By NANCY HILER
He spoke to the students about his troubled youth, the power of confidence and courage, and the need for compassion in the world today. Representatives of Hewlett House, 1 in 9: the Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition were also on hand to receive proceeds from the students' purchases of Negron's book, "The Boy of Steel."
The work is loosely based on the true story of Michael Steel, a devoted Yankee fan who was stricken with brain cancer at a early age. The story tells of how young Michael longs to trade his hospital bed for a seat at the ballpark, and how Yankees' second baseman Robinson Cano was so touched by Michael's devotion to the Yankees that he invited him to be a batboy for the day at the stadium. Michael's unrelenting spirit and courage in fighting his terrible disease shine through in the story.
"The Boy of Steel" was written in the hope of raising cancer awareness, as well as inspiring parents to get more involved with their children. All profits from its sale are donated to help cancer research and education. In this case, proceeds went to the student council's Martin Avenue Cares fund-raising effort, earmarked for Hewlett House/ 1 in 9.
"Stay confident," Negron told the students assembled in the gym. "I'd get nervous when I played baseball, just like when I was a kid and took a test, but I was confident enough to know I'd pass."
Negron told the children of a major turning point in his life. As a teenager in the Bronx, he was caught by Yankees owner George Steinbrenner spraying graffiti on the walls of Yankee Stadium. Instead of having the youngster arrested, Steinbrenner gave him a chance to work hard and make something of himself, starting as a batboy at the stadium. Negron said, unlike his two brothers and two cousins whose same misconduct eventually led to drugs, jail, even early death, he took the Yankees owner up on the offer.
Negron eventually played Major League ball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, with whom he earned a 1996 World Series ring, which he showed the children. He then worked his way toward becoming an executive in the Yankees organization. The book was the result of his accompanying fellow ballplayer Robinson Cano on visits to children's hospitals.
When Negron asked how many children read "The Boy of Steel," nearly all of the Martin Avenue students enthusiastically raised their hands.
"I liked the book," fourth-grader Tyler Davis commented. "It had my favorite players on the Yankees in it."
Fellow classmate Ryan Hall said, "The best part of the book was when Michael Steel got to meet Derek Jeter in the locker room. He's my favorite player."
Before autographing his book for the children, Negron spoke to them about the need for courage and compassion. He told the children about the importance of working hard in school, staying away from drugs and understanding that success entails giving to the less fortunate. He asked if any children wanted to be singers when they grew up, asking one student to come forward and courageously sing before the group. A talented Lindsay Vonelm took the challenge, and Negron rewarded her with a Yankees ring.
Comments about this story? nhiler@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
