Let there be little doubt: In New York City sports circles, Joe Torre is the unquestioned pied piper.
When the Yankee manager calls, his friends come running. Yesterday, they teed off at Trump National Golf Course in Briarcliff Manor to help raise money for Torre’s Safe at Home Foundation, which aims to tackle the problem of domestic abuse.
“It’s humbling to see how many people wanted to help me out with this cause,” said Torre, who witnessed the short- and long-term effects of domestic violence while growing up in Brooklyn, and devotes the charity to the memory of his mother, Margaret.
“One of the great things about being in the position I’m in is that I think kids pay attention to what the Yankees do. Kids are like sponges, they absorb more than you think. What we hope to do, ultimately, is end the cycle of abuse that often extends from generation to generation.”
Among Torre’s many high-profile friends on hand yesterday were such Yankee stalwarts as Yogi Berra, Paul O’Neill, Don Mattingly and David Cone.
Mel Stottlemyre, Torre’s pitching coach, was there, as was the highest-profile Yankee fan, former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.
The most popular attendee was undoubtedly Sandy Koufax, who was more than happy to help out a fellow Brooklynite.
“And Sandy doesn’t even play golf anymore,” Torre said. “Which tells you about what kind of guy he is, and what kind of cause this is.”
The tournament itself was expected to raise nearly $500,000, while a silent auction held simultaneously helped add to that total.
For more information about the Foundation, visit Torre’s Web site: http://www.joetorre.net