The Newsletter Of Harlem RBI | DREAM Charter School | Written By Harlem RBI And DREAM Youth
VOLUME 21, ISSUE 1 | FALL 2014
A STANDING OVATION FOR MARIANO RIVERA
BY JUSTIN PEREZ, HARLEM RBI LEGEND ready to perform in front of 800 guests. Besides, I already had experience speaking in front of a similar crowd at Bids for Kids the year before.
Every year, Harlem RBI raises money at an annual gala known as Bids for Kids. This year’s gala was, held at Cipriani 42nd Street on June 16, 2014. Eight hundred attendees shared a delicious dinner, bid on auction prizes and honored Harlem RBI and DREAM suppporters.
When I got up on stage, I did just what any baseball player would do - I focused on my delivery, spoke my lines naturally, and exited the stage with a big sigh of relief. It was a piece of cake!
This year was special. Honorees included James B. Lee, Jr., Vice Chairman, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and New York Yankees Great Mariano Rivera. Known affectionately as, “Mo” by his fans, Rivera is a long-time hero of mine and I was priveleged to meet him.
Little did I know that my night was about to get even better. As I sat at my table with the 2014 senior class, speakers came up to pay tribute to the evening’s honorees, James B. Lee Jr. and Mariano Rivera. There was also an auction, which helped Harlem RBI on their way to raising $3.6 million. One highlight from the auction was when Mark Teixeira, Harlem RBI Board Member and New York Yankees First Baseman, came on stage to help sell items. Mariano Rivera even donated game-used gear from his final season.
My role was to perform a skit about a batter’s inner monologue as he steps up to the plate and tries to drive in the winning run. At first, the batter is cocky. He has been perfect at the plate all game, with four hits in four at-bats. When he gets up to the plate with the bases loaded and one out, he is thinking that he will tie his record for most hits in a game and win it all for the team. Once he gets to
After the auction, the honorees came on stage to accept their awards which included a trophy and an authentic Harlem RBI jersey. After Jimmy Lee spoke, I had the honor of escorting Mariano Rivera to the stage. It felt like fulfilling a life-long dream, since I grew up idolizing players like him! I was speechless as he walked up to me and shook my hand. I tried to say something, but only jumbled words came out. When I was finally able to say something, I said, “It is a great pleasure to finally meet you.” And I asked him if we could take a photo. I felt so honored.
ONE LINE STILL RESONATES IN MY MIND: “EDUCATION IS BIGGER THAN BASEBALL,” [MARIANO RIVERA] SAID.
the plate, though, he realizes the team is bigger than just him. All he needs to do is hit a fly ball to the outfield so the runner on third can tag up and score. My skit was one of three monologues that Harlem RBI alumni performed that night. Justina Sharrock and Robert Saltares, a catcher and a pitcher respectively, performed the other skits. Each one was different and personal in its own way. Guests received an in-depth look at what it means to be a baseball or softball player. They were able to see what goes on in our heads as we step up to bat, put on catcher’s gear or throw for that third strike. To complete these skits, we trained with the Harlem RBI Communications team for three weeks. The first step was
Justin Perez was speechless as he met one of his childhood idols, Mariano Rivera. Justin grew up as a Yankees fan, and was overjoyed to meet the Yankees Great. to draft a script. We met with Elz Cuya Jones, Director of Communications, to discuss what goes through a player’s head on the field. After a few revisions, we finally presented our skits to the larger team. Preparing the skit was easy for me, since I play baseball and know the mindset of a ballplayer. After I performed in front of the Harlem RBI team, I felt confident and
A SECOND HOME In one corner, players are crouched in ready position to field ground balls. Across the room, players hustle to run and track balls practicing the outfield position. On the other side, players perfect their technique to field backhand ground balls. Welcome to Harlem RBI’s Fieldhouse. The Fieldhouse, located at the corner of 116th Street and Second Avenue, is a brand new indoor facility for Harlem RBI youth to enhance and strengthen fundamental baseball and softball skills year-round. Finding a place to practice in the winter months can be difficult in New York City. The Fieldhouse - minus the fresh air - is the closest thing that we can get to the Field of Dreams during that season. Pitchers can throw bullpen sessions, infielders can practice ground balls on authentic turf that feels similar to outdoor grass and hitters can step into the cage to take a few swings. The Fieldhouse also has a weight room for youth to build strength. All of these advantages, coupled with the fact that excellent role models are always available, give Harlem RBI participants an edge as they enhance their fundamental skills in the off-season. Harlem RBI’s student-athletes practice diligently to improve their baseball and softball skills under the
As Mariano approached the stage, the DJ played his Yankees walkup song, “Enter Sandman” by Metallica came on, and the crowd was on their feet. During his five-minute speech, all eyes were on him as everyone listened attentively. One line still resonates in my mind: “Education is bigger than baseball,” he said. This was my favorite quote because it is one of the values that I learned during my time at Harlem RBI. And the Yankees super star shared the same message with a room full of people who respect him. I think it is an important lesson that all people should learn. Because you cannot be a studentathlete without being a student first. Thank you Harlem RBI for giving me the opportunity to meet Mariano Rivera. It is not every day that you get to meet one of your heroes. This is something I will share with my kids one day.
BY GABRIELA ALVARADO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, HARLEM RBI LEGEND
guidance of Baseball and Softball Coordinator Kevin Salguero. Kevin runs and maintains the Fieldhouse and trains Harlem RBI’s high school baseball and softball players five days per week. Kevin’s softball and baseball workout lesson plans are designed for athletes to embody the Harlem RBI mission to inspire youth to recognize their potential and realize their dreams on and off the field.
THE FIELDHOUSE WILL PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOUTH CAN GROW AND MATURE ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
In addition to practices and clinics for Harlem RBI youth, there is the Saturday Night Lights program. Funded by the New York County District Attorney’s Office, Saturday Night Lights offers non-Harlem RBI participants a chance to train with Harlem RBI baseball and softball coaches while learning more about the organization’s coaching methods. The Fieldhouse will provide an environment where youth can grow and mature on and off the field. It’s a place where youth can practice their curveballs and change-ups, lift weights to get stronger, hang out with some positive role models and continue to play, learn and grow.
PLAY
LEARN
GROW
The Fieldhouse, on 116th Street and Second Avenue, provides a place for youth to play even during the cold winter months.