It’s tough to keep improving on a yearly project that is high impact and high reward, but the Yankees seem to keep finding a way with HOPE Week.
Holding its 14th edition in 2023 (including a pause in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic), the Yankees’ HOPE Week initiative (Helping Others Persevere & Excel) is rooted in the fundamental belief that acts of goodwill provide hope and encouragement to more than just the recipient of the gesture.
On each of five consecutive days during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees shine a spotlight on a different individual, family or organization worthy of recognition and support. Each day is designed so honorees can share their inspirational stories with Yankees players, fans and the media, while being surprised with the day of their dreams. Though each day’s celebration ultimately culminates with a visit to Yankee Stadium on the day of a game, outreach typically takes place at a location in the community that symbolizes the accomplishments of the honoree.
This year the week has garnered attention from big names…honoring Damar Hamlin and first responders and the implementation of kits in high school athletics for life saving techniques, to big initiatives (honoring MLB.com writer Sarah Langs as a focus around the Lou Gehrig anniversary and Project ALS)…to those who again shine through in the community around various programs.
At its core, HOPE Week is about people helping people. The one thing everybody has – no matter where they come from, what their financial situation is or what kind of skills they possess – is time. By involving every players and coach, and the entire front office staff during the celebration of HOPE Week, the Yankees are sending the message that everyone can give of themselves to make their community a better place.
Equally significant during HOPE Week is garnering publicity for the highlighted causes and organizations. The greatest challenge facing many not-for-profits is generating interest, awareness and funding for their missions.
The 2023 season also marks the 10th year that each of the Yankees’ U.S.-based affiliates have held their own HOPE Weeks, truly making this initiative one that the entire organization stands behind in words and in action.
Throughout the five-day stretch of games, the HOPE Week narrative is woven into the Yankees’ on-field activities. Honorees are treated like members of the team, joining players and coaches next to the hitting cage during batting practice and on the field after victories for celebratory high fives. They also participate in traditional pregame festivities, including ceremonial first pitches and the exchange of team lineup cards. Most importantly, all are given a platform to tell their inspiring stories in their own voices.
Does this mean the Yankees cram all their good will into one week? No. What HOPE Week does is serve as a great example of what the value of sport and celebrity can do for so many charities and causes, and draws attention to all in one concerted effort. There is lots of follow-up, and lots of special events, the team and the players do prior and will continue to do after. However by focusing so many efforts in one week, it serves as a great reminder to all what the team can stand for in the community. Each year the event has grown, and year 14 served as a great look back as well as a look into new ways to engage and build serving as a “Must Do” not just for baseball teams but for every elite team. (The Minnesota twins are the only team that comes to light to have mirrored the initiative in their own city, since 2011). It should also not end with the pro teams. The most elite of college programs should do the same, and the USOPC could handle as well.
No the Yanks are not alone in bringing hope. What they have done first is really use the wide-ranging week, in midseason, to expand the brand and once again convey their leadership, this time off the field.
Well done. Again!
