Social Responsibility

Formalized in September of 2020 and announced in February of 2021, the New York Yankees Diversity and Inclusion Committee is dedicated to identifying, engaging, and addressing issues related to equality, racial justice, and inclusivity. The creation of this group was the result of an extended period of planning and collaboration with community leaders and within the Yankees organization to determine the appropriate framework for imparting meaningful and long-lasting change. Precipitated by the profound impact of senseless tragedies in communities throughout our nation, this Committee’s mission focuses on identifying and combating disparities and systemic inequities that obstruct socioeconomic fairness and progress for marginalized groups.

The Committee is comprised of a dedicated and diverse network of Yankees staff members, on-field personnel, alumni, and outside community leaders and business partners. The shared goal has been to identify ways to combine resources and utilize the panel’s various prominent public platforms to address and eradicate barriers that impede access, diversity, inclusion, and opportunity for our neighbors around Yankee Stadium and in the larger metropolitan community.

The Yankees again partnered with the Sanitation Foundation, the New York City Department of Sanitation, the Bronx Borough President’s office and Amazon on a Bronx Community Clean-Up Series that ran from July through August. The initiative aimed to help fight litter during the summer months by incentivizing local residents to help clean up their local communities on designated days in a competition-style format. Each volunteer also received a voucher valid for two tickets to a select Yankees 2023 home game. Overall, 600 volunteers gathered at various locations in the Bronx, combining to collect a total of 5,203 lbs. of trash.

In addition, the winning team from the Mt. Eden section of the Bronx was recognized and welcomed at Yankee Stadium in a suite space on September 8, where they enjoyed the Yankees-Brewers game.

The Yankees and the Food Bank for New York City continued their longstanding partnership by assisting Bronx residents facing heightened food insecurities in these challenging times via monthly “pop-up” food distributions at Yankee Stadium. The distributions — which began in May of 2021 — provide 500 families per month with access to shelf stable food items and fresh produce.

The Yankees partnered with New Settlement in support of the Bronx-wide Gun Violence Prevention Initiative. New Settlement is a Bronx nonprofit organization that aims to break systemic barriers, advance justice, promote leadership and strengthen neighborhoods in the borough. In 2021-22 rising gun violence has continued to impact communities throughout New York City, but none more deeply than in the Bronx. With responsive funding and support from New York State, New Settlement became the lead agency of a Bronx-wide Gun Violence Prevention Initiative. In the past year New Settlement and their two program partners, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and the Northwest Bronx YMCA, have worked in partnership to create enriching program activities for over 600 Bronx youth, ages 12-24, who reside in the zip codes plagued with elevated levels of gun violence. Their youth engagement programs are inspiring the young men and women to make positive life choices, serve as positive role models and become the change agents we need to inspire peace in their communities.

In mid-August, the Yankees announced a 50/50 Raffle Program at Yankee Stadium, giving fans the opportunity to support local charities through the New York Yankees Foundation. The program, which was first initiated during the July 25 home game vs. the Mets and utilizes a software platform from Ascend Fundraising Solutions, was and will continue to be available during Yankees home games at Yankee Stadium.

To participate in the 50/50 Raffle Program, guests at Yankee Stadium may purchase raffle tickets, and one lucky fan with the winning ticket number will win half of the net proceeds of the raffle for that game, with the other half of the net proceeds benefiting New York Yankees Foundation programs and other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, in the near future, 50/50 raffle tickets may be purchased online by fans at Yankee Stadium and throughout New York State.

On January 20^th, the Yankees partnered with NYC Councilwoman Althea Stevens to host a Senior Luncheon at Yankee Stadium to celebrate and acknowledge local seniors, as well as the contributions they have made in the community. The Yankees continued collaborative efforts with Councilwoman Stevens on July 19^th, where seniors were joined by youth from the Renaissance Youth Center and SCAN-Harbor at the second Senior Luncheon to bridge the intergenerational gap in the community.

On September 28, 2023, the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) held their annual board meeting at Yankee Stadium presenting their year in review, which includes the Bronx Beat, a tour through the Bronx’s historical, cultural, and culinary institutions in partnership with the YES Network. BXEDC, who provides capital access to Bronx small businesses with capital and opportunities to grow and continue thriving, has recently announced their $10 million Bronx Loan fund.

The New York Yankees, NYPD’s 44th Precinct and the Food Bank For New York City held a special “pop-up” food and toy distribution at the 44th Precinct with the help and support of Yankees Manager Aaron Boone.

The “pop-up” food distributions have been a monthly staple at Yankee Stadium since May 2021 — providing 500 families per month with access to shelf stable food items and fresh produce. Those who received groceries also received a $25 food voucher along with a holiday toy to provide to a young member of the family.