BRONX, New York — The cheers that greeted Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Friday morning had nothing to do with baseball. No walk-off homers. No diving catches. Just rows of elementary school kids jumping to their feet and screaming his name.
The Yankees second baseman walked into the auditorium at Community School 55 in the Bronx like a rock star. Teachers tried to keep order. It did not really work.
Chisholm was not there for a quick photo op. He came to give something back. And the gift was substantial.
A brand new computer lab for CS55
The Jazz Chisholm Foundation unveiled a completely rebuilt computer lab at the school on Friday. The project cost more than $200,000, funded through the foundation’s Tunnel Fits & Kicks fashion event earlier this offseason.
The new space features 25 touchscreen laptops, a large interactive display for group lessons, and tools designed to help students prepare for exams and explore STEM projects. The room also includes a PlayStation 5 for supervised downtime. Every student at the event received a new pair of Jordan sneakers.
“It’s always about giving back to the future,” Chisholm told On New Jersey. “I was raised in public school. I’m a kid from the hood that didn’t really get as much opportunity as anybody else. I just made the best of what I had.”
Personal ties to the community
This was not Chisholm’s first visit to CS55. He has been to the school three times now. One hallway displays his signed poster. The computer lab bears his image on the wall. The kids greet him like an old friend.
Principal Luis Torres presented Chisholm with a Certificate of Merit from the Bronx borough president during the assembly. Torres described the All-Star as family, noting they stay in touch regularly and work together on ways to support students.
“I really enjoy coming here and hanging out with the kids,” Chisholm said. “Every time I walk in, it feels like I belong here.”
The event also drew longtime Yankees executive Ray Negron and former WNBA player Mischa Butler, founder of S.T.E.A.M. Champs.
Inspired by those who helped him
Chisholm understands what it means to receive help at a young age. Growing up in the Bahamas, he watched Gary Sheffield visit his Little League team and help rebuild fields in his community. CC Sabathia helped him when he was 16 and signed his first professional contract.
“I was in the Bahamas for two weeks straight this offseason and hanging out with kids in my Little League and having baby boys coming up and saying, ‘You’re my superhero. I want to be like you,'” Chisholm said. “How can you not be moved by something like that? You want to do better for your community, especially from where you came from, and you know how hard it is to get where I’m at now, you know? It’s just something I genuinely want to do. I wish every athlete would want to be genuinely giving back to the community.”
More than necessities
The grade-schoolers appreciated the new technology. But the Jordans stole the show. Chisholm, who did not grow up with much, understands that kids from tough backgrounds deserve more than just the basics. They deserve joy too.
“Not every kid that’s raised in the hood has to be raised the way we were raised,” he said. “I just know how these kids are. I’ve been in this building a couple times and I know that they just genuinely love that we come here and give our time. It’s not about the things they’re getting, you know? I know they’re going to be super-excited about what they’re getting, but I just love that I came here and just gave a poster that I signed one day and everybody was just happy for that. The way these kids love is different.”
After the ceremony, the school orchestra performed while students crowded into the new lab to test the equipment.
“I love seeing the kids smile,” Chisholm said. “We read books, we talk, we have fun. That’s what it’s about.”
A star in pinstripes and in the community
Chisholm delivered on the field in 2025. He hit .242 with 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases in 130 games. He became the third player in Yankees history to post a 30-30 season. MLB Network ranked him the No. 2 second baseman in baseball. He earned his second career All-Star selection.
His name surfaced in trade rumors earlier this offseason as the Yankees explored deals for Bo Bichette. But watching him interact with these kids on Friday made it clear he belongs in pinstripes.
“I would hope it looks strong,” Chisholm said about his Yankees future when speaking to SNY earlier this week. “I love being a Yankee. For me, it’s just going out there and playing my hardest and hoping I come back again.”
Friday’s event had nothing to do with baseball. But baseball is better for it. And so is the Bronx.
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