Big leaguers took a break from the field at Yankee Stadium to spend time with the next generation of baseball players on the Bronx Bombers' old stomping grounds. 

Alex Rodriguez and Giancarlo Stanton were among the pros who taught the game to young athletes at Heritage Field on Thursday. 

It was part of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's initiative to get more kids on the baseball diamond. He says it makes his week to see some of the league's best players and role models interact with their young fans in such a positive way. 

While the kids had a chance to collect autographs and run the bases, the MLB stars say it was also a chance for them to think back to their own roots and their love for the sport. 

Manfred even sent the kids home with tickets to a game.