On Monday, August 15, Scott Reinen, Rich Kaufman, and Andrew Rotondi attended the 1996 Yankees Dynasty event in Manhattan, hosted by Steiner Sports. The event featured Q&A with players, photo opportunities, a silent auction, and an open bar, all to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Eleven year-old cancer survivor and LLS Boy of the Year Quinton Ward had the night of a lifetime when he was surprised with the chance to meet his Yankees heroes. Six key members of the 1996 championship team, including three Yankees legends, were in attendance: Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte, Tino Martinez, Cecil Fielder, Jim Leyritz, and Doc Gooden.
The Bronx Pinstripes crew arrived at the event a little after 6:00pm and fans were lined-up down the block. Yankees jerseys of 90’s legends like Tino, Bernie, and O’Neill were in abundance.
The venue, Hudson Terrace in Midtown, was more intimate than imagined which worked out perfectly for fans to easily meet and take pictures with players.
BP’s goal was to speak with as many players in attendance as possible, understanding of course that their time was in high demand. The first player spotted was Doc Gooden, who was taking pictures with fans. Soon after interviewing the New York pitching legend, more players strolled in, including Andy and Tino who, as you can imagine, were mobbed by fans.
By the time 7:00 rolled around, BP was able to speak with Jim Leyritz and Cecil Fielder, in addition to Andy, Tino, and Doc about their playing days and what they remember from the ’96 season. (Video Interviews Coming Soon) Later in the night, an audience Q&A with the players touched on highlights from the World Series like Leyritz’ big home run in game 4 and Pettitte’s dominant game 5.
The night was a continued celebration of the weekend at Yankee Stadium that honored the 1996 champions and Mariano Rivera. It was fitting that on the day the Yankees honored the team that started a dynasty, youngsters Aaron Judge and Tyler Austin made their debuts. The buzz that filled a steamy Yankee Stadium on Saturday and Sunday translated to the Steiner Sports event on Monday — what a weekend for the fans!
Pictures and Live Video
Check out more pictures and the Facebook Live stream of the Q&A with Mariano, Andy and Tino, and Leyritz, Cecil and Doc below.
