Thanks to our generous readers
Posted by: Peter Abraham - Posted in Misc on Sep 24, 2009 
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Early last month we alerted you to a company fundraising project for Autism Awareness that a Yankees fan from Cambridge, Mass., was taking part in. Sachin is a reader of this blog and appealed to folks for assistance.
The hook was the person who raised the most money would get to throw out a first pitch at Fenway Park. Sachin said that if he won, he would wear his Yankees cap.
Well, guess what? He won. Sachin raised more than $1,550 and he’ll be throwing out a first pitch on Sept. 28. Sachin is a little worried what will happen when he puts on his cap, but the important thing is we raised a lot of money for a good cause.
Thanks to those of you who contributed.
Good work.
If they try to keep him from wearing the cap, he should threaten to withhold the donation. Let the Sox ask themselves which is more important!
Awesome!!! Don’t back down, WEAR THAT HAT!!!!!
EXCELLENT!!! Hopefully someone takes a pic and posts here
Wear a jersey too! I’d probably go in a full on Yankee uniform. Cleats and all
If you’re reppin the Yanks you better throw a strike!
…home of the brave. This will be great to see. Congrats on raising the most for Autism Awareness. I believe the statistics are 1 out of every 5 kids born today. Scary. Scary. Scary.
why wear the hat and ruin a good moment by eliciting booos?
If you’re reppin the Yanks you better throw a strike!
___
Or hit a batter.
eliciting booos?
___
Fenway would boo someone for raising money for autism? that would be the epitome of the class we come to know and love from the sox fans.
On a side note, it was nice to see the yankees take 2-3 from the angels WITHOUT the assistance of the umpires, in anaheim! shows more than beating them 2-3 at fenway WITH the assistance of many bad ump calls in the 9th inning.
You tell him he can’t back down now! Tell him to wair it with pride!!!
You’re a brave man. I hope Varitek doesn’t charge the mound.
The prevalance went from 1 to 2 out of a 1000 to 5 out of a 1000. That’s probably where you got that number from grafxkid.
I do know that the risk for autism, or any other mental disorder, goes up dramatically with the age of the mother.
At any rate, good for Sachin. I hope he still got the cojones to go through with it
DB-
It’s actually scarier than that. Its 1 out of 160 now
DB
another thing that could have changed is what they consider autism. Their are varying degrees from mild to severe. That number does not take that into account.
Sachin, congrats and wear the hat! You won’t be alone on that mound. Millions of NYY fans will be with you! Also great work raising the $.
As a Sox fan, I would never DREAM of booing someone who worked so hard for such a good cause, regardless of head wear.
That said, you all know as well as I do that there are some people who will, and that there would be some at Yankee Stadium who would if roles were reversed. Please don’t judge us all based on the stupidity (and volume) of an ignorant few.
Good luck Sachin, I admire your courage and sense of charity.
I think it’s awesome that he’s planning on throwing out the first pitch with his Yankees hat on. And congrats to him on raising money for autism research! That’s a great cause
I think this is great. Wear the hat and wear it proud! I’m sure there will be booing. But lets be honest, if someone wore a red sox cap on the mound in Yankee stadium, most people would probably boo too.
Do it! I’d only opt out if the Red Sox get upset about the idea. No reason to make a big deal out of nothing, especially when the event is for such a good cause.
You have my support though! Congrats!!
Throw the pitch at Youk.
“Fenway would boo someone for raising money for autism? that would be the epitome of the class we come to know and love from the sox fans.”
such a thing would never happen at yankee stadium because the fans shine with a class that transends humanity and dare i say approaches godliness???
That is awesome. Congratulations and good luck!
He should ask to throw the pitch to Kevin. Throw it high and tight.
“On a side note, it was nice to see the yankees take 2-3 from the angels WITHOUT the assistance of the umpires, in anaheim! shows more than beating them 2-3 at fenway WITH the assistance of many bad ump calls in the 9th inning.”
just another example of yankees fans’ mighty moral fiber actually rubbing off on the players to create highly superior results
It’s true that they have broadened the definition of what fails under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. My daughter was originally diagnosed PDD-NOS (pervasive development disorder, not otherwise specified), and we were definitely told at the time (17 years ago) that it was NOT autism. Now, she definitely falls under the “umbrella.”
So, the money that has been raised has at the very least raised awareness of the disorder, and consequently has made an impact on the public face of the disorder.
Years ago, it was uncomfortable at times and I would be very hesitant to explain to strangers our particular problem (because sometimes in some situations, you feel compelled to explain, if only to make sure people realize you’re not really a bad parent). Today, I simply say my daughter has autism and people immediately understand and are supportive. In fact, times have changed so much that the “strange” looks I used to get have turned into looks of compassion, and often I do not even have to utter the word “autism” and people just “know.”
You can’t believe the relief that brings.
Now, if more money can be raised in order to find out what causes these disorders and perhaps prevent them, that would be a true miracle.
Another thing that is going to be extremely important going forward is funding for ADULTS with autism. Right now, the focus is on children, but those children grow up. For those recently diagnosed, so much has changed in the therapies and management of the disorder and perhaps their lives will be better going into puberty and adulthood, so that they may seamlessly meld into society. But for those like my daughter who are entering adulthood or are into adulthood, who had the disorder before it became a “popular cause,” the transition into adulthood is much more difficult and a lot less promising.
Thank you, Sachin, God Bless you, and good luck. (And I won’t hold it against you if you end up not being able to wear Yankees gear.
)
HAHA, that’s awesome and it is a worthy cause!
such a thing would never happen at yankee stadium because the fans shine with a class that transends humanity and dare i say approaches godliness???
____________________________________________________________
No need to state the obvious
Is this for next year? Aren’t the yankees and red sox playing at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 28th?
Fran, Erica, NYY – thank you for your birthday wishes!
Did anyone catch AJ kicking something in the dugout? LOL he was really fired up……Girardi is very good about allowing his players freedom to be hyper competitive. He doesn’t take it personally – didn’t went Phil refused to shake his hand, didn’t when AJ got upset at being taken out. I loved seeing that yesterday – we’ve got some pistols on this team.
@Yankeeslaw42 Nope. The Sox/Yanks series ends the 27th (Sunday). The 28th (Monday) has Sox vs. Blue Jays back at Fenway.
“On a side note, it was nice to see the yankees take 2-3 from the angels WITHOUT the assistance of the umpires, in anaheim!”
Not that I wasn’t grateful for the call but Gardner overslid 2B and was out in the 9th inning Tuesday so the umps might have helped a little.
pat
September 24th, 2009 at 10:23 am
“On a side note, it was nice to see the yankees take 2-3 from the angels WITHOUT the assistance of the umpires, in anaheim!”
Not that I wasn’t grateful for the call but Gardner overslid 2B and was out in the 9th inning Tuesday so the umps might have helped a little.
——————————————————
I had to see the replay several times to be sure he was tagged out so it wasn’t an easy call in real time. It could have been called either way.
Go with a Tom Brady jersey and Yankee hat. It will confuse them long enough to keep the boos to a minimum.
Good job raising awareness and money for a great cause.
pat-
true, but we saw that w/ the benefit of slo-mo. I don’t recall anyone arguing the call at the time (or did they?)
thanks Doreen, for sharing
Doreen
I’ve always thought highly of parents that have a child with special needs to see the love they have for their child.
I know you love them because they are yours but I respect the challenges you have.
I’m thankful for having 3 healthy children but have often wondered how I’d handle a situation like yours.
MaineYankee
Very true. If the call had been against instead of for the Yankees though, the whiners would have been out in full force.
Anybody hear why they swapped Chamberlain and Sabathia?
Joey – to get CC some extra rest. He will have a longer layoff in between his next two starts.
I am not at all opposed, and would actually look forward to seeing CC, AJ, and Pettite, pitch only a handful of innings in their next start and then get ramped up in their last starts before the playoffs. It would also allow Kennedy and others to get some innings in.
Don’t be suprised by anything they do.
They booed Ted Williams religiously.
Probably to keep Joba on normal rest, and give CC extra. It has been said repeatedly that the last two years he pitched a ton in Sept to get his team into Oct. The Yankees have a chance to back him off, and they are taking advantage. They want him fresh and healthy for the playoffs.
Kayla
September 24th, 2009 at 10:03 am
“As a Sox fan, I would never DREAM of booing someone who worked so hard for such a good cause, regardless of head wear.
That said, you all know as well as I do that there are some people who will, and that there would be some at Yankee Stadium who would if roles were reversed. Please don’t judge us all based on the stupidity (and volume) of an ignorant few.”
============================================================
You’re right, Kayla. There are some (or should I say many?) idiots on both sides. The important thing here is that, with or without boos, Sachin is making a wonderful job.
Actually, I’ve got a different take on the issue of Sachin wearing his Yankees cap to the mound on Fenway. I don’t think he should do it.
The purpose of the invitation is to highlight his good work raising money to help people with autism. It’s not about the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry or even about baseball.
It would be an antagonistic act to wear the Yankees cap and would distract from the purpose of the event, helping people with autism. It would actually be rude to stick your finger in the eye of your hosts in that way. I wouldn’t blame the Sox fans for booing Sachin in that situation.
Even as a rabid Yankee fan, I think that it would be the classy thing to do to set the rivalry aside here in the interest of supporting a positive initiative by the Sux against autism. I’d encourage Sachyin to take the high road.
Ed H nailed it.
Grand Slam.
Wear a hat that promotes THE CHARITY.
If the fans boo, they’d clearly be booing at the hat and not at autism.
It would be somewhat disrespectful to boo him because of the autism, but it’s also disrespectful to wear the hat. If he goes and throws at the first pitch, nobody boos. If he goes with the hat on, he receives boos.
Clearly, the boos have nothing to do with autism awareness. I’m sure he will get his claps for that. But for the hat… he will get deserved boos.
That’s my take from an objective perspective.
Ed H youre missing the point. He said he would wear the hat to encourage Yankee fans to donate. It worked. No welsh on the deal would be a big mistake.
no/to, same word.
Sorry, that’s Sachin. No “y”.
I refuse to believe that many people at Fenway will boo him – most people will probably laugh at it as the prank it is.
The 28th will be Monday night in Fenway. I hope the Time-Warner MLB package carries that part of the broadcast.
Way to go, job well done, congratulations Sachin. We’ll be watching!!!
I don’t agree Ed. It could also be seen in a positive light, w/ Yankee fans supporting RS causes. I believe Steinbrenner is a regular supporter of the Jimmy fund and I know that the Yankees gave the RS the recovered Ortiz jersey to auction off.
Doreen,
Wishing you and your daughter every opportunity for her best functioning and happiness!
Hope everyone here knows that early diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference, and if there are any doubts then go to a real specialist in the disorder to be sure, because pediatricians sometimes miss early signs and precious time is lost. My nephew’s pediatrician missed it, but the baby’s mother was sure something was going on and took him to Yale. His program began when he was 18 months old and today though far from ‘typical’ he is a happy, active, affectionate ‘tween’. Don’t wait!
Actually the cool thing would be if the Yankees announced that they’ll have a similar auction for a game against the Red Sox next year.
The Red Sox fans can have their revenge by raising a lot of money next year and have a Red Sox fan (maybe Pete?) throw the first pitch at YS in a Red Sox cap.
The charity would be the winner and everyone could laugh at it…
It would be classy to wear no hat, and any Yankee fan that was generous enough to donate to such a worthy cause did so to feel good about themselves and to be able to look in the mirror and see a good human being who made a donation to help families that have been dealt this horrible hand.
“Ed H youre missing the point. He said he would wear the hat to encourage Yankee fans to donate. It worked. No welsh on the deal would be a big mistake.”
His commitment to the fight against autism should be more important. He should apologize to Yankee fans for his misplaced bravado, do the right thing and everybody should feel good about having done their part.
@Doreen, thank you for sharing your personal insight into the disease. I haven’t been affected by it myself in my immediate family but I can barely imagine the trials and tribulations that it must bring to you. Hopefully, Mr Sachin wearing a Yankees Hat will raise even that much more awareness to this. I’m sure his daring stunt, and getting booed, just might make ESPN.
I think the Red Sox and ESPN would encourage him to wear the hat to add some more flavor and news coverage to the rivalry and to build up for a possible ALCS.
I can’t imagine the Red Sox ownership not loving this completely. The Red Sox organization is run completely on hatred of the Yankees and this only furthers it. But there will be boos. I guarantee it. Thus is the nature of the rivalry and the people who boo are not classless. No person boos autism awareness. They’re booing the hat.
This is a non-issue.
He will of course get booed. The reall question is will it be light hearted or mean spirited. I think of there would be any difference between yankee stadium and fenway it would be that.
Wear the Hat and an A-Rod jersey
“It would be an antagonistic act to wear the Yankees cap and would distract from the purpose of the event, helping people with autism.”
Be nice to think that people would consider the cause and agree that in matters such as this, we’re all in it together.
Perhaps the best option might be for Sachin to not wear the cap but to have it announced that he raised the money from Yankees fans because, in support of a good cause, we are all one.
Rex, I think that this is the best way to go.
What would get more attention to the cause?
A guy named Sachin throwing out a first pitch because he raised money for a good cause? Unfortunately that’s not seen as real newsworthy.
or
A guy named Sachin throwing out the first pitch in a Yankee cap because he promised to do it to raise more money for a good cause? We have a winner! Some publicist should jump all over this and get the Autism charity additional PR.
Good work Sachin and also to those who donated. I have worked with several kids that fall under the autism spectrum and they are tremendous kids. It is a great cause and the money raised for research can help these kids out tremendously. The cost for treatment for OT, PT, and the assorted other costs can become quite costly too for parents.
Remember early detection is key. I have a friend who has a 5 year old daughter that is close to nonverbal, but they refuse to even accept the child could fall within the autistic sepctrum. Since it typically isn’t seen in girls, they also believe they are out of the woods. It isn’t the case and in the end, the longer you wait, the harder it is to help the kids.
“Rex, I think that this is the best way to go.”
Hope it does go that way. Of course, I also hope Sachin is planning to don his Yankees cap for the same reason, as opposed to a “screw you” to the Fenway masses.
Never underestimate the childish acts and pettiness Boston sports organization when it comes to the Yankees. Back in 2005, a Yankee fan won an auction for charity to rename the Fleet Center for one day, and they refused to honor it because the winner wanted to name it “Derek Jeter Center”.
Keep in mind that you’re dealing with the most childish and petty of them all, John Henry. Boston fans (and Yankee fans aren’t much better….just ask Alex Rodriguez) are crude and obnoxious. They make Philadelphia fans look like Ghandi in comparison.
Suggestion to Sachin…
Get one of those Yankee caps in Red Sox colors. Maybe no one will notice…
The Sporting News Best of the Decade list:
Manager- Joe Torre
Best GM- Theo
Best Team- Sox
Best Player- Pujols
Best team by position:
Joe Mauer (catcher), Pujols (first base), Jeff Kent (second base), Derek Jeter (shortstop), Alex Rodriguez (third base), Barry Bonds (outfield), Ichiro Suzuki (outfield), Manny Ramirez (outfield), David Ortiz (designated hitter), Randy Johnson (starting pitcher) and Rivera (closer).
Hangin’ around, nothin’ to do but frown
Rainy days and off days always get me down.
A-Rod not the player of the decade what?
“Joe Mauer (catcher), Pujols (first base), Jeff Kent (second base), Derek Jeter (shortstop), Alex Rodriguez (third base), Barry Bonds (outfield), Ichiro Suzuki (outfield), Manny Ramirez (outfield), David Ortiz (designated hitter), Randy Johnson (starting pitcher) and Rivera (closer).”
Think some small argument could be made for Posada with Mauer having only half a decade in.
Alex Rodriguez (third base)
And A-Rod went to third in 2004.
“A guy named Sachin throwing out the first pitch in a Yankee cap because he promised to do it to raise more money for a good cause? We have a winner! Some publicist should jump all over this and get the Autism charity additional PR.”
No, the publicity and the ensuing discussion would be about the rude, attention seeking behavior, not about autism. Like I said, it would be a distraction. Being classy is a better option here, as it usually is.
Carl
82% of people voted Pujols and 18% for Alex.
If this poll was done 9 months ago, I’m guessing the numbers might be different.
“If this poll was done 9 months ago, I’m guessing the numbers might be different.”
Why’s that? PED thing is clearly not an issue in the minds of those who voted. Bonds, Ortiz, Ramirez, Arod are all there. Pujols has been the better offensive player since coming up in 2001, and a very good 1B as well.
“Best Team- Sox”
Were the Yankees to win this upcoming World Series, wouldn’t their two titles and two additional trips to the Series trump the Red Sox’s two titles? This seems premature.
So, will the blog be raising money to pay for Sachin’s medical bills after this?
Isn’t 2000 last decade?
Wear a Jets jersey to boot.
“Why’s that? PED thing is clearly not an issue in the minds of those who voted. Bonds, Ortiz, Ramirez, Arod are all there. Pujols has been the better offensive player since coming up in 2001, and a very good 1B as well.”
Hes actually not that great of a 1st basement. Hes between ok and good.
2000 is this decade. The decade starts with the “0″.
So objectively, yes, I would agree that if the Yankees win the WS in 2009, then I think they can lay claim to team of the decade. Giving Boston the benefit of the doubt, (i.e. they make it to the ALCS this year but lose to NY) the totals would be:
Yankees – 8 AL East championships, 9 postseasons out of 10 (5-4 in ALDS) (man those three losses in 2005-2007 still bug me), 5 ALCS appearances (4-1), 4 World Series appearances, 2 titles.
Boston – 2 AL East Championships, 6 postseasons out of 10 (5-1 in ALDS)(thanks Angels), 5 ALCS appearances (2-3) (losing twice to NYY), 2 World Series appearances, 2 titles.
Sorry guys…but I disagree…if you can’t take a joke *&*& off. I like his idea and hope I can get that game here in Indiana…H*ll, I’d wear a Giants jersey to boot.
Personally I think it’s hysterical. Besides….it’s Sox/Jays….who the H*ll is going to be watching that anyway?
great job Sach!
hope you wear some kind of Yankee attire. i could see them having an issue with it though. Maybe put the cap on just as you are walking to the mound or something.
The best $20 I have ever spent! Thank you for the hard work Sach!
Sachin you are the man.
“Fenway would boo someone for raising money for autism? that would be the epitome of the class we come to know and love from the sox fans.”
Thanks for that. Thats not going to rain a cavalcade of justifiably indignant sox fans on the comments section here, is it? lol
Yankee fans don’t have a monopoly on class. There are some very classy sox fans who post here, and there are some fairly classless obnoxious Yankee fans that do.
Congrats on raising money for such a good cause, Sachin.
sachin, you’re a hero
Sachin,
If you need a bodyguard for the night, I am 6’8″ 350 lbs and it would be my pleasure to escourt you through the crowd to make that pitch in full Yankees garb!!
-Chris
He’ll become my favorite yankee fan!
I haven’t been able to find out information about what finally happened to Sachin when he threw out the first pitch