It all started when I got there early so I could get a chance to talk to my guy Eric Jageilo, #25 on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He played for us for a couple years also. He was shagging balls at first base and I just stood there enjoying all those young men! LOL First John #22 for the Shrimp, came over to where I was standing and was asking why I didn't WAHOO in the stands anymore? WOW I explained about having to give up my seat and being hired to run the pitch clock. He gave me a fist bump and said he missed my hollaring! I was in shock! Also told him my old standby "if ya missed me aim better." Anyway, just when I pretty much forget how much of a 'celebrity' I had become, someone else reminds me. Such love. Then when their batting practice was over Eric came straight to me to give me a huge hug. In fact after a short visit I got another hug goodbye.. so loved! SO blessed.
Tonight's game was dedicated to the two Little League teams, one made up of black kids from Pensacola, and one of white kids from Orlando. Back in 1955 both teams were in the Little League World Series but no other team would play against the Pensacola team because of their color! Then the Orlando team stepped up.
Anyway, there were about 7 or 9 men from each team that were introduced, and families of those that had died. Plaques were given to them by the Wahoos and it was so emotional to see their joy at being recognized but what really got me was when they all were on the track near home plate and hugging each other!
Tomorrow the Wahoos will show the movie that was made about this historic event at 4 pm and it's free. I plan on going, weather permitting but I can sit up in the press box if I want to. hehehe
During the game they had what they call the Home Run For Life!
A young girl was in a head on car wreck and almost lost her life, her right arm, etc. etc. Tonight after her courageous and miraculous recovery, and many surgeries, she ran the bases for a home run. NOW.. you have to see it. The Wahoos lined up along the first base line and the Shrimp lined up along the third base line. They all high fived her as she passed them. It's very emotional to see those great big men bending down to show their support for a little courageous girl.. always makes me cry.
Okay, so then the Wahoos played like they can and won the game. After 3 horrible losses we were not expecting anything eh?
After the game I went down on the concourse to see some of my friends before the fireworks. Larry and Veda were there, I saw my dear friend Jim and had a nice visit. People were stopping me left and right, some I recognized and some I did not, and saying how much they missed me in the stands.. Oh My!
When I ran out of friends I decided to leave before the fireworks were done. As I got to the front gate? All the men from the Orlando team were standing there in front of their van. I choked up. Told them I didn't know if I could speak, HA!, and let them know what a blessing it was for me to see them all and hear their story. How proud I am of the Wahoos organization for doing such an awesome event. They were.. well actually some of them were darn good looking.. after a little visit I wished them all a blessed evening and headed for my car trying to hold back the tears of pure JOY that God gave me the opportunity to share my feelings with them. Other little wonderful things happened tonight, a big hug from Quint Studer, a couple wonderful hugs from my dear friend Matthew Chestnut when his dad Paul brought him up to the press box. Mattie gets so excited when he sees me. What joy! What Love! What a blessed life I live eh?