Assembly Resolution No. 679

BY: M. of A. Zebrowski

CONGRATULATING Ray Negron upon the occasion of
celebrating 50 years as a member of the New York
Yankees staff

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Ray Negron upon the occasion of celebrating 50 years as a
member of the New York Yankees staff; and

WHEREAS, Ray Negron's extraordinary story began when he was 17 years
old and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner offered him a job as
a batboy after he was caught spray painting a wall at Yankee Stadium;
and

WHEREAS, This second chance gave Ray Negron the opportunity to spend
the next five decades as a part of the famed baseball franchise and
share his story with others; and

WHEREAS, Committed to his community, Ray Negron has worked to
facilitate hospital visits by Yankee players to terminally ill children
and co-founded "Hank's Yanks" with Hank Steinbrenner, a not for profit
youth travel baseball team for underprivileged children; and

WHEREAS, Through his writing, Ray Negron has continued to be a
positive influence on children, publishing several children's books that
have been featured on best seller lists and in the National Baseball
Hall of Fame, including the 2006 International Children's Book of the
Year "The Boy of Steel," "The Greatest Story Never Told: The Babe and
Jackie," "One Last Time: Goodbye to Yankee Stadium," and "Yankee
Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers"; and

WHEREAS, In recognition of his impact on his community and on
baseball, Ray Negron has been included as a member of the International
Latino Hall of Fame, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame, the
Ted Williams Hall of Fame, the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, and
has been honored by the Department of Homeland Security; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when
individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our
attention, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Ray Negron upon the occasion of celebrating 50 years as a
member of the New York Yankees staff; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Ray Negron.