Favorite Son

Hank Steinbrenner is already a favorite in the Bronx. Maybe it’s because he reminds people of his father or maybe it’s because he just might end up being even better.

“George will always be The Boss,” said Javier from Walton Avenue as he polished off a grilled cheese sandwich at the Crown Diner on 161st Street. “But I think Hank is going to be really good for the Yankees.

“He’s smart and I think he learned a lot from his father’s mistakes,” Javier continued. “Time will be the true test, but so far I really like him.”

Everyone at the busy lunch counter seemed to agree.

“Hank wants to win just like his father does,” said Jon from Highbridge. “That’s all you can ask from an owner. There aren’t too many like that and we’ve been lucky to have one for more than 30 years.”

Javier smiled and nodded.

“We are lucky that George came along,” he said. “And we’re lucky he gave us Hank, too.”