Yanks show their support for Latin press on Hispanic Heritage Media Day
NEW YORK -- During an all-day event on Tuesday, the Yankees held their second annual Hispanic Heritage Media Day as part of their recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which this year starts on Sunday and goes through Oct. 15.
Members of the Spanish-speaking media were treated to a series of exclusive news conferences at Yankee Stadium that included two members of the front office: general manager Brian Cashman and vice president of player development Kevin Reese. All-Star outfielder Juan Soto and ace Gerrit Cole also held separate news conferences for the event.
¡°The recurring theme is that we as an organization understand how vital [the Hispanic media is] in bridging what we do with our fans, especially in the Latino community,¡± said Jason Zillo, vice president, communications & media relations, to start the Media Day.
¡°I grew up working under George Steinbrenner, and now I work under Hal Steinbrenner and obviously they're family, but they¡¯re both different people [and] have different personas. But the one thing that has not changed between George and Hal is how much they ask that we do things with excellence in mind. And I feel very much like a day like today is a sign of excellence.¡±
Soto also highlighted how important interactions with the Spanish-speaking media are to his career, strengthening his connection to fans with his own voice.
¡°They¡¯ve been very important to me and to my career. They¡¯ve always been there,¡± Soto said. ¡°Many of you have shown me all your support, and that¡¯s been very important for me -- not only for me, but for all the Latin ballplayers. I think many of them are thankful for the support you¡¯ve shown them.
¡°I¡¯m really thankful for your support, your patience and for always being there. Not only with me, but also in the Yankees organization and everyone in the Majors. ¡ You really are a key part in our careers as players.¡±
During their Q&A sessions, the participating players expressed their connection and experiences with Latin culture and the countless stars that have been part of the team¡¯s history.
¡°It¡¯s easy to hang your hat on a Mariano Rivera, a Bernie Williams," said Cashman when asked about his most memorable Latin players who have worn the Yankee pinstripes. ¡°But there are so many that are really special. I still remember when we signed El Duque [Orlando Hernandez, out of Cuba] and the mystery behind this great international player coming from a country that didn¡¯t have great relations with the rest of the world, per se, and what would that play like. Those are to name a few, but there are so many.¡±
Cole also recalled his introduction to Latin culture during a trip to an academy in the Dominican Republic while he was part of the Pirates organization, which also has a strong connection to the culture through the legacy of Roberto Clemente.
¡°A couple of us went down to the facility there and spent seven to 10 days in Santo Domingo and got to see how things work and where the kids come from. Had a great time. Then we were obviously educated quite a bit on Roberto Clemente,¡± Cole said about his experience.
The day concluded with a remembrance of Armando Talavera, and the announcement of a summer internship with the Yankees in partnership with The City University of New York (CUNY) that was named after the late Spanish-language radio broadcaster.
The internship will be funded by the Yankees, and it will award a Lehman College student with the opportunity to have an introduction to and a valuable experience in sports media.
Talavera, originally from Venezuela, called Yankees games on WADO from 1997-2004, and he was a longtime staple in the Spanish-language broadcasting community.
In 2004, Talavera helped establish the Latino Sports Writers & Broadcasters Association (LSWBA), opening the door for expanded media access and participation for Spanish-language reporters.