Cody Bellinger of the Yankees pays tribute to his firefighting father on the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
On September 11, 2001, Cody Bellinger was a six-year-old living in New York City, yet he has limited recollection of the pivotal day that dramatically altered the world. Now a left fielder for the New York Yankees, Bellinger reflects on his childhood experience, noting that his foremost memory of that day is being taken out of school. He credits his parents, Clay and Jennifer Bellinger, for maintaining a sense of normalcy amid chaos, despite living in close proximity to the World Trade Center, which was attacked by terrorists.
Clay Bellinger, a former utility player who donned Yankees pinstripes from 1999 to 2001 and helped the team secure two World Series championships, was one of the athletes who ventured to Ground Zero to support recovery efforts in the days following the attacks. The stark image of that time has been etched in the memories of many, but for Cody, his father’s experience has become a source of pride and introspection. During a recent game against the New York Mets, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Cody emphasized the surreal nature of his father’s encounter with Ground Zero.
After concluding his baseball career in 2004, Clay transitioned to a second career as a firefighter in Arizona, where Cody was born and spent much of his upbringing. While Cody has not explicitly inquired whether the events of September 11 influenced his father’s career choice, he took a moment to honor Clay by wearing a Fire Department of New York (FDNY) cap during the game. The Yankees organization encouraged players and coaches to pay tribute to local first responders, including the FDNY and the NYPD.
Bellinger expressed deep respect for firefighters, lauding their selflessness and commitment to public service. He remarked on the exceptional courage exhibited by first responders, noting that the sight of individuals running into collapsing buildings on 9/11 is an image that has left an indelible mark on him. As he matures and reflects on the significance of that tragic day, Bellinger acknowledges the heroic actions of those who rushed into danger, an act of bravery that he believes must never be forgotten. This retrospective highlights both a personal and broader societal appreciation for the sacrifices made by first responders during one of America’s darkest hours.
