Torre speaks to C.E.S. 73 pupils

By Steven Gnagni
Managing Editor

On Thursday, September 26, New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre told students at C.E.S 73 that in order to be successful, they need to stay drug-free.

“We all like baseball, and all like to do things that are fun to do,” Mr. Torre told the children. “In order to continue, you have to have your body feel good. And you have to take my word: If you take care of your body — that is, to keep it drug-free — maybe one of you will be like Derek Jeter.”

Mr. Torre said that it might also not be long before a girl makes the major leagues.

“After all, my wife can beat me in golf,” he said.

The students did not know in advance that Mr. Torre was coming, though posters of Mr. Torre hung around the school entrance. In fact, school principal Mary Simone knew only two days earlier.

“Since we’re so close here, for the community, it’s a wonderful thing to have [the Yankees] come here,” Ms. Simone said. “We’re talking about dreams coming true.”

Robert Ortiz, 8, who is in the third grade at C.E.S. 73, said it was a real surprise, and that the visit meant a lot to him.

“I’ve got my whole room with Yankees pictures and baseball cards,” he said.

And most importantly, the message was not lost on Ortiz and the other students. They all joined Torre in making a pledge to stay drug free. The students received a baseball card with a picture of Mr. Jeter on the front, and the pledge on the back. The card also got them a $5 admission for that night’s game. Torre’s visit was the first visit to a school in this drug-free campaign. He came with two baseball representatives, and a representative from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America.

“I’ve seen a lot of people ruin their careers over drugs,” he said afterward. “If a dozen children — if just one child can heed this, it will make me happy.”

Before leaving, Mr. Torre met with a few students and staff and signed a few autographs. Then it was time to leave.

“There are four more games in the season, and then we start the playoffs,” he told the students. “And hopefully we’ll get to the World Series.” The kids cheered, and Torre returned to work.

“He’s a terrific guy,” said Louis Rammuni, director of middle school sports for District 9 and also director of Project Save, a non-violence afterschool sports program.

Mr. Rammuni noted that the Yankees have hosted District 9 students many times.

“At one point last year, [Yankees pitcher David] Wells was so impressed with the kids, he left tickets for the kids to see another game.,” he said. “I appreciate the fact that they support the children from the district.”