A First Pitch (and season) to Remember

As my first baseball season as a Marlins employee wraps up, lots of my family and friends have been asking me what the best part has been? My answer is usually the entire year, from 11.11.11, when we officially became the Miami Marlins to Opening Day at Marlins Park. It truly has been an incredible summer and I feel lucky and blessed to be part of such an amazing team!

Having said that… One of my most special moments happened during the Marlins v. Mets game on Saturday, September 1st. Meet Jake. He is a 10 year old boy who overcame insurmountable odds to walk, again, after being diagnosed with a rare spinal disease. For months Jake was totally dependent on his parents, he was paralyzed and wheelchair bound. He fought to regain motion and feeling in his legs. Slowly, he graduated to a walker and with the help of a physical therapist, taught himself how to walk.

So on the day he was chosen to throw out the first pitch… Jake let go of his parents hands and marched out to the mound, proud and tall. STRIKE! There are no words to describe the pure joy on his face, it is something I will keep with me, forever.

Jake, you will always be a part of my first Marlins season and a true inspiration to me.

Go Marlins!!! Not only for what we do on the field but for allowing Jake’s dream to come true!