by Tom Scott
United Spinal Yankees Pitcher Named Rookie of the Year
At age 63, Ruben A. Granda, starting pitcher for the newly-formed United Spinal Association New York Yankees wheelchair softball team, received the Rookie of the Year award at the 29th National Wheelchair Softball Tournament held August 11-14 in Columbus, Ohio.
United Spinal Yankees pitcher Ruben A. Granda, with cap, was recognized as Rookie of the Year at the National Wheelchair Softball Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, last summer. Other award receivers, from the United Spinal Mets, were, from left, Fernando Garcia, Bill Hannigan and Eddie Jorge.
Granda, the oldest wheelchair athlete competing in this year’s tournament, which is sponsored by the National Wheelchair Softball Association (NWSA), pitched all of the Yankees’ five games. “I was very happy and excited to receive this award,” said Granda, who is fondly referred to as “Rookie” by his teammates. “It was a memorable tournament, especially recording my first strikeout and making three good plays in the field.”
A native of Guayaquil, Ecuador, Granda was injured in a car accident in 1980. He came to the United States in 1995 and soon became involved in wheelchair sports. Besides wheelchair softball, he is an active participant in wheelchair basketball and handcycling. Granda presently resides in the Bronx with his wife of 41 years, Irma. He has seven children.
This was the first National tournament appearance for the United Spinal Yankees. Although the Yankees did not win any of their games, Granda’s valiant effort won the respect of his teammates and many in attendance.
“It was an exciting tournament for the United Spinal Yankees. All the players felt privileged to have an opportunity to compete against the best wheelchair softball teams in the country,” said Victor Calise, United Spinal’s director of Sports Marketing. “Our participation in this tournament was great exposure for our new team and our association’s mission.”
Other tournament award recipients included: United Spinal Mets Eddie Jorge, Left Fielder Award; Fernando Garcia, Center Fielder Award; and Billy Hannigan, Best Hitter Award with a .750 average for the tournament.
Team Honored at the Yankee Stadium
The United Spinal Yankees wheelchair softball team traveled to the “House that Ruth Built” and were introduced on-field to all in attendance. The event highlighted the team’s recent partnership with the New York Yankees organization, which is officially sponsoring the team. “We are excited to have the New York Yankees sponsor our team,” said Victor Calise, United Spinal’s director of Sports Marketing. “This partnership will greatly benefit United Spinal’s wheelchair softball program. The team felt priveleged to be introduced to all the fans at Yankee Stadium.”
Major League Wheelchair Softball Tournament
On September 23 to 24, the United Spinal Mets hosted the 5th Annual Major League Wheelchair Softball Tournament at Shea Stadium in Flushing, New York. The tournament welcomed seven major league sponsored wheelchair softball teams from across the country, including the National Champion RIC Cubs, as well as the Magee Phillies, Tampa Bay Devil Rays,, Vaughn White Sox, and NEPVA Red Sox. A wheelchair softball clinic was also held to demonstrate the sport to kids.
Player representatives from each team offered instruction on how to play the game of wheelchair softball. Mr. Met also made an appearance and posed for pictures with many children participating in the clinic. Unfortunately, the United Spinal Mets were unable to capture the tournament championship title. The final game featured the heavy-hitting Boston Red Sox and defending National Champion RIC Cubs. The Cubs came away with a 9-6 victory and claimed the Shea championship title. “The tournament was great!” exclaimed 27-year old Dino Ramirez, third baseman for the RIC Cubs. “This was my second time in New York playing in the tournament and after playing wheelchair softball for three years, on Friday I hit my very first, second and third homeruns. Even though this is not the Nationals it is the best tournament of the year and it felt great to be able to represent the Chicago Cubs with my team. I have three kids, but on the field on Friday, I felt like a little kid again.”
Arthur Ashe Kids Day
Patrick Donaghey, United Spinal’s Sports and Recreation Program Manager and veteran wheelchair tennis player, demonstrated wheelchair tennis to children participating in the 10th Annual Arthur Ashe Kids Day on August 27 at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. The Hess-sponsored event was hosted by MTV VJ Quddus and Olympic Gold medalist in swimming Summer Sanders and featured free music, interactive games, and musical entertainment.
The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) asked Donaghey, who won the US Open Singles Championship in 1993 and 1994, to assist with the event in order to show participants that tennis has no limitations.
“It is so important to continually remind kids of the perseverance we all embody, despite any drawbacks that may happen-physically or mentally,” Donaghey said. “When I was first injured I never thought I would regain my independence let alone pursue my desire to be an athlete. I am proud and happy to have the opportunity through PTR to teach the children the skills and determination gained through wheelchair tennis. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to help our young kids and wowing their family members with some of my wheelchair tennis skills.”
Navigators Host Inaugural Games
On Saturday, September 17th, the United Spinal Navigators sponsored the inaugural Spirit Wheelchair Games at Lincoln Park, Jersey City, New Jersey, for kids with disabilities ages 6 and younger through 21. Participants competed in a wide range of track and field events: Club; Softball; Turbo Javelin; Shotput; Soft Discus; 40-, 60-,100-, 200-meter handcycle races.
The Navigators, who are sponsored by United Spinal Association, offer opportunities for young athletes with disabilities to participate in wheelchair sports. The team participates in swimming, track and field, and table tennis and recently broke eight national records and earned a total of 34 Gold, 12 Silver, and 12 Bronze medals at the 2005 National Junior Disability Championship Games in Tampa, Florida.
Sports Spectacular
United Spinal Association partnered with Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to offer an adaptive sports clinic for youths with disabilities ages 3 to 21. The clinic, which occurred on August 6th, 2005, gave participants an opportunity to learn handcycling, wheelchair basketball, softball, and tennis from veteran wheelchair athletes and Paralympians. “Adaptive sports are an important aspect of quality of life for many individuals with disabilities. Introducing youths with disabilities to a wide range of adaptive sports is extremely beneficial for numerous reasons. It lets them know that they are capable of achieving many goals, despite their disability. It also gives them an opportunity to interact with each other on a positive, competitive level. We feel fortunate to be involved in the Sports Spectacular clinic. It was a rewarding experience to be able to offer the kids our support and instruction,” said Victor Calise, Director of Sports Marketing at United Spinal Association.
Tom Scott is an editor in Communications.
