Recently, I had a great treat.
I got to sit down with Commissioner of Major League Baseball Rob Manfred.
As unbelievable as it sounds, it's the truth.
I want to take you on another "Magical Mystery Tour."
As many of you may know, because of my personal life's journey both positive and negative, I understand how truly blessed I am.
In my home at one time there were seven boys, yet I'm the only one who is alive today.
This writer feels blessed beyond words.
A big reason for that is the fact that I loved baseball the way that I did and would end up being in the right place at the right time.
George Steinbrenner took a personal interest in me, becoming a true mentor during those formative years. He was truly amazing, as was his guidance.
So many Yankee players of that era like Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson and Lou Piniella made me feel like I was somebody, and that truly put the icing on the cake in me becoming a man.
Whenever I asked The Boss how I could pay him back he would always respond by saying to try and look out for those kids coming up behind you.
Translation?
Remember where we came from and know that we are not better than they are.
In my youth, Mr. Steinbrener encouraged me to author children's books.
Just before he passed, he was excited to see my animated film, "Henry & Me."
Unfortunately, he died before the premiere.
His son, Hank, actually was the voice of The Boss!
Recently, I attended a Christmas party.
The baseball commissioner and his wife, Colleen, were there as well. We were discussing the holidays and naturally that conversation led to a talk about children.
This writer was pleasantly surprised about how much he loves kids.
At that moment, I told him about my community show that I host with Steve Vaccaro "Reach Out," that airs on Bronxnet television in the Bronx, New York.
I told him that it would be a big deal for the people to hear him and see him show the love.
His wife was actually great because she said, "Wow that's right up your alley." (She meant talking about kids.) The commissioner at that moment told me to contact his assistant Pat Courtney and we would get it done.
A week later, I was sitting next to arguably the most powerful man in sports talking about the subject that I think we both care most about: the advancement of our children in society.
We talked about the various initiatives baseball is engaged in nationally.
We addressed the kids of the Bronx.
We discussed the importance of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
We even singled out Denzel Washington's Boys & Girls Club in (New York): Mount Vernon and the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in the Bronx.
Naturally I have to give Jennifer Lopez her props because she is a Kips Bay alum.
Manfred told me how he had former Yankee and now a present New York Mets Harrison Bader hosting a baseball clinic in their grass area.
I think he knew that Harrison is one of my favorite people.
The thing that actually made my eyes water was when he talked about his fondness for George Steinbrenner and how so many people really didn't know the incredible soft side of him.
I am so grateful for this interview because Manfred allows me to let the people, especially our Bronx kids, know that baseball has not forgotten them.
Babe Ruth to me was the game's greatest ambassador, especially when it came to kids of all denominations. He would always say that baseball is the greatest game in the world.
I want to thank Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
One hundred years later he is in total agreement with the Babe!
Ray Negron is a sports executive with over 40 years of experience in baseball. His first job came from a chance encounter with George Steinbrenner as a youth. Mr. Negron is an American film producer, a best-selling author, and philanthropist. His memoir is, "Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers." Read Ray Negron's Reports — More Here.