A retired Dunedin school teacher is walking 1,200 miles from Tampa to New York in honor of his nephew who died on September 11th, 2001.
The walk will also raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Richard Albero walked along Dale Mabry Highway Monday afternoon during the first couple miles of his trip.
"I originally wanted to walk across the country. But I thought, that's crazy. Let's get realistic," Albero said.
Albero started at home plate at Steinbrenner field in Tampa, and will end his journey at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees were a common bond he shared with his nephew Gary Albero, a victim in the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Albero's favorite players took time out from Spring Training today to give him the proper send off. Yankee's manager Joe Girardi presented Albero with plenty of Yankee's gear.
"I'm sure you're going to need a lot of changes of clothes. And shirts," Girardi said as he handed the swag to Albero.
The trip will take Albero approximately three months. At an average of 2,000 steps per mile, that would mean he will take about 2,400,000 steps.
With every one, he said he knows his nephew will be by his side in spirit.
"When I was walking I looked up in the clouds and said, 'Hey Gary I hope you're watching out for me buddy.' I kind of think he's somewhere up there watching out."
To make a donation, please go to richardsyankeeswalk.org.
For more information on Mr. Albero’s journey, please contact:
Andrew Levy of Wish You Were Here Productions
Phone: (212) 252-2663
E-mail: info@wywhp.com
The official Twitter account of Mr. Albero’s walk is @YankeeWalkWWP