Sterling Gets Key To The Bronx
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
Proud Bronx Borough President Gibson
Photo: Josh Mock Bronx Borough President’s Office
The Borough of the Bronx ended its annual celebratory festival with The Bronx Ball that took place Saturday, May 18th at the former Whitestone Cinema. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson kicked off the “More In 24” evening proclaiming “we are on the path to greatness and I am grateful for the Bronx Walk Of Fame 2024 recipients.”
Inductees included the radio voice of the New York Yankees John Sterling. A native New Yorker, Sterling spent 38 years behind the microphone before announcing his retirement earlier this year. The 85-year-old play by play was known for his legendary calls describing home runs by the Bronx Bombers as well as
Yankees victory call, “Ballgame over! The Yankees win …Theeeeeee Yankees win!” Aside from being given the key to the Bronx by the Borough President, the Yankees honored Sterling in a pregame ceremony on Saturday, April 20th. The organization released a statement saying, “we congratulate John on a remarkable and illustrious career. His contributions to this great game and to the Yankees franchise will echo long into the future.” Said Sterling at the gala upon receiving the key to the Bronx, “I had no idea it was going to last this long and be the greatest treasure of my life.”
Four other individuals were inducted into the Walk of Fame. Ozzie Virgil Sr. was the first Dominican baseball player to play in the Major Leagues. Born in the Dominican Republic in 1932, he came to the Bronx in 1947 and attended DeWitt Clinton High School. After serving time in the Marines where he played baseball, Virgil’s baseball career began as a member of the Detroit Tiger. He went on to play for the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Athletics, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Fransisco Giants. After 13 years, Virgil coached for four major league teams and was named honorary coach for one game by the New York Mets.
Actress Andrea Navedo is best known for her role in the Golden Globe nominated television show “Jane the Virgin.” Like Virgil, she also attended DeWitt Clinton before going to SUNY Old Westbury College where she graduated with a BA in Theater Arts. Navedo gave the commencement speech to the class of 2019. She authored “Our Otherness is Our Strength: Wisdom from the Boogie Down Bronx” in 2023. A former camper for the Fresh Air Fund, she supports the organization and hosted their 2023 Spring fundraising event.
Born on East 169th Street and Washington Avenue, Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson has led a musical career working with more than 100 recording artists that include Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Trey Songz and Chris Brown. Like Navedo, he is also authored a book “The Story of Amadeus: And the Beat Goes On.” A graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School, Thompson credits the school for shaping his love for music. Growing up in a strict religious household, Thompson played drums in a church band at the age of 13. It sparked his love of music.
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez received the 2024 Walk of Fame People’s Choice Award as President and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan organization. She oversees health centers in the South Bronx, Central Harlem and Northwestern Queens. Urban Health Plan serves over 400,000 patients annually. The health field runs in her family. The Charter School for Health and Sciences is named after her father Her father, Dr. Richards Izquierdo.
The evening was hosted by Bronx native and Hunter College alumni Lynda Lopez. She received the Gracie Award, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media.
Last year, musical group SWV, journalists, Sunny Hostin, Juliet Papa, Strategic Executive God-Is Rivera and educator Luis Torres were inducted in the Bronx Walk of Fame.
Concluded Borough President Gibson, “together, we will continue to tell our story, transform the Bronx for our families and create access and opportunities for our residents and visitors to marvel in the beauty of our beloved borough.”
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