It was a dream come true for the eight kids who joined us at Yankee Stadium on Monday: a chance to play baseball with Major League pros. While their parents and Kars4Kids mentors watched from the stands, legendary Yankees alumni Darryl Strawberry and Mike Torrez led the children on the field in batting, fielding and pitching practice.

Our group was easy to spot with our bright yellow T-shirts and caps. Twelve mentors accompanied the children to the clinic. These kids had all become good friends over their weeks together at ChillZone, and many would be leaving in a few weeks for a month at a Kars4Kids-sponsored summer camp.

Following the coaching session and lunch, our kids were treated to a tour of Monument Park, the Yankees Museum (including the new Mickey Mantle exhibit!) and the Great Hall. The kids were overwhelmed by this special opportunity to see real exclusive sports memorabilia, such as Babe Ruth’s hat.

After the tour, and lots of photo ops, it was back to the Mastercard Batter’s Eye Cafe for ice cream and a special meet and greet with renowned former Yankees player Lee Mazilla. Lee met with each kid and gave each one an autographed baseball and photo of himself. The kids also got a gift bag with other goodies including a complimentary Yankees cap.

Then we got to watch the current Yankees team at batting practice for that night’s game against the Cleveland Indians. What a perfect ending to a perfect day: the Yankees beat the Indians 7-1!