Bronx Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Closer.

    Wednesday The Bronx Chamber of Commerce Hispanic Heritage Leadership Luncheon was to be closed with an appearance by New York Yankee Closer Rafael Soriano. Because of the rain out of the game on Tuesday night the Yankees held a double header on Wednesday thus making Soriano unavailable to attend the Bronx Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The appearance of Yankee closer Rafael Soriano was then rescheduled for Friday at St. Raymond's Catholic School in Parkchester. 

     The school auditorium was filled with students when sportscaster Duke Castiglione interviewed Yankee  closer Rafael Soriano as Mr. Ray Negron translated for the Dominican Republic native Soriano. Questions included what Soriano does in his free time or days off, if he likes all the publicity he is now getting, and of course how far he thinks the Yankees will go in the playoffs. Speaking to the children in the audience Soriano said that a good education is key to young people now, and that they should finish school. 

    Mr. Ray Negron who works with the Yankee organization and recently wrote a book called "Yankee Miracles", "Life with the Boss & Bronx Bombers" said it is easy to say that Arod or Jeter are the stars of the Yankees. Negron said that this seasons star is Rafael Soriano who stepped up when the ace Yankee closer Mariano Rivera went down with an injury for the season. Below are a few photos.

Left - BCC President Lenny Caro, Rafael Soriano, Gerry Gonzalez (St. Raymond's 5th grader), Father Richard Gorman, and Mr. Ray Negron.

Right - Duke Castiglione interviews Soriano as Ray Negron translates  for Soriano.

Left - The packed auditorium of children.

Right - The Yankee mascot "Bleacher Creature" joins in with Soriano.

Left - Sorano and Yankee mascot pose for photo with some students from St. Raymonds.
Right - Soriano with Father Richard Gorman and BCC President Lenny Caro.

Rafael Soriano receives St.Raymond's shirt from 5 year old Megan Spencer of St. Raymonds.