other artistic traditions promoting arts and culture in New York City. In addition, complementary tickets were provided to the organization to enjoy that afternoon's game.
The New York Yankees provided scholarships for local students selected by Bronx Dominican Day Parade. The scholarship is intended to acknowledge the students' hard work and dedication by financially contributing to their college education. The scholarship recipients were recognized in an on-field pregame ceremony in front of their families, participants of the parade and all those in attendance. In addition, complementary tickets were provided to the scholarship recipients, families, and representatives of Bronx Dominican Day Parade to attend the game after the on-field ceremony.
The Yankees welcomed International Baseball League, a group of more than 400 participants from local and international youth baseball teams (ages 10-16) for a special opportunity to parade around the warning track prior to the game. In addition, complementary tickets were provided to these youth baseball teams that participated in the New York Baseball Fever 2017 tournament. The tournament took place at Macombs Dam Park with teams from South and Central America, the Caribbean and the United States, including local teams from the Bronx. The U12 winner was recognized during the Yankees celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
The Yankees continued with the Outfield Experience with various multicultural artist and local bands. The fans enjoyed the presentations of:
He is not only a New York-born, but also the son of the Latin music legend "Tito Puente".
Music With A Message Band, also known as MWAM, this talented, Bronx-based band are conscious-minded youth, with raw talent, which they use to inspire positive changes within their communities.
Latin Grammy Nominees, Flor de Toloache. The New York City all-women mariachi group members hail from diverse cultural backgrounds which defines their unique flavor and sound.
In 2016, Rickie Ricardo will begin his third season as the New York Yankees' Spanish language play-by-play announcer. Prior to joining the Yankees' WADO broadcast team, Ricardo spent 7 years in the same role for Philadelphia Phillies, broadcasting their World Series win in 2008 and postseason run in 2009. A 1980 graduate from the New York School of Broadcasting, Ricardo currently resides in West New York, N.J.
Since 1995, Francisco Rivera has been involved in baseball as a color commentator and play-by-play announcer, including 11 years in the Yankees' broadcast booth. A native of Morovis, Puerto Rico, he covered the Philadelphia Phillies for "Radio Tropical" from 1995 to 1998 and worked the American League Championship Series in 2003 and 2004 for WADO. Rivera received his bachelor's degree in Spanish literature from Rutgers University and graduated from the Cambridge University-affiliated Miguel Angel Torres School of Communications in Manhattan in 1978.
