Chairman Hernandez (top center) with NYCHA Campers at S.I. Yankees Game. Photo credit: Pete Mikoleski

Hundreds of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Summer Camp participants gathered at Richmond County Bank Ballpark in St. George, Staten Island to see the Staten Island Yankees vs. Auburn Doubledays minor league baseball game on July 12th.

NYCHA Chairman Tino Hernandez tossed the opening pitch on Camp Day, which included NYCHA campers from all five boroughs among the crowd of cheering fans. Summer Camp participants received free baseball programs, which included a roster, stats and intriguing information about the teams. NYCHA campers also had an opportunity to run the bases and get autographs from the players.

Chairman Hernandez throwing the first pitch. Photo credit: Pete Mikoleski

The Staten Island Yankees, also known as the Baby Bombers, are a minor league baseball team that was brought to the borough in 1999. The Auburn Doubledays are a minor league baseball team from Auburn, in central New York State, which is known for being the last noted home of abolitionist, Harriet Tubman.

The Staten Island Yankees went on to defeat the Auburn Doubledays by a score of 9-5.

By Tischelle George
July 18, 2007