School Choir and Councilman Farrell Represent Maricopa Well in the “Big Leagues”

30

Maricopa residents hit a grand slam with over 1,000 in attendance at “Maricopa Day” at Bank One Ballpark. From the national anthem, to the first pitch, to entire sections of the stadium packed with Maricopa residents, the city was well represented as the Arizona Diamondbacks took on the Cincinnati Reds today.

The momentous event (see photos at bottom) began with an introduction of Mike Ingram and Monty Ortman of El Dorado Holdings, Inc. whose generous donations to Maricopa Little League were recognized. The honor of singing the national anthem was bestowed upon 39 members of the Maricopa Unified School District’s Summer Enrichment Program Choir. With ages ranging from 5 to 11 years-old, some students were “nervous” while others were “excited.”

15The group, sharply dressed in red polo shirts, emerged from the Diamondbacks dugout and marched single file toward home plate while ceremoniously clasping their hands behind their backs. Loud cheers were heard from the right field bleachers where 1,000 enthusiastic Maricopa residents encouraged the students before they began to sing. Organized in four rows behind home plate, the students sang our country’s national anthem with respect and eagerness that made all in attendance proud.

As the group filed off the field, students vigorously waved to the cheering crowd while at the same time receiving congratulations and thanks from members of the Diamondbacks team. In fact, Diamondbacks pitcher Mike Fetters flashed a “thumbs up” to the choir as they passed by the dug out.

15The great honor of throwing out the first pitch was presented to Edward Farrell, a member of the City Council and Maricopa’s first mayor. Jokingly, Councilman Farrell said he hoped that, “the ball wasn’t as heavy as a bowling ball.” Awaiting his chance to cast the first pitch, Councilman Farrell used his own video camera to film the stands from the field while waving to friends and family. Moments before the throw Councilman Farrell commented, “I feel very excited.” He went on to say, “It’s fun to be here representing the City.”

As the moment arrived, a member of the Diamondbacks took his position behind home plate and caught Councilman Farrell’s perfectly thrown fastball within the strike zone to the applause from fans. Following a quick handshake at home plate, Councilman Farrell received the pitched ball as a souvenir.

Although the result of the game was not as fans had hoped (an 11-1 Diamondback loss), the event helped foster a greater sense of community as citizens of the City of Maricopa sat shoulder to shoulder to cheer on the home team. The day was undoubtedly a success with Maricopa residents–natives and newcomers alike and both young and old–expertly representing Arizona’s newest city and showcasing its developing influence.

 src=

 src=

 src=

 src=  src=

 src=

 src=  src=

 src=  src=

 src=

 src=

 src=  src=

 src=