WHY GRANDY’S A CLASS ACT

I'm warning you now, this post is a feel good piece. Is it necessary? Yes, because the story I'm about to tell is special and it involves one of your New York Yankees. So read it and pass it on.

Not every athlete tries to better others while on their break from their full-time job. One athlete does though, it's the Gentleman, Curtis Granderson. And it’s not like he’s traveling to the Bronx to help run a soup kitchen or provide toys to poor children… granted, he probably does that too, but he also goes the extra mile and around the world... to New Zealand.

As part of the MLB International Ambassador program, Curtis Granderson traveled to there, in fact, he’s there right now, to help children learn the game of baseball, get fit and teach them one of the most important things in life. Quite simply, it doesn’t matter what you look like, what your size is, your weight or your strength… You can do anything you want to do. You have to believe in yourself. And if that means baseball... well, that's even better.

Why baseball in New Zealand you ask? Because it seems have become more and more popular as of late. While there Grandy will conduct clinics and tournaments. Granderson will continue getting ready for spring training as well, so don’t get worried Yankee fans. The Yankees have their first workout on February 20th.

Granderson was quoted in the Daily News saying: "I like to show, hey, it's another sport that you can learn. It's not as complicated as it seems. Me not being the tallest or biggest or strongest guy in baseball - physically, kids can relate and say, 'Hey, I can do this. I don't have to be seven feet tall or 300 pounds like a strong rugby player.' I'm excited to get a chance to get to see another part of the world and spread the word about baseball."

Curtis has been all over the place promoting the game of baseball. In 2006, he was in England, the Netherlands and Italy. In 2007, he was in South Africa. In 2008, He was in China.

But not only is Curtis a teacher with MLB, he also runs and founded Grand Kids Foundation. This foundation focuses on “improving the educational experience for youth nationwide as well as helping to re-establish baseball opportunities for inner city youths.”

So take a second and smile. I found this very special. I understand that many athletes do this sort of thing, but this one caught my eye, partly because of the mission, partly of the man, mostly because of the message. I’m impressed with Granderson. He’s a class act, he gives back to his community as well as internationally and I’m proud to say he’s a New York Yankee. There aren’t too many people that take time out to do things like this. Grandy’s Dandy, and that’s all you need to know.

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