Cano Joins Alumni Elite List
All-Star Secondbaseman has his
number retired
By: Robert Pimpsner
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Robinson Cano next to
his retired number - Photo Credit: Robert
Pimpsner |
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August 4, 2007
– It could not have been a better night for the Staten Island
Yankees. The team took the rubber game of a three game set
against the Lowell Spinners, but the most special part of the
night was the pre-game ceremonies.
On a night where
5,031 fans filled the stands at the Richmond County Bank
Ballpark, the Staten Island Yankees honored a special member of
their family. Robinson Cano returned to Staten Island, not as a
player but as a guest. The Baby Bombers honored Cano by having
Robinson Cano Night, which was highlighted by the team retiring
Cano’s number 17.
After the PA
announcer introduced Cano to the public, he walked to home plate
where he was joined by SI Yankee General Manager Jane Rogers and
members of the Pinstripe Patrol. The team representatives gave
him a special plaque commemorating the day. Cano seemed almost
embarrassed as over the loud speaker it was officially
proclaimed Robinson Cano day in the Borough of Staten Island and
he was presented with a copy of the official proclamation.
Also, throughout the night fans were encouraged to participate
in special Robinson Cano auctions, with all proceeds benefiting
the NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation.
Cano is now
one of three former Staten Island Yankees to have their
uniform numbers officially retired, joining Chien-Ming Wang
and Jason Anderson. Surprisingly enough, he was also a
teammate of each. In 2001, Cano was a teammate of Jason
Anderson and in 2002 he helped Chien-Ming Wang lead the
Yankees to their second NY-Penn League title. While with
the team in 2002, Cano wore number 38 due to Chien-Ming Wang
wearing number 17.
