NEWARK —Trevor Reckling is passionate about being a new Chicago White Sox left-handed pitcher and about finding ways to bring children joy. On Friday, Jan. 11, this Irvington native visited hospitalized children at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC). In addition to giving autographed baseballs and Major League Baseball memorabilia to pediatric patients, Reckling also received a surprise. Fr. Edwin D. Leahy, the headmaster of his alma mater, St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, stopped by NBIMC to acknowledge his dedication to children.
“Trevor is an outstanding young man who remains dedicated to giving back to the community where he was raised,” says John Brennan, M.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. “Our pediatric patients and employees were delighted by his visit.”
Reckling, 23, is a 7th-round draft pick who signed with the Los Angeles Angels in 2007 after graduating from St. Benedict’s High School. Although he is focused on baseball, Reckling hopes to establish a youth center in an inner-city area one day. His desire to give-back to the community where he was raised stems from his upbringing.
“I was raised by civic-minded parents who emphasized the importance of offering support to the community where we were raised,” said Reckling. “Glad I had a chance to meet children at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. Having a chance to put a smile on their faces was priceless.”
Savien Fletcher is the 2-year-old Elizabeth resident who is pictured with Trevor Reckling. (Photo courtesy of NBIMC)
Robert Lahita, MD, Department of Medicine, NBIMC and graduate of St. Benedict’s Preparatory High School , Father Edwin Leahy, Headmaster of St. Benedict’s Preparatory High School, Midalia “Middy” Lorenzo, Department Secretary, Dept. of Primary Medicine, Left-handed pitcher Trevor Reckling, Chicago White Sox John A. Brennan, MD, MPH, President and Chief Executive Officer of NBIMC and CHoNJ and Jennifer Mendrzycki, Assistant Vice President, CHoNJ (Photo courtesy of NBIMC)
