Some reaction to the passing of Herman Hernandez, the co-founder and general manager of Hank’s Yanks, Hank Steinbrenner’s under-18 youth baseball team. Hernandez, who died Thursday at the age of 52, met these celebrities at Hank’s Yanks games devoted to causes including breast cancer, pediatric cancer, and Juvenile diabetes, in addition to the many toy drives during the holidays.
“Herman was truly a Puerto Rican Santa Clause. His laughter reminded me of jolly ‘ol St Nick but his heart sealed the deal.” - Actor Luis Guzman
“Herman showed these kids the true value of loving thy neighbor. I wish I would have known him longer.” - Actor Richard Gere
“Herman was great fun to be around. When I went to mentor the kids he would be very supportive of the words that I needed to say. God Bless his Soul.” - Danny Aiello
“I only met Herman once but for me he was an angel in the way he interacted with those kids.” - Broadway superstar Lucie Arnaz
“I feel a deep sadness at the loss of someone who understood how lucky he was to be working with kids and having a chance to help mold their lives. The last conversation that I had with Herman was after we won the fall championship and he thanked me and Hank for allowing him to participate as the GM of Hank’s Yanks. As usual we always tried to make him understand that without his vision it would not have happened.” - Baseball Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar
“He will be one of those pleasures of life that I will miss dearly.” - Dom Scala, former Yankees bullpen catcher and Adelphi University baseball coach.
If you wish, donations are payable to Hank’s Yanks Baseball Foundation, 50 East Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702
Follow Jon Lane on Twitter: @JonLaneNYC
