Release #191-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

MAYOR GIULIANI UNVEILS THE 1996 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS NEW YORK YANKEES PHOTO EXHIBIT

The Mayor also honored Yankee Stadium Organist Eddie Layton, on his 30th anniversary season and Bob Merrill, who is marking his 25th anniversary of singing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium on opening day.

"It is indeed a pleasure to welcome all of you to Tweed Courthouse to unveil the 1996 World Champion New York Yankees Photo Exhibit," Mayor Giuliani said. "The history of baseball is inextricably linked to the incredible history of the Yankees. Many of the greatest players of all time wore the pinstripes. The New York Yankees created much of the history and legends of baseball. The tremendous accomplishments of last year's Yankee team added a new and glorious chapter to that history. This team once again made October in New York City a magical time -- a championship season. And to celebrate their achievement, we are displaying the memories of that incredible Series win and glorious parade at Tweed Courthouse so that all New Yorkers can enjoy them."

The Mayor continued, "Today, we also honor the enormous contributions made by Eddie Layton and Bob Merrill. 1997 marks the 25th year Bob has opened the season at Yankee Stadium with the Star Spangled Banner. From the world's greatest opera houses to the Broadway stage, Bob has been acclaimed by critics as one of the great natural baritones of the century. Eddie has played a large part in every Yankees game, exciting fans with rousing renditions of Charge and other crowd favorites. Bob and Eddie are true Yankee legends."

In addition to performing the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium, Robert Merrill has been a fixture on Broadway, television and in the recording industry. The Brooklyn native has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances. Recently, President Bill Clinton presented Mr. Merrill with the National Medal for the Arts at a White House ceremony.

Eddie Layton, a Philadelphia native, began his career as an organist while serving in the Navy during the 1940's. Once his military career was over, Mr. Layton became a regular performer at New York City's Copacabana Night Club. During his career, he has recorded 24 albums and has performed all over the world. Besides the Yankees, Mr. Layton plays for the New York Islanders, Long Island University and the Hammond Organ Company.

The 1996 Yankees Photo Exhibit features photos from;

• the Mayor's Photo Unit,
  
• the New York City Police Department Photo Unit,
  
• Major League Baseball and various independent photographers.
  

The exhibit, located in the lobby of Tweed Courthouse, at 52 Chambers Street in City Hall Park next to City Hall in Lower Manhattan, is open to the general public, Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, until April 25.