Beyond the Ballpark

Happy [belated] Mothers’ Day!

Sarah — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:33:36 +0000

Happy Mothers’ Day! Yes, Mothers’ Day was May 12^th, but as you know the Marlins were on the West Coast, so we couldn’t properly celebrate. One week later the Miami Marlins and a few of our closest friends gathered to celebrate Mothers’ Day and one special mother in particular – 2013 Honorary Bat Girl, Ana Sanchez.

Each year Major League baseball hosts the Honorary Bat Girl contest which awards woman baseball fans who have been affected by breast cancer and demonstrate a commitment to eradicating the disease. This year the Miami Marlins honored Ana Sanchez as one of only 30 women across the country who were awarded Honorary Bat Girl status!

Ana Sanchez was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Ana underwent Chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation. At that time, as a long-time supporter of the Susan G. Komen Walk for Cure, she teamed up with her daughter, Christine to form Team Ana-Licious. Over the past three years Team Ana-Licious has grown to about 80 members and they have raised nearly $12,000 in support of the cause.

Ana is more than grateful for Team Ana-Licious and her personal support group. In addition to her dedication to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Ana is passionate about early detection and commitment to treatment. Because of her passion, her doctors have asked her to come back as a mentor to patients currently going through chemotherapy. Ana’s support for the cause is endless. She even hopes to begin a campaign with her daughter to make gene testing affordable through insurance

At the risk of making Ana sound like a news story, I have to stop. Today, meeting Ana and her daughter Christine and spending the afternoon with them was the first time in my life that I made a true friend in just a few hours. I mean I laughed, cried, took pictures with them, and even played with their kids and grandkids. Today I witnessed true joy and positivity. My experience meeting these radiant women was just as meaningful and significant as their experience doing TV interviews, meeting Logan Morrison, and throwing out the first pitch at Marlins Park.

Even though this day was all about celebrating and honoring Ana, she could not stop talking about others. She raved about her daughter’s work in forming Team Ana-Licious and designing their beautiful, pink shirts, she praised her co-workers for their support and gifts, and she appreciated her family for coming out. Her selflessness, graciousness, and thankfulness embodied what we all admire about mothers and reinforced the reason why we celebrate them.

So from the bottom of our hearts here at the Miami Marlins, to Ana, to Christine, and to all of you, Happy [belated] Mothers’ Day!

To learn more about the Honorary Bat Girl Contest and MLB Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer, vist http://www.MLBCommunity.org/mothersday .

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Tagged: Logan Morisson, MLB Going to Bat against Breast Cancer, Mothers' Day

…and the winner is? Megan Diaz

Juancho — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:54:15 +0000

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“I WON THE RBI SCHOLARSHIP!!!”

That was the text message I received last Friday to kick off the weekend.

Immediately I was overcome with excitement as if it were I who had been awarded the scholarship, telling anyone who would listen how another one of our RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) players had been awarded Major League Baseball’s “RBI for RBI” Scholarship. Megan Diaz, a senior at Miami Senior High School and a third year RBI participant, became the sixth player in the past five years to be awarded this prestigious $20,000 national scholarship presented to notable members nationwide of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program.

In her senior year, Megan served as captain for her high school softball team while excelling in the classroom, maintaining a 5.24 GPA and completing multiple advanced placement classes. Following the RBI season, Megan will be taking her talents up to Gainesville, FL, to attend the University of Florida, where she will study to become a pediatrician. Megan also has aspirations of walking on to the Gators’ softball team.

Personally, receiving the news about Megan was a thrill for me because I had the privilege of serving as her RBI coach for the Miami High School team (my alma mater) during the regular season, and then again on the All-Star team. Last summer Megan made the All-Star team and despite not having played in any of the first three games, she kept a positive attitude, supporting her teammates and staying prepared to contribute when the opportunity presented itself.

In the final game of the tournament, Megan entered as a late game defensive replacement in a tie game in right field. As the softball gods should have it, in the bottom of the 7th inning with two outs and a runner on second, the opposing team smoked a base hit to right field and with the winning run rounding third base, Megan fielded and came up firing. Players came spilling out of the dugout, but not because the game had ended, but because the runner was called out on Megan’s game-saving rocket throw! The game would eventually end in a tie, but it was the program’s first non-loss since 2009, and I could not have been more proud.

Megan shared with me that this was her most memorable moment playing RBI and when asked about it said, “I felt awesome as I ran into the dugout and saw my coach with a smile from ear to ear. I will never forget that moment!”

I hope she also knows that it was one of my most memorable moments not just as a coach, but also since becoming a member of the Miami Marlins.

For more information on the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship visit http://www.mlb.com/rbi

-Juancho

Tagged: Marlins RBI, MASPP, Megan Diaz, Miami Senior High, MLB RBI, RBI Southeast Regional Tournament, Scholarships, Youth Baseball

The Marlins Leave Their Mark

David Allende — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:59:29 +0000

Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton can do more than throw 97MPH heaters and hit 474 foot homeruns. They can finger-paint. They joined South Florida’s top athletes in leaving their handprint for Young at Art. Manager Mike Redmond, Jeff Conine, Cliff Floyd, Charles Johnson and Juan Pierre joined them in leaving their handprints on memorabillia for the STOMP at Young at Art second annual gala for the benefit of YAA programming for underserved and at-risk youth. The mission of Young At Art Children’s Museum is to provide hands-on cultural, educational and arts experiences for youth that awaken their creativity in a fun and exciting environment. Check out the photo below!

Tagged: Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Fernandez, Marlins, Miami Marlins, Young At Art

May The 4th Be With You… Pitch, Hit & Run

Juancho — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:56:34 +0000

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On Cuatro de Mayo, kids from City of Miami Parks and Recreation and Miami PAL were bussed out to Marlins Park for the 2nd Jr RBI Pitch, Hit & Run Competition. This baseball skills challenge measured who could drive the ball the furthest off a tee, throw the most strikes with 6 pitches, and blaze around the bases the quickest. This was a welcomed experience for the kids who had their games rained out from the nasty weather earlier in the week… but on this day, with the ballpark as the backdrop, it was picturesque. At the end of the day 12 kids from 4 different age groups advanced to the sectional round and we hope to see those Jr RBI shirts back at Marlins Park for the on field Regional Championships. The Jr RBI program is supported by Marlins Ayudan volunteers and sponsored by Marlins players Adeiny Hechavarria, Donovan Solano, and Nathan Eovaldi.

-Juancho

Tagged: Adeiny Hechavarria, City of Miami Parks and Recreation, Donovan Solano, Hit & Run, marlins ayudan, Marlins Jr. RBI, marlins park, Marlins RBI, Marlins Youth Baseball Clinics, Miami P.A.L., Nathan Eovaldi, Pitch, Youth Baseball

Jackie Robinson Day – A Salute to a Super Hero

sgaywood — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:40:37 +0000

Every year on April 15, MLB and all 30 ball clubs recognize the legacy of Jackie Robinson. 42 is the only number that is retired throughout all of baseball, but on Jackie Robinson Day every player has the honor of wearing Jackie’s number. The Marlins saluted Jackie Robinson’s heroism and legacy with Marlins General Manager Michael Hill and MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson presenting a check for $4,200 to the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Fund, accepted by specials guest Norman Berman, bat boy of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, along with Carol Guerrero and Kyle Rhoden, Jackie Robinson Scholarship Alumni. Carl and Norman both threw out the ceremonial first pitch to start the game. Impactful interviews were played during the inning breaks with Marlins players and a few RBI kids, highlighting what it means to wear 42 and how Jackie Robinson journey still has an impact on their lives today. Click to view slideshow.

Autism Awareness Day @ Marlins Park

Joanne Messing — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 20:03:15 +0000

Last Sunday, we celebrated the Marlins 14^th annual Autism Awareness Day. It was a great day at the ballpark which included an autism resource fair in the West Plaza, on-field volunteer recognitions and the best first pitch, ever! Below are some great pictures from the game and a list of participating organizations.

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Abi’s Place

Autism Notebook Magazine

Autism Society of Broward

Autism Speaks

Casablanca Academy

Family Autism Network of Florida

Inspiring Voices

Miami Dade County Public Schools Division of Special Education

UM-NSU Center For Autism & related Disabilities

Victory Center for Autism

Thanks to Autism Speaks for partnering with us. The Marlins Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of our youth through education, the arts and baseball, with a special focus on children with special needs. We hope all the children and families enjoyed the day at Marlins Park!

42 – Not Just a Number

sgaywood — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 19:51:56 +0000

On Friday, April 12th “42”, the life story of Jackie Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, premiered in movie theatres nationwide. The Thursday before the biopic debuted, Warner Brothers held a private screening at Cobb Theatre in Dolphin Mall, where they extended a special invitation to the Miami Marlins. Marlins Catcher Kyle Skipworth and Marlins Infielders Chris Valaika were joined by Marlins charity organizations the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) Program, to enjoy the moving film. Before the movie, Marlins General Manager Mike Hill presented the Marlins annual contribution of $4,200 to the Jackie Robinson Scholarship Foundation, represented by scholarship alumnus Carol Guerrero. Joining Hill for the check presentation was Norman Berman, ball boy for the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers, along Miami Dade County School Board Members Dr. Wilbert Holloway and Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall.

On Sunday, April 14th the Marlins hosted a night at the movies, following the Phillies vs. Marlins home game. Marlins employees, joined by Ayudan Partner School children from Miami High School and the RBI Program, gathered at Muvico Theatres in Hialeah to view “42”. Special guest, MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, grabbed some M&M’s to enjoy the biographical sports drama with the kids.
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Role Model Apprentice Day

sgaywood — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:22:24 +0000

On Tuesday, April 13 the Marlins partnered with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project to welcome five 5000 Role Models mentees for the Annual Take a Role Model Apprentice to Work Day. All of the high school senior mentees shared the day on the job with various Role Model Mentors while they performed their daily professional responsibilities, with the goal of exposing the Mentees to potential career opportunities. The Mentees enjoyed a behind the scenes tour of Marlins Park before sitting down with the Marlins in house Role Model Mentors, Derek Jackson, VP and General Council, and Mike Hill, Marlins General Manager. After a thrilling morning learning about the front office aspects of a professional baseball team, they all enjoyed lunch where they exchanged riveting stories about their lives at Harvard and shared much needed advice with the Mentees.

For more information about the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, please visit http://www.5000rolemodels.dadeschools.net.

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Tagged: 5000 Role Models of Excellence, Derek Jackson, marlins park, Mike Hill

Marlins Ayudan team New BIGinnings @ Citrus Grove Middle School

Joanne Messing — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:29:20 +0000

Yesterday marked the conclusion of Citrus Grove Middle School’s FCAT preparation. In efforts to support our partner school and the students who will begin testing on Monday, we threw a pizza party! See these awesome pictures from yesterday’s New BIGinnings Ayudan Party at Citrus Grove Middle School.

Billy posing with a birthday girl!

Our other raffle winner!

Serving lunch.

Our leader, SVP Corporate Partnerships, Brendan Cunningham.

Our favorite Principal, Emirce Ladaga.

Our Marlins Ayudan Partner School flag flies!

Raffle Winner!

New BIGinnings enjoying Sir Pizza!

Kids enjoying Sir Pizza

Raffle winner!

We wish the best of luck to all our students! See you soon.

Tagged: Billy The Marlin, Citrus Grove Middle School, FCAT, Marlins Ayudan School Partnership Program

Opening Night – Play Ball!

David Allende — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:40:53 +0000

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My first Opening Night was met by 34,000 Marlins faithful ready for another season of baseball in Miami. On behalf of the Marlins Foundation, I would like to wish everyone a happy 2013 baseball season!

A special thanks to some of our community partners who came out to support us: Miracle League of Miami-Dade, Best Buddies, City Year, Villa Lyan, Special Olympics Florida – Miami-Dade County, Breakthrough Miami, Easter Seals, Miami Children’s Museum, the Ann Storck Center, Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Young at Art, Biscayne Nature Center, Seraphic Fire and Shake-a-leg Miami.

As you enjoy some photos from Opening Night, remember to value every moment this great game has to offer. Willie Stargell put it best:

When you start the game, they don’t say “Work ball!” They say “Play ball!”

Tagged: Baseball, Community, Marlins, Marlins Foundation, marlins park, Opening Night, Willie Stargell