Ray’s amazing journey began fifty years ago when at 17-years of age, he was caught spraying graffiti on a wall at Yankee Stadium by NY Yankees owner, George Steinbrenner. As fate would have it, Steinbrenner decided against putting Ray in jail and instead, offered him a second chance making him the batboy for the greatest franchise in sports history. Ray was propelled into a dream job sharing the dugout with the “Bronx Zoo” team of the seventies. He became a positive influence in the fiery clubhouse that included Manager Billy Martin, superstar Reggie Jackson and the legendary Thurman Munson. And for the next 37 years, Steinbrenner and Ray built a special relationship until Steinbrenner’s passing in 2010.
Steinbrenner’s vision lives on through Ray. As a Community Consultant for the NY Yankees, Ray is immersed in ensuring that veteran players and Yankee rookies promote the tradition of the club’s pride and inspiration by visiting terminally sick kids in hospitals and supporting the inner-city youth throughout New York. He was the co-founder of “Hank’s Yanks”, a not for profit competitive youth travel baseball team for underprivileged kids (ages 10-18) founded by the late New York Yankees co-owner Hank Steinbrenner.
Ray is an avid writer, publishing four children’s books. His first book, “The Boy of Steel” was #2 on the NY Times Bestseller List, won the International Children’s Book of the Year in 2006 and is currently displayed at the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His second book, “The Greatest Story Never Told: The Babe and Jackie” deals with the difficult subject of racism, teaching kids diversity. His third book, “One Last Time: Goodbye to Yankee Stadium”, reached #1 on Amazon’s Bestseller List. In 2012, he published his memoirs “Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers” (currently in pre production for Broadway) and co-wrote baseballs first children’s Christmas book, “CC Clause” with Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia. As a film producer, Ray developed the full-length animated feature film “Henry and Me”, about a boy’s magical journey as he battles cancer, based on his children’s books. Voices for the animation include Richard Gere, Cyndi Lauper, Chazz Palminteri, Danny Aiello, Luis Guzman and Paul Simon. Ray is also the Associate Producer and co-stars in the film “Bottom of the 9th” starring Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello. Ray makes cameo appearances in the the film “Out of Order” staring Luis Guzman and Brooke Shields and also the series “Gravesend”
A documentary depicting Ray’s life is currently in production.
Ray is a member of the International Latino Hall of Fame, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Hall of Fame and the Ted Williams Hall of Fame for his humanitarian efforts with children around the country. He is also a member of the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, inducted in 2019. Ray spoke at the United Nations on the subject of alcoholism with his mentor, Adele Smithers. In 2007, the Department of Homeland Security honored Ray for his leadership in the Hispanic community and the impact he has made on American society.
Additionally, Ray is co-host on “Reach Out with Ray & Steve” talking sports, entertainment and community seen on Optimum cable and BronxNet. His writes a weekly column on Newsmax and NYC Tastemakers.
A powerful and inspirational speaker, he passionately shares his amazing journey, revealing his experiences with the Bronx Bombers, his special relationship with Steinbrenner and with so many of the incredible people he has crossed paths with.