Reggie’s locked in . . . and other Stadium goodies in demand
Reggie Jackson is like a lot of current Yankees players when it comes to the closing of Yankee Stadium: “Mr. October” wants something to take home before the wrecking ball hits.
“I would like my locker,” Jackson told The Post this past week in Anaheim. “Maybe a couple of seats in right field and maybe a brick from center field.” Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez want their lockers, Mike Mussina would like the flag pole, Mariano Rivera some seats and a pitching rubber, Andy Pettitte wants the outfield padding for his home gymnasium and Joba Chamberlain would like two seats.
Danny Mantle, David Mantle and Billy Joe Martin, sons of Yankees legends Mickey Mantle and Billy Martin, will be in town for the final weekend of the current Yankee Stadium. They will meet fans, sign autographs and reminisce about their famous fathers and Stadium memories on Saturday from noon-2 p.m. at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant. They will sign ($10 per autograph) any objects related to their fathers’ or to Yankees history. . . . Ex-Met Art Shamsky will be discussing baseball at the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center next Sunday at 10:30 a.m. For information: (973) 655-6891. With the 40th season of the Miracle Mets approaching, he also will sign copies of his book, “The Magnificent Seasons.”
Carlos for Kids
Carlos Delgado hopes his season will be an inspiration to the 10 underprivileged youngsters his Extra Bases charity brought to Shea Stadium this weekend from his native Puerto Rico. Extra Bases, Delgado’s personal charity, has donated money to more than 26 charitable institutions, and its specialty is getting involved in special events for kids, motivating them to be a force in the community, keep good grades and develop character and leadership.
“All these kids have excelled in the classroom and that’s why they are here,” Delgado said. “I tell them no goal is out of reach and never let anyone tell them, ‘You can’t do it.’ ” The first two months of the season, Mets fans were thinking of ways to run him out of town. And now, MVP chants cascade down on him. “My year holds a simple message to the kids,” Delgado said. “Never give up. Never lose hope. Keep battling. That’s what I told the kids. The children that were here excelled in academics, and that’s what our organization tries to teach. Not everyone can be an athlete and not everyone can make it to the major leagues. One of the things I’m most proud of is the college scholarships we sponsor.”
Run, Ryan, Run!
Scarlett Johansson’s main man, Ryan Reynolds, will run the ING New York City Marathon this year. The actor is the first celebrity chair of Team Fox, the fundraising arm of the Michael J. Fox Foundation to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease, and he will run the 26.2-mile course on Nov. 2 with 130 Team Fox runners. Reynolds, 31, who’s own father is living with Parkinson’s, last starred in “Definitely, Maybe” with Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher, and in November can be seen in the drama “FireFlies in the Garden,” where he stars opposite Julia Roberts, Carrie-Ann Moss and Emily Watson. ING New York City Marathon official charities raised more than $18 million last year.
The Armory Foundation is one of 37 charities involved in the ING New York City Marathon Charity Program, an effort by New York Road Runners to utilize the popularity of the race to benefit a good cause. The Armory is dedicated to “keeping kids on track” through a multitude of athletic and educational programs including track meets, free computer access for the community and a college prep program, as well as the largest high school after school program in the city. Participants pledge to raise a minimum of $2,500, tax deductible, to receive guaranteed entry. To run in this year’s Marathon, go to the Armory Foundation Web site at http://www.ArmoryTrack.com
Everything Phelps
After an intense competition between all of the major collectible companies, Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia landed America’s favorite Olympian, Michael Phelps. GSM will produce a full line of Phelps memorabilia including the famed Sports Illustrated cover posters, a variety of 8×10 and 16×20 photos from the Olympics, authentic swim caps and official major league baseballs. Prices will range from $399 to $499. In support of Phelps’ charitable initiatives, GSM will make a full line of Phelps memorabilia available to charity organizations for their fundraisers/auctions, which GSM will coordinate at no-charge and 100-percent risk free. All Phelps merchandise can be purchased via http://www.grandstandsports.com or by calling 888-78-GRAND.
Butler’s boffo B-day
Giants safety James Butler celebrated his 26th birthday Monday night at Southern Hospitality with friends and teammates, including Corey Webster and Danny Clark. The Georgia native, who is a fan of southern cuisine, had the restaurant add an item to the menu exclusively for his birthday: Waffles. Dozens of waffles rolled out of the kitchen and were served to the players with fried chicken. Those not familiar with the chicken/waffle combo were a bit hesitant to try it a first, but once they saw Butler dig in, they followed. Some even ordered takeout!
Join George’s gang
Frank Gifford, Harry Carson, Mark Bavaro, Sean Landeta and others will join George Martin at “a Journey for 9/11” Benefit Gala at the Sports Museum of America on Saturday. The public is invited to dine with their Giants heroes. . . . Seth Stammler, Jeff Parke, Kevin Goldthwaite and Chris Leitch were among nine members of the Red Bulls who took 50 underprivileged kids shopping with $100 gift cards last week at a Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Liberty rocks!
New York classic rock DJ Ken Dashow recently attended his first New York Liberty game. With the first round of the WNBA playoffs starting next week at the Garden, Dashow can’t wait to get back to root on the Liberty in the postseason. “I love watching these women play team basketball,” Dashow said. “And Janel McCarville’s hair reminds me of rocker Joan Jett!” For those that want to join Dashow at the Garden, tickets are available at nyliberty.com.
Rangers star Henrik Lundqvist continues to be the most fashionable player in the NHL. On Thursday evening, he attended the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion Show in Lincoln Center. After his rookie season, People Magazine named Lundqvist one of the World’s 100 Most Beautiful People. . . . Rangers defenseman Paul Mara presented Dave Matthews a personalized Rangers jersey before the band’s concert on Wednesday at the Garden. “I have seen Dave perform about 10 times but last night was extra special,” Mara said.