Since the birth of Bleeding Yankee Blue, we have done our best to make our audience aware of the great work that the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has done for cancer awareness and research. We have jumped in to let people know about the Runyon 5k Run held at Yankee Stadium, an event that is in it's 6th year this year and takes place tomorrow, August 3rd at the stadium. BYB is very lucky to interview some of the official starters for this amazing event. They are gentlemen like Roy White, Ron Blomberg and Mickey Rivers, former Yankees and people that have taken time out of their schedules to bring awareness to an amazing cause. As Roy White told us in our interview with him 3 years ago:
( Photo By:JAMES PETROZELLO. In Photo: Roy White; Lorraine Egan, executive director of the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation; Alan Leventhal, Damon Runyon board chairman; and Tom Werner, chairman of the Boston Red Sox.)
Roy White: "... It is a great cause because everyone has someone close to them who has been affected. It is a great event they put on at Yankee Stadium so it was a win, win and a no brainer."
True... and it is.
Well, Bleeding Yankee Blue is very lucky once again, because we have a special treat for all of you. It was announced back in June that Brett Gardner was named the Official Ambassador of this year's Runyon 5k Run at Yankee Stadium, the second time for him. The red hot New York Yankee with alot of heart and dedication on the field was chosen because not only does he believe in the cause, but he knows his celebrity can bring more attention to it. In short, he's doing something noble and appreciative.
I share with you now, our interview with New York Yankee, Brett Gardner. Thank you Brett for talking to Bleeding Yankee Blue!
Enjoy this Ladies and Gentlemen... I certainly did:
BYB: So, you were named the Official Ambassador for the Runyon 5K run at Yankee Stadium. How important is this honor for you?
Brett Gardner: This is my second year as the Ambassador for the Runyon 5K. I am honored and humbled that they asked me back! They are a wonderful non-profit that is doing amazing work in the area of research to help end cancer. 100% of the funds raised go directly to research.
BYB: That is great that they had you back. How important is cancer research and a cure for cancer to you personally?
Brett Gardner: I think all of us know someone who has battled and we need to work together and find a cure. My wife Jessica and I, spend time visiting with children and their families at the various children's hospitals. In fact, we were just at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. We also are very active in the support of the Ronald McDonald House. We see far to many children with cancer and it does truly affect the entire family.
BYB: Let's talk so baseball. How does being locked up for the next few years with the Yankees help you relax more and just concentrate on being the best player you can be?
Brett Gardner: For me, it was a matter of making the decision obviously based on numbers and what I was comfortable with, but also a big part of my decision was I felt like by signing that contract, it gave me the best chance to stay in New York and hopefully finish my career in New York. Signing the contract gave me the best opportunity to do that.
BYB: How important is it for a team to have a guy like Derek Jeter in the clubhouse?
Brett Gardner: He's our captain. He is first class and the best there is. A true champion and consummate professional. He's such a positive force in our clubhouse and a true leader, a teacher. It's an honor and a privilege to play on the same team with him.
BYB: You are in good company with the Runyon Foundation by the way. Joe DiMaggio was on the Board of Directors for Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Mickey Mantle was an active fundraiser as well. How important is it to be part of such a great cause with such leaders like Joe and Mickey?
Brett Gardner: That's incredible to hear! The Damon Runyon 5k is very special and they do wonderful research work to end cancer.
BYB: For anyone hesitant about registering to run in the future, but aren't sure they'll be successful, what kind encouragement can you give them?
Brett Gardner: Sign up! It's a fun day and a person can walk, run or walk & run. It's for a great cause & Yankee Stadium is just beautiful!
So true! Thank you, Brett Gardner for taking the time... and keep your hot streak going! We're all pulling for you!
A special thanks to Rachel Klein and Kathy Jacobson for making this all possible for Bleeding Yankee Blue. You are true professionals! BYB appreciates the relationship we have with you both!
If our audience would like more information on the run, or to donate, check out their website at:
You can also read Bleeding Yankee Blue's past interviews about the event:
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: ROY WHITE
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: RON BLOMBERG
RUNYON 5K RUN EXCLUSIVE: MICKEY RIVERS
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