On Wednesday, April 4th, less than two months after their tragic school shooting, the Stoneman Douglas Baseball team had a starry eyed experience playing at the Miami Marlins stadium!
The night started out with every player and the coaches being introduced individually, similar to Opening Day festivities for Major League teams. Then Stoneman Douglas principal, Ty Thompson, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and the district game against Coral Springs was on!
The players even appeared on the jumbotron as they came up to bat! Coach, Todd Fitz-Gerald, made the reference on how amazing this opportunity was for his players and how this is great therapy as all the students are still healing.
"It's not very often you get to play on a big league field. How many kids get to say they can do that - unless they make it to the big leagues?" -Todd Fitz-Gerald (Coach)
Second baseman, Brandon Auerbach, was one to hit a home run in the second inning of this very special game and afterwards his mother shared how amazing the Marlins have been not just that night, but throughout their whole healing process.
"From first inviting them up to the opening day of spring training right after the tragedy, to being the first team to wear our hats, to asking us to come down and play a game, they're rock stars. This is what you want for your kid. This is what you want for your baseball team after everything they've gone through."
Way to go, Miami Marlins! This is why we're proud to support our local MLB team!
Source: CBS 12