Jose Veras pitches
Yankee pitcher Jose Veras with Lane Stadium in the background.
Photo By Tarish Smith.
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Original source:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344599776/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344599776/</a>
tarish.rm
2008-03-27
Kacey Beddoes
"Tarish Smith" <tarish@rocketmail.com>
eng
Final Score
Final scoreboard at English field on March 18, 2008.
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Original Source:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344605982/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344605982/</a>
tarish.rm
2008-03-27
Kacey Beddoes
"Tarish Smith" <tarish@rocketmail.com>
eng
Good Game
Hokies and Yankees shake hands after game on March 18,
2008.
Photo by Tarish Smith.
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Original Source:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2343778443/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2343778443/</a>
tarish.rm
2008-03-27
Kacey Beddoes
"Tarish Smith" <tarish@rocketmail.com>
eng
Ticket
Ticket for the Yankees vs. Hokies exhibition game at Virginia Tech on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Tarish Smith.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2342818995/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2342818995/</a>
tarish.rm
2008-03-27
Kacey Beddoes
"Tarish Smith" <tarish@rocketmail.com>
eng
Opening Ceremony
Teams line up at the opening ceremony before the balloons are released.
Photo by Tarish Smith.
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Original Source:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344459376/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarish/2344459376/</a>
tarish.rm
2008-03-27
Kacey Beddoes
"Tarish Smith" <tarish@rocketmail.com>
eng
Yankee Day at Virginia Tech: The Healing Power of Empathy and Entertainment
It was quite a day. The New York Yankees came to town and whipped my Virginia Tech Hokies, 11-0. I have never been so happy to lose. Since the tragedy on our campus last April, emotions have often been close to the surface, but on this day there was joy in Hokieville, and gratitude that the Yankees cared enough to come.
Our university has been gradually healing. Events like the Yankee game have helped - even though we remembered why we were there. Life on campus is returning to normal, though normal may never be quite the same. In some ways it is better. The Virginia Tech community was relatively tight knit before, but this past year has brought us even closer. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff seem ever more willing to listen to a friend, to help a neighbor, to give back - perhaps due to a greater sense of empathy, or a need to rebalance our world with good.
From my office window in Hutcheson Hall, I can see the memorial that sits across the Drillfield. Much of the time when I look out, someone is there, as they are right now. But just before noon on March 18, when more people had gathered than normal, I knew the Yankees were about to arrive. They had not announced a specific time they would visit the site, but I was sure they would. My friend Jeff and I hurried over, just as the buses pulled up. The players walked around the 32 engraved stones, and stood silently as President Steger told them how a student group called Hokies United had placed the original stones, right after the shootings. The site had quickly become a focal point for remembering and for healing.
A student near me said that she was a big Yankee fan and that one of the victims had been her fiancé. As the players filed around the semi-circle in front of the stones, she asked Alex Rodriguez to sign the back of her shirt, which bore a picture of the person she deeply missed. He did. She said it was one of the greatest moments of her life. Rodriguez later said he was never prouder to be a Yankee. Jason Giambi started signing autographs, and like a kid I asked him to sign my baseball cap. It felt funny fighting back tears while a baseball player signed my hat. The movie line "There is no crying in baseball!" applies double to gray-haired professors.
The players got back on their buses for the ride across campus to prepare for the game. Jeff and I walked to the ball field. Tickets to the game had been distributed by lottery to students, faculty, and staff. When Jeff won a ticket, I was happy for him. When he saw I had not, he offered me his, even though he is a lifelong Yankee fan. He is a true friend. In the end, another friend who had won was not able to go. He gave me his ticket so Jeff and could go together.
When the Yankees took the field for warm ups, several players signed autographs as students swarmed. Batting practice followed, and a ceremony - with 32 balloons released to the sky. Then the game was played. The Yankees started their front line players, and in the third inning a Hokie pitcher even retired the Bronx Bombers in order. All the Hokie players got into the game. After each inning, they slapped each other on the back and smiled from ear to ear. You could feel the healing. Thank you Mr. Steinbrenner: I am a diehard Minnesota Twins fan, but will never again be able to root against your Yankees.
The past year at Virginia Tech has taught me a lot about the power of empathy and the surprising role that sports and other forms of entertainment can play in a healing process. Not only did the Yankees come, but Dave Mathews and John Mayer did as well, donating a concert that filled the stadium for a special evening. Events like these have brought happiness and tears. Both have helped.
Before last April, many people would ask, "What is a Hokie?" No one asked that in the days after the tragedy, but many messages arrived with the words, "We are all Hokies today." Penn State fans dressed in Hokie colors for their spring football game. Others around the country also wore Virginia Tech gear. The message of caring was clear. This winter, many at Virginia Tech wore Northern Illinois colors following the horrific event on that campus. We know how the Huskies feel.
Since the tragedy, I have received messages of support from around the world, including some from high school classmates I have not seen for 40 years. Virginia Tech has received countless messages and millions of dollars in donations for the victims. It is impossible to adequately express the gratitude we feel for such an outpouring of support. All that I or anyone at Virginia Tech can say to you is: Thank You. We are all Hokies, Huskies, and Nittany Lions today.
George Norton
2008-04-12
George Norton
eng
Yankees Game Provides Entertainment and Healing
By Ryan Call
Sports Writer
March 18, 2008
The World Series is widely believed to be the highest stage for any level of baseball player and one would think that the most successful baseball franchise in the world would think no differently.
However, despite the 26 World Series titles the Yankee organization has won and the numerous All-Star players with celebrity status that fill their roster, the men in pin stripes think in much grander terms.
"Arguably this is the most important game I've played in my Yankee career," All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez said. " It makes you realize the important things about life and really how fragile it can be. We're all very proud to be here."
Rodriguez also put into perspective the importance of the day.
"It would have been easy just to send the checks and wish the school well but I think it was important for us to be here and be present and go that extra mile. To come here to Virginia Tech and unite with them for one day is very important. Baseball can be very therapeutic," Rodriguez said.
The Yankees team captain Derek Jeter drew similarities between April 16th and America's other recent great tragedy.
"This reminds me a little bit of September 11th," Jeter said. " We had an opportunity to visit a lot of families and people always asked 'well what can you do, how does this help?' I really don't know. It just makes people smile for the three hours while we're here."
Before the game the Yankees visited the memorial for the victims of the April 16th tragedy. Manager Joe Girardi said that it was very moving and brought tears to his eyes.
"I'm sure there were a ton of emotions as players walked around the monuments. It's a real reminder of how precious life is and to me it should have moved our players—and that's a good thing," Girardi said.
The game itself lacked many very exciting moments but the crowd was enthusiastic nonetheless. At times the crowd seemed torn between wanting to see a Rodriguez grand slam (he had two chances to do so and failed) or see one of their fellow Hokies strike out a big name Yankee.
To the delight of a few thousand fans, many stars worked the fence during the pre-game, signing as many autographs as possible. This kind of interaction with the larger-than-life superstars made the day for several Tech students.
"As a Yankee fan my entire life, it really shows what a class organization they are. It shows that superstars out there care about stuff that happens like this and will take the time out of their day to come out here and play for us," sophomore Christine Onidi said.
"It means the world to us, I couldn't have more respect for them. It's fantastic and shows these sporting teams actually care," junior Robbie Zayas said. "I'm still soaking this all in and I was lucky enough to get a couple of players' autographs."
Most of the Yankee stars only played three innings and then enjoyed the rest of the game and atmosphere sitting outside the dugout. Toward the end of the game, many of the players went back into the crowd to sign autographs.
The final score was 11-0 as the Hokies could only manage two hits off the major league pitching. There were no homeruns in the game.
President Randy Levine and Executive Vice President Hal Steinbrenner said the process in aiding Virginia Tech took a matter of minutes after they received a phone call from "The Boss", Yankee's owner George Steinbrenner.
The elder Steinbrenner told Levine and his son to get in touch with the people at Virginia Tech because they wanted to donate a million dollars and play a spring training game in Blacksburg next season if it could be worked out.
"The tragedy was of such giant proportion. It doesn't matter if there's any connection between the Yankees and Virginia Tech prior to the event. We all had to rally around them," Levine said.
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Original Source:<a href="http://www.planetblacksburg.com/2008/03/yankees_game_provides_entertainment_and_healing.php">http://www.planetblacksburg.com/2008/03/yankees_game_provides_entertainment_and_healing.php</a>
Ryan Call
2008-03-30
Kacey Beddoes
Neal Turnage <nturnage@vt.edu>
eng
Interview: Yankees Talk About Blacksburg Visit
By Paige Greenberg
Contributing Writer
March 17, 2008
New York Yankees Manager Joe Girardi and shortstop Derek Jeter are two of the most recognized names in New York. Girardi, who replaced the historic Joe Torre, is entering his first spring season as the team's manager. Jeter, who is currently batting .317 in his 13th year in the MLB, has played his entire career as a Yankee. He holds the record for most singles hit by a Yankee and recorded his 2,000th career hit becoming the 8th Yankee to reach this milestone. They shared some of their thoughts and views about the game that will take place March 18th here at English Field.
Q: How did this whole production start?
Girardi: Ownership in Mr. Steinbrenner, in a situation like this we felt like it was more important to show what we can to make a difference in this, our hierarchy, and the Steinbrenner family were really the influence.
Q: Since a large part of the lure is for the Hokie audience, do you see your team giving the wrong effort?
Girardi: I think our guys will go all out, we played USF and we won 11-4. A baseball game is a baseball game, we have a lot of respect and we will try to win.
Q: Where were you when (the tragedy) unfolded?
Girardi: I was a broadcaster with YES and FOX and on the exact day I don't know where I was, I was probably on the road. I just remember a sadness, and you try to understand how something like this can happen. I think when tragedies like this happen I try to figure out what it's like to be the family and how they feel.
Q: Any chance you guys are going to keep Billie Crystal on the roster and bring him up to Blacksburg?
Girardi: We'll see if he's a prospect or a suspect!
Q: Whom are we going to be seeing on Tuesday?
Girardi: We plan on bringing all out star players and stacking our lineup. You will see, probably, pitchers that will be on our club or have a really good chance of being on our club. Jeff Karstens will be our starter, he pitched in the big leagues and he is buying for a spot. It kind of depends on who throws the day before. It will be guys that have a realistic shot of being in our bullpen or being a starter.
Q: You had the experience of playing at Northwestern. Are you excited to see if playing the Hokies at English Field will remind you of your days as a student?
Girardi: Anytime you walk on a college campus it brings back fond memories. I think this is a wonderful thing that out team has the opportunity to do. I think everyone is excited and we look forward to having a nice day there.
Q: What do you think it shows about the Yankee organization to give such a generous donation and to make the effort to come down here and play the Hokies?
Girardi: Mr. Steinbrenner cares about people, he's always had a big heart, he's always reached out to communities, and I think it's a great thing for our club because we never know what's going to happen and we never know what's in store for tomorrow.
Q: How serious are you taking this game in regard to injuries and the score etc.?
Girardi: We will play the game hard. Obviously, we don't want anyone on their side to get hurt and we don't want anyone on our side to get hurt. So we'll play the game smart. We'll play aggressive, but we'll play smart.
Q: What does this game mean to you?
Girardi: This really puts things in perspective for us. It's a reminder every day how precious life is and how fortunate we are to have our health on any given day, so for me it means a lot. It's a wonderful opportunity for our players to see that you don't take life for granted.
Q: Are you looking forward to your trip to Blacksburg?
Jeter: I was looking forward to this since last season, usually playing here in New York there is usually a negative story with all the noise but I was always excited to come.
Q: You recall where you were and you reaction last year what do you think you will get out of this?
Jeter: I don't recall exactly, I recall hearing about, seeing the highlights on TV. I assume I was at home. It was unfortunate and I don't think you can find the proper words to describe how you feel. We just want to go down there. You look at what we do, it's entertainment. If we can bring some awareness and make people smile and enjoy themselves for a few hours, that's all that we really can do.
Q: What were your thoughts and feelings after the tragedy?
Jeter: A few of us are familiar with tragedy, obviously being on the team Sept. 11 and dealing with that tragedy in New York. I really had a new appreciation for life after that. And then you have an episode like this at Tech and you realize it's going to be a special trip.
Q: Evaluate your performance so far?
Jeter: It's not good when our manager is laughing in the background, but, it's going as expected. At this point we are playing 5 and 6 inning games, mainly getting timing down and being healthy. In the next week or so we will be working up to play 7 or 9 innings.
Q: Derek, you will arguable be the most famous person to step foot on campus, do you think you will finally be able to find a girlfriend?
Jeter: Unfortunately, we don't get to stay long but if you have anyone in mind let me know!
Q: Along those lines your flying up and back in the same day, are you looking forward to it?
Jeter: I was talking with Rivera and I don't believe he's going on the trip because he has to stay here and he wished he could go. I actually think he's not going because of the cold weather! I haven't heard one person who isn't looking forward to it. Hopefully the fans there, the students there, enjoy our visit.
Q: Any words to the young 18-year-olds on second base?
Jeter: Just don't hit me. We played USF our first spring-training game; I got hit in my first at-bat. I'll step over them if they make a hard slide, just don't hit me with your pitch.
Q: How do you approach this game?
Jeter: We are tying to get prepared to play a season and that's about 2 weeks away. We are in game mode, we are tying to get our work and we are taking this serious.
Q: Will you be pushing despite the score?
Jeter: I'm not sure how many innings we are playing, we have guys that take a lot of pride in performing well and how ever innings we play we are going to do our best and are going to play our best. We don't really have an opportunity to take any games off and we still want to play well.
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Original Source:<a href="http://www.planetblacksburg.com/2008/03/interview_yankees_talk_about_blacksburg_visit.php">http://www.planetblacksburg.com/2008/03/interview_yankees_talk_about_blacksburg_visit.php</a>
Paige Greenberg
2008-03-30
Kacey Beddoes
Neal Turnage <nturnage@vt.edu>
eng
Releasing the balloons
Balloons released before the Yankees vs. Hokies baseball game on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Rachel VanPelt
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Original source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356325114/in/set-72157604217657636/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356325114/in/set-72157604217657636/</a>
Rachel VanPelt
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
Rachel VanPelt (rvanpelt@vt.edu)
eng
Souvenir seat cushion
Free seat cushions given out at Yankees vs. Hokies baseball game on March 18,2008.
Photo by Rachel VanPelt
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Original Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356328702/in/set-72157604217657636/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356328702/in/set-72157604217657636/</a>
Rachel VanPelt
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
Rachel VanPelt (rvanpelt@vt.edu)
eng
Exhibition game poster
Promotional poster for Yankees vs. Hokies baseball game.
Photo by Rachel VanPelt
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Original Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356343318/in/set-72157604217657636/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356343318/in/set-72157604217657636/</a>
Rachel VanPelt
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
Rachel VanPelt (rvanpelt@vt.edu)
eng
Let's Go Hokies!
Scoreboard during Yankees vs. Hokies game on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Rachel VanPelt.
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Original Source: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356341282/in/set-72157604217657636/">http://www.flickr.com/photos/hokiefacs/2356341282/in/set-72157604217657636/</a>
Rachel VanPelt
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
Rachel VanPelt (rvanpelt@vt.edu)
eng
In Loving Memory Jacket
Photo of a jacket depicting Hokie bird with tear that reads, "In Loving Memory never forget Our Fallen Hokies 4.16.07".
Photo by Roger Gupta
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Original Source:<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351524634/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351524634/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Memorial ribbon balloons
Memorial balloons released at English field before the game on on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source:<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350687153">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350687153</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-26
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Balloons at Yankee Game
Orange and maroon memorial balloons released before the game.
Photo by Roger Gupta
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Original Source<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351479220/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351479220/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-25
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Field for Yankee's Game
View of English field during Yankees vs. Hokies game on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351506608/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351506608/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-25
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Rob Whitley
VT pitcher Rob Whitley at the Yankees vs. Hokies game.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350671577/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350671577/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-25
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Ramirez signs autographs
Relief pitcher Edwar Ramirez signs a baseball for fans at the Yankees vs Hokies baseball game on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source
<a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350659089/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2350659089/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-25
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng
Harkey with balloon
Yankee bullpen coach Mike Harkey next to a VT memorial balloon on March 18, 2008.
Photo by Roger Gupta.
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Original Source: <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351064466/">http://flickr.com/photos/spector1/2351064466/</a>
Roger Gupta
2008-03-25
Kacey Beddoes
"Gupta, Roger" <ragupta@vt.edu>
eng