A six time marathon competitor, Jennifer Heiner volunteers with the New York Road Runners and enjoys all aspects of the running experience. As retail director with a local running company, Jennifer Heiner is involved with the company's founders in the expansion of what began as a race coaching and directing enterprise, and is now focused on high-end retail branding.
Ms. Heiner helps manage several stores at the operational level that feature in-house designed performance apparel for casual runners, as well as top-level competitors. Her responsibilities include inventory control and the seasonal hiring of sales associates able to effectively communicate the brand identity. She is also involved in the hosting of five Racefaster races each year, and oversees everything from the stocking of first aid stations to ordering medals.
Passionate about animals, Ms, Heiner has experience volunteering with organizations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare and Long Island Bulldog Rescue. An avid traveler, Jennifer Heiner enjoys trying out new cuisines and recreating dishes she likes in the kitchen.
Jennifer is also an avid sports fan, and this weekend is going to be a tough one. Its the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 and the New York Yankees are playing at the New York Mets on National TV, with tons of remembrances planned.
Similarly, the New York Giants have their season opener at home against the Denver Broncos on 9/12, the day after the 20th anniversary. The Giants played the Broncos on Monday, September 10, 2001, the night before the attacks.
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1. Both teams will wear first responder caps
MLB has been a bit ham-fisted over the years when it comes to commemorating Sept. 11. Two years ago Mets slugger Pete Alonso said the league rejected his proposal to wear specially designed caps, so he and his teammates instead wore custom cleats and didn't bother to seek MLB's permission. There will be no such issue this year. The Yankees and Mets will both wear first responder caps during batting practice and during Saturday's game itself.
"Caps from the FDNY, NYPD, Port Authority Police Department, Department of Sanitation and Department of Correction will all be represented to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice," the Mets said in a statement.
The Mets are also set to wear special home uniforms with "New York" on the front instead of their team name.
2. Bobby V will throw out the first pitch
Prior to Saturday's game, Bobby Valentine will throw out the ceremonial first pitch to Joe Torre, the Mets announced. Valentine was of course manager of the Mets in 2001. Torre managed the Yankees that year.
Also, the Mets say 14 members of their 2001 team will be in attendance Saturday, including Hall of Famer Mike Piazza. Piazza hit the first home run in New York following the Sept. 11 attacks, and it was an emotional moment.
3. Several charitable organizations will be featured
Among the organizations that will be represented on the field pregame include Tuesday's Children (a nonprofit helping communities impacted by terrorism), Answer the Call (an organization that assists families of firefighters and police killed in the line of duty), the FeelGood Foundation (assists emergency personnel injured in the line of duty), the Visionary Network from the 9/11 Museum, and the New York Police and Fire Widows' & Children Benefit Fund, which was created by Mets legend Rusty Staub. Mets employees who lost loved ones on Sept. 11 and worked at Shea Stadium during the recovery effort will also be honored.
4. MLB Network released a documentary
Major League Baseball shut down for a week following Sept. 11, and it wasn't until Sept. 21 that baseball returned to New York. Earlier this week MLB Network released a documentary, "MLB Network Presents: Remembering the Game for New York," telling the story of baseball's return to New York following Sept. 11.
"As soon as we got to the George Washington Bridge, everybody on the left side of the bus came over to the right side of the bus, and you could see the smoke and the spotlights down at Ground Zero and the bus [went] silent," said reliever John Franco, a native New Yorker and captain of the 2001 Mets. "From the George Washington Bridge to Shea Stadium, nobody said a word."
The Mets faced the NL East rival Braves in the first MLB game in New York following Sept. 11. Jason Marquis, a native New Yorker, started the game for Atlanta, and Piazza hit his game-winning home run off Steve Karsay, another native New Yorker." Mets vs. Yankees on 9/11: Five things to know as New York rivals meet at Citi Field on 20th anniversary - CBSSports.com
