The Yankees produced smiles without a simple swing of the bat. Their mere presence did the trick.
Outfielders Carlos Beltran and Brett Gardner plus pitchers Vidal Nuno, Adam Warren and Chase Whitley were joined by former Yankee Bernie Williams on Thursday at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital at NewYork-Presbyterian, where they were part of a concert performed by the non-profit group Musicians on Call in the hospital’s “Wintergarden” as part of Hope Week. Afterwards, the Yankees signed autographs and took photos with the patients.
“I would like to say it [should be] required of all professional athletes to come out here and do this kind of work,” said Williams, who strummed on a guitar.”There’s no price for this. This is something they will take for the rest of their lives, and as people we’ll take as for the rest of our lives, giving back to the community.
“This is one of the great things that I’m experiencing now.”
Gardner joked he has absolutely no music ability, but he participated by rocking back and forth and singing along.
“It’s a good way to bring some life and energy to some kids who are a little down at the time,” the speedy outfielder said. “We enjoy being a part of it.”
The ensemble of musicians and baseball players then visited patients unable to leave their rooms. In the evening, the volunteer musicians, guides and Musicians on Call representatives were guests of the Yankees for the finale of their three-game series against the Blue Jays at the Stadium.
Musicians on Call provides volunteer musicians for hospital visits. Since its inception 15 years ago, the organization has had hundreds of volunteer musicians perform for over 400,000 individuals, with a focus on reaching patients who are confined to their rooms and afforded very little interaction with others due to their illnesses.
“Working with the Yankees is amazing since they’re an organization that in many ways stands for exactly what we do. They give hope to the community, they’re able to provide people with inspiration,” said Pete Griffin,the president of Musicians on Call. “While we do it through music, they do it through baseball. The fact we were selected as a partner for Hope Week is a perfect marriage. because when the Yankees are coming to rooms for music. it’s going to be every kid’s dream.”
Aaron Risher, an 18-year old from Paterson, N.J., in a wheelchair, was one of them.
“It made my day awesome,” he said. “I can’t even say how excited I am to see the Yankees.”