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<\/p>\nBeing involved in the world of sports and entertainment, I have had the good fortune of getting wonderful support from great individuals. People like Atlanta Braves president Jon Hart, Yankees President Randy Levine, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, Super scout T.Bone Giordano, and of course the Steinbrenner family.<\/p>\n
However, a lot of my self confidence died with the the passing of George Steinbrenner in 2010.\u00a0 I have not felt like the person that for 38 years was a constant presence with the Boss. Mr. Steinbrenner made me feel like I was someone special and that I belonged anywhere. Billy Martin was the same way. When I went through my low periods as a teenager, Billy Martin took me to meet Frank Sinatra,\u00a0and Mr. Sinatra verbally berated me about my lack of self confidence in who I was.\u00a0 (He did the same to Sammy Davis Jr.,\u00a0until Sammy realized he was somebody.)<\/p>\n
For the last seven years, walking around Yankee Stadium is like walking on eggshells because I no longer have my Godfather there\u2013the man who always looked out for me. In addition to losing Mr. Steinbrenner, this past year, I lost both my parents in the course of one month. \u00a0Thank God I have family and good friends that have kept me going \u2014 but it still hasn\u2019t been the same.<\/p>\n
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This past week, my friend, Aris, reminded me that Frankie Valli\u00a0was going to be appearing in Clearwater. Each time I hear Frankie Valli\u00a0and the Four Seasons, it brings a smile to my face. I\u2019ve known Frankie for years, and he is one of the most genuine guys in the world of sports and entertainment. Frankie and his musical director Robby Robinson have treated me like royalty throughout the years.\u00a0 In fact, the Four Seasons made me an honorary \u201cFour Season\u201d and let me sing Sherry with them (for the benefit of the audience, the microphone was off.) What a thrill to sit next to Craig Pilo, Frankie\u2019s long time and very talented drummer and feel the beat of those drums.<\/p>\n
When I got to the show, I sat in my seats and naturally was enjoying all the wonderful music like \u201cMy Eyes Adored You\u201d and \u201cSwearin\u2019 to God\u201d. After Frankie finished singing Grease, he announced, \u201cI want to introduce you to a friend of mine that has been with the Yankees for a long time.\u201d\u00a0 When Frankie said that, I thought that a former player was in the audience. Frankie then asked, \u201cWhere is Ray sitting?\u201d The lights came up and Frankie said, \u201cRay has been with the Yankees since he was a little boy.\u00a0 Ray take a bow.\u201d\u00a0 I was blown away. It was like the people up above sent Frankie a message. It was like I was someone again \u2014 it recharged my spirit.<\/p>\n
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After the show, I was escorted with Aris and my friend, Sean Druin, backstage. Frankie came over and gave me a big hug and told Robby Robinson to take off his Dodger shirt! \u00a0(Frankie was always a Joe DiMaggio and a Yankee fan.) \u00a0I couldn\u2019t stop thanking him for his generosity. Frankie said, \u201cDon\u2019t be silly.\u201d \u00a0But that is the hallmark spirit of Frankie Valli.\u00a0\u00a0He is truly my generation\u2019s Sinatra.<\/p>\n
Weekends with Ray ESPN 1050 Deportes Impact: Saturday-Sunday 12-2pm. Read Ray on Newsmax.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Being involved in the world of sports and entertainment, I have had the good fortune of getting wonderful support from great individuals. People like Atlanta Braves president Jon Hart, Yankees President Randy Levine, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, Super scout T.Bone Giordano, and of course the Steinbrenner family. However, a lot of my self confidence … <\/p>\n