Maria Cooper Janis has been and done many incredible things in her life.
She happens to be one of the most respected artists in America.
She runs different charities assisting native Americans with their school programs in California.
She also toured the world with arguably the greatest classical pianist ever, her husband Byron Janis (1928–2024).
She has authored books, as well as produced documentaries about her father, Gary Cooper — one of the greatest movie stars of all time.
He won three Academy Awards and made one of the greatest sports films ever — "The Pride of the Yankees!" (MGM/RKO/Paramount 1942).
That film was the story of Lou Gehrig.
Maria is one of the finest people you could ever encounter.
Ever since I have known she and her incredible husband she has been the most supportive person when it comes to our less fortunate children in the Bronx.
When we honored Yankee Batboys of the past, Maria was there.
After our kids learned of the greatness of Lou Gehrig and the wonderful portrayal of Gehrig by Gary Cooper, they all chipped in and purchased Maria an Academy Award trophy representing the one Cooper didn’t win even though he had been nominated.
Maria was named commissioner of the Bronx International little league because of her love of the kids.
When Maria found out that Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred had done the video for the kids’ little league awards ceremony, she was deeply touched.
Maria understood that when the kids saw Commissioner Manfred mention their league it made them feel extremely important.
Because of her father Gary, Maria was raised understanding about the struggles of different cultures and minorities, especially Native Americans.
Her father was from Montana and had many Indian friends.
He even learned how to ride horses with the Native Americans.
One of Maria’s big moments was when the Yankees had her throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. This would be her husband Byron's last baseball game.
He was a big-time baseball fan with a true love of Roberto Clemente and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Maria’s first assignment for the 2025 season is to deliver a special award that the children of the Bronx Little League put together for Commissioner Manfred.
This is something that Maria and the kids have been very excited about giving the commissioner. The children got to see many pictures of Commissioner Manfred with kids across the country and immediately felt a true connection with him.
Maria’s feeling is that if someone like Rob Manfred acknowledges not just our children but youth nationally, then this will help many who struggle with their self-esteem.
Our youth programs need more people like Maria Cooper Janis and Rob Manfred — people who truly care for our youth.
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.
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