The New York Yankees announced Monday that they will honor Nelson Mandela with a plaque in Monument Park, making the dedication as part of Jackie Robinson Day ceremonies on April 15 prior to their game against the Cubs.
The plaque will celebrate the life of the former South African leader and commemorate his June 21, 1990, Yankee Stadium visit and address. On that historic day, Yankee Stadium was opened to fans, who enjoyed musical performances from Richie Havens, Tracy Chapman, Mighty Sparrow and Judy Collins.
Mandela, who was only four months removed from his 27-year imprisonment at the time, spoke to the crowd that day, put on a Yankees cap and jacket and declared, “You know who I am. I am a Yankee.”
“Nelson Mandela’s visit was a transcendent moment in the history of the original Yankee Stadium,” Hal Steinbrenner said. “We want this plaque to be an everlasting tribute to his indomitable spirit and unfailing dignity.”
No comments:
Post a Comment