Yankees GM Ready to Rappel Down Stamford High-Rise

STAMFORD, Conn. — Before heading to Dallas for baseball’s winter meetings, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman will once again be rappelling down Stamford’s Landmark Building for the annual “Heights and Lights” event on Sunday.

“I am getting more comfortable at it,” Cashman said after one of his practice runs Friday morning. He has repelled about 16 or 17 times now, he said.

Although he is getting used to going down the side of the 22-story Stamford building, he still gets nervous going over the side and having to trust the rope, he said. “Once it clicks in you feel better,” he said.

Rappelling with Cashman will be meteorologists Bill Evans of ABC News and Rick Reichmuth of Fox News — and of course, Santa Claus. After they make it down to the bottom, they'll head to Latham Park for a holiday tree lighting and a ceremony with the Activities for Kids Chorus led by Jerry Pia.

While Cashman was practicing Friday, he also was looking ahead to next year’s event. He hopes to add a little fire to the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry and race Stamford native and recently hired Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine down the building.

“Be there, Bobby,” the Darien resident said with a laugh. He added that he thought Valentine is “a perfect fit" for Boston.

Cashman, Evans, Reichmuth and Santa Claus will begin rappelling down the Landmark Square Building at 5 p.m. Sunday.

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