The first Saturday of February each year is known as Induction Day at the Ted Williams Museum. Founded in 1993, now located at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.

This year marked the 23rd annual induction.

Inductees for 2016  included New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez, Colorado Rockies outfielder Dante Bichette, two time Cy Young winner and eight-time all-star Roy Halliday, Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell, and Billy Wagner with the Pitching Wall of Great Achievement.

This year’s event was a huge success thanks to Executive Director David McCarthy and Claudia Williams, daughter of Ted Williams.

The first person to be honored next year with the Lifetime Achievement Induction will be Tom Giordano, also known as T-Bone in baseball circles. At 90, the senior active scout and special assistant to Atlanta Braves President John Hart, will be the second scout to be inducted since Gene Michael in 2015.

Giordano like Gene Michael has worked very closely with owners and general managers throughout the years and has made each organization that he has been with that much better.

Braves President John Hart was the first to be informed about Giordano and will be presenting the award next year to honor Giordano and to make what will be a very popular event.

What this Museum is all about is best described in Ted’s own words, “Through the Ted Williams Museum and Hitters Hall of Fame, we hope to build a lasting monument, an architectural tribute to what I think is the single most difficult thing in all of sports: hitting a baseball. We hope the museum will become a place millions of baseball fans will visit and enjoy for generations to come. I hope you’ll join us as we transform our dreams into reality.”

Ray Negron is a sports executive with over 40 years of experience in baseball. His first job came from a chance encounter with George Steinbrenner as a youth. He has become an American film producer, a best-selling author, and a philanthropist. His memoir is entitled, “Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers.” For more of his reports, Go Here Now.

The New York Yankees’ top rookie last year was pitching sensation Luis Severino. Born in the Dominican Republic, the question regarding Severino had always been how soon before he got to the big leagues.

Last year he went to AA Trenton and AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre and just mowed all minor league hitters away. At the major league level he was a very impressive 5-3 with outstanding 2.89 earned run average in eleven starts.

If there was any sign of intimidation, it only came from the hitters that faced him. Topps is celebrating 65 years of Topps baseball and this past week, Topps Baseball cards rewarded Severino with his new 2016 rookie baseball card as part of their Series 1 release available in hobby shops and your local retailer on Wednesday.

Severino looked at his card with the enthusiasm of a kid during my era opening up a pack of baseball cards, eating the gum and finding a Mickey Mantle card inside.

Severino said,” I can’t wait to get back to the Dominican Republic to hand out the cards to the area kids. The adults will be just as excited so I had better have enough for them also.”

Being a part of the Yankee family for over parts of 40 years, it is so nice to be able to see the young rookies that are just starting out have that initial innocence that they are willing to share with the world. In the case of Luis Severino, let’s hope it lasts a long time.

Ray Negron is a sports executive with over 40 years of experience in baseball. His first job came from a chance encounter with George Steinbrenner as a youth. He has become an American film producer, a best-selling author, and a philanthropist. His memoir is entitled, “Yankee Miracles: Life with the Boss and the Bronx Bombers.” For more of his reports, Go Here Now.

This year I was fortunate to meet Steven and Maureen Van Zandt.

I have always been a fan but was especially impressed by their giant hearts and willingness to help so many in need. Steven helped the policeman’s ball raise $200,000 for the Detectives’ Endowment Associations’ Widows and Children’s Fund.

Van Zandt had a couple of his “Sopranos” cast mates in attendance; performances by the Max Weinberg Orchestra and singer Darlene Love were also featured.

“The police have had a particularly difficult year,” Van Zandt had told those in attendance, “and I believe a bold statement of support is appropriate right now.”

A week earlier, Steven and Maureen Van Zandt joined forces with my good friend and business associate, Alfred Zaccagnino from the Samarian Group, to bring holiday cheer and gifts to over 500 kids at the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club in the South Bronx.

This was the ninth year that Zaccagnino has helped out and with the big presence of the Van Zandt’s, this was the best Christmas these kids have had. “Knowing the history of the Yankees and the things that George Steinbrenner had done for so many children has influenced me to always do the right thing especially during the holidays.” Said Zaccagnino.

“And to see what Steven and Maureen give of themselves reminds me of how George Steinbrenner used to help everyone.” Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club President, Daniel Quintero was quick to state that he has never had to ask Zaccagnino for anything. “He knows we need him and he is always there.”

Legendary singer, guitarist, and composer José Feliciano received the 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award for his iconic musical career and for the inspiration that the visually impaired musician provided to so many others.

To have the great Tommy Mottola include me as his guest at the HBO produced documentary premier of the Latin explosion was an honor, and the following evening I was presented with the Humanitarian of the Year Award by Valerie Caicedo, founder of the film festival.

A New York City native, of Puerto Rican and Cuban ancestry, I had some difficult experiences in my childhood but thanks to New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner in 1973, my life permanently changed for the better.

I was scrawling graffiti on the exterior of Yankee Stadium and was caught by the Yankee owner, George Steinbrenner.

For whatever reason, he decided to hire me to be the Yankee batboy for that day — and many after that.

I have been in baseball for over 40 years thanks to the second and third chances that he provided to me and many others.

I am extremely grateful to Hank and Hal Steinbrenner, and team President Randy Levine for letting me keep the spirit of the Boss so very alive, and in turn giving so many kids hope!

As a proud Hispanic American I am proud to live the American dream. I have been fortunate to have four successful children’s books and a memoir, called “Yankee Miracles” published and am currently co-host of radio talk show on WPAT, 930 AM, “Where I can tell it like it is”, on Wednesday evenings at 7 pm EST.

I thank producer/actor, Joey Dedio and the great Steven Van Zandt for developing the series sitcom, “Tio Papi” very loosely based on the comedic side of my life, and for believing in my creative soul.

In attendance at the event was Ido Aharoni, the consul general of Israel, who came to pay tribute to Feliciano and me.

He was very kind to me when I made a presentation to Seattle Mariner, Nelson Cruz at the United Nations last week for his philanthropic work here and in the Dominican Republic.

It’s no coincidence that Alex Rodriguez is having the kind of season that he’s having this year.

As the great George Steinbrenner used to say, “when you give, you get” and that’s exactly what A-Rod has done this year. He has given to all sorts of youth groups not only in the city but also in his hometown of Miami.

This past Friday on 9/11, A-Rod lead an onslaught of stars including hockey legend Mark Messier and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the annual charity day at Cantor Fitzgerald.

As usual, he showed up elegantly dressed in classic Sinatra suit and tie and took his time to express the importance and dedication of the day. So as you see it is no coincidence that he is having a truly fine season and is helping to keep the Yankees in a very exciting pennant race.

Ironically that same afternoon the animated film “Henry & Me,” that Alex participated in (and I stupidly took him out of when he was going through his troubles) was being shown at a local Bronx YMCA. Many of these kids who can’t afford to attend baseball games are gaining a true appreciation and understanding of how beautiful the game of baseball and the Yankee universe can really be.

A thank you to the ownership team of the Scranton Wilkes Barre Yankees baseball club. They sponsored a large contingent of underprivileged kids to play at their baseball facility against a top caliber baseball team from the Scranton area. It was a wonderful day for the kids who got to play the game that we all love — the Yankee way.

Hank Steinbrenner is one of the most interesting individuals that you will ever meet in the world of professional sports.

Forget about the fact that he is George Steinbrenner’s eldest son and co-chairman of the New York Yankees. He is an individual who cares about others.

One particular example of his generosity comes to mind. On 9/11 fire captain Ron Boyce nearly made the ultimate sacrifice in saving countless lives. In that process, he fractured his vertebrae and lost his right eye.

Ron, a Florida resident, just recently celebrated his birthday, and his greatest wish was to go to a Yankee game. When he arrived at the Stadium, there was a mix up in his tickets. When Hank Steinbrenner learned of the issue, not only did he make sure that Ron had tickets, he also made sure that Ron Boyce and his party were able to watch batting practice from the field.

And not only did he get to go on the field, Hank also made sure that Mr. October spent time with Ron and his party. “I can’t believe that Hank, who doesn’t know me from Adam, would take the time to make sure that I was taken care of at the House that George Built. I am eternally grateful to Hank and his family for caring for people like me,” said Boyce.

The First Annual Hank’s Yanks Golf Classic charity event was held July 6, at the brand new Trump golf links at Ferry Point in the Bronx, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

There was no politics as usual, no whisper about immigration, political candidate issues, or athlete drama. The focus of the day was on underprivileged teenagers from all ethnic groups.

The tournament is an effort to raise money in support of Hank’s Yanks Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization; the Kenneth A. Smaltz Sr. Foundation for Alzheimer’s Care, another 501(c)3, which offers support for people living with dementia, their families and caregivers, providing leadership in policy and services; and the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Foundation, also a 501(c)3.

It was the first high-profile event at this highly anticipated new golf course. New York’s first in 52 years. The event featured a long list of celebrities for the participants including Rudy Giuliani, Hank Steinbrenner, Alex Rodriguez, Darryl Strawberry, Tim Raines, Rick Cerone, David Wells, David Cone, Richard Gere, Dellin Betances, Chazz Palminteri, Greg Jagenburg, and many others.

Film producer Joey Dedio made a big splash with the kids that aspired to be actors. The funds raised for Hank’s Yanks will support both the baseball activities as well as the community outreach work of the outstanding young athletes involved with Hank’s Yanks — the youth baseball teams backed by New York Yankees owner, Hank Steinbrenner.

Among the honorees was Nick Tedesco of Sachem East High School, who received the President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. Tedesco credits his time with Hank Steinbrenner for his success.

Also honored for their work in the community were the Scranton Wilkes-Barre-Railriders, whose General Manager Jeremy Ruby accepted the award, and Entrepreneur Alfred Zaccagnino for his fundraising efforts and work with underprivileged children in New York City this past winter. MLB analyst, Dave Valle received the “First Annual Patrick Kevin Brosnahan Award” for his philanthropic work in the Dominican Republic.

Former baseball great Tim Raines said, “This is probably the best celebrity golf event that I have ever attended. We almost hated to see the day end.”

One of the hosts of the event was Donald Trump — who came quietly and voluntarily to make this event happen for these kids who gathered around Trump in the back of the room as he moved his way forward to speak. Ironically, most of these youngsters were Hispanic.

They are a dedicated bunch of kids that come from all walks of life and not only play at a high level of baseball, but also perform both individual and group community service projects throughout the year.

For baseball fans on Father’s Day at PNC Field, home of the Yankees triple-A ball club, there is nothing like the excitement of a day at the ballpark, especially when they get to reminisce with legends and icons of the past when they once again walk through the gates of a stadium.

The clout of the ball not as loud, the speed of the game slowed down, and the gentle smile of the player touches each fan, but the pinstripes never fade. Kudos to RailRiders’ owners Dave Abrams, Bob Mills, and Grant Cagle, who truly understand the meaning of what the Yankees are all about as they honored 1978 World Series MVP Brian Doyle.

Abrams said, “This event is our way of thanking our fans by enabling them to see their Yankees heroes and interact with them in an intimate setting, while sharing a special Father’s Day with their families.”

For players, it must be a humbling feeling for the greats as new players and faces take their place, but their place in the game and in the hearts of the fans is a generational cycle which keeps the love for the game alive through memories which make and break players.

What would Thurman Munson say on a day like this if he were alive? His death left a tremendous void as he was arguably one of the greatest catchers to play the game, but his life was cut short on that fateful day of Aug. 2, 1979, in a most horrific way.

Legendary Yankees such as Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, Phil Rizzuto, Mickey Mantle, Billy Martin, and Roger Maris, as well as many of their fans have passed on too, but still for today’s fans it’s the priceless memories and moments that remain.

“The idea for the event came after my friend Brian Doyle announced that he had Parkinson’s disease,” said RailRiders’ co-owner Grant Cagle. Our partnership with the New York Yankees has made this game possible, and we are glad that so many former Yankees are showing their support for Brian by joining us for this day.”

Former Yankee fan faves Mickey Rivers, Roy White, Charlie Hayes, Pat Kelly, Hector Lopez, Don Larson, and many others came back to celebrate a life of baseball.

Besides the game, which extended from five innings to six in a spirited performance, it was heartwarming when Reggie Jackson, Mickey Rivers, and Roy White got excited when I put on Thurman Munson’s number 15 in honor of our team captain.