JOE TORRE'S SAFE AT HOME FOUNDATION GALA

Thursday night the 11th anniversary of Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation was celebrated. This year, Jorge Posada was the honoree. Safe At Home was founded in 2002 by Ali and Joe Torre. It is a foundation focused on the helping those who are victims of domestic violence, and to educate them in an effort to end the cycle.

For children who grow up in abusive households, there is always this nearly debilitating fear that any action against the abuser will result in greater violence. Torre, having been one of those children, recognized this and decided to help. He, and his wife decided to create "safe rooms" in schools named "Margaret's Place" after Torre's mother. I had the opportunity, and great pleasure of asking Torre what advice he could provide for those in these situation, or those who know of someone in these situations. His response was touching.

"I think (this cause) is important because a lot of these youngsters, who are in these abusive situations are ashamed. They think they are responsible for it. And if someone has a sense that some is dealing with this let them know you know, and offer them help. There are so many hotline out there. Depending on how old they are, we have our Margaret's Place, and they can always contact Safe at Home Foundation for help also. But the most important thing is to be able to talk to somebody and let them know they are not alone, and it is not their fault. I was on two different committees for the attorney general, and I co-chaired the last one, which was Defending Childhood. We went all around the country listening to testimony from different people, and the one common thread that goes through all these youngsters is that they need someone to care about them. They are out there and a lot of times they think that everyone is against them. Like stuff that goes on in schools. It's a little disturbing because they give you that 'Zero Tolerance'  where they suspend you instead of trying to figure out why they are acting out and finding help for them. I don't there are any bad kids, they just do bad things. We can't throw these kids away. They are too important for us."

I also had to opportunity to ask Posada a few questions. When asked how it felt to have Torre honor him, he said with a laugh "I gave him a hard time, because I said 'You ran out of people.'" He then added "He said 'No, you're supposed to be here.' I'm super blessed. I'm honored. Joe Torre is a special person in my life. I'm really happy to be here." Of course I had just one more question for him. I was sitting in the bleachers at Yankee stadium on September 21st in 2011 when Jorge came out to pinch hit in the bottom of the 8th. He hit a two run single that clinched the division for us. He said: "It felt good! At the end of the day, you get called on and the fans give you a standing ovation, and you are able to deliver.  It comes back a lot to me, and it feels real good that the fans were supportive the whole time."

The entire red carpet event was beautiful. Hideki Matsui also made it. He admitted that he wasn't sure if he is Godzilla. Let me put your mind at ease, Mr. Matsui. In New York, and in the eyes of Yankees fans, you most certainly are, and we mean that with as much love, and respect as humanly possible. Derek Jeter made an appearance as well, looking sharply dressed. The ankle didn't seem to be bothering him. The experience was surreal, and honestly, I may have done a happy dance all the way home, much to the chagrin of my fellow commuters. I would like to thank Mr. Torre, and Mr. Posada for giving me the chance to ask my questions. When volleying in line with the New York Times, the Daily News, and other big news sources, this blogger feels extremely, and eternally grateful for the time you spared.

Most importantly, if you or anyone you know, is a victim of domestic violence, please seek help. You can contact the Safe at Home Foundation through their website (HERE). They have an address, telephone, fax and email available. Speaking from personal experience, I know what it is like to be that scared child. It is NOT your fault. There are people who are willing to help. It can get better.

Look for Casey's piece on "inside the event"... later this morning.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer
Twitter: @e_morales1804



The Bleeding Yankee Blue store is opened! CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING! Also, follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and join the group Bleeding Yankee Blue (Official) on Facebook, just type it in.