Today is the birthday of Jackson Holliday. He is 13 years-old and for his birthday his gift was a New York Yankee hat and a chance to see his dad play outfield and designated hitter for the Yankees.<\/p>\n
Jackson\u2019s dad is, obviously, veteran outfielder Matt Holliday. The right-handed hitter is a seven time All-Star and a lifetime .300 hitter.<\/p>\n
Matt comes from a baseball pedigree, as his dad is a long time, big time college baseball coach Tom Holliday. Tom has had some of baseball best players in his programs, including former Yankee and Met Robin Ventura.<\/p>\n
Matt\u2019s grandfather Donald Holliday was a major Yankee fan who signed a contract with the Bronx Bombers in the 1940s, but never got to play for the team because of World War II. Donald was a big Mickey Mantle fan, so Matt always wore No. 7 in honor of his granddad and the Mick.<\/p>\n
It will be very interesting to see what number Matt will wear in the Bronx.<\/p>\n
My son Ricky Negron played for coach Tom Holliday at the University of Auburn, so I have known Matt for some time and know how he always wanted to be a Yankee.<\/p>\n
Besides the fact the Yankees got a terrific baseball players, I am more excited about the fact the Yankees got a terrific person, who cares for his fellow man. Matt has been involved with many charitable causes in all the cities that he played. If you know anything about the Yankees, charity is their middle name.<\/p>\n
I got a chance to speak to Matt by phone today and he is looking forward to this phase of his career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very excited to play for the Yankees,\u201d Matt said. \u201cAlso, I can\u2019t wait to get involved with the community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course, there is still one question that needs to be answered.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy wife, Leslee and my kids were debating,\u201d he said, \u201cover what number I should get.\u201d<\/p>\n
I told Matt when Reggie Jackson heard his oldest son is named Jackson, Reggie will say he\u2019s named after Mr. October.<\/p>\n
All in all, a good day for the Yankees and the Hollidays.<\/p>\n
Ray Negron can be heard every Sunday on 1050 AM ESPN Deportes from 11 am to 1 pm and also can be read on Newsmax.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Today is the birthday of Jackson Holliday. He is 13 years-old and for his birthday his gift was a New York Yankee hat and a chance to see his dad play outfield and designated hitter for the Yankees. Jackson\u2019s dad is, obviously, veteran outfielder Matt Holliday. The right-handed hitter is a seven time All-Star and … <\/p>\n