Yankee Doodle Dandy

Yesterday, the author of The Boy of Steel spoke at several elementary schools in Bucks County, talking about his best-selling kids book where a cancer-striken boy goes to Yankee Stadium to be Robinson Cano’s bat boy for the day. (No, really.)

Author Ray Negron’s book clearly taught the kids everything they needed to know — you “shouldn’t give up if you are sick, if you are bald, or if you have special needs,” said one. In addition to writing Yankee-themed children’s books, Negron also works for the Yanks as a personal assistant to owner George Steinbrenner, who hired him originally after he caught him spraying graffiti on the wall of Yankee Stadium.

Allow me to compare the Yankees and the Phillies for a moment. Negron was somehow caught by the team owner defacing the team’s stadium. The owner then said he’d give him a chance and somehow he’s now The Boss’ assistant.

What do you think would happen if the Phillies caught someone spraypainting Citizens Bank Park? A quick arrest, a press release vowing prosecution to the full extent of the law, maybe even a segment on the local news. “Not even… two… year old… Citizens Bank Park… covered with graffiti!”

Yeah, that sounds about right.

Author tells kids to never give up [Bucks County Courier Times]
Photo by wallyg, licensed via Creative Commons