Ray Negron Visits Schwarting

Excitement filled the gymnasium as Schwarting students met with  “real live” author Ray Negron. Each class in grades 2-5 had the opportunity to meet with Ray Negron and had the opportunity to buy his book and have it signed during his visit.

Ray’s book titled, The Boy of Steel has been on sale at the book fair for a purchase price of $15.  ALL proceeds from the sale of his book, totaling over $4000, were generously donated to cancer research and education. 

Ray Negron’s story is one of great intrigue.  As a young boy, he was caught by New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner while spraying graffiti on Yankee Stadium.  Mr. Steinbrenner, knowing that this was a child who needed some help, made him a batboy instead of sending him to jail.  He wanted to help this young boy in need.

Thirty years later, Ray Negron still works for the New York Yankees as a scout and special consultant to Steinbrenner.  He is forever grateful to Steinbrenner and his book is an inspirational story about courage and about a boy who never stops fighting, even when faced with incredible adversity in his life.  It is truly a touching story that you and your children will love and he wants to share it with our students.

The idea for the book came from a father who mentioned that his son was very sick, but that he was forever thankful to Ray for giving him a tour of Yankee Stadium and for the pictures that he gave to his son.  Ray feels that this experience can have a strong positive effect on so many children because of the courage the boy shows in the story. 

At Schwarting we strive to be good citizens.  A huge thanks to Ray Negron for visiting and encouraging us to be brave, dream, take risks, and be the best people we can be.