HOPE Week extends to minor-league affiliates

The Yankees’ five minor-league affiliates will present their own community events throughout the season as an extension of the franchise’s HOPE Week in 2012. HOPE (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) Week is in its fourth season and will take place on the major-league level June 25-29.

In following the model established in 2009, the Triple A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, the Double A Trenton Thunder and the Class A Tampa Yankees, Charleston RiverDogs and Staten Island Yankees will reach out to individuals, families and organizations worthy of recognition and support, recognizing honorees with a day celebrating their accomplishments. With outreach often taking place away from the ballpark, Yankees minor league players, coaches and staff will be able to connect personally with participants.

“As an organization, we have seen firsthand the positive impact HOPE Week has made in our community,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. “We have found that giving back is contagious. One of the goals of the initiative has been to inspire others to follow in our footsteps, and I’m proud that our affiliates are expanding this tradition by joining our efforts.”

The Tampa Yankees will be the first club to host HOPE Week in 2012, as they will highlight their five stories from June 4-8. Events are scheduled for Trenton June 19-22 and June 25 and for Charleston June 25-29. Dates for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Staten Island are to be determined.