Thanks to the public, Yankee fans and even some Boston Red Sox supporters, William Milton “Milt” Capps will be going to see the New York Yankees play for his 100th birthday this summer.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised over $4,000 well above the $3,000 goal needed to sent him to Yankee Stadium for the first time.
WTSB News and JoCoReport first told you about Mr. Capps on Feb. 25th.
Milt grew up in the Brogden community east of Smithfield, married and raised a son and daughter. He retired at the age of 82. He lost his wife in 2006 and in 2018 became a resident of Smithfield Manor on Berkshire Road.
Milt loved the Yankees. He would come in from a long day at work to listen to his favorites like Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio and Yogi Berra play on the radio. He was able to travel to Washington DC and Baltimore to watch a couple of major league ball games but never made it to Yankee Stadium.
One of the staff members at Smithfield Manor, Jodi Desimone was also a Yankee fan. She grew up in Syracuse, NY and moved to North Carolina 8 years ago. Jodi and Milt would often exchange stories and game scores. Milt recently confided in Jodi that he had one regret in his life. He had never seen the Yankees play in their own stadium.
Jodi shared the story with co-worker, Donnie Wood, and together they launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $3,000 to help sent Milt, two medical staff, and a family member to Yankee Stadium for his 100th birthday this June.
After our story aired, WRAL and WTVD also shared the story about Mr. Milt. Thanks to generous donations Milt will fly on an airplane for the first time to New York to watch his favorite team play.
Today (Wednesday), the New York Yankees reached out to Milt at Smithfield Manor and promised him four tickets to Ole Timers Day on June 23rd. As an added bonus, Milt’s best friend, who is in his 80’s, has agreed to accompany him on the trip. A nurse and CNA will also accompany him.
“I’m excited about the trip. I’ve never had the opportunity because I’ve worked all my life,” Milt said.
