Meet 10-year old Landis Sims, the young boy who the New York Yankees just signed to a very prestigious 10-day contract.
Every so often, we as fans are subjected to a tremendous organizational signing.
Most examples during the offseason, of course. They occur during the hot-stove season and involve millions of dollars being shoveled down the throats of guys with the hand-eye coordination nothing short of a god.
Other times, however, millions of dollars don’t have to be involved for a key signing to take place. Such is the case with the newest member of the New York Yankees.
Meet Landis Sims, a 10-year old boy who was recently signed to a minor-league contract by the Bronx Bombers. He’s already making a significant impact, as manager Joe Girardi has since called him an “inspiration,” according to Ryan Hatch of NJ.com.
“[Two years ago] when he met Joe Girardi, he was instantly, like, ‘Come with me’,” Landis’s mom, Amanda, told NJ Advance Media Monday morning. “Girardi asked him who his favorite player was and Landis said, [Derek] Jeter.”
Landis, who was represented by C.C. Sabathia during negotiations, was born without hands or the lower part of his legs. Much like his entire life though, that didn’t stop him from taking batting practice and speaking to the likes of Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira prior to a Spring Training game against the Houston Astros today.
Earlier today, Landis Sims reminded the @yankees why we all love baseball #morethanagame pic.twitter.com/7knpx7FpOO
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 7, 2016
Landis Sims also signed a one-day contract w/ the @yankees and hung out along with his family in the clubhouse. pic.twitter.com/IXb9epHc88
— Yankees PR Dept. (@YankeesPR) March 7, 2016
So grateful that I got to spend time with Landis Sims today. A true inspiration. #RealCourage #ThankYouLandis pic.twitter.com/fpNYpz7y9P
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) March 7, 2016
Hopefully Landis is that much anticipated “youthful enthusiasm” Brian Cashman has been talking about and the fans have been yearning for.