A class act, wonderful human being. Bravo Grandy!
2
I remember when the Yankees got Granderson, wondering why Detroit would let him go. Then, when the Yankees let him go, wondering why that happened too. Sure, there are holes in his game--nobody's perfect--but the mix of power, defense and one of the best clubhouse presences the game's ever seen were all great assets to the team. On mic, he was always thoughtful and added to the conversation--un-Jeter-esque, you could say. Especially in these times, I hope he's always an example of how good things happen to good people.
4
I enjoyed watching Curtis and the Mets because they helped me get through some difficult times! Watching their post season run into the World Series in 2015 and playoffs in 2016 gave me something to cheer about. I have always heard of Curtis' good works and attending Mets games he is one of the few players who acknowledges the fans while on the field during a game. He also throws the baseballs to the fans too! Reading about Yoenis Cespedes resigning with the Mets and reading this article on Curtis truly made me smile today!
1
He was, and still is, beloved in Detroit. For his character as much as the excitement he brought as a player. He still comes back and continues his charity work here, too.
2
Our President Elect has something to learn from the gracious Mr. Granderson.
12
Loved him on the Yankees - well spoken, advocate for the inner city kid, and ambassador for the game. This is a great profile of a man of many talents and a big heart. The Grandy Man indeed
9
Class act, through and through.
9
Amen to that. A terrific baseball player and a very fine person.
1
I have liked Curtis since his days with the Tigers on through his time with the hated Yankees and finally with my team, the Mets. He is a class act in every way both on the field and off it. His dedication to helping children and others is truly admirable. He's always smiling when he deals with the fans and makes us feel like he really enjoys giving his best efforts for the team. What a joy to have him on the N.Y. Mets!
14
Great article Mr. Powell. Thank you.
8
As he has done with his parents, we follow Curtis, every part. As we do, we build our family. For this is who we are.
And this is what we needed, Michael Powell, as always. Way to go.
And this is what we needed, Michael Powell, as always. Way to go.
7
A very good player, an all-star person.
8
I'm not one deserving of charity but I had opportunities to play adult slow pitch softball on Granderson's field at UIC. It was an honor to be able to play my favorite sport on an MLB-quality field. Some day the NYTimes will do a similar interview to a kid who, through Granderson's contributions back to the community, realized his dreams and continues the giving back tradition. Always good to hear of a pro athlete who didn't forget where he came from.
6
Makes be proud to be from the Southside of Chicago
3
Granderson has made watching baseball fun over the years. He packs a punch and brings energy to not only the game of baseball, but peoples lives.
4
A real class act, and a fine baseball player. I was sad to see him leave the Yanks, but happy that he was able to stay in NY.
3
Such a refreshing counterpoint to all the Republican blather about minorities and how badly off the country I'd. This fine man is an example of the good in this country as opposed to those very rich who only help themselves
4
I love watching Grandy play at Citifield! I am so happy to see this much needed positive coverage of him during the off season.
4
We've seen so much press over the past few years about how baseball doesn't allow room for fun and stifles some of the public displays of enthusiasm coming from the Harpers and Bautistas of the world. Go watch Granderson play. He leaves it all on the field and is grinning ear to ear the whole time. The guy is having fun (despite the pressure that comes from racking up a ton of strikeouts in a big media market) yet still plays the game the right way. He demonstrates intelligence and respect and still manages to enjoy himself. He's the guy the kids that kids can emulate and still have fun.
5
Granderson is a remarkably articulate speaker. I enjoy listening to him when he's being interviewed. He has a fine voice and an easy delivery. He should consider a post-career position as a baseball announcer and commentator. He is a natural for that.
He says he should reach out to black kids in Brooklyn and the South Bronx, but there are also lots of black kids on Long Island who would benefit from his efforts. Long Island is pretty segregated, and the black communities there are easily overlooked. Those kids aren't far from Citifield and might well become Mets fans
He says he should reach out to black kids in Brooklyn and the South Bronx, but there are also lots of black kids on Long Island who would benefit from his efforts. Long Island is pretty segregated, and the black communities there are easily overlooked. Those kids aren't far from Citifield and might well become Mets fans
7
I'm so proud to have Curtis be a member of my New York Mets.
5
Granderson is the type of professional athlete that all professional athletes should emulate. It was a sad day when he left the Yankees, and I never understood the reasons why. He is a class act and role model for every kid playing baseball.
7
Excellent article about a fine person. Curtis Granderson is walks the walk and is a real life role model.
Thank you Mr. Granderson and Mr. Powell for a reflection on human goodness much needed at this time.
Thank you Mr. Granderson and Mr. Powell for a reflection on human goodness much needed at this time.
3
Curtis Granderson is the last really good center fielder the Tigers had. I was sorry to see him go to the Yankees. He was always a good baseball player and now we know he's also a good man.
Always liked Granderson when he played for my Tigers. I think everyone did.
Thanks for publishing this. As a lifelong Tiger fan, I miss his glove, his bat, his speed, and his irreplaceable class on my team. We're still looking for a center fielder here, by the way.
Curtis Granderson is a gifted athlete who gives one hundred percent on and off the field. He is a leader among men and is creating a legacy that lives on in the lives of countless children that he imbues with his same positive spirit. With a potent bat, as he uncoils from his left side crouch, he has hit many homeruns at the park and in life.
4
A wonderful article about the real Mets MVP since he has been on the club. Nice to read he is just as classy off the field.
4
"well-raised person"
Hats off to Curtis's parents who clearly raised a fine human being! Too
often we forget how hard that job is, even in the best of suburbs!
Curtis's generosity and humility are un-paralleled, as is his energy on the playing field.
My thanks to his parents, over and over again!
Hats off to Curtis's parents who clearly raised a fine human being! Too
often we forget how hard that job is, even in the best of suburbs!
Curtis's generosity and humility are un-paralleled, as is his energy on the playing field.
My thanks to his parents, over and over again!
6
The only reason I watch the Mets is because of Curtis Granderson. The Yanks should have never let him go.
1
Lovely article about a fine man.
3
I've had several brief experiences with Curtis. The first, outside a restaurant in Manhattan he generously agreed without hesitation to sign an autograph for each of my 2 kids even though they were not present. The other was at Citi Field before a game where he was the only one to come out of the Mets dugout to sign autographs for a group of youngsters desperately hoping to have some contact with a Major Leaguer. Classy and real! Thank you Curtis and thank you Michael Powell for another great human interest baseball article.
4
I guess I am going to rain on this praise fest. In Granderson's time with the Tigers, his charitable exploits were covered voraciously. I think his agent or someone who promotes him is behind this continual telling of all his generosity. Miguel Cabrera is just as generous but doesn't generate this kind of coverage. I think the most charitable people are the ones who do it quietly--they don't need the ego satisfaction of public idolatry.
Curtis Granderson's story deserves to be told. It is the antidote to what took place on November 8. Thank you Mr.Granderson and well done Michael Powell.
2
I always liked Curtis and felt for him when he went through slumps and didn't meet fans' (or his) expectations. What great character he has. We will be seeing much of him even after he retires, I expect.
1
Oh, my gosh, what a fabulous story about a man who is so much more than a ballplayer. I hope those who read this will spread the word about Curtis Grandserson and his good works. And for Cub fans, this story contains a hidden gem. What ever happened to Leon Durham? Once ridiculed and scorned, the former Cub has re-invented himself as a successful batting coach.
The Roberto Clemente of his day, times 10. I sincerely hope the commissioner's office finds a spot for him immediately upon retirement, as I can't imagine a better person to eventually fill that position.
1
What a great article! Bravo to Curtis Gunderson for his wonderful deeds and to Mike Powell for reporting it so well.
1
Great article about a terrific player. Curtis deserves a lot of credit but so do his parents. He was raised in a family that stressed education and good values. They are not alone. Across our nation are millions of parents who battle daily to provide opportunities for their children. They are unsung heroes who believe in the American dream and work to make it happen. The Granderson story reminds us how families matter. I'm sure Curtis would agree.
1
Granderson,
A very special man who’s smile lights up what is good and special in our National Sports.
A very special man who’s smile lights up what is good and special in our National Sports.
2
top man
1
Curtis has always been my favorite ball player (and I discovered him by watching the Yankees!) - now one of my favorite people. Lets Go Mets! Lets Go Curtis!
2
What a nice man! If only all the wealthy athletes who grew up having nothing would give back the way this man has it would make a world of difference
Mr. Powell, As a Mets fan, their improbable run to the playoffs lifted my spirits time and again during the dreary presidential electoral season. Post-election, the news remains dreary and and all the talk is about divisiveness, hostility, who wins, and who loses. Then there's Curtis Granderson. If only more of our public figures were this inspiring. That's for your wonderful article - it lifted my spirits this morning.
1
It was a sad day when the Tigers traded him.
Curtis has been my favorite MLB player for many years. I have enormous respect for the way he plays the game. I've never seen him get angry with a missed play or a wrong call. He focuses on what he can control. His attitude is always positive. Now I learn of his philanthropic activities. My respect for him just keeps growing. He is a model and inspiration for what every man should be--educated, thoughtful, generous, understanding, supportive, and professional.
1
I'd like to meet Curtis Granderson one day and tell him he was my mom's favorite player while a Tiger. She passed away before he got traded. A good thing, too, because it would have broken her heart.
I was so happy that MLB awarded Granderson the Roberto Clemente award--definitely an honor he has earned, he truly embodies the caring and generosity of spirit of Clemente himself. Very proud of him and the Mets (who, although they do many things wrong, I believe, do charity and community involvement very well).
Thank you, Curtis, for being an example and being someone we can all look up to.
Thank you, Curtis, for being an example and being someone we can all look up to.
What a wonderful article about my favorite New York Met! Mr. Granderson is a class act.
It's difficult not to compare Curtis Granderson, this outstanding charitable unselfish successful citizen, with the self-serving narcissist who was just elected President of the United States.
What a classy, absolutely wonderful human being. So much I didn't know about Granderson despite being a die-hard Met fan.
Great writing, great story. Way to go, Curtis. Keep touching all the lives you so wonderfully touch...
Great writing, great story. Way to go, Curtis. Keep touching all the lives you so wonderfully touch...
2
Baseball's collective bargaining agreement includes several clauses regarding the amount of charitable contributions and collateral benefits for making contributions. Individual contracts also often contain terms about charitable giving. After players retire, they open car dealerships and restaurants and other businesses that use their names. Some just sign baseballs. Others go into professions that have nothing to do with their athletic past. I have never heard of a retired baseball player who went to work at the Red Cross or UNICEF or the NAACP. When you tell me a ballplayer is particularly charitable, I am particularly skeptical.
Why are some persons so filled with goodness? You inspire me to do better.
Always love to watch Mr. Granderson play the game.
I'll never forget him hitting a homer in his first at bat as a Yankee, right behind a Posada homer, against Beckett at Fenway, opening day, 2010. He sure got my attention & I've admired him ever since, even when he went crosstown to the Mets.
You gotta enjoy watching him enjoying himself. It's contagious.
I'll never forget him hitting a homer in his first at bat as a Yankee, right behind a Posada homer, against Beckett at Fenway, opening day, 2010. He sure got my attention & I've admired him ever since, even when he went crosstown to the Mets.
You gotta enjoy watching him enjoying himself. It's contagious.
17
I was sorry to see him leave the Yankees. I'm glad he stayed in New York with a class organization like the current Mets. A great player with a great story.
12
This man has been a mensch for his entire major league career.
25
Good article
Multiple positive messages
Thank you for this
Multiple positive messages
Thank you for this
19
Speaking of this writing, my wife of 56 years says, it kind of restores your faith, doesn't it. Reading Michael Powell ... is special. Reading about Curtis Grandson here is a good end to a long day of concern for our nation.
22
A great article about a grand guy who deserves more credit than he gets. Thanks.
26
Curtis Granderson is a role model in everything he does, on and off the baseball field. One of my most admired people; always a class act. Thank you for helping point that out to NYT readers.
29
We admire great athletes... for there is much to admire in many.
We love few.
We love Curtis Granderson... for he is the finished product...
And a work in progress at the same time.
We thank Michael Powell once and again...
And again...
With fond memories of Hyde Park ... in 1950.
And of the children there that did not make it ...
To where we are today...
Able to read and to appreciate goodness...
With a smile.
We love few.
We love Curtis Granderson... for he is the finished product...
And a work in progress at the same time.
We thank Michael Powell once and again...
And again...
With fond memories of Hyde Park ... in 1950.
And of the children there that did not make it ...
To where we are today...
Able to read and to appreciate goodness...
With a smile.
9
My wife of 56 years said simply - kinda restores your faith in humanity.
I read Michael Powell's words aloud, slowly as we ended the day of watching our nation wrestling with the change in the prospects of the two most surprised candidates since 1948 when The Chicago Tribune went to press and Harry Truman smiled. In the aftermath, with help from George Soros, a splinter party is doing for Soros's favorite what she wants, as she is in denial... and the winner is telling us again that drive by registrations are not the way to go - labeling the result a fraud... as the media howls.
In all this, we read of the good man doing the good thing with a good life.
MIchael Powell does it again.
Empathy, devotion to children and their parents and coaches, personal dignity, unbelievable dedication to what matters, personal and professional ethic, incredible generosity, tasteful modesty, a quiet personal security, devotion to principle and to cause, a man among men, a leader, a team player, a regular guy, a special guy...
Curtis Granderson, what we need in America today ... now...
More than ever.
Perhaps he will find a way to help us discover again what it means to give - at Thanksgiving. Thinking of our children and the children of Syria, of the Yazidi kidnapped young, the raped and the starving...
And of those on The South Side of Chicago, where I grew up from January 1950.
When our leaders in finance cannot tell their children what they do, we get what we have.
Shame.
I read Michael Powell's words aloud, slowly as we ended the day of watching our nation wrestling with the change in the prospects of the two most surprised candidates since 1948 when The Chicago Tribune went to press and Harry Truman smiled. In the aftermath, with help from George Soros, a splinter party is doing for Soros's favorite what she wants, as she is in denial... and the winner is telling us again that drive by registrations are not the way to go - labeling the result a fraud... as the media howls.
In all this, we read of the good man doing the good thing with a good life.
MIchael Powell does it again.
Empathy, devotion to children and their parents and coaches, personal dignity, unbelievable dedication to what matters, personal and professional ethic, incredible generosity, tasteful modesty, a quiet personal security, devotion to principle and to cause, a man among men, a leader, a team player, a regular guy, a special guy...
Curtis Granderson, what we need in America today ... now...
More than ever.
Perhaps he will find a way to help us discover again what it means to give - at Thanksgiving. Thinking of our children and the children of Syria, of the Yazidi kidnapped young, the raped and the starving...
And of those on The South Side of Chicago, where I grew up from January 1950.
When our leaders in finance cannot tell their children what they do, we get what we have.
Shame.
8
Yes, the Most Valuable Person... is Curtis Granderson. Generous to a fault.
7
An accomplished person in so many ways
10
What a generous, well raised young man.
15
He's the kind of guy who makes me proud to be an American
34
Excellent human being, excellent teammate, excellent athlete. The "Grandy-man", as John Sterling called him. I may be a Red Sox fan primarily but I always root for Mr. Granderson no matter what team he's on. A nice story.
17
Players who make fans feel good about their presence on the team are few. MLB should read Mr. Granderson's comments when wondering why about the dearth of black players and how to reach more black youngsters. Perhaps a future leader in the game is right under the game's nose if those who own teams will open their eyes.
13
I wonder if he is the new 'Sweetness.' in Chicago, in reference to Walter Payton. Everything I ever read about Payton, he was the same type of person.
2
Curtis Granderson and Mookie Wilson -- two of a kind -- can play on my team anytime.
4
Quite impressive person. Great writing. And I really like how Granderson is willing and able to steer into (often) elusive subtleties of race issues without flinching.
29
I remember the first time I heard Curtis Granderson on the radio. I started listening halfway through the interview and quickly wondered who this amazing, articulate, intelligent person was. Ever since I have been a fan. When I was reading this column, I scrolled up halfway through because I was wondering who this amazing, articulate, intelligent columnist was. Thanks.
12
Thank you Sir Curtis Granderson from a Chicago White Sox born and bred on the almighty South Side of Chicago for your humility and empathy. Baseball has been very very good in leading the way to a better present and hopeful future across colored caste and class lines. You did make me cringe with respectful admiration for your defense and offense against my White Sox particularly when you played for Satan's favorite team aka the Yankees.
12
Curtis has always been a class act. He epitomizes the best of professional athletes. I love his all out effort in everything he does.
38
Was sorry to see Curtis Granderson traded from Yankees, but watch him as a Met. He is the epitome of a class act. When I heard him describing what he and Michelle Obama were attempting to do with young athletes, I admired him even more. There is something so special about a star athlete who, according to this article, spend a lot time giving back to the community, helping those younger than he, mentoring youth in pursuit of their own dreams.
What more can you do than help someone else open a door to the opportunities you have enjoyed as a person, as an athlete, as am American.
Bravo Zulu to Curtis Granderson!
What more can you do than help someone else open a door to the opportunities you have enjoyed as a person, as an athlete, as am American.
Bravo Zulu to Curtis Granderson!
24
Wow! And It is sad that we in society as a whole can't do this for everyone.
14
This story makes me so happy--as a Mets fan and as a human being. Thank you, Curtis, for caring about people other than yourself and using your money to benefit others.
43
I've long admired Granderson for his on-field demeanor and dedication to the game. As the mom of a Black son, who is also a Mets fan, I am especially pleased to read that he doesn't run away from issues of race, particularly in clubhouse discussions. It would be easy for him to be an affable athlete who avoids any talk about race and cultural differences, but Granderson is dealing with it directly, calmly and admirably. He's no LeBron--but he's not going the Jeter-route, either.
24
A long-overdue tribute to the most valuable person on the NY Mets - thank you!
19
Granderson for President.
38
@JRC: You beat me to it! Ditto!
Loved Grandy when he was with The Yankees. Always worth more to any team he's on than his stats...which were good.
A class guy...we need more like him.
A class guy...we need more like him.
23
An excellent column about a man who should be on everyone's All-Person team.
44
Wow. Class guy.
31