"The pictures, although they are pictures, are actually positive messages to the children and the children respond to those messages," said Louis Torres the principal of P.S. 55.
Torres says the Bronx Bombers have done much more than just send signed photos. Many have personally visited to spend time with the students. The team has even donated needed supplies, like folding chairs from the new stadium.
This generosity, Torres believes, is because of owner George Steinbrenner's commitment to community.
"Unless you come out to the school, unless you come and speak to people, you don't know what he was doing behind the scenes and to me that shows greatness," said Torres.
A signed letter from Steinbrenner is among the prized mementos hanging on the wall in P.S. 55. Other treasures are autographed photos of players, like Mariano Rivera. These mementos quietly encourage students to dream big.
"I think he did it because it was just the right thing to do," Torres said of Steinbrenner.
P.S. 55 is not the only school in the Bronx that can boast about regular visits from the Yankees. It is one small example, says the principal, of how George Steinbrenner's dedication to community made a difference.
